Many of us dream of quitting the grind of our 9-to-5 job, packing up our belongings and heading out for a worldwide adventure with no end date in sight. It’s an exhilarating notion, and such a trip can be life-changing. But before you embark on your fantastic journey, you have to be prepared for the challenges and adventure that awaits. Check out these six steps you need to take if you plan on taking the leap:
Pack Lightly
It can’t be emphasized enough to pack lightly. Purchase a good lightweight backpack that fits your frame well and is good for traveling. Bring only the necessities. Don’t pack any basic toiletries, as they can all be purchased once you reached your destination. The easiest way to ruin your trip is by weighing yourself down with too much unnecessary luggage. Being mobile is essential, so pack lightly.
Save On Lodging
The biggest expense of a long-term trip is living accommodations. Cut back where you can, and it will keep you from burning a hole in your pocket before you’re ready to end your trip. There are apps like Couchsurfing or Airbnb, which provide alternative housing options for travelers. If you’re going to be located in one city for an extended period of time, look for sublets and rentals, as it will be cheaper than staying at a hotel.
Don’t Overbook Yourself
When vacationing somewhere for a week or even a month, it’s feasible to move at a frantic pace and take in as much as possible. That doesn’t work for a long-term trip, however. Allow yourself some time to relax and take it all in, or you’ll quickly burn yourself out.
Prepare Your Expenses
Keeping track of how much you’re spending can get difficult when using a foreign currency. Set up a spreadsheet and make sure you keep an accurate tally of what you’re spending, or you’ll go broke in a hurry. Even when you are traveling, it’s important to create a solid budget and stick to it.
Put Your Belongings In Storage
If you are traveling long-term, you probably won’t be paying rent on an empty apartment. To save money, move your belongings to storage so you can get everything easily when you come back. Hiring professional movers can save you time and money before your trip, say the experts at Halifax Transfer Inc. That way, you can get everything taken to the storage unit in one trip.
Know Why You’re Traveling
Have goals set out for your trip, and make sure you’re not just taking the leap for no reason. Long-term trips are exhilarating, but can also be a challenge. It’s good to have a reminder of what you’re looking to gain from the experience.
Traveling long-term can be extremely exciting and rewarding. However, to fully enjoy your trip, it’s important to take care of these few things before leaving to give you peace of mind.
Comments