So you had a dream, a wish to leave it all behind and go travelling. But where do you start?
1) Money: Well as mentioned in my previous blogs, I am no multi millionaire so I had to think carefully about funding my trip to keep my plans realistic to what I could afford. Work out what you’ve got and what you can get. If you’re still falling short then consider volunteering whilst you’re away often in exchange for free food and digs. Or look into working visas if there is one place in particular you would like to explore for an extended length of stay.
2) How long for? Finances will play a big part of how long you’re away for as well considering what your current lifestyle will allow. Can you get a career break? Are you in between work places or on a gap year from studies which would seem an opportune time to do a bit of globe trotting.
3) Where to go? Have you got a bucket list? Do you prefer hot or cold climates? Is there certain things you want to experience that will influence where and when you travel. Budget again will influence heavily. If you’re wanting to be away a long time on limited funds then choose cheaper countries such as Asia or South America rather than Australia and North America. I’m a sun worshipper so I have planned our trip to be in countries when they are warm and sunny!
4) Who with? Lots of people get up and go it alone. You will meet so many different people all on the same wave length whilst travelling that you will soon banish any loneliness. Going with friends and partners can also be a great choice for safety and to share experiences. But choose wisely and be prepared for potential fallouts!
5) Why are you going? Are you soul searching, running away or simply sightseeing and building memories? Be mindful that you may not find what you’re looking for and that you do have to come home at some point. Please don’t set off thinking it will answer everything and right all wrongs. Chances are it won’t. You should have some thinking time and maybe become more self aware but just go and enjoy the ride!
6) Planned flights vs “as you go”: We booked a flight out and that was it. Certain countries will only let you in if you can prove you’re leaving on arrival which we plan to get around by booking departing travel on arrival. That way we felt we weren’t going to be as restricted to timelines and because our trip is going to be at least 12 months we would have had to split a world trip ticket into 2x 6 months which didn’t fit with our plans. We also have a structured plan of where we want to be so again a round the world flight ticket wouldn’t have worked out for us this time. However if you just want a few months away and relaxed to where and when then at around £1500 they can prove good value for money.
7) Tour operator vs going alone: We are going to brave out going it alone rather than package tours. I’m sure at some points in our trip we will tag onto a rebooked expedition but for the main part we are making it up as we go along. Though tour operators are a good choice for the most part in giving security and knowledge to find you the best places that a country has to offer. They are also great choices for solo travellers looking to make new friends. We are avoiding mainly due to budget restraints and to avoid crowds.
8) Hidden costs: Visas, vaccinations, equipment, airport fees and insurance…. It soon adds up before you’ve even left! When you’re finding the funds and setting your budget make sure you don’t just look at transport and daily costs such as spend, accommadation and food as all these hidden extras need to be accounted for too. You also need to consider what you need to buy before you leave and test out any products like sleeping bags (as G is demonstrating above) and especially boots.
9) What about back home? Are you leaving people behind, putting a promotion on hold, a house and other bills that need to be considered or are there important events on the horizon that your really shouldn’t miss. Don’t forget to think about what could happen at home the longer you are away when planning how long you away for and how far away you are travelling to.
10) Research, research, RESEARCH: Don’t overdo the planning as you need time to explore and find hidden gems for yourself. But research potential dangers in countries and what you will need whilst you’re there. Make sure you’re aware of major sights and beauty spots as there’s nothing worse than coming home and talking to friends about your trip only to find that you missed visiting a major bucket list moment. Research is also more important when travelling on a tighter budget or within strict time scales to find the best value for money or cram in the best sightseeing.
Don’t forget to enjoy the planning too, it reminds you why you are making any sacrifices 😉
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