Are you eager to embark on a global adventure? With the world gradually reopening to tourism and the growing trend of remote work, many individuals are seeking new destinations to live and work from once borders become more accessible.
There has never been a more opportune moment to start mapping out your dream trip around the world. It took us years of meticulous research and preparation to finally take the plunge into full-time travel. While the world is not quite ready to fully open its doors, why not seize the present and begin planning your escapade, ensuring you're fully prepared to hit the road as soon as the opportunity arises? By commencing your planning endeavors now, you might find yourself boarding a plane by the end of this year or early 2022.
From determining your budget to crafting an enticing itinerary, we are here to assist you in making your world travel aspirations a reality. We have consolidated all our resources into one comprehensive guide, offering you a step-by-step approach to embark on your journey around the globe.
Equipped with the invaluable insights gained from our decade-long experience as full-time travelers and two decades of exploring the world, these comprehensive travel tips will provide you with the necessary tools and resources to kickstart your own global adventures.
We can relate to where you are in your journey right now. Our own desire to explore the world was ignited back in 2000, following a transformative five-week trip to Thailand. However, it took us another three years of careful planning before we embarked on an extended adventure. We understand the challenges and excitement that come with making such a decision.
In 2003, when Toronto was facing the SARS outbreak and our careers in the film industry were at risk, we realized it was time for a change. Little did we know that our love for travel would eventually evolve into a fulfilling career. That year turned out to be the most incredible and rewarding of our lives.
To assist you in your own planning process, we have gathered a wealth of information to share. Whether you're seeking inspiration for future career possibilities or looking to spark new ideas, we have compiled a comprehensive resource of the best travel jobs. It's our way of helping you begin your journey towards a life filled with adventure.
If you have a strong desire to travel, you'll discover that finding extra money is within reach. There are numerous ways to make it happen and also find deals and funds to support your travels.
Consider starting by decluttering and selling any excess belongings on platforms like Kijiji. You'll not only free up space but also generate some extra cash. Additionally, evaluate your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Canceling unnecessary subscriptions, such as those for binge-watching networks, can save you money that can be allocated towards your travel fund.
Furthermore, explore free or low-cost activities that can replace more expensive hobbies. Look for opportunities to engage in activities that align with your interests but don't require a significant financial investment.
By adopting these strategies and maintaining a focused mindset, you'll be surprised at how you can accumulate funds and create opportunities to fulfill your travel aspirations.
During the initial stages of our travel journey, we dedicated a significant amount of time to exploring our local surroundings and developing our adventure skills. We embraced outdoor activities such as camping, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking on nearby trails. Not only did these activities provide us with enriching experiences, but they also helped us acquire valuable skills that would prove useful during our travels.
By immersing ourselves in these low-cost or budget-friendly activities, we were able to save a substantial amount of money. Instead of indulging in expensive vacations, dining out frequently, or spending nights at bars, we prioritized accumulating funds for our travel adventures. This approach allowed us to strike a balance between satisfying our thirst for adventure and channeling resources towards our travel goals.
Engaging in affordable local adventures served as a stepping stone for our broader travel aspirations. It provided us with a solid foundation of skills, experiences, and financial resources, empowering us to confidently embark on our global exploration.
It is truly remarkable how one can maximize their financial resources while traveling and discover innovative ways to make their money stretch further. The key lies in thinking creatively and exploring unconventional approaches.
In the following list, we share valuable travel tips that have enabled us to embark on more affordable journeys. By equipping yourself with the right knowledge, you can leverage travel hacks to secure cheaper flight bookings, accrue rewards, and experience luxury travel within a budget.
Even if you have limited financial resources, there are still ways to make travel a reality. One excellent strategy is to make the most of travel rewards cards. One of the biggest mistakes we made during the initial stages of our travel planning was not signing up for a travel credit card. By utilizing a rewards credit card for your purchases, you can accumulate significant savings for your travels.
Sign up for travel rewards credit cards and get instant bonuses. Cards like American Express offer 50,000 bonus points just for signing up.
