Are you planning a long-term trip? If so, there are a number of things you’ll need to know to make sure your trip is smooth and drama free. Here are some top tips for long-term travel:
Pack Smart
This may sound obvious, so why do we continue to see people hauling around everything they own? Invest in a great backpack that fits you, and make sure you take your height into account. Don’t stock up on things like basic toiletries, since you can find all of these kinds of things in any country around the world. Be sure to grab some packing cubes as these make it much easier to keep your clothes organised and ensure you won’t need to drag everything out of your bag when you’re looking for a certain item.
Know Your Numbers
It can be difficult to find customer service numbers when you’re overseas. That’s why it’s a good idea to save CCSN as a bookmark. This website is #AtYourService, and has business numbers for thousands of companies, making it easy for you to sort out anything you need while you’re already overseas.
Exercise
It’s easy to spend too many nights out at the bar and enjoy too many local delicacies when you’re travelling long-term. Before you know it, your weight begins creeping up and you realise you can no longer fit your jeans. Exercising can be difficult while you’re on the road, but with a little creativity you can maintain your health and keep those endorphins flowing.
If you’re near a beach or a park, it’s easy to go for a run. Many gyms around the world will also give you day or week passes, so you can pop in and do some strength training. If you’re travelling with a laptop, there are also plenty of videos and other resources online so you can workout from just about anywhere.
Set a budget
When you’re dealing with various currencies, money can begin to lose its meaning and it may start to feel like you’re playing Monopoly. It’s important that you log your basic expenses so you can easily stick to your budget and see where most your money is going. Before you visit each destination, do some research so you’ll know how much you need to budget for things like accommodation, food, tours, and sightseeing. Keep an eye on your bank account, otherwise you may find yourself running out of money and booking a flight home.
Know why you’re travelling
Just like any other part of life, there will be some hard days when you’re travelling. You’ll get sick or injured far from home, you’ll lose your belongings or have them stolen, and you will probably be ripped off at least a few times. It’s important that you don’t expect long-term travel to be a walk in the park, but you know what your goal is, and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience. That way, you can remind yourself of why you’re travelling when those hard days happen.
