[Ainaserkewen]

I'd agree with Lady elvenprincess on her last post.
It does seem that the voyage of the Noldor with the various reasons, happening and eventual corruption are very similar. Though another great difference waters down this theory. The earliest countries to send out brave men to face the unknown were equally as misplaced about the world as the travellers, they sent them there for gold and resources and prestige against other exploring Powers of the Renaissance. However, in terms of the Noldor voyage, they "escaped" from Valinor to find all this wealth and power for themselves (different reasons for everybody on those boats it seems) and the Valar knew full well where they were going and what they would find there all the time trying to convince them to stay.

Another comparison is the travels of the Men from Numenor. They were more like in mind to more modern voyageurs and their kings probably had the some of the same ulterior motives.