As you shop and save for your travels, use those cards to build the points. (but be sure to pay them off each month so you don’t travel with debt)
Check to see what points they cover. American Express lets you move points 1-1 to Star Alliance.
Our biggest piece of advice, is to be loyal to one program. That way you can build points faster for free flights and accommodation.
If you are building piecemeal, you may have a lot of points to different programs with nothing that you can really use. So look into each card and reward program and make sure they all complement each other.
One of the most significant travel hacks we've discovered to keep our living expenses low while on the road is to seek out affordable destinations. It's astonishing how you can live a luxurious lifestyle in countries with lower costs. In Southeast Asia, for example, you can find stunning accommodations at affordable prices, while in certain places in Australia and Europe, even expensive accommodations may not meet your expectations.
If you're wondering how to travel the world on a budget, the key is to prioritize affordable destinations rather than opting for more expensive options. By choosing destinations with lower costs, you can stretch your travel budget and make the most of your experiences.
While overwater bungalows in the Maldives may be a dream for many, opting for affordable guesthouses in destinations like Vietnam or Cambodia can be a smarter choice when it comes to stretching your budget and keeping living expenses low. These countries offer a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations that still provide comfort and convenience without breaking the bank. By choosing more affordable options, you can allocate your funds towards other aspects of your travel, such as immersive experiences, local cuisine, and exploring the vibrant cultures of these destinations. It's all about finding the balance between cost and value to make your travel budget go further.
By thinking outside the box and being open to alternative options, it is indeed possible to find free accommodation while traveling. Several platforms, such as Couchsurfing and Housesitting, offer opportunities to stay with locals or take care of someone's home while they're away. Additionally, working on a farm or volunteering can provide accommodation in exchange for your services.
By combining these free accommodation options with travel jobs, you can potentially travel at no cost and even generate income along the way. While it may require some planning and time to establish such opportunities, it is a viable way to travel on a shoestring budget. Over time, with dedication and effort, you may even be able to generate a steady income from your travels and build savings for your future.
While traveling for completely free may not be realistic, it is possible to offset your travel expenses through work opportunities while on the road. By combining strategies such as finding free accommodation and working remotely or taking up temporary jobs, you can effectively travel on a shoestring budget.
Working while traveling can be achieved through various means. Here are some ideas to consider:
If you're dreaming of traveling but limited by your budget, why not explore travel jobs and discover various ways to get paid while on the go? There are numerous exciting opportunities available to earn money while experiencing new destinations. Here are a few ideas, but be sure to check out our comprehensive article on "Ways to Get Paid to Travel" for even more inspiration.
Do you enjoy interacting with children? Consider becoming an Au Pair, where you can live abroad and provide childcare services. AuPair World is a great platform to begin your search. If you have a medical background, explore opportunities for medical internships abroad or consider joining organizations like Doctors Without Borders, which seek professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, and sanitation specialists.
Take advantage of your skills and put them to work. Remote work is now more accessible than ever. We have hired social media assistants, individuals with website design expertise, and technical support, just to name a few examples.
Traveling the world can be more affordable than you might think, as highlighted by Nomadic Matt in his book "Travel the World on $50 a Day." However, the cost of your trip also depends on the type of experiences you desire. Relaxing on a beach in Vietnam can be done on a minimal budget, while engaging in epic adventures may require more financial resources. It's important to allocate a budget for those unforgettable and awe-inspiring experiences during your travels.
For those in the planning stages, the website Budget Your Trip is a valuable resource as it provides country-by-country information to help you determine and plan your budget accordingly.
When estimating how much you will spend while traveling the world, it is important to take the following factors into consideration:
When traveling in Southeast Asia, following the recommendations from Nomadic Matt's book, you can aim to spend around $50 per person per day.
For those seeking more luxurious accommodations on a budget, Southeast Asia offers a good opportunity. In Thailand, for example, we were able to stay at the beautiful Royal Orchid Sheraton for less than $100 per night, which translated to $50 per person per night.
