Traveling The World: A Comprehensive Guide To Exploration

Traveling the world is a dream for many, but it can be hard to know where to start. This comprehensive list will help you plan your trip and make the most of your journey. From deciding to make travel a priority to knowing how to stay healthy while on the road, this list has everything you need to know.

1. Make travel a priority

If you have wanderlust and dream of travel, just decide that you will make it happen. Set an intention and start viewing the world through the lens of how you can make travel a reality for yourself.

2. Assess your savings and debt

Although you can travel the world for less than you think (as little as $20,000 for one person for a year), it's important to take a hard look at your savings and use these tips for saving for travel. If you're working remotely, you can factor debt repayment into your trip budget. Finding a side hustle or remote work will speed up your ability to travel.

3. Get your passport

Apply for or renew your passport right away. Don't put it off until just before your trip – make it a priority so that it's in process while you plan your travels.

4. Start purging your belongings

If you're giving up your home, start selling and donating things you don't need. Getting rid of everything can be a process, so it's best to start early.

5. Create a budget

Take stock of how much money you'll have saved and how long you plan to be on the road. Factor in any payments you'll need to maintain while away, such as debt or a mortgage. Calculate your daily average travel allowance by dividing your total budget by the number of days you'll be traveling.

6. Brainstorm places to visit

Dream big when listing the places you'd like to go. Make your list broad but include only the best ideas.

7. Assess the cost of visiting different countries

Now, look at the cost of visiting each place on your list. Traveling in Southeast Asia, for example, is much cheaper than traveling in Scandinavia. Consider if some destinations are grouped close together and could be visited on a single trip, or if you'd rather save them for a future trip. Also, look into the cost of living as a digital nomad – you may want to spend several months in one location.

8. Pick a route

Timing your travels to local festivals can be a fun aspect of your trip. You'll need to pick a direction to travel from your home country and start slotting in countries as you build your itinerary. Aim for a balance of developed and developing countries to meet your budgeting goals.

9. Plan for homeschooling if traveling with kids

Learn from other families who have traveled with school-aged children and look into different ways to homeschool, world school, or unschool during your trip.

10. Book your transportation

Decide if you should buy a round-the-world ticket or use cheap one-way flights as you go. You can even travel the world without flying by using overland transportation like trains and boats. Once you've paid a significant amount toward your trip, get travel insurance to protect your investment.

11. Choose the right gear

From shoes to luggage, everything is worth examining before you set off. Long-term travel is not like a weekend getaway, so you'll need a balance of gear that's affordable and durable. Pick the right backpack or luggage, and then buy select pieces of clothing and gear that will be most valuable to you on your trip.

12. Plan for handling your personal life while away

Start weeks or months before your departure date to plan how you'll receive and process mail, and which travel debit cards will work best for you. Don't forget that you'll still need to file and pay your taxes!

13. Make sure your vaccines are up to date

Check your vaccine record and assess if you need any additional ones based on your travel route.

14. Know how to stay healthy

Getting sick is inevitable for long-term travelers, so it's important to know how to avoid getting sick and what to do if you do. Carrying a water purification system or using a menstrual cup can help lower your chances of getting sick.

15. Apply for visas

Depending on where you're traveling, you may need to apply for a visa before you can legally enter the country. Many countries offer visa-on-arrival, but others require that you apply in advance.

16. Start planning the specifics

If you're traveling for less than six weeks, you'll need to do some legwork planning the specifics before you leave, including choosing accommodation and booking it. If you're traveling for several months, you only need to book the first week or two, unless you're traveling during high season.

17. Educate yourself on challenges faced by most world travelers

From staying safe to avoiding travel fatigue, there's a lot to learn about long-term travel. Other issues to be aware of include overcoming loneliness, which can be helped by using a travel journal app to stay connected with family and friends.

18. Pack with intention

Packing for long-term travel is an art, and you'll get better at it the longer you're on the road. Plan a versatile wardrobe that can take you through most of your trip, and consider using packing cubes to stay organized.

19. Know how to get the most out of your travels

Many people seek transformational travel experiences, but don't know how to make them happen. It's about visiting iconic spots, but also going deeper and immersing yourself in the local culture through things like cooking classes, using local transportation, and eating street food.

20. Navigate like a pro

It's easy to stay connected these days with e-SIMs and cheap SIM cards that offer data and access to travel apps. Consider using services like WhatsApp and Google Voice to stay in touch with family and friends, and don't forget to get a VPN to access your bank and some services that use IP blocking.

