World travel is the act of moving between distant geographical locations. This can be done by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane or ship and may be one way or round trip. World travel can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful planning and frugality. Without these traits, travelers can find themselves in over their heads. By following these tips, however, they can ensure a successful and enjoyable international adventure.
First, make sure you understand how long you want to travel for. This is important because the length of your trip will dramatically impact your budget and how you plan for it. Additionally, you should consider your job and whether or not it is possible to continue working while you are away. Finally, you should also consider how much time you want to spend in each location and what the maximum amount of money you are willing to spend on each leg of your trip is.
Once you know how long you want to travel for, start making a list of the places you would like to visit. This can be done by writing down every country, city or landmark that you have ever wanted to see and adding experiences, such as road tripping to the Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia or scuba diving in Thailand. Then, research your destinations and narrow down your list based on price and the availability of accommodations and other things you are looking for in a destination.
Next, make a budget and figure out how you are going to fund your trip. This will likely involve saving up for months or even years before your departure date and working extra hours during that time. It is also a good idea to consult with a travel agent who can help you with your budget and give you suggestions on how to save money while traveling.
Finally, prepare for the unexpected and be flexible. No matter how careful you are, there is a good chance that at some point during your trip, you will have an issue that takes you out of your planned itinerary. This could be anything from getting lost to being scammed or contracting food poisoning. Accepting that this is part of travel and not being upset when it happens will make your trip more enjoyable.
Last but not least, enjoy your travels! It is an amazing privilege to be able to explore the world, and seeing it will teach you lessons that no classroom could. Be open and willing to all the challenges and opportunities that travel presents, and you will come home a better person for it. And that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it? -Anthony Bourdain, Parts Unknown