Exploring The World: What Are My Chances?

Traveling the world is a dream for many, but what are the chances of making it a reality? It depends on many factors, from personal finances and income to age, health, and lifestyle choices. Economic factors play a significant role, with higher-income countries reporting much higher rates of international travel. For instance, Sweden and the Netherlands, two of the richest nations, have nearly all their respondents traveling abroad. In contrast, very few people from countries with lower GDP per capita, such as Nigeria, India, and Indonesia, venture out of their country.

However, it's not just about the money. Other factors, such as age and health, can influence one's ability to travel the world. Seizing the opportunity to explore the globe while one is still young and energetic is essential, as age can bring health issues that may hinder adventurous travels. Technology has also made it easier than ever to work remotely and fund travels, with remote work becoming more accepted post-pandemic.

Planning is crucial to turning travel dreams into reality. Creating a bucket list of dream destinations, saving up, researching transportation and accommodation options, and understanding cultural differences are all part of the process. Additionally, one must be prepared for challenges like language barriers, noise, smells, and the environmental impact of tourism.

Traveling the world offers invaluable experiences and benefits, including gaining knowledge about history, culture, and languages, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and developing a broader perspective and appreciation for life. It can be a rewarding and life-changing adventure, but it requires careful planning and consideration of one's circumstances and resources.

Planning and budgeting

Choose Your Travel Style

The first step is to decide on your travel style and goals. Do you want to travel with a backpack and stay in hostels, or do you prefer more comfortable accommodation? Are you interested in house-sitting or pet-sitting your way around the world? Determining your travel style will help you create the right plan, do the necessary research, and budget accordingly.

Craft Your Dream Destination List

Once you have an idea of your travel style, it's time to create a bucket list of dream destinations. This will fuel your passion and motivation for making your world travel dreams a reality. By envisioning the incredible experiences that await you, you'll be more driven to navigate the planning and preparation process.

Start Saving and Researching

It is wise to have some savings before embarking on your trip, especially if you don't already have a steady income. A good rule of thumb is to have at least six months' worth of savings to cover any unexpected expenses. Additionally, research the costs of living in your desired destinations, including accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. This will help you create a more accurate budget.

Book Your Travel and Accommodation

When it comes to booking your travel and accommodation, there are a few strategies to consider. If you prefer more flexibility, you may want to book only your first flight and one night's accommodation, allowing you to make changes as you go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured itinerary, you may want to book all your flights and accommodation in advance.

Consider Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any trip, but especially for a trip around the world. Make sure to research and compare different travel insurance policies to find the one that best suits your needs.

Manage Your Food Options

Managing your food options while travelling is crucial, especially if you have any dietary restrictions or food sensitivities. Eating local food and street food can be a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the local culture. However, always use common sense and do your research to avoid any food-related illnesses.

Stay Safe and Informed

Safety should always be a top priority when travelling. Research your destinations thoroughly, including local laws, customs, and any areas to avoid. Stay in local guesthouses or hostels to meet fellow travellers who can provide insights and advice. Use common sense, keep your belongings close, and try not to stand out as a tourist.

By following these steps and creating a detailed plan and budget, you can make your dream of travelling the world a reality.