However, it's important to note that Southeast Asia also offers high-end, expensive hotels, so thorough research is necessary to find budget-friendly options.
In Europe and Australia, budget travel typically requires a daily budget of at least $125 to $150 per person.
New Zealand offers affordable travel options, although adventures and activities can be expensive, ranging from $100 to $250 NZD per person. For budget-conscious travelers, options like the Flying Kiwi tour, which includes camping accommodations and meals, provide a cost-effective way to explore the country at approximately $115 per person per day.
Eastern Europe is generally more budget-friendly than Western Europe, with daily expenses ranging from $50 to $75 per person. Great apartment rentals can be found for less than €50 Euro per night.
Africa and South America also offer affordable travel opportunities, typically ranging from $50 to $100 per day per person.
Dave and I have often faced challenges when it comes to food during our travels. We used to rely heavily on eating out, but we've discovered that a more budget-friendly approach is to explore local eateries by going for a walk and finding busy restaurants frequented by locals. We tend to avoid relying solely on restaurants recommended in guidebooks and travel apps and instead opt for local spots.
Another helpful tip is to book accommodations with kitchen facilities. This allows us to prepare and enjoy the majority of our meals at home. By having breakfast in our room and packing a lunch, we've been able to save a significant amount of money.
Additionally, when the opportunity arises, we pack a picnic lunch and take advantage of the beautiful scenery in our destination while enjoying our meal. This not only offers cost savings but also allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the local surroundings.
One valuable travel tip we highly recommend is to consider hiring local guides upon arrival at your destination, rather than booking tours in advance.
While online platforms like Get Your Guide offer convenience, opting for local guides can offer several advantages, including cost savings and a more authentic experience. By hiring guides directly from the local community, you can often enjoy personalized tours and insights at a fraction of the price compared to pre-booked tours. It allows for a deeper connection with the local culture and an opportunity to support the local economy.
So, when planning your travel activities, consider exploring the option of hiring local guides at your destination for an enriching and budget-friendly experience.
Free walking tours are a fantastic option available in almost every city worldwide, providing an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with a new place. These tours not only allow you to gain valuable insights about the city's history, culture, and landmarks but also help you save a significant amount of money.
Typically, free walking tours are conducted by knowledgeable local guides who share their expertise and passion for the city. At the end of the tour, it is customary to show appreciation by offering a tip for the service provided. Usually, a tip of around $5 to $10 is considered appropriate.
By participating in these free walking tours, you can acquire a wealth of information, explore the city's highlights, and engage with fellow travelers, all while keeping your expenses in check. It's an excellent way to maximize your travel experience while staying within your budget.
Indeed, taking your time to explore a destination can enhance your travel experience and also help you save money. When you move frequently from place to place, the costs associated with transportation, accommodation, and dining out tend to add up. By staying in one place for an extended period, you can establish a deeper connection with the location and its people.
For solo travelers, immersing yourself in a destination for a longer duration offers the opportunity to build meaningful connections and forge friendships with locals and fellow travelers alike. These connections can enrich your travel experience, provide valuable insights into the culture, and create lasting memories.
Furthermore, staying in one place for a couple of weeks allows you to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities. You can often negotiate better rates for accommodations or find discounted long-term rental options. Additionally, you have the chance to explore local markets, cook your own meals, and engage in activities that offer a more authentic and affordable experience.
By embracing a slower pace of travel and extending your stay in a particular destination, you not only have the chance to save money but also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the place you're visiting.
When arranging your travel arrangements, it's important to conduct thorough research. Utilizing reliable flight comparison tools like Skyscanner can assist you in finding the most cost-effective flights, helping you save money on your airfare.
Another way to save on your travel budget is by considering overnight bus or train journeys. Not only can this option save you the cost of one night's accommodation, but it can also add an element of adventure to your trip. Embracing overnight travel allows you to make the most of your time and budget while creating memorable experiences along the way.
