How To Plan Long-Term Travel (With Tips That Actually Help)
Planning long-term travel seems like a daunting task, and visitors aren’t always sure exactly where to draw the line when the usual short break changes everything and lasts many months or even a year. No matter how long it takes to get to know new places, planning is key as tourists need to know a lot about their favorite travel destinations. Long-term travel is more than just how many days or months you spend on a trip. The mindset of the vacationer also plays a role, as does a lot of preparation before the start of the trip. This is how you plan long-term trips and give tips that really help.
Why a long-term trip? Deciding if you’re ready to embark on a long-term journey
The internet has brought so many things right to our fingertips and given us an extraordinary freedom to choose from many options. Travel has undergone digital transformations and now the new generation of nomads and independent tourists have an incredible opportunity not only to make money online but also to travel the world. We see a lot of people doing this full time and the number of long term vacationers is increasing. But why long-term travel? How do you know when you’re ready to embrace this lifestyle? Is it sustainable? let’s find out
Does realism match your optimism?
Traveling can be exciting and fun, but at the same time challenging and exhausting. Long-term travel needs someone optimistic, but an equal amount of realism is even better because there’s a lot involved. Vacationers find it difficult to accept one fact: that not every day will be as fun and exciting. People are always drawn to the stunning travel destination photos on Instagram. But understanding that not every day will be beautiful is important when planning a long-term trip.
Leaving the comfort of your own home to travel to new places and interact with other cultures means letting go of the lifestyle you are used to and starting a new one. Behind every stunning Instagram picture is a long time of planning and preparation. Things like the possibility of losing luggage, missing a train, or spending more than planned are important when preparing for this type of lifestyle. Understanding that long-term travel has its downsides and being optimistic about overcoming these challenges will help vacationers decide if they’re ready to travel.
Have you put enough money aside?
Money plays a big role in long-term travel as it is the main factor that determines most travel aspects such as transportation, accommodation and meals. The number of months or weeks one has to devote to a long-term trip depends on the money set aside for it. Money also helps travelers decide which countries to visit, as some places can be expensive to explore.
But enough money doesn’t have to be a six-figure savings. Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, even if it’s a long-term trip, and it depends a lot on the type of trip you’re planning. Plus, there are several budget options for accommodation, transportation, and attractions. There are also tips to save money when visiting a destination. This allows travelers to spend less and earn money on their long-term trips. Once you’re comfortable with the amount of money you’ve set aside for a long-term trip, then you’re good to go.
How do you deal with the fear of missing out on a long-term travel opportunity?
Long-term travel planning brings with it a lot of fears – the fear of leaving loved ones, losing your career, visiting certain countries, that things won’t go as planned and that you won’t have to go home again for a short time. But the fear of failing on this long journey must be greater than all these other fears. One is willing to embark on a long-term trip when one feels it is a must to make the trip work, and one would not be satisfied if it did not.
Tips for starting a long-term trip
After deciding whether you are willing to travel long-term, a few tips should make planning and the trip easier. Here are a few to consider:
Find out about the priority destinations
First, it’s important to list the places you want to visit and then prioritize them. Travelers should then do thorough research and research about the countries they intend to visit. And that goes beyond learning a few words like “hello” or “thank you” in a local language. It is important to have some ideas about the country’s culture and traditions, history, politics and tourism status. This makes the journey easier and makes it easier to interact with the locals upon arrival at the destination.
Get an idea of travel routes, public transport, visas and their costs, backpacking prices and things to do in these destinations. There are many online resources you can use – travel blogs and social media (maybe join a Facebook group!).
Know which countries to avoid when traveling on a budget
Some countries are extremely expensive than others. It is not advisable to group travel destinations as a continent or region to decide which countries to visit. Keep in mind that some regions may be cheaper to visit, but the prices of the countries within them vary widely. For example, accommodation in Singapore can be three times more expensive than in Hanoi, and both countries are in Southeast Asia. Countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the US can be quite expensive, making them unsuitable for a long-term budget trip.
Consider reviews when looking for accommodation options
It’s important to read reviews from other travelers on sites like TripAdvisor. The type of search engine used for research depends on the type of accommodation and country one chooses. Travelers looking to stay in hostels should use Hostelworld.com, but Airbnb is also a good resource. Couchsurfing is a crucial site for vacationers looking to embark on a long-term budget trip. Booking.com is the best search engine for travelers planning a trip to North America.
Have long-term travel insurance ready
To start a long-term trip, make sure you have long-term travel insurance. The last thing you want to experience is getting caught up in medical fees. When researching insurance companies, it’s important to consider activities like high-altitude hiking and skiing so that all needs are covered.
Pack everything you need, but not too much
While travelers should have everything they need, they also need to pack light for long-term trips. Some things to pack are:
- Light raincoats
- Backpacks for long-term travel
- Portable charger
- A water bottle (preferably a filter type)
- Sun protection items such as a hat and sunscreen
- Shirts (long and short sleeves), trousers, jeans, leggings, underwear and a hoodie
Where to stay on a long-term trip
Where you will be staying is something crucial to consider when planning long-term travel. For holidaymakers who have never traveled long-term, it can be difficult to decide which type of accommodation to choose. Consider these factors when deciding where to stay:
- Are you traveling alone or with family or friends?
- Would you mind sharing kitchens or rooms with other travelers if traveling alone?
- How much privacy do you need?
- Are you on a tight budget?
The answers to these questions determine whether you will stay in a hostel, a hotel or an apartment.
Long-term travel has its pros and cons, and understanding them is the best way to prepare and plan your trip well.