Long Term Travel Planning Tips

So many people dream of stepping out of their sedentary world to travel the globe and experience a nomadic lifestyle, but long-term travelling requires a lot of planning to make it work. Don’t be put off by that; it’s usually worth the effort. If you’re on the search for some sage advice, here are our tips for long-term travel.

Know How You Want To Travel

Take some time to think about how you want to travel. Is your goal to travel cheaply, would you like to immerse yourself in the culture, or do you want a luxury travel experience? Do you want to stay in one place for your whole trip or are you are you planning on doing some globetrotting? Do you have a preferred mode of transportation? You should know how long you want to travel for and when you want to go. The type of trip you take and what you want from your trip will determine what planning you need to do.

Plan Your Journey

Don't just book a flight to any country and hope for the best. The most successful long-term travellers put careful thought into their journey and research the places they visit in advance. Know what you want to experience and where you want to go. Some events and experiences may need to be booked ahead of time, which is where pre-planning comes in handy. Make a note of the time and dates for all your pre-booked transportation, activities, and accommodation check-ins.

You should also give yourself a few days during your journey to just enjoy the atmosphere and see where your feet take you. You may accidently stumble into a fantastic restaurant or come across a cool opportunity that you wouldn't have otherwise had if you over-planned.

Calculate Your Travel Costs

Too many people have had to cut their long-term trips short because they ran out of funds. Financial planning is one of the more boring parts of travelling, but it needs to be done. Your travel style should be within your means. You'll need to calculate the costs of transportation, accommodation, food, excursions, unexpected expenses (like replacing things that get lost or unplanned nights out), and additional costs (such as visas and customs fees). You'll need to be realistic when setting yourself a daily travel budget.

The next step is deciding how you're going to earn that money and how long it will take. If you're in the financial position to quit your job and catch a plane tomorrow, then congratulations! Unfortunately, for the majority of people, the financial aspect of travel is much more complicated. If finances are an issue for you, think about whether you're willing to put your travel plans off for a few years or whether you'd prefer to work overtime. Some people may have the option of working remotely or will quit their jobs at home in favour of a working holiday.

Pack Sensibly

We can't tell you what to pack because your destination, travel style, activities, and the weather will determine what you'll need to take with you. However, we do advise you to pack light and invest in a strong backpack or hard-shell suitcase with a lock. Some people struggle to live out of their suitcase because they're not used to going without all the little luxuries they would have at home. After all, there's only so much you can fit into one bag.

The reality of long-term travel planning is that you're going to have to compromise on what you bring with you, so make a list of all the travel essentials you can't live without and the things you'll need for your journey. You're going to be washing your clothes during your trip, so bring outfits that are interchangeable and that can be dressed up or worn casually.

Learn the Language

If you’re in it for the long haul, then learn the language of the places you’re travel to. Learn some useful phrases, and then try to expand on some questions and common topics. Being able to communicate can help get you out of some tricky situations. It’s okay if you’re not fluent in the language by the time you leave; the locals will appreciate that you made an effort and you’ll likely have learned more while you were there.

Get Check-Ups

Before you leave for your trip, you should make sure you're in good health. Schedule a check-up with your GP at least a month before you travel. This is a great opportunity to ask your GP about how you'll get your prescription while you're abroad and what travel vaccinations you need, discuss how to get a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), and get a doctor's note if you have a pre-existing medical condition. You should also get your eyes tested at the optometrist and pay a visit to your dentist.

Make Sure Everything Is in Order at Home

Many people forget that life goes on at home, even when they're away. You're going to need to make specific arrangements so you don't come back to unexpected costs and complications. If you own your own home, empty the fridge and freezer, and get rid of anything perishable in the kitchen. Have a house sitter water your plants, open and close the blinds, mow the lawn, and pick up the junk mail. Ask them to check that all the doors and windows are locked and show them how your house alarm works. If you're going to be away for longer than a few months, turn off your water and unplug your appliances. You should pause or cancel your streaming subscriptions, gym membership, and any other ongoing services you won't be using. If you're leasing a flat, you'll need to give your landlord one month's notice that you're moving out or sublet it.

Check the FCDO Advice

What do you know about the country or countries you're travelling to? The most reliable resource for travel information is the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) site. They can provide you with travel safety advice, entry requirements, reports on regional risks, health information, and what to do and who to contact if you have an emergency. The FCDO's advice is frequently updated, so you can better plan your trip.

Purchase the Right Travel Insurance

Purchasing the right travel insurance for your long-term trip is paramount. This is determined by the length of your trip, where you travel, how many countries you visit, and what you plan to do while you're away. A simple single trip travel insurance policy may not be enough. You'll need to be honest with your travel insurance provider to ensure that you're covered for everything; this includes all the sports and activities you intend to do.

As a long-term traveller, you may benefit from backpacker insurance, which will cover you for up to 18 months of travelling, but you may need additional worldwide cover if you're travelling to more than one country. You may benefit from our gadget cover add-on, in case your electronics are lost, damaged, or stolen. If you have any questions about purchasing a travel insurance policy or what sort of policy is right for you, contact your travel insurance provider. Reading the policy wording will also help to answer your questions.