This is what I want also. I'm 17, almost 18. After reading "Paper Towns" by John Green I got a really big itch for adventure. I wanted to drive somewhere and learn the area. Aside from that, I want to publish a book of short stories. Or at least get published in a collection. That would be awesome!
Paper Towns was a surprisingly deep book, for what i had originally written off as a generic teen novel. My parents always talk about the time they were travelling along the east coast of australia, reached a motel and reserved a room. They then went to get a bite to eat, and ended up travelling the Great Ocean Road by night. I have always loved that idea, and plan on doing something similar once Uni is over.
I accidentally drove for an hour in a random direction one day. My parents didn't care, just told me to text them the next time I do it. They probably know how much I itch to get out and go places. I was planning a trip before that was kinda similar to Paper Towns. I was going to go from Michigan to Utah with my girlfriend and look at the state. But sadly, I spent too much money in the early summer and now I don't have the cash for two trips. xD
I recently drove from Canberra back to the town i study at through the back roads. Absolutely stunning scenery, just me and my music.
Do give digital publishing a shot. It might take you a bit of time to gain profit - unless you build up a solid followers base beforehand - but it seems both cheaper and less problematic. Either way, as a fellow writer, I wish you good luck and cold winds, for those will not allow you to grow complacent and will make you move forward even if you don't want to at the moment. Don't be afraid to shine and make those who aren't willing to put in effort jealous of your success.