Touring the World:
Preparing for a Long Trip
Touring the world continues to be one of the most popular choices among young people around the world. Since ancient times, human beings have not stopped moving from one place to another for various purposes. Whether for work or pleasure, all kinds of travel are booming now more than ever due to technological advancements and the globalization trend, making going abroad easier than ever before.
Many people have a desire to travel the world after they graduate from university. But most of them can hardly explore exotic destinations because of work or family affairs. Eventually, you might want to explore this passion for touring to exploring new places. Know how you can plan for your trip in detail so that you can make your dream come true.
Create a Budget
The first thing to consider is the budget. If you’ll be on a month-long trip, make sure the money you have for this journey will cover your expenses from your daily meals, lodging, transportation, and pocket money for activities that are not budget friendly. This also means it’s time to say goodbye to pricey hotel stays and dinners in fine dining restaurants. Even shopping sprees should be controlled when traveling for an extended period.
To get around spending restrictions, try cooking your own food or even rooming with fellow travelers who share the same mindset about how they want to spend their cash while away. Maybe you can try eating at local establishments, participate in free activities, or meet up with locals who can show you around for free.
Don’t Carry Cash with You
As much as possible when you’re on the road, do not carry large sums of money. It should only be enough to get by each day. Use your ATM card to access cash instead. To avoid losing cards or running into problems that need immediate attention, inform them about your trip and use banks that allow withdrawals anywhere in the world (without charging hefty fees).
Let Your Family Know Where You Are
Also, notify family and friends of this travel plan, so they won’t panic if they don’t hear from you right away after hearing news of a plane crash or terrorist attack somewhere in the world. You can let them know about places where it is safe to travel and also about the route you’ll be taking, so they can contact authorities in case of an emergency.
Make a Travel Itinerary
As much as possible, make a travel itinerary and plan it well. This is not only to maximize your trip to avoid getting lost but also to save time and money by avoiding common mistakes – like showing up at places that close early – and to help you know where to eat or sleep safely.
You can search online for accommodation deals near major tourist attractions in the city (using websites such as Groupon, for example) rather than splurging on expensive hotels. You can book tours through the social media pages of tourism boards. You can even register before arriving at the airport on web pages dedicated to this purpose so that airlines can be on the lookout if something happens while traveling.
Never Ask Strangers for Information
You must avoid some places, especially while you’re lost, like seedy bars and clubs, red-light districts, or any site like these. You should always remember that criminals are on the prowl for tourist targets. So never ask strangers (especially if they seem shady) about landmarks near your vicinity. Avoid them altogether, instead.
Bring What You Might Need
It’s important to be aware of the things that will make your life easier while traveling. Whether you’re going for a day trip or an extended one, it is necessary to prepare by bringing certain items in your bag. This way, you’ll be ready no matter what happens.
First, bring extra batteries. If you use digital cameras or mobile phones with GPS modules, these devices can quickly eat up battery juice. So always carry spare ones. Though most smartphones today feature built-in power backups (like the iPhone that can last up to 24 hours), don’t take this for granted and keep at least two fully charged extras on hand in case.
Don’t hesitate to bring extra clothes, packed food, and other gadgets with you. For instance, if you’re in UAE, you can always use a balikbayan box to send your things back to your home so that you won’t have to carry all of them with you. Include goodies for your family, too.
Be Cautious About Belongings
One of the worst nightmares when traveling is being pick-pocketed in a crammed bus or train, which can be challenging to escape from. So it’s best to carry an empty bag or purse when taking these modes of transportation.
These are just some things you need to consider when traveling for a month or longer, but don’t let this stop you from your long-awaited trip. Follow these tips for safe and enjoyable travels.