When it comes to accommodations, don't limit yourself to booking hotel rooms online. Instead, embrace your creativity and explore alternative options. By thinking outside the box, you can discover numerous ways to save money on your lodging.
The most favorable accommodations we have discovered are often found upon arrival at the destination, where we seek out locally run budget guesthouses or B&Bs. By being resourceful and allowing ample time for exploration, you can make your travel budget go a long way.
Once you have saved up for about a year and have determined your daily budget for the type of travel you desire, it's time to begin the planning process.
It is important to consider the type of luggage you use when planning your travel. Many people tend to overpack, and we ourselves have made that mistake in the past.
For instance, when we traveled through Central America, we carried all our scuba diving gear with us, which made our journey quite burdensome. Similarly, lugging around large suitcases in Europe proved to be a challenge while navigating the metro system.
To avoid these pitfalls, it is recommended to pack light and opt for a backpack or a more convenient bag that can be easily carried on your shoulders, especially in places with stairs or uneven terrain.
We personally prefer backpacks for extended travel as they allow for greater mobility and leave your hands free when rushing to catch trains or buses.
When planning your travel across the world, it's important to consider your preferred style of travel. Ask yourself whether you prefer more organized tours or a completely independent experience. Some people even opt for year-long cruises to explore different destinations.
Another factor to consider is the level of luxury you desire. Are you comfortable with budget accommodations, or do you prefer a more luxurious approach? This decision will impact your overall travel expenses.
If you plan on staying in one place for an extended period, such as house sitting or renting an apartment for months, you may find it more convenient to pack a suitcase since you won't be constantly on the move.
On the other hand, if you anticipate frequent changes in locations and rely on buses, trains, and flights, a backpack becomes essential. With a backpack, you won't have to worry about navigating stairs, curbs, or doors. Additionally, smaller planes often have restrictions on luggage size and weight, making a soft and durable backpack the ideal choice.
Consider your travel preferences and the practicalities of your chosen mode of transportation to determine the most suitable type of luggage for your journey.
If you're planning an extended trip ranging from 6 months to a year, it is crucial to ensure that your documents are well-prepared. Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements for the countries you intend to visit, determine the validity period your passport should have, and be aware of any mandatory vaccinations.
COVID vaccines are likely to become a requirement for future travel, but it's worth noting that certain destinations already mandate specific vaccines for entry. For instance, certain countries in Africa require travelers to have a Yellow Fever vaccine before arrival. To determine the specific vaccines needed for your travel plans, it is advisable to visit a travel clinic and consult with a doctor who can provide you with the necessary information.
Ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip, as many countries require this for entry. It's also essential to research visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit, as you cannot simply cross borders without the necessary paperwork. Check if you can obtain visas in advance or on arrival for your desired destinations.
Since you will be embarking on an extended trip, you'll have the opportunity to apply for visas at your destination, which may require spending additional time in one place while waiting for visa processing. The approach you choose will depend on how well you plan your schedule.
Obtaining visas in advance can limit the flexibility of your itinerary, as visas have specific entry and exit dates that must be adhered to. This means you need to plan your schedule and route beforehand. For example, during our travels in Southeast Asia, if we found a place we enjoyed, we visited the embassy in Bangkok to apply for a visa to Vietnam.
For our journey through Africa, Eastern Europe, and Mongolia, we opted to obtain our visas in advance. This decision imposed restrictions on the duration of our stay in each country since we had to reach each border by a specific date. However, this approach was necessary as obtaining visas along the way could be challenging.
If you require assistance with visa bookings, The Visa Machine is a reliable service to consider.
Travel insurance has become increasingly crucial and is something we never embark on a trip without. We can personally vouch for its value, as it has saved us significant amounts of money, particularly in situations like being airlifted from the Amazon, where our worst fears materialized.
It's important to secure comprehensive coverage that includes medical evacuation and COVID-19 coverage. Even if you consider yourself to be in excellent health, unforeseen events can occur.
