Welcome Newguy!

I would suggest that you read Worldwalk , by Steven Newman. He took off from his home, planning to walk around the world, surviving mainly on what he caught, etc. Within a few days walk he ditched most of his "survival" gear, and instead mainly stayed with people who took him in, in many different countries. He also did odd jobs for people in exchange for food and lodging. That might work for you too. Good luck, no matter which way you decide...