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While snakes are fairly low-maintenance pets and not emotionally dependent on us the way more traditional pets (dogs, cats, birds) are, I'd advise against getting a ball python now for these reasons:
1. As already mentioned, travel abroad is not a good option: it may not be allowed, and shipping carries health risks. Depending on where you go, you also may not find veterinary support should your snake require it. Not to mention locals who don't welcome your pet.
2. Ball pythons require more heat & humidity than some more easily-cared-for species that would stress less from changing locations & caretakers. In addition, ball pythons can be very fussy feeders, even if they aren't when you first get them, & it's not fair to whomever you leave such a snake with unless they have real snake experience with similar snakes. How many of them will want to pull out a hair-dryer to re-warm the dead rat that your snake rejected twice so far? A good many BPs are picky eaters or may also have long periods of fasting: it's not fun to keep offering & throwing away food, wondering why they won't eat or if they are sick. Hard enough for many owners to deal with these questions, but not fair to a pet-sitter IMO.
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