So, you’re thinking about taking an extended trip abroad? Whether you’re planning a semester-long backpacking adventure or a year-long sabbatical, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to extended travel. This blog post will cover some of the most important things you need to keep in mind when planning an extended trip. Read on for more!
1. Choose Your Destination(s) Carefully
When you’re planning an extended trip, it’s important to choose your destination(s) carefully. After all, you’ll be spending a significant amount of time in these places, so you want to make sure they’re somewhere you’ll actually enjoy being! Consider factors like cost of living, climate, safety, and accessibility when choosing your destination(s).
And don’t forget to do your research—a bit of advance planning can ensure your trip is everything you want it to be. You should also be open to changing your plans as necessary, especially if a destination is too expensive or unsafe.
2. Make Sure You Have the Right Travel Documents
Depending on where you’re going and how long you’ll be staying, you may need more than just a passport to travel abroad. Visas and other travel documents can be complicated to obtain, so starting the application process well before your planned departure date is important. The last thing you want is to get stuck at the airport because you don’t have the right paperwork.
Some of the most common travel documents to obtain include visas, international driver’s licenses, and vaccination certificates. It’s also a good idea to make photocopies of important documents like your passport, just in case they get lost or stolen during your travels.
3. Create a Detailed Budget
When you’re planning an extended trip, budgeting is key. After all, even if you’re traveling on a shoestring budget, chances are you’ll still need to spend more money than usual. Make sure you factor in things like accommodation, food, transportation costs, activities/excursions, and emergency funds when creating your budget—that way, you’ll have a better idea of how much money you’ll need to save (and how much money you can realistically expect to spend) before setting off on your adventure.
You should also plan how you’ll handle your finances while traveling. Will you use credit cards, withdraw cash from ATMs, or both? Researching the currency exchange rates and ATM fees in your destination(s) can help ensure you’re not spending more than necessary.
4. Sort Out Your Accommodation in Advance
If you’re planning on staying in one place for an extended period (e.g., several weeks or months), it’s important to sort out your accommodation in advance. This is especially important if you’re traveling during peak season or staying in a popular tourist destination—the last thing you want to do is find yourself without a place to stay!
Many travelers opt for short-term rentals when traveling for extended periods; they are usually more spacious and comfortable than hotel rooms and can also be more cost-effective in the long run. You can also book cheap hostel beds if you’re on a tight budget. These days, it’s easy to search for and book accommodation online—just make sure to read reviews and do your research before committing.
5. Don’t Forget About Your Health Insurance!
This one is important: make sure you have comprehensive health insurance before embarking on your trip. Depending on where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone, your regular health insurance policy may not cover you abroad—and if something happens while you’re away from home, the last thing you want is to be stuck with a hefty medical bill!
There are many types of travel insurance policies available; talk to your insurance provider about what type of coverage would be best for someone in your situation before setting off on your adventure.
6. Make a Plan for Staying Connected
Staying in touch with friends and family while traveling can be tricky, especially if you’re going to be gone for an extended period. Research the options for staying connected in your destination(s), such as buying a local SIM card for your phone or using internet cafes to stay in touch via email or social media.
It’s also a good idea to plan for emergencies—make sure someone back home has copies of your travel itinerary and essential contact information, just in case they need to reach you while you’re away.
Planning an extended trip can be daunting—but it doesn’t have to be! By keeping the above tips in mind, you can set off on your adventure with confidence, knowing that you’ve planned as well as possible for whatever lies ahead. Bon voyage!
