If there is anything in this world that everyone should experience as much as possible, it is travel.
Get out there and see the world instead of just seeing one perspective from one place. It might sound horribly cliché, but you only live once.
If you are toying with long-term travel, this article is for you!
There is no secret to long-term travel success, but there are things you can do to ensure your trip goes smoothly and you have as good a time as possible.
Below are eight things you need to know before you leave:
1. Keep Fit
One of the biggest challenges with long-term travel is eating healthy. There are three reasons for this: price, willpower, and convenience.
Allow yourself time to try the local cuisine, which is typically not that healthy, but limit yourself to a certain number of them. Balance those choices out with healthier foods. The goal here is to find your sweet spot regarding these three factors. While it will not be perfect, it will be better for your body in the long run.
2. Adjust Your Relationship Expectations
Maintaining romantic relationships while traveling is challenging.
The long-term traveling lifestyle lends itself to short-lived romances that end when one of you leaves. That leaves suitors with two main options: travel with your partner or adjust your relationship expectations. There are apps and groups for long-term travelers looking to find love, but the numbers do not always balance out and for the most part, they are filled with heterosexual male travelers looking for female partners.
3. It Will Not Solve Your Problems
Long-term travel does not have to mean escaping your problems; often it simply means serendipitous adventure for the traveler. It is essential to acknowledge that no amount of traveling can help you solve your problems. Many travelers are under the illusion that they can leave it all behind if they leave the town they are in and learn a few travel hacks. Traveling can inspire change and expose you to new experiences and stimuli – but it is not a cure for your troubles back home.
Long-term travel will help you get to know yourself on a deeper level, but it will not fundamentally change anything that you do not want to be changed.
4. Insurance
Without sounding too foreboding, multiple things can go wrong when you are traveling for long periods of time. To avoid being stuck in a strange country, out of pocket, get CFAR travel insurance. Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance provides enhanced flexibility, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason – including many that are typically not covered by traditional policies.
US-based travelers can have peace of mind knowing they have a safety cushion to protect their travel investment. That means that if you have a family emergency or an unscheduled change in plans, you do not need to lose your travel expenses and deposits.
5. Pack Less
Preparing for a long-term trip can make you feel like you cannot pack enough. After all, how does one pack for a trip that lasts six months to a year? The truth is, you do not need as much as you think you do.
The point of traveling is to introduce spontaneity to your life and overpacking is an instant spontaneity killer. Pack for the climate you are headed to, and take a few extras, like a jacket and walking shoes.
6. Homesickness
The sad part of being away from home while traveling is that you will miss milestones and events. It is not that you do not care about things like weddings, birthdays, and baby showers; it is just that you will not physically be there for them.
Missing those events will make you homesick and want to pack up and go home, but think of all the opportunities you will miss if you do not stay. The trick is to find creative ways to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Social media and video chatting can ease the pain of missing home, while allowing you to continue pursuing your travel dreams.
7. Time Waits For No Man
Long-term travel, much like time, waits for no man. You do not need a financial windfall to start traveling. All you need is a plan and commitment. The main reason most people postpone their travel is because of risk aversion.
While it is a good idea to have savings before you leave, you must decide to go and then go. Once you start traveling, you can figure out the rest of the details as you go. Make your first stop a city or country where you have friends or family you can stay with for a week or two.
8. Embrace Slow Travel
Some people are under the impression that long-term traveling requires sporadic, frenzied travel. It does not.
Long-term travel is best experienced slowly, like a fine wine. You do not have to city or country hop or cram in as many sights as possible in the least amount of time.
To End
Slow down and take the time to enjoy each and every place you visit along the way. That is how you experience the true magic of travel.