The human condition being what it is, dreaming of a better life is a pastime most of us indulge in at least occasionally. One of the most common fantasies is that of disappearing completely and leaving undesirable circumstances behind. Many who dream of this have severe financial or personal problems that have made their present lives intolerable. Numerous books have been written over the past 30 years showing these readers how they can shed their old identities and start over. These works have helped thousands to escape unpleasant and often dangerous situations and literally make a fresh start.

As valuable as these books are, however, they have one common limitation. They assume that the reader wants to make a total and permanent change, and the instructions they offer are given with that assumption in mind. For many, however, this is simply not the case. They want or need to get away but do not wish to permanently sever ties to their old life. What they need is a way to escape for a few weeks or months, perhaps up to a year; get some breathing room from their problems; and then decide what their next step will be. The usual “change your identity” books are not suitable for them. It is for these people that this book was written.

I have been in such a situation myself. The year 2001 was traumatic for me personally, and I realized one day that I had to get away for a while. I also knew that people like creditors and maniacal former significant others, as well as well-meaning but nosy friends, would want to keep tabs on me. This was unacceptable. So I developed a plan for disappearing one day and leaving no tracks that one could follow to find me.

I also knew, however, that I did not want to stay away forever. I could not stay goodbye to Dixie permanently, being a native of the South and a lover of the region. Nor did I wish to sever all contact with family and friends. I was not wanted by the law or the Mob. What I needed was a “light identity change,” one that would safely shield me from snoops for several months while I cleared my head and figured out my next move.

I was able to accomplish this with complete success. I found a sanctuary where I could stay long-term and be treated well. I made a plan, saved my money, and reduced my possessions to a minimal level. Then one day I quite literally just took off, driving to another region of the country where friends awaited to offer me shelter, aid, and assistance. I established red herrings and false clues to mislead others as to my whereabouts. While in the new area, I established employment and a savings account without changing my Social Security number. I kept a fairly low profile but was by no means a hermit. I traveled widely across the state I lived in, enjoying its sites and attractions openly. As I suspected, there were those who tried to find me, but they were unsuc cessful. When my self-imposed “sabbatical” was nearing an end, I sat down to write this book as I prepared to return to the South and pick my life back up.

Now you can learn how I covered my tracks without changing my identity. This book is based upon my own experiences, as well as research and discussion with others who have gotten away for a while and were not found. If you believe that you could do with a little time out, then read on and learn how you too can take a vacation from your regular life for a while.