Your Checklist for Planning a Long-Term Travel
When thinking of travelling for a couple of months, it can get daunting trying to plan for it. Perhaps, you want to visit a few countries and some world-famous sights or just have a serious case of wanderlust. Either way, you’ll be able to save a lot of time and money if you spend ample time planning.
A Year Before
- Start Researching
This is one of the fun parts of planning for a trip. Read blogs, guidebooks and scour the internet for inspiration. While you don’t need to have a concrete plan yet, you should start making a must-do list.
- Estimate Trip Cost
Based on the length of the trip and the activities you will be doing, come up with an estimate total cost. Consider the flight tickets, transportations, accommodations, food and tours.
- Create a Budget and Plan How to Make Extra Income
Based on the estimated cost of your trip, create a daily budget on how much you should save. Cut out unnecessary expenditures and look for ways to make extra money, such as selling unused clothes, accessories and other knick knacks that are still in good condition.
Six to 12 Months Before
- Start Necessary Immunizations
Visit your doctor during this time to discuss your plans and seek advice for immunizations. It’s important to do this early as some vaccines require multiple shots with days or weeks intervals.
- Secure Your Passport
If you don’t have passport yet, now is the time to apply for one. If you already have, ensure that its validity will last for the entirety of the trip.
Three to Six Months Before
- Book Your Flights
Check your must-do lists and look for the different flights available for your route. If you’re flexible with the travel dates, it’s easier to save money from flights. Check different airlines, airports and booking sites for cheaper airfare.
- Get a Visa
Research if your destinations require visas. You don’t want to get stuck in the airport, cancel plans and waste a flight because your next destination requires a visa, which you don’t have.
One to Two Months Before
- Take Care of the Cancellation of Contracts
Since you’ll be gone for months, start scheduling cancellations of contracts such as your gym membership, home internet connection and mobile plans. Remember, you need an early notice to minimize hefty cancellation fees.
- Shop for Appropriate Gears
Depending on the activities you’ll be doing, you need to bring the necessary gear. Go shopping and look for sales to save money.
One Week Before
- Start Packing
Now is the time to pack. Start early and it won’t be stressful to stay organized.
- Scan Your Documents
Scan your visa, passport, some valid IDs and other important travel documents. Save it in a flash drive and have it with you anywhere. In case you lose the original documents, the scanned copies are your life saver.
On the Day
- Go to the Airport Hours Early
Consider the check-in and security lines, as well as the immigration. You need ample time to get through these gates. Avoid the stress and get to the airport three to four hours early.
Get on that plane and go! You’ve planned for it long enough. Enjoy and savour every minute of that well-deserved vacation.