Planning an international trip can be overwhelming, especially when you’re getting ready for an extended stay. Whether you’re going on sabbatical or committing a few months to volunteer work, learning how to prepare for long-term travel is key to a successful trip.
These preparation tips for a long international trip are sure to help you feel confident and capable as you set off on your journey, no matter where you’re headed or how long you’ll be there.
Make an Itinerary
Making an itinerary is key to learning how to prepare for an extended trip because it’ll force you to think about your day-to-day while you’re away. What will your daily, weekly and monthly routine look like in another country? A rough outline will help you figure out what you want from this trip and how much you wish to accomplish.
You should also plan sightseeing, nights out on the town or day trips to the countryside. Include these excursions in your travel itinerary and book reservations well in advance. Just leave a little room for spontaneity in all your planning and prepping. Downtime is a good thing.
Apply for a Visa
You might need a visa to travel between countries depending on where you’re coming from and going to. Many are available upon arrival, but others are required in advance, which means you’ll want to plan ahead. This is vital while COVID-19 remains an additional barrier to most travel plans.
Remember that several places charge Americans a reciprocity fee to enter. Don’t be surprised if Bolivia or Argentina ask for payment when you go through customs.
Pick the Right Season
Remember, prices can triple during high seasons and holidays, so it’s important to pick the right time of year for your trip. This is especially crucial when preparing for an extended stay where food, boarding and transportation can add up.
Make the most of your money by traveling during low or shoulder seasons when tourists are scarce. In doing so, you’ll avoid crowds and high prices, making your trip much more personal and enjoyable.
Look Into Insurance
Unforeseen accidents and mishaps can occur out of the blue. When they do, you’re going to want insurance to help cover the cost of damages. Regardless of how long you’ll be gone, where you’re going or what you’ll be doing, it might be wise to purchase travel and medical insurance.
This type of insurance offers coverage for injuries on foreign soil, and some even cover trip cancellations, lost luggage and emergency evacuations. COVID-19 coverage is also available if you’re going to a country that requires testing or quarantining. Look into different policies to find one that will give you the most peace of mind on your travels.
Store Your Belongings
Perhaps you’re selling your home and leaving it all behind for life on the road. The nomad lifestyle is calling, and you must go! In this case, you’re going to need a place to keep your most treasured belongings.
Odds are you have a family heirloom or some sentimental knick-knacks you simply couldn’t get rid of. If your family lives far away, you’ll have to rent a storage unit to keep your items safe. Choose ones with a temperature-controlled environment, which are best for long-term storage. Most charge a flat monthly rate, so you can easily add it to your budget.
Organize Your Banking
Speaking of budgeting, you must organize your banking before taking off on your grand adventure. Avoid international transaction and ATM fees by applying for a credit card through Discover, Capital One, Bank of America or Chase. Most charge an annual fee. However, if you’ll be overseas for a long period, the overall savings will far outweigh the initial cost.
Remember to notify your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad, too. That way, they don’t deny transactions or withdrawals after you arrive at your destination. Pro tip: Bring some emergency cash just in case they block your account, anyway.
Schedule Your Vaccinations
Many countries now require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter. Others require travelers to receive vaccines against other illnesses like diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis. Moreover, you must get your vaccines within a certain timeframe to enter the country.
For instance, many African nations, including Ghana and the Congo, require incoming travelers to have proof of vaccination for yellow fever. You must get this vaccine at least 10 days before your trip for it to be effective. Visit the World Health Organization’s website for the latest updates on vaccine requirements.
Safe Travels, Countless Memories
The more you can do to prepare for your extended international trip, the more you’ll enjoy it when you finally board the plane and go overseas. The extra planning and prepping might cost a little more time and effort, but the peace of mind you’ll receive in return is priceless. When you don’t have to worry about the details, you can fully immerse yourself in the adventure and make memories to last a lifetime.