Traveling and moving abroad for long periods of time or even just for visiting for a few weeks is more than just throwing a dart and a map then picking up and going to where ever it landed. With that method, you'd probably end up in the middle of the ocean somewhere (unless you're good at darts).
It takes time and patience to plan the perfect trip. For all of my trips, I always planned them out three - five months in advance. I got everything in order so that by the time the trip came around, and I was prepared for it. I googled, asked friends and family who had been abroad, read books, anything you can think of that would help prepare a person for a trip, I did it.
It takes dedication to get ready for a trip and you could think to yourself; 'Where do I even begin?!'. Have no fear because I'm here to help. I summed up questions and focused on the biggest ones you should ask yourself before you travel. In just 5 simple questions, you could be well on your way to a new journey!
1. Where do I want to go?
This is a huge question to ask, probably the first one you should ask yourself. Where in the world can you see yourself going to? There are so many places that are you could choose. From walking beneath the Eiffel Tower to enjoying fresh Sushi in downtown Tokyo to surfing at Bondi beach in Australia. What I'm saying is that there is no wrong answer to this question. I chose to go to Italy as my first trip because my grandmother always wanted me to go and learn singing and I haven't regretted that decision!
When deciding ask yourself
- Have I always dreamed of going to this place?
- Does my family come from this/ do I have ties to this country?
- Is there something special in this country that I really want to see?
- Do I want to see a new culture and experience first hand?
Once you have found the place you want to go, everything else will fall into place for you and you can begin the process of planning your adventure.
2. Why do I want to travel?
Now hear me out, this is another important question to ask. Ask yourself why do you feel the need to go out and see a new country. This question makes you dig deeper, really think about what you want.
If you answer that you want a break from work and to spend quality time with your family. Great! Find a way to make it the most memorable trip you have ever taken.
However, if you answer that you want find yourself before you start a career and settle down then consider traveling by yourself. In my opinion, I prefer solo travel to traveling with a friend or family.
I have met people who traveled with their best friends, sisters, brothers, cousins and each one have told me that it's not all that it's cracked up to be, Sure, you have a constant companion, and someone to help you figure out maps and what you want to eat that night, but at the same time you have the same person with you, day in and day out. Sometimes they just might not want to do what you want to do and so you sacrifice what you want for the other person and remain on a schedule. I am in no way bashing traveling with someone else, there are times that having someone with can be great! It's just my choice to do Solo traveling. I don't have to worry about what someone else wants to do, I move on my own time. Plus being by myself opens opportunities for me to make new friends!
Really think about your answer to this, push yourself and dig deep to truly understand your desire to travel.
3. How can I afford my travels?
One statement that I hear constantly from friends and family is; "I'd love to travel, but it costs so much money to do it!"
Well obviously it's not cheap, not all of us are billionaires with private jets and summer houses in every other country in the world, though most of us probably wish we were. I have it easy saving money, I live with my parents currently to save on rent, I don't have a lot of bills to pay and I don't do school right now that would make it hard to keep money. Even still, I am always looking for ways to make more cash.
Work, work, work! That's what I tell people. Even if you work a low paying job such as a waitress like I do, you can still save up for a trip. Work for months and save up the amount you need. At the end of it all, it will be worth it. Pick up odd jobs around your town to bring in extra cash.
- Don't spend your money on things you don't need. Clothing, shoes, accessories, drinks, going out. Ask yourself, do I really need this right now? I gave up buying useless things I don't need, stopped going out as much as I used to and googled best free things to do near me. You would be surprised how much free activities or places are around you!
- Do you have unwanted or unused items? Sell them! Look around your home and find items that you don't need or don't use anymore. There are websites and apps, like Let Go, which allow you to sell your things to people near you.
- Do Au pair work.. This is ideal for those who want to stay long periods of time in one place. It's staying with a host family and watching their kids. You get a free place to stay plus pocket money each week
- Volunteer.
- You can find volunteer work at hostels, Workaway (Helping you find hosts' who need help and in exchange they offer you a place to stay!)
- Try WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) You work for a few hours on a farm and in exchange you receive lodging.
- Freelance. Do you have a special skill or talent that you can put to use anywhere you go? Then use it! You can find odd jobs all around the world that could use you for a while.
There are so many things you can do to save money to go abroad or safe money while abroad. It's all about just knowing how to do it!
4. How long should my trip be?
Now this all varies, do you have work/ school or a family that need you back? If you said yes, then my answer would be less than two weeks abroad. You can still get a lot done in those few days and can make the most of them!
If you said no, then I suggest going for as long as you can. Go out and see all that you can, do what you can and really find yourself. I say travel for a year and see the world. Work will always be there when you come back and school doesn't go anywhere if you take a gap year. There is nothing to replace the memories you made while abroad.
5. What are you waiting for??
The world's not going anywhere, it will always be there for you to go out and explore. All it takes is a little time and dedication to really get the wheels going. In the end of it all, you will make amazing and unforgettable memories and stories to last you a life time.
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