Her mother doesn't drive, leaving Ms. Tello with the responsibility of taking her 10-year-old brother to school, doctors' visits and swimming lessons.

WSJ: Connecticut Weighing Driver's Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

Embarking on a six-month or year-long adventure often can mean taking a leap of faith and leaving key responsibilities behind, like arranging for an extended leave of absence or resigning from a job.

BBC: Advice on quitting your job and travelling for a year