Heading off on a long-term adventure is an exciting way of expanding your horizons and forging new memories that last a lifetime. However, just like with any monumental moment in your life, there are right ways and wrong ways of doing this so today we’re going to give you five tips to help you on your way.
Research, research, research…. yawn!
An obvious one we know, but if you REALLY want to get the best out of your trip, this is what you need to do… in spades!
- Take a look at YouTube stories for others who have visited the area;
- Learn the basics of the local language;
- Look up local customs and traditions;
- Find out about local market days and festival events;
- Visit your library and read a few guide books; and
- Set up a ‘Travel’ board on Pinterest and start visually collecting your ideas in one place.
The more you know about a place before you visit, the more likely you will find those hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track treasures that will make the best travel-logs on Instagram or in Facebook Live!
Plan where you’re going
Part of the research stage includes working out where you want to head during your trip and marking it out on a map, then listing what you want to visit in each area. Naturally, you don’t have to stick to this plan religiously (that’s not the point) but it will help make things easier for you to have a rough guide of where you want to go and when.
Use online planning tools like Planapple to craft a rough idea of where you want to go and what you intend to do. This should help you when you rock up on day one. It’ll provide a grounding for the rest of your time away.
Get packing right
Don’t take too much, but also don’t take too little. Simple, right? Hmmm, unfortunately not! Try to find the perfect balance when it comes to the items you’re taking with you. While there are a number of essentials you can’t really afford to leave behind, there is also a heap of items you can definitely forget about.
1Cover provide a list of items which some people think are a requirement, but in reality are totally pointless. Some of the top names on this undesirable list include:
- Excess toiletries
- Rain macs
- A clock (just use your phone)
Don’t go too heavy on the good times… at the start!
It might seem tempting to get jolly every night for the first few evenings you’re away, but after a while, this will take a serious toll on your body, mind and wallet, and could even make you vulnerable. Speaking from experience, the key it to take it easy and keep your wits about you!
Find a way to usefully occupy your free time on the road
Lastly, but just as importantly, it’s good to find a way to occupy your free time when you have less to get involved with. Wisebread has a list of 35 ways you can spend your downtime, with some of the best suggestions including:
- Writing (maybe a travel blog)
- Exercise
- Paint and draw
- Learn an instrument
- Make some money on the road by embracing the nomadic lifestyle of camping and travelling
- Read those books you’ve had (unread) on your Kindle for the past year
Got better tips for long-term travel? Well, prove it then! Write them in the comments below! 🙂
