1. “Voice from Heaven”, versus “Lest another should pre-empt him.”
Hello! What is the meaning of “lest he be pre-empted by another” in matches if the match is predetermined, and a voice comes from Heaven and decrees that so-and-so is destined for so-and-so? Can a person actualize all his aspirations and dreams in the belief that his predetermined match will wait for him? (For example; a person wishes to travel around the world first.)
In this matter there is a long letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Igrot Kodesh, Vol. 2, page 193. The Rebbe explains at length the apparent contradiction between the ‘Voice from Heaven’ and ‘Lest he be pre-empted by another’, and brings possible ways to reconcile the contradiction.
A. Another person could pre-empt, but the marriage will not be successful.
B. The ‘Voice from Heaven’ decrees but prayer can nullify it.
C. The matter of the ‘Voice from Heaven’ reflects itself in a person’s natural inclination, but free choice remains to oppose that inclination.
D. Souls can be swapped.
It is worthwhile studying the Rebbe’s letter, despite its academic style, to examine all the details and explanations. In any case, the Rebbe concludes the letter with the following: What stands out from all these approaches is that there is the possibility of another person pre-empting, therefore it is worthwhile to make a conscious effort to find one’s match.
Accordingly, a person should definitely not wait till he has actualized all his aspirations on the assumption that his predestined mate will wait for him, and certainly not go on a prolonged tour etc. as you mentioned, rather, he should do everything that depends on him according to the natural order of things, to find a suitable mate. This should be done with belief and trust in G d that certainly He will find him his true mate speedily.
Good luck and good news!