Long Term Travel Tips: Step-by-Step Guide on What You Should Do Before Quitting Your Job and Leaving Everything Behind

Long-term travel. Say it out loud. It rolls off the tongue in a fascinating, mysterious, and totally awesome way, doesn't it? But now is the time to stop dreaming about it and finally making it a reality.

Do not get stuck inside your head wondering about your travel goals. Take action! The moment you break it down, start organizing, and planning your trip, the more you realize how doable the task is. If you only think and think about it, you will be overwhelmed and turn your back before you even start!

The following step-by-step guide is designed to bring you control over your travels and ensure that you are ready to embark on this massive endeavor. Take notes, focus on the good, and get your backpack ready.

Step-by-Step Guide on What You Should Do Before Leaving Everything Behind

PRELIMINARY

6 questions to ask yourself before long-term traveling *create a worksheet with these questions and blanks for students to fill out*

1. "Am I ready to spend cold nights in airports, bus stations, and train stations?

Long-term traveling is basically 70% hard work and sacrifice. It is beautiful and rewarding but far from perfect!

• Are you ready to bid goodbye to the warmth and comfort of your home to spend half a day or an entire night on dirty airport floors?

• Are you physically and mentally ready to take on the less pleasant side of long term traveling?

• Are you ready to walk less desirable distances and sleep in positions and conditions you never thought was humanly possible?

2. "Am I going to starve?"

Much preparation is required. Just because you wish to travel does not mean the universe will generously pay for your airfare, bus tickets, food, and shelter.

• Have you saved enough to start your journey?

• Have you decided on a way to earn money while on the road?

• Are you prepared to live below your means and save without shame?

• Do you have skills that can be used as a future source of income?

3. "Can I respect myself even without an impressive title or resume?" 

The lifestyle of a long-term traveler is far from glamorous. It may seem that way for all the gorgeous places they see but the work that they put in to make that happen is often less desirable.

• Do you have issues in taking blue-collar jobs?

• Can you talk about your traveler lifestyle with confidence?

• Are you comfortable not having a fixed monthly income?

4. "How comfortable am I with goodbyes?"

• Are you prepared to not see your family for an extended period of time?

• Are you ready to let go of attachments?

• Can you move on without too much drama?

5. "Am I running away from any responsibilities?"

Iron out any creases in your life that may affect your traveling. The last thing you want is to be half-way around the world and be forced to come home because of unfinished business.

• Do you have responsibilities that require your constant presence?

• Is there anything you need to fix?

• Do you have debts to settle?

• Is there anyone depending on you?

6. "Am I following my goosebumps or am I just following someone else’s goosebumps?"

Travel not because it is trendy. Travel because it moves you. Travel because it makes you come alive. 

• Why do you want to travel?

• What do you wish to gain from your traveling?

• Do you think it is worth leaving everything behind?

• Are you doing this for yourself?

DOCUMENTS

7. Secure a passport. Apply for one in your home country. Check the requirements and submit accordingly. If you already have a passport, ensure that it is valid for at least six months before the expiry date.

8. Apply for a visa.

9. Contact a travel agent. If you have the money to spend, getting another person to work on your itinerary is a huge convenience.*insert link to the travel services you offer here*

10. Create a travel itinerary. This is the cheaper alternative compared to buying tours left and right. More on this later.

Extra Tip #1: Buy tickets online for attractions you want to see or visit.

Extra Tip #2: Get guidebooks, maps, and language help prior to departure.

Extra Tip #3: Watch out for the best events happening in your destination. Secure dates of festivals, ceremonies, and natural events that fall during your visit.

Extra Tip #4: Research must-try national dishes and where to find them.

11. Book travel and accommodation. The further you book, the better prices you get. Book everything you can online to avoid queues and find better deals.

Expert Help #1: Check out these tips on how to use Skyscanner.

Expert Help #2: Here is your guide for cheap flight routes from Manila to South America.

Expert Help #3: Best Backpackers Hostels Around the World

12. Confirm bookings. Gather all confirmation e-mails or receipts and place them together with your itinerary.

13. Create a packing checklist. Be sure you have all the essentials! More on this later.

HEALTH AND SECURITY

Photo by CDC

14. Schedule a check-up with your attending physician.

15. Check proper vaccinations or prescriptions that must be renewed.

16. Learn the policies of your medical insurance for emergencies overseas.

17. Consider adding supplemental insurance for your traveling. More on this later.

18. Bring copies of your passport. In the event you lose your passport, this photocopy is indispensable for your return home. Leave a copy at home or with someone you trust, too.

19. Register with your embassy in new destinations. Your government can contact and help you better in case of emergencies

MONEY

20. Create a budget. This will be discussed in detail in the next chapter.

21. Know the monetary conversion. Do the math to have a realistic idea of projected expenses.

22. Make sure your credit card works internationally. Abroad, there are banks and businesses that only accept credit cards using the more secure chip-and-PIN tech compared to the magnetic strip cards. Research ahead of time.

23. Use banks or ATMs. Airport conversion centers or around the city are often rip-offs. You get better value at a bank or an ATM, along with an exact conversion.

24. Bring local cash. Do not rely on your credit card alone. Some places do not accept it.

25. Inform your bank that you are traveling abroad. The last thing you want is to shop in Bali only for your card to be turned off by your bank based on suspicious activity. Let them know you are traveling so you don't experience hassles with security in place.

26. Prepare for travel taxes. Some countries charge for an entrance or exit fee. The price varies but often it is not something included in the price of your plane ticket.

GADGETS

Photo by AltumCode

27. Bring a charger adapter. Countries have different size plugs and voltage. You don't want to bother bringing electronics if you cannot charge them.

28. Know the voltage of your electronics.

29. Check your camera batteries and accessories, plus various chargers for your gadgets.

30. Use the global capabilities of your phone but be conscious of extra fees

LUGGAGE

31. Pack early. Give yourself ample time to organize what you really need and take out the excess. More on this later.

32. Assemble a carry-on bag. Make sure you have an extra set of clothes here.

33. Gather toiletries and medication with prescriptions.

34. Learn the checked bag rules of your airline.

PERSONAL NEEDS

Photo by Anete Lūsiņa

35. Book a hair and grooming appointment. It is a must that you look your best in your travel photos!

36. Don't leave your pets out in the cold. Have someone from your family look after them or hire a pet sitter or kennel.

37. Put on hold any subscription that you won't be able to use while on the road.

38. Create a shopping list.

39. Unplug your appliances before you go.

40. Review all checklists one last time.

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