If you’re planning a trip that will last longer than a few weeks, there are some important things to consider. Packing for an extended trip requires some serious thought and maybe a few extra details. Where can you receive packages? Will you be staying in one place or moving around? Do you already know the local language? With these questions in mind, here are 10 tips for making your next extended journey go smoothly.
Choose Your Destinations Carefully
It’s important to choose your destinations carefully. If you don’t know where you want to go, you’ll end up wasting time and money. Not only that but it can be dangerous as well. Make sure that the destinations you visit are right for you physically and mentally. They should also be safe, affordable, interesting enough so that it doesn’t get boring after a few weeks, and easy to get to and from with public transportation or other means of transportation.
Get to Know at Least one Place Really Well
When you travel long-term, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of places and things that catch your eye. You might find yourself picking up and moving along every time something new catches your attention. But getting to know one place well has some advantages. Familiarity brings comfort when you’re in a new place. You learn about the safest place to explore, and areas you should avoid.
Look For Local Mail Services
Just because you’re on a trip doesn’t mean that you may not need something mailed to you. Secure mailboxes are a great option when you’re traveling away from home for an extended time. People can send you packages and you can even order things online.
Meet Locals Wherever You Are
There are many ways to meet locals in the countries you visit. Ask questions about their culture and make an effort to learn more about it. Showing your interest can go a long way toward building trust, which is key for making new friends. Take an interest in their lives and ask them about their experiences. Ask them to teach you something or show you something that only they know how to do. These tips can go a long way toward helping you get to know the locals.
Travel With a Partner or Friend, if you Can
Traveling with a partner or friend can be one of the best ways to make a trip more enjoyable. Having someone else there who understands what it’s like being away from home will help keep things interesting when things start getting repetitive or monotonous. They can also provide a layer of safety that you wouldn’t have when traveling alone.
Do Some Research Before you Leave
The more you know about the country or region you’re going to visit, the better your experience will be. Researching beforehand will help you understand more about the culture and customs of your destination, which can make it easier for you to adapt when you arrive. It’ll also help prepare you for some of the challenges that may come up during your trip. You should consider things like the language spoken in that country. You’ll want to be prepared for the weather patterns for that area at different times of the year and what food is popular there and how it’s prepared.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
It is inevitable that you will experience some culture shock when traveling abroad. You may be excited about the new country and culture that you are experiencing, but it is important not to get too caught up in the excitement of travel. At some point, you may find yourself feeling homesick, and this is natural.
Keep Your Money and Passport Safe
Keep your money and passport in a safe place. If you’re traveling with just one bag, consider keeping your passport in a zippered pocket of the bag itself, preferably under lock and key. You should also keep a small amount of cash on hand for emergencies in a similar location.
Learn at Least a Few Basic Words in the Local Language
Learning at least some of the local language is a good idea. Even if you don’t plan on staying in one place for very long, it’s worth learning at least a few basic words and phrases. Learning basic greetings and phrases can be done through apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone, or by finding free lessons online,
Take Good Care of Yourself
In order to enjoy your trip and be healthy for a long time, it’s important to take care of yourself. You’ll need to make sure that you are eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Take vitamins and supplements as needed as well.