Choosing a travel style

• Think of travel like dating: Just as it takes time to figure out the type of companion that suits your personality, you need to get out and travel to discover your preferred travel style. Try different options like cruising, food tours, or independent travel, and see what works best for you.
• Don't just follow guidebooks: Don't feel obliged to see the typical tourist attractions. Instead, do things that interest you and that you will truly enjoy. For example, instead of visiting the Sistine Chapel in Rome, you could learn to make macarons or blend your own Cognac.
• Find a travel blog that fits your personality: Follow travel blogs that resonate with your interests and personality. This can give you trip ideas and help you plan your travels. For instance, if you're into food and coffee, follow Rachelle at The Travel Bite.
• Explore locally: You don't always need to travel far to discover your travel style. Attend a local festival, try a new restaurant, or go on a hike nearby. You might discover new interests that you can pursue during your travels.
• Make memorable experiences: Ultimately, your travels should create lasting memories. Whether you travel on a budget or in luxury, solo or with friends, independently or on a guided tour, ensure that you go home with memories that will last a lifetime.
• Cruising: Cruising offers convenience, a mix of relaxation and activities, and the opportunity to meet new people. However, it may not be ideal if you prefer to explore destinations in depth and have control over your itinerary.
• All-inclusive resorts: All-inclusive vacations provide relaxation, a mix of activities, and the convenience of having everything in one place. However, they may not be ideal if you prefer educational or culturally immersive experiences.
• Coach tours: Coach tours offer worry-free vacations with minimal planning, the opportunity to meet new people, and the comfort of having transportation, accommodations, and most meals taken care of. However, they may not suit those who prefer to set their own itinerary and spend more time in each destination.
• Independent travel: Independent travel offers freedom, flexibility, and the ability to set your own itinerary. However, it requires more planning and organization, and you may need to invest time in making travel arrangements.

Dealing with homesickness

It is completely normal to feel homesick when travelling. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as missing the comforts of home, family, or your routine. It can also be caused by culture shock and not feeling comfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

Accept your feelings

The first step to dealing with homesickness is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. Recognise that it is normal and okay to miss home. Ask yourself why you are feeling homesick and what you are homesick for. This will help you identify the specific triggers and work towards addressing them.

Reach out to others

Take advantage of technology to stay connected with your loved ones back home. Call, message, or video chat with your family and friends to catch up and confide in them about your feelings. However, be cautious when using social media, as constantly seeing what your friends are doing back home can make your homesickness worse and make you feel like you are missing out.

Make new friends

Meeting new people and making friends can help take your mind off homesickness. Join group tours, stay in hostels, or participate in activities such as local sports clubs, activity groups, or online communities like MeetUp to meet people with similar interests.

Create a comfortable space

Try to make your new living space feel like home. Bring photos, decorations, or small items that remind you of home. Invest in some comfortable amenities, such as a fluffy blanket or your favourite snacks, to create a cosy and familiar environment.

Establish a routine

Create a daily routine to bring a sense of normalcy to your life while travelling. This can include simple things such as eating at the same cafes, maintaining a sleep schedule, or socialising with the same group of people. Having a routine can help reduce the sense of uncertainty and provide a sense of stability.

Take care of yourself

Prioritise self-care when dealing with homesickness. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Engage in activities that make you happy, such as watching your favourite comfort shows, reading a book, or listening to uplifting music.

Indulge in familiar comforts

Bring a piece of home with you by indulging in familiar comforts. This could be enjoying your favourite local snacks, watching movies or shows from home, or listening to a radio station or music playlist that reminds you of home. Ask your friends or family to send you a care package with items that remind you of home.

Stay busy and explore

Keep yourself occupied by exploring your new surroundings. Visit tourist sites, try new experiences, or engage in social activities. Staying busy will help take your mind off homesickness and allow you to create new, positive memories.

Remember that homesickness is a common and natural response to being away from home. Be patient with yourself and know that it is possible to manage and overcome these feelings.

Learning about the local culture

Travelling the world is a dream for many, and it is more achievable than you might think. Planning for such a big life change can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, you can turn your travel dreams into a reality. Here are some tips for learning about the local culture while travelling the world.

Research Local Customs and Traditions

Before you embark on your trip, it is important to research the local customs and traditions of your destination. Every country has its own set of customs and traditions that are integral to daily life. Learning about these in advance will help you navigate social interactions and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. For example, it is considered disrespectful to not remove your shoes before entering a building in many Asian countries, while failing to tip waiters and bartenders is seen as rude in the USA and Canada. Understanding these nuances will not only help you blend in with the locals but also show that you respect their culture.

