World travel is an opportunity to discover new cultures, learn a different language and gain unique educational insights. It requires planning, frugality and an independent spirit. By following some tips both before and during your trip, you can make the most of this enriching experience.
1. Plan well ahead of time.
Whether you’re saving to pay for your entire trip or simply supplementing an existing savings account, it’s important to have a plan in place. Start with a list of countries you want to visit and figure out how long you can stay in each one. Then add up all the cost of your accommodation, transport and activities to get an estimate of your total spending. Then work out what other aspects of your trip you can cut back on to save money. For example, if you’re going to be staying in hostels, consider booking private rooms instead of dorm rooms as the prices will be much more reasonable. Also, avoid eating in tourist-focused restaurants as they’ll be overpriced – look for local eateries that aren’t obviously catering to tourists.
2. Know how to stay safe.
Before you head out to your next destination, take some time to research the history and current events of the country (or countries) you’ll be visiting. This will help you be aware of any cultural customs to observe or conflicting ideologies to watch out for, as well as any areas that might be dangerous to visit. This will help you have a safer and more enjoyable trip!
3. Keep an open mind.
The challenges and experiences that travel presents will teach you about yourself in a way that’s difficult to match at home. It’s not uncommon to go home from a trip feeling like you have become an entirely different person in the process! This is a good thing, as it shows that you’ve been able to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
4. Pack light.
Keeping your luggage to a minimum will reduce the overall cost of your trip. This means that you can spend more of your money on fun things like exploring the local cuisine! This is especially important if you’re traveling to multiple destinations with differing climates. Invest in some lightweight clothes that can be layered and packed into layers as needed, as well as some versatile footwear and accessories that will go with almost any outfit.
5. Prioritize quality over quantity.
Many travelers try to cram too much into their trips, meaning that they only scratch the surface of each location and end up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. While it’s important to have some goals and expectations for your trip, it’s also crucial to prioritize the quality of each destination. It will be far more rewarding to thoroughly explore a few locations than it is to hurriedly scratch the surface of many destinations.
Ready to get started on your next big adventure? Check out our Around the World itineraries, or contact us to start planning your dream trip today!