Our top advice is to reach out to the insurance company directly and pose specific questions to them. Inform them of any pre-existing conditions that could potentially affect your coverage and inquire about the inclusion of certain activities. Keep in mind that certain activities such as skydiving and bungee jumping may not be covered.
Ask about every detail imaginable and clarify any uncertainties. Some individuals may complain that their insurance failed to provide coverage when needed and blame the insurance company. However, in nine out of ten cases, it is often due to the purchaser's failure to acquire the appropriate coverage.
Remember, the key lies in thorough communication with the insurance company and ensuring that you have the right coverage for your specific needs.
Additionally, it is crucial to check if your travel insurance includes evacuation coverage, particularly in the event of a worst-case scenario where you may require airlifting or emergency evacuation.
Our smartphones have become invaluable tools for researching and booking travel worldwide. When embarking on short trips lasting one to two weeks, we rely on KnowRoaming for data and phone calls. With rates as low as $3.99 per day, it provides a convenient solution. For longer stays, we typically activate KnowRoaming for the initial day or two until we purchase a local SIM card, which offers affordability, better coverage, and easy installation. Many airports provide the option to acquire a local SIM upon arrival.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is essential to have essential travel apps installed on your phone prior to departure. We personally rely on TripIt Pro, Google Translate, XE Currency Converter, Skyscanner, and Hotels.com, among others, to assist with organization, translation, currency conversion, and booking accommodations and flights. These apps have proven to be valuable resources throughout our travels.
During our initial multi-month trip, we opted to book our flights in advance using an RWT (Round the World) ticket. However, based on our experience, we wouldn't choose this option again. RWT tickets come with fixed flight schedules and the requirement to fly in and out of specific cities. Additionally, there are stipulations such as the risk of voiding the entire trip if you miss one leg of the journey.
Instead, we now prefer to book flights one leg at a time. This provides us with the flexibility to extend our stay if we're enjoying a particular destination or move on to the next country of our choice if we're not connecting with a place. Another advantage is the potential for significant savings on flights by being flexible with travel dates.
Booking platforms like Skyscanner and Kayak are excellent resources for comparing flight options and finding the best deals. They allow us to explore different airlines, routes, and prices, ensuring we make the most informed decision for each leg of our journey.
When traveling in Europe, a Eurail Pass is a convenient and cost-effective option for transportation. With a rail pass, you'll enjoy the flexibility to explore various destinations while also benefiting from discounts.
Another excellent way to maximize your sightseeing while on a budget is by using CityPasses. These passes are especially useful when visiting a new city as they often include access to top attractions in one package. CityPasses like the ParisPass, for instance, provide free entry to attractions, skip-the-line tickets, and local transportation options.
However, it's important to note that CityPasses are most beneficial if you plan on visiting multiple attractions in the city. If you only have one or two specific sites in mind, it may be more cost-effective to book those tours individually.
One of the advantages of CityPasses is their flexibility. They usually have a validity period of up to a year from the purchase date, allowing you to use them whenever convenient. Once activated, you typically have 24 to 72 hours (depending on the package) to make the most of the included attractions before the pass expires.
It's likely that you've already done your due diligence and have a good grasp of what to expect when embarking on your world travels. However, allow us to share some valuable insider travel tips we've acquired over the years of our own adventures.
Even when you're traveling, it's essential to prioritize safety and be prepared for potential challenges such as travel scams, illnesses, and emergencies. While we've emphasized the significance of having comprehensive travel medical insurance, there are other resources available to ensure your travels are safe and healthy.
As you embark on your world adventures, remember to refer back to this post for further information and consider bookmarking it for future travel planning.
So, are you ready to embark on a journey around the world? We understand the restlessness that comes with lockdowns and closures, but instead of dwelling on the inability to travel currently, why not start planning for the future? Planning an around-the-world trip typically takes at least a year, making this the perfect time to get started.
What are you waiting for? Begin shaping an exciting future today! By the time you set off on your global expedition, you'll be well-prepared. Wishing you wonderful travels ahead!