Budgeting

Assess your savings and debt:

It is important to have a clear understanding of your financial situation before planning your trip. Take stock of your savings and any debt you may have. If you have debt, factor this into your trip budget and consider finding a side hustle or remote work to help pay it off.

Come up with a reasonable budget for your trip:

Calculate your daily average travel allowance by dividing your total budget (minus debt) by the number of days you plan to spend on the road. While it is possible to travel the world on a tight budget, some countries are more expensive than others, so it is important to have a clear picture of your main travel goals and destinations.

Pick a route around the world:

The cost of living varies significantly between countries, so it is important to research the cost of visiting different places. Consider visiting developing countries, where your money will go further. Pick a mix of developed and developing countries to meet your budgeting goals.

Plan your accommodation and transportation:

Accommodation and transportation can be two of the biggest expenses when travelling. Consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or renting an apartment to save money. For transportation, look into buying a round-the-world ticket or using cheap one-way flights. You can also consider overland transportation like trains and boats, which can be more affordable.

Food and entertainment:

Eating local food and street food is usually cheaper than dining at tourist restaurants. Shop at local markets and cook your own meals to save money. For entertainment, look for free or low-cost activities, such as visiting parks or museums.

Travel insurance and health:

Don't forget to budget for travel insurance, which will protect you in case of any emergencies. Additionally, make sure your vaccines are up to date and invest in a good first aid kit.

Work remotely:

If you are able to work remotely, this can be a great way to supplement your income while travelling. There are many online resources and communities that can help you find remote work opportunities.

Save money where you can:

Look for ways to save money on your trip, such as using travel credit cards to gain frequent flyer miles and hotel points, or finding travel discount cards. Consider selling or donating belongings you won't need while travelling to free up some extra cash.

Packing

The Right Bag

First things first: you need to choose the right bag for your trip. Opting for a backpack will give you more freedom to move around, and it is also worth considering a carry-on size backpack if you will be taking lots of flights. If you are set on having a bag with wheels, you could consider a wheeled backpack.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, versatility and comfort are key. You will need clothes that can be layered for different climates, and it is a good idea to pack a mix of warm and cool weather options. Here is a suggested packing list:

• 8 tops (a mix of t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, tank tops, and a UPF shirt)
• 4 bottoms (including travel pants/jeans, skirts, a dress, and shorts/capris)
• Cold-weather layers: leggings, thermals, and a hoodie
• 2-3 bras and sports bras
• Underwear (enough for at least a week)
• Sleepwear: a pair of thin sleep shorts
• A lightweight, waterproof jacket
• A hat and sunglasses

Footwear

Comfortable and durable shoes are a must for any trip, and it is important to pack a pair that will serve you well in a range of activities. Here are some suggestions:

• 1 pair of hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
• 1 pair of sports sandals (e.g. Chacos)
• 1 pair of stylish sandals (e.g. flip-flops for hostel showers)
• 1 pair of ballet flats (optional)

Toiletries and Accessories

Toiletries can be purchased on the go, but there are some essentials you should definitely pack:

• Leak-proof containers for your liquids
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• A quick-dry travel towel
• A reusable water bottle and water purification device (e.g. SteriPen or LifeStraw)
• Basic first aid kit
• Any prescription medications
• A hanging toiletry bag

Technology

Depending on your needs and how much you want to stay connected, you may want to pack the following:

• Laptop/tablet
• Smartphone
• Backup hard drive
• Mirrorless camera or point-and-shoot camera
• Travel adapters
• Rechargeable battery pack

Other Essentials

There are a few other items that will come in handy during your trip:

• A lightweight daypack
• A sarong (can be used as a towel, beach cover-up, bed sheet, etc.)
• A headlamp
• A set of utensils
• Carabiners
• A door stop and safety whistle (especially for solo female travellers)
• A travel pillow
• A lightweight, compact towel
• Collapsible water bottle

Planning a route

Picking a Route

Your route will be determined by your budget, the amount of time you have, and the types of activities you want to do. If you have a smaller budget, you will want to avoid more expensive countries like the United States, Japan, Australia, and most of Europe. Instead, you can opt for cheaper countries in South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

If you have a longer amount of time, you can take ground transportation between countries, which is much cheaper than flying. If you only have a few weeks, you will need to fly, which will increase your budget.

Timing

You can also time your trip to take advantage of festivals and events. For example, you could time your trip to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors in India.

