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Long Term Travel: What it is & how to do it

Julia November 3, 2023 Plan a Trip 2 Comments

Learn all about long term travel, from what it really means to how you can give it a try!

If you’ve dreamed of traveling around the world for weeks, months, or even years on end, you’re not alone. I was one of these dreamers who turned my long term travel dreams into a reality. And I highly recommend if you’re thinking about it, you should work towards it and give it a try.

Long term travel is a unique experience that will really help give you a new perspective on life. Not to mention, you may regret it if you don’t give it a try to see if its for you!

Disclosure:  Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Table of Contents

What is Long Term Travel?

Long term travel refers to an extended period of time spent away from one’s usual place of residence for the purpose of exploration, relaxation, adventure, or any other personal or professional goal.

While there is no strict definition for how long “long-term” travel should be, it typically involves travel durations that extend beyond the typical vacation or short-term trip. This means, it can range from a few weeks to several months or even years.

Long term travel is unique in that it allows you to truly immerse yourself in new cultures and environments without the deadline to return home looming. This allows you to get to know and understand different places and people deeper than you might with just a week or two away.

That being said, long-term travel requires careful planning and consideration of factors such as finances, accommodations, visas, and health insurance. While it can be a transformative experience, providing opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and building lasting memories, it’s also not easy.

It comes with challenges like homesickness, logistical issues, and financial constraints. You will have to become savvy to address and manage all the challenges encountered throughout your epic journey.

Common Types of Long Term Travel

There are many ways to travel for a long period of time. From gap years to being a digital nomad and beyond, there’s no limitation to the age or lifestyle you need to lead when you give long term travel a try!

1. Gap Year

One of the most commonly known types of long-term travel is the famous Gap Year. A Gap Year is when students or young adults take a year between high school and college or after graduation to travel for an extended period.

During this time, they may explore new countries, volunteer, work abroad, or engage in other personal growth experiences. It’s a great way for young adults to establish their independence and get to know a bit more about the world and what they want out of life.

2. Sabbatical

A less common type of long term travel – at least in the United States – is the sabbatical. A sabbatical is when a working professional takes an extended leave of absence from their job to travel and recharge.

A sabbatical can last from a few months to a year or more, depending on the individual’s goals and circumstances. Personally, I enjoyed taking a sabbatical because I had the finances to travel and it recharged me from the day-to-day grind of work.

Some places around the world even build sabbaticals into their work culture. In some cases, corporations even buy into the idea, and you take a break from work but hold on to your job. This is ideal because you know there is a job and income when you’re done traveling!

3. Digital Nomadism

A more recent trend has been the rise of digital nomadism. Digital nomads are people who work remotely while traveling continuously or for extended periods. They leverage technology, like Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and coffee shops to manage their careers while exploring different locations around the world.

I have given this a try and it’s a great option for those who have flexibility in their work. It’s particularly common with freelancers and consultants who are able to be location independent for their jobs.

4. Retirement Travel

How many times have you heard “I’ll travel more when I retire.”? I know I’ve heard it a lot. Retirement travel refers to retirees who embark on long term adventures after their working years have ended.

This could be by RV, cruise ship, road trips, etc. but they typically explore destinations they’ve always dreamed of visiting but never had the time and money to do so. One of the best parts of traveling when retired is that you can enjoy a leisurely pace of travel with no guilt!

5. World Travelers

Some individuals or couples make long term travel a lifestyle. This is when you continuously move from one destination to another. Sometimes this comes with the goal to visit as many countries or to see as much of the world as possible.

For many, world travel is accompanied with small jobs found along the way. This often looks like working at hostels, farming, teaching a language, or even just waitressing or ice cream shops for a small income along the journey. It helps travelers sustain the cost of living on the road without a full-time job.

My Long Term Travel Experiences

As a travel addict, which must be obvious in this travel blog, you may not know that I’ve spent years on years without a home base, traveling around the world and around the United States.

Two specific instances that made the most