It’s a dream come true for many people to travel around the world and stay in their desired destinations overseas. While some are only allowed to file for a vacation for a short period due to restrictions at work, others decided they can do better than sit 8 hours in the office and started packing their bags for a long trip abroad.
But, many seasoned travelers will tell you the reality that long-term traveling is not for everyone. “It is a sacrifice just as much as it is a reward,” writes Jazzy in her Road Affair post. But, she also says that it’s the most fulfilling opportunity for those who have survived this journey.
Long stays overseas require more than the usual travel preparation. If you have decided to embark on this trip, then here are some helpful tips you for you:
Manage your money
Going on a long vacation is not going to be easy, especially not on your pocket. So, many seasoned travelers always advise tourists to have a budget and manage their money while they are living overseas. In fact, an article about tip s for long-term travellers highlights the need to make a budget, saving, and figuring out how to manage your finances while on the road. It further recommends making a reasonable budget and sticking to it as well as taking the amount of money you think you’ll need and then doubling it for good measure. Here are a few questions you may want to answer to help you manage your money while overseas:
How are you going to access your money overseas?
Do you have a back-up plan?
Are you locking in currency exchanges with a travel money card, or taking your chances as you go?
Will you have to pay bills while you’re away?
How are you going to do that?
Stay comfortable for less
Since you will be going on a tight budget and staying there for a long time, it’s advisable to avoid traditional accommodation (hotel and hostels) which will charge you more. It’s ideal to look for a comfortable stay with full amenities that you can use, such as a kitchen and a washing machine.
There are house-sharing, couch-surfing and house sitting options that you can check online. House sitting is an alternative option for those who want to stay comfortably in another person’s home while looking after the house while the owners’ are away. Often, it comes with additional payment as some owners request the house sitter to look over their furry companion.
Pack accordingly
Similar to when you are packing for any vacation, it’s best to pack light and sensibly. Just because you are going for a long time away from home, doesn’t mean you need to bring all your clothes with you. The ideal way to manage your things will be to pack enough to get you through at most 10 days, then you will need to find the nearest washing machine or laundry shop to keep your clothes clean.
It will also help you as you won’t need to pay for any excess baggage. USA Today suggested ways on how to pack a suitcase for a month’s stay, “Pack two pairs of shoes — one dress-up pair and one casual pair — and plan to wear your most comfortable sneakers or shoes to travel.”
Immerse completely
Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the country of your destination by learning their language, customs, traditions and beliefs. If you are going to a non-English speaking country, then it might help you to learn their language a few weeks or a month before your scheduled trip. By speaking their mother-tongue, you are keeping yourself safe from usual tourist scams and crimes, plus you are raising yourself above the average tourist in the area.
You can also sign up for a seasonal or volunteer work to further immerse yourself in the area. It will help you keep in touch with reality and a handy way to top up your finances.
Traveling for a long time requires plenty of preparation and planning. But, with the right mindset, you will be able to survive this journey stress-free and return home with fresh experience to share to your family and friends.
Written by a guest author
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