Direction

You will also need to pick a direction to travel in. You will likely be flying into a "hub" city, so you can start by picking a direction to head from there. For example, if you fly into London, you could head south to Morocco and work your way down through Africa, or you could head east through Europe and then to Asia.

Balance

It's a good idea to balance developed and developing countries so that you can meet your budgeting goals. For example, if you are visiting expensive countries in Western Europe, you could balance that out by also visiting cheaper countries in Eastern Europe, like Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Be Flexible

You may find that you need to be flexible with your route. For example, Shannon from A Little Adrift cut out Scandinavia from her trip early in the planning process because of the cost. She knew that she could easily visit that corner of the world on a future trip.

Staying healthy

Prepare Your Immune System

Get your flu vaccine before you go, and make sure all your other vaccines are up to date. Take daily supplements like vitamin C and zinc in the month leading up to your trip and continue while you're away. This will help to strengthen your immune system and protect you from viruses.

Avoid Tourist Spots at Peak Times

The fewer people you come into contact with, the lower your chance of catching a bug. Airborne viruses are common in crowded spaces, so if you can, avoid museums, theatres, and other tourist spots at their busiest times. If you do find yourself in a crowd, wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask, which can lower your odds of catching COVID-19.

Get Enough Sleep

Travel can be exhausting, so make sure you get enough rest. Try to travel during the day, and book your accommodation for when you arrive so you can get a good night's sleep. Take a travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs with you to help you sleep on the journey and when you reach your destination.

Keep Up Your Exercise Routine

It can be hard to find time to exercise when you're travelling, but it's important to stay active. Explore your destination on foot, or jog around the town. If you prefer a more structured workout, many hotels have gyms, or you can find a local gym or class to join in with.

Eat Well

It's easy to indulge when you're on holiday, but try to balance your treats with healthy options. Drink plenty of water, and pack your own snacks like unsalted nuts, fruit, and protein bars.

Protect Your Skin

No matter where you are, take good care of your skin. Bring sunscreen or skin products with SPF and continue to apply it throughout the day to protect yourself from sunburn.

Travel insurance

Types of Travel Insurance:

There are two main types of travel insurance:

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: This type of policy includes a wide range of protections, such as emergency medical coverage, trip interruption and delay coverage, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, 24-hour assistance services, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. Comprehensive travel insurance also often includes trip cancellation benefits, which can be crucial if your trip is interrupted or cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Travel Medical Insurance: This type of insurance specifically covers emergency medical expenses and evacuations while travelling. It does not provide coverage for routine expenses or preventive treatments. Travel medical insurance can be purchased as a stand-alone policy or may be included as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

How to Choose a Travel Insurance Plan:

When choosing a travel insurance plan, consider the following:

• Primary or Secondary Coverage: Primary coverage allows you to submit claims directly to your travel insurance company without having to go through your primary health insurance provider first. Secondary coverage, on the other hand, requires you to submit claims to your primary insurer before submitting to the travel insurance provider.
• Single-Trip or Multi-Trip Coverage: Single-trip coverage is ideal if you travel internationally infrequently. It covers you for a single trip, regardless of the number of countries you visit. Multi-trip coverage, also known as annual coverage, is more suitable for frequent travellers as it covers multiple trips within a specified period, usually a year.
• Coverage Limits and Exclusions: Understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles of the policy. Ensure that the coverage limits are sufficient for your needs and that the policy does not exclude activities or risks that you plan to engage in during your travels.
• Cost of the Policy: The cost of travel insurance varies depending on factors such as the country you are visiting, the state you are from, and the coverage limits you choose. On average, travel insurance costs around 7% of your overall trip cost.

When to Purchase Travel Insurance:

It is recommended to purchase travel insurance anytime before your trip begins. However, keep in mind that some benefits, such as the pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver, may be available if you purchase the policy within a certain timeframe, such as within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Additional Considerations:

• Credit Card Travel Insurance: Some premium travel credit cards may offer limited travel medical insurance coverage. However, the coverage provided by these cards is often lower than that of stand-alone policies. Consider your needs and whether purchasing a separate travel insurance policy is necessary.
• Long-Term Travel Insurance for Expats: If you are an expat or plan to live and work abroad for an extended period, consider a long-term international travel health insurance plan. These plans offer coverage for routine medical care and have higher limits than standard travel medical insurance policies.

Remember to carefully review the terms, conditions, and exclusions of any travel insurance policy before purchasing to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides adequate coverage for your trip.

Frequently asked questions