If you dream of planning the trip of a lifetime but are unsure where to start, then it can be tricky to know exactly just how to plan for several months away on the road. Whether you want to trek through the jungle, visit the Antarctic or even explore the Sahara desert, you will need to make sure that you have your injections in order, have taken out health insurance and pack the right tech and clothing to keep you protected and prepared for anything while you are away. If you are keen to plan your next trip, then it is vital that you start getting ready several months before you even leave the country.
Start planning
If you are looking to have a trip that you will never forget, then it is essential you get planning and preparing from the comfort of your own home. Make sure that you research any destinations that are of interest, and if you are planning to visit any locations during high season, then it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance to avoid being disappointed. If you’re hoping to trek, Trek and Travel can provide advice on the best places to hike, such as the famous Patagonia Trek many travelers wish to conquer.
Make sure that you if you planning to undertake hiking or any extreme sports that you consider whether you want to pack your own kit, or feel assured hiring or borrowing items. Some travelers prefer to use their own items; if you wish to do the same, then make sure to consider the size of your bag and how to distribute the weight accordingly.
The world is a very big place, so be sure to remain realistic as to how many locations you can visit during the time that you are going to be away. You will also want to plan just how much you are going to spend on your trip – remember Asia or Latin America will have less of a dent on your bank balance, while if you want to spend more time in Australia or the USA, you may want to increase your budget.
Prices and priorities
When you are getting your finances in order, you will need to sit down and work out how prepared you are to prioritize while away. If you are keen to visit Angkor Wat or Machu Picchu, then you may need to cut back on your outgoings at a different point in your trip. The same applies for your overall transport costs also. If you are looking to cram in even more destinations while you are on the road, then you will need to consider your travel costs. Remember that moving around and internal flights, or long distance buses, will eat into your expenditure. So, be sure to remain realistic and prioritize just how many places that you want to visit along the way.
Finally, you will also want to ensure that you make a rough budget to stick to on a daily basis. Try and stay in accommodation that offers breakfast within the price, therefore, you need only worry about your other meals and snacks during the day. In developing countries, allow for a few dollars to cover your main meals, but make sure that you have a buffer so you can splash out and enjoy a slap up meal on the odd occasion.
Visas and vaccinations
If you are heading anywhere exotic, then you will need to make sure that you schedule a visit to your local travel clinic or the doctors to ensure that your vaccinations are all up to date. Remember it is far better to be safe than sorry, so be sure to have all of your vaccinations to make sure that you are protected from dangerous diseases and infections. While this can be a large expense before you have even left home, it is worth including this step in your preparations. Not to mention, many countries even require you to have certain vaccinations before you can enter, such as Yellow Fever.
You should also carry a first aid kit in your pack, allowing you to deal with any scrapes or sprains that you suffer on your trip. The same rule applies for getting your visas and entry documents ready. Be sure to carry photocopies of all of your essential travel papers, and make sure that you have copies of your insurance documents just in case. When it comes to visas, most countries request that you have at least six months left in your passport. So if you do not meet with this requirement, then it is worth getting a new one to avoid any issues or emergencies while you are away from home and enjoying your trip.
Insurance
It is vital that you include your insurance in your overall trip costs, to make sure that you remain safe and protected should anything go wrong. Insurance can cover you from extreme sports to a missed flight; additionally, if you buy a car for your travels, you should make sure you have the right insurance for if the worst was to happen.
Great post! When traveling with your family, it is important to plan ahead. These are great tips.