Top Tips For Long Term Travel

If you are in a position where you have free time, no ties, and a job that means you can travel and are looking to make the most of it – many people pack a small hand luggage case, and off they go – but it is not without it’s challenges! 

Here are a couple of tips that can help. 

Photo by Charlotte Noelle on Unsplash

Cultural difference 

One of the biggest shocks to the systems is the cultural differences; what is okay in one country isn’t in another – and you need to make sure you are aware of it. For every place you are going to go to, take a look at the most important things you need to know. It could be as simple as how you place your fork and knife on the plate to the clothing and colours you wear. 

Always be culturally aware. 

Early riser

The best way to get to know a place is to get up with the workforce of the place you are in. While you might want a day or two to recoup your journey, there is nothing better than heading out early in the morning to explore. As the saying goes, you’ll never meet a sunrise you won’t like. 

It also means that you will be able to find the best morning coffee if you haven’t got coffee in your hotel or B&B. 

Car

If you can drive and have the permission and confidence to do so, driving from one place to another is a great option. It gives you the flexibility to explore or go to a different country altogether. 

For the ultimate flexibility, then opt for a campervan rental. 

Record it 

Even if you don’t have a great camera, there are some things that you will want to keep forever. Many people want to travel as lightly as possible – and the cameras on mobile phones now are incredible. But there is joy in taking photos and getting them developed instead of using a digital camera and sharing them on social media. 

A point-and-shoot and a few rolls of film are great for many things – and be sure to ask other people to take photos of you too! 

Language 

You aren’t likely to manage to learn an entire language just before you go, but learning a couple of phrases is a very good idea. 

Try to learn some of the following in the language of the place you are going: 

• Thank you
• Can I have
• Where is the
• Toilet
• Can you help me, please?

And it is always a great idea that if you have a favourite drink, like coffee, you learn how to order your coffee too! 

Expect the unexpected

Expect delays, mixups with bookings, cars not being available when you arrive to pick them up, missing luggage, and more. Even if you are strict with planning and want to make sure everything is planned to the finest details – things will be out of your control. 

Over time you will learn to go with the flow, but when you first start, you might get frustrated. 

Try to approach all of your long journeys as ‘what will be will be. 

Insurance

Travelling without travel insurance is not smart – even for a short weekend away. Ahead of getting insurance, make sure that you get quotes, and double-check the small print too. Not all instances will cover things like car accidents or hospital stays. And double check further how the process works if you do need to use that insurance. 

It is also smart to look at how you can ensure your electronics like laptops, phones, and things like cameras too. 

Luggage 

Nothing is more cumbersome than a huge suitcase that you need to wait for when you get off the plane. It’s not just the fact it slows you down at the airport, either. If you are taking public transport to your destination, you’ll also need to lug your suitcase onto them. 

Keep the focus on a small number of items so that you only take what you need. And if you buy keepsakes as you travel – try to keep them small and light so that they will fit in your hand luggage. 

Home 

You’re likely to leave a lot of valuables at home and other large electricals you can’t take with you. There are two things that you can do to keep your items safe; the first is to ask friends and family to store them for you. The second and possibly better option is to choose self storage. 

Self storage usually comes with higher protection, as well as insurance. And you can keep the key with you – so that you are the only person who can access your items. 

Work as you go 

The world has changed in recent years, and there are more people than ever who are freelance, and furthermore, companies that are willing to let their staff work remotely. If you have the ability to do so, then take it. Working as you travel will mean that you will never lose out on money. And when travelling through countries that are less economically developed than your own – consider volunteering. 

Working and volunteering in the countries that you visit can give you a new appreciation for the culture, the country and the people. 

Vaccinations

Each country will have its own rules when it comes to their vaccinations – and some will require more vaccinations than others. Check to see which of the vaccinations you’d need to pay for privately and which ones you can get on your health service. 

Check for what you need at least four months before you decide to travel, as some vaccinations need at least a few weeks before they come into effect. 

Deals 

Everyone likes a deal, and almost everyone is on a budget too. Make sure that you set up google alerts to let you know about price drops – so that you can snag last-minute deals the moment they are life. Kayak and Skyscanner are two of the most common comparison websites, and they can make sure you get the best deals. 

Try to be flexible with exact locations and travel dates for the best deals. 

Must-haves 

If you are moving from hotels to B&Bs, AirBnbs and hostels, here are a couple of items that no traveller should ever be without. 

• Eye mask, neck pillow and earplugs – a good night’s sleep, travelling comfortably, and an extra bit of comfort as you go. 
• Torch – most people have a torch on their mobile phones, but an extra one is a good idea.
• Padlocks – keeping your goods safe is a priority; taking a padlock with you as you travel can keep your electronics safe when you’re out of the room. 

Finance 

Make your bank aware that you are travelling, where to and from and the dates too. This will prevent them from locking your credit and bank cards. It is smart to bring some cash, a prepaid card, as well as your bank card. So that if your car does get blocked, you can still pay for what you need – stress-free. 

Here are a couple of multi-currency card options: 

• Currensea
• Cashplus
• Wise (formerly Transferwise)
• Suits Me

These cards are perfect o no matter where you are – because you’ll always have the right currency, and they are designed for travel. 

If your first location is far-flung – then here is the best guide to get you through the jet lag and at the other end: The Air Hostesses Guide to Getting over Long Haul – Anoushka Loves.