Going away on vacation is always great, but if you’re looking for something a bit more exciting, perhaps the idea of going on an extended trip has crossed your mind?
Traveling around the country or across the world can take months or years, depending on how long you want to stay in each place. It requires a lot of planning and careful consideration before you commit, but it may also be the most exciting experience of your life.
If long-term travel is something that you’re interested in doing, below are some things to think about to help you prepare.
Finance/Job
As incredible a trip like this can be, it’s not cheap. There are ways you can reduce your spending, but on average, it costs around $24,000 for a year-long, around the world trip. You need to do plenty of research about how much each part of your trip is going to cost you, as there will be stops that won’t be as costly as others. Always have money aside as an emergency fund as well.
While having enough money to go traveling is important, you should also think about what you’re going to do about your job. If you want to return to your role on your return, this is a discussion you’ll need to have with your boss and see if that’s something they are willing to offer you.
Your Home
Another thing you’ll need to plan for is what will happen to your home. If you’re renting, going traveling once your lease is up should be more straightforward, but you will have to find somewhere to store your belongings, whether you rent a storage unit or leave them with a trusted friend or relative.
If you own your house, you’ll have to do the same with your stuff, but you should also rent out your property for the duration of your travels. Not only will this be an extra source of income for you, but it’s also safer than keeping your house vacant, which might attract vandals and squatters.
Accommodation
You’ll also need to carefully consider your accommodation options during your travels. Your budget will have an impact on this, and in some of the places that you visit, you might be willing to spend more on this than in others. You should take into consideration how long you plan to be in a place when you book your accommodation as well.
If you’re going to be there for about a month or longer, renting a long-term accommodation like these monthly vacation rentals would be wise. Usually, they come with better rates and are much more comfortable staying in for an extended period.
Important Numbers
It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling in a group or solo, you should always make a note of the important numbers you may need in every country you visit. These include medical emergency numbers, law enforcement, and your home country’s embassy.
Knowing the addresses of these services that are closest to where you’re staying is also useful to have at hand. Hopefully, you won’t need them, but it’s better to have this information just in case.
Long-term travel can be a wonderful adventure, but it can also be an intense experience, which is why you need to prepare for it as best you can. Use these tips as a starting point to help you plan for your trip around the world.
