Things To Keep In Mind If You’re Planning To Travel Long-Term

People travel for different reasons – whether it is to enjoy a fun weekend getaway with friends, a vacation with the family, or a long-term change of location. Planning for a short-term trip is comparatively easy; do a little planning, a little saving, go away for a few days or weeks, have the time of your life, and return home; no problem. But preparing for long-term travel isn’t just for the fun of it. It requires more planning, commitment, as well as finances. Plus, there are lots of other things to consider before making your final move. So, are you planning to go on a trip anytime soon? Do you plan on staying for more than a month? Then it would help if you considered the following things before you set off.

Budget! Budget! Budget!

Budget is everything when it comes to long-term travel – or any other trip for that matter. It determines where you live and the kind of things you can afford. It even determines if you should travel at all. Take the time to create your travel budget, factoring in accommodation expenses, upkeep, and how much you can afford. Find out the estimate of how much you expect to spend each day for the duration of your stay and multiply it by the length of your trip. Also, consider the country’s exchange rate, as this may influence how long you can afford to stay there.

Decide on where to stay

As mentioned, it is necessary to factor in your accommodation cost in your budget. But you’ll first need to decide on your accommodation choice, which may vary based on where you want to go and the type of accommodation you want. For example, accommodation options in Bukit Tunku may not cost the same as a flat in New York. 

First, find out the range of accommodation options available in your chosen destination and their costs per night. Also, find out if there are other expenses you may have to handle in addition to the accommodation cost – for example, utility bills. Furthermore, be sure that your accommodation option best suits the needs of your family, that is, if you’re not travelling alone. And if you want to go with your pet, take the time to find options that accept pets.

Secure your home

If you live alone, then you need to consider the security of your home before you leave. An unopposed home (temporarily unoccupied or not) is always attractive for burglars and other kinds of criminals. So before you leave, find out if it is possible to have someone house-sit while you’re away. You can either rely on a trusted friend, family member, or loved one willing to do that for you. If that is not an option, you can instead opt for a professional house-sitter, although that will come at a cost. 

If both options are not available for you, then you need to find other ways to protect your home. For example, you can invest in tech options like motion sensor alarms, video doorbells, etc. You can also try asking a neighbor to keep an extra eye on your home. When leaving, your best bet will be to take your keys along with you or leave them with a trusted person. Most burglars already know to look at the obvious places like under the doormat and flower pot for your spare key.

Cleaning up and putting all orders on hold

Still talking about preparing your home for your departure, you need to clean up appropriately before leaving. The last thing you want is to come home to a foul smell because of stuff going bad in your kitchen or coming home to a messed-up environment that requires a lot of cleaning. 

You also need to consider all existing subscriptions. If you have services with automatic renewals, the bills will pile up while you are away. That means, once you book your travel, you should look into placing a hold on orders on all your recurring services. This may include postal services, entertainment subscriptions, etc. If that option isn’t part of your payment arrangement, you may need to consider paying in advance or cancelling the service temporarily.

Work and other responsibilities

If you plan to take a break from your current home’s cares, you need to think about other responsibilities you may be leaving behind. The first thing is your work – that is unless you’re travelling because of work. Otherwise, you need to consider how your absence is going to affect your work, whether you work for someone or you’re managing your own business. 

If you have a boss, it is best to get the green light from them before you leave. If you own your own business, then you need to find ways to keep it running in your absence. You can try putting someone you trust in charge and remote-manage in your absence through video calls, emails, etc. You should also consider your domestic responsibilities. For example, if you have a partner and kids, find ways to ensure that they’re covered financially during your absence. It is also best to remain in constant communication with them while you’re away – keeping them updated about your whereabouts. 

Consider your health

Before you leave, it is crucial to get the green light from your doctor. That is especially essential if you’re currently on medications or still under medical observation. Your doctor should be able to tell you if you’re physically ready to take a long-term trip after conducting the right medical examination. If you’re taking any medication, it is important to acquire the amount you will need during your trip. 

Although there may be pharmacies in your chosen destination, your safest bet is to have all you need with you – better safe than sorry. Plus, you might prefer to stick with brands you’re already used to. That is particularly important if you’re on particular medications. Also, certain medications may require getting a statement from your doctor before they can be allowed in another country, especially if you’re taking them in large quantities. 

Bottom Line

In today’s era of remote working and digital means, it is easier than ever to travel full time or long-term while also pursuing career goals. However, low-cost airlines and all-inclusive packages are not the only way to experience foreign countries and cultures. From Vanlife to Overlanding, there are plenty of options to travel slowly and make your experience unique. Invest in a Used Land Rover or van to convert today.