Learn the Language

Learning a new language can be challenging, but picking up some basic phrases and words can greatly enhance your travel experience. While English is widely spoken, assuming that everyone speaks English can lead to communication barriers. Learning simple words and phrases like "hello", "please", and "thank you" can go a long way. Additionally, knowing how to ask "do you speak English?" or "I don't speak [local language]" can be helpful in navigating conversations. Locals will surely appreciate your efforts and may be more willing to engage with you.

Venture Beyond Tourist Attractions

While tourist attractions are popular for a reason, venturing off the beaten path can provide a more authentic and enriching cultural experience. By exploring areas unknown to tourists, you will discover hidden gems and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. Speaking the local language or seeking recommendations from locals can help you find these special spots. This approach allows you to connect with the local community and see the country from a different perspective.

Indulge in Local Food and Drink

Food and drink are integral parts of any culture, and indulging in the local cuisine is a sensory way to immerse yourself in the cultural experience. Think of countries like Italy, Japan, and India, renowned for their delicious and diverse local cuisines. By eating and drinking what the locals do, you are quite literally getting a taste of their culture. Whether it's tea from the mountains of China or tequila from Mexico, these culinary adventures will create lasting memories.

Explore the Landscape

Exploring the local landscape is about more than just taking pictures; it's about experiencing the land as the locals do. Get outdoors and participate in activities that locals enjoy. If you're in a winter destination, try skiing, ice skating, or even just a walk in the snow. In summer locations, surfing, paddle-boarding, and swimming might be the go-to activities. Hiking, camping, and other nature-based pursuits can also provide a deeper connection to the local environment and how locals spend their free time.

Take Public Transport

Instead of relying on taxis, join the locals on trains, buses, metros, and trams. Using public transport is a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the everyday life of the country. It provides an opportunity to people-watch and observe how locals of all ages go about their daily routines. You may even blend in enough to feel like a local yourself!

Engage in the Arts

Art, in all its forms, is a window into the soul of a culture. By engaging with the arts, you can gain a deeper understanding of the local community's emotions, values, and history. This includes visual arts such as paintings, sculptures, architecture, and street art, as well as performing arts like music, dance, theatre, and film. Attending local concerts, festivals, and other cultural events can provide a unique perspective on the local culture and how it is expressed and celebrated.

Reducing your environmental impact

Travelling the world is a dream for many, and it is easier than ever before to make this dream a reality. However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of your travels. Here are some ways to reduce your carbon footprint while exploring the globe:

Choose Sustainable Transportation

Air travel is one of the most convenient ways to get around, but it is also one of the most carbon-intensive. To reduce your carbon footprint, opt for alternative modes of transportation whenever possible. This could include driving, taking a bus or train, or even riding a bicycle. If you do need to fly, consider purchasing carbon offsets to invest in environmental projects and always try to fly direct, as taking off and landing are the most carbon-intensive parts of a flight.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

When choosing a place to stay, look for eco-friendly and sustainable options. These could include green-certified hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs that utilize renewable energy sources, recycling initiatives, and eco-friendly cleaning products. Treat your lodging like your own home by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and adjusting the thermostat to save energy.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Single-use plastics and disposable items are convenient when travelling, but they create a lot of waste. Instead, bring your own reusable items such as water bottles, utensils, straws, coffee mugs, and shopping bags. Be mindful of your water and electricity usage, and always dispose of your waste properly.

Support Local and Sustainable Businesses

When booking tours and activities, choose eco-friendly and responsible operators that prioritize the environment and local communities. Avoid businesses that promote unethical practices, such as wildlife tourism that keeps animals in cages or allows tourists to touch or ride them. Opt for experiences that allow you to observe animals in their natural environment, and always research the impact of the activities on the local ecosystem.

Sustainable Food Choices

Eating local food is a great way to experience the culture of a place, but not all local dishes are sustainable. Avoid dishes that include endangered species, such as whale meat, and opt for plant-based meals whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint. Support local farmers and choose organically farmed, locally sourced, and seasonally appropriate foods. Bring your own containers for takeaway meals, and refuse single-use plastic bottles.

By following these tips, you can reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying the freedom and excitement of world travel.

Frequently asked questions