Whatever your plans, this is a very exciting time for you. You’re about to experience a whole new side of life that will help you to grow and flourish as a person. So, how can you make your long-term trip a success?

In this article, we offer a few handy tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.

 

1. Look for Tips and Advice

Do you know anyone who has lived or travelled extensively in this particular part of the world before? Don’t be afraid to pick their brains. They’ll probably be keen to impart the knowledge they picked up. It’s also a good idea to look at travel guides and search the internet for advice from tourist boards and other official sources. You might find a few exciting tips or recommendations that you wouldn’t otherwise have come across.

 

2. Take Time to Plan Your Trip 

Try to come up with a flexible itinerary covering a good portion of your trip before you set off. Include alternative routes and additional accommodation options in case you become stranded or in case anything falls through to ensure your safety.

Take your time looking up sights, culinary experiences, customs, practices and events that you won’t find anywhere else and prepare yourself for any restrictions that may be in place on the day. Try to book some accommodation or experiences in advance, and then plan the rest of your trip around those landmarks as you go.

 

3. Ensure Your Financial Stability Throughout

You need to budget for your trip very carefully and how much money you have. This will help determine where you can go, stay and what you can do. Factor in exchange rates and charges when withdrawing or converting funds. Think about emergency contingencies and resources, and consider getting insurance for countries without subsidized healthcare. Look up cheap public transport travelcard options or budget accommodation in order to save money.

It’s also a good idea to sort out any pressing personal finance matters to ease your financial strain before you set off, just so they don’t worsen while you’re gone. You can take out a personal loan in order to get credit card debt under control or manage your cash flow. You can get matched with loan options in less than 60 seconds.

 

4. Get to Grips with Language and Customs

Try to make sure you can communicate and get along with the residents of your destinations as effectively as possible. This will make your whole journey much easier and less stressful. Try to learn at least a few basic words and phrases in every language you’re likely to come across. “Please”, “thank you”, “where”, “how much”, “yes”, “no”, “food”, “toilet” and “help” are among the most important.

You should also look into local customs, from religious traditions to approaches to hygiene (for example, in Japan, you’re usually expected to take your shoes off before entering almost any building). This way, you won’t offend anyone and making friends will be easy. As a result, the people you come across may be more likely to recommend some of their favorite places or to offer you assistance.

 

5. Prepare for Emergencies

Arrange emergency contacts and look up how quickly and easily you’ll be able to get back home if required. Consider setting up numerous financial sources, including keeping small amounts of money in various locations on your person or in your luggage in case you misplace any or get robbed. Learn basic first aid and find out where to go and who to call if something goes wrong wherever you are. Be sure to get all required inoculations too.

 

Have you ever travelled for a long period? Do you have any recommendations to share? Let us know in the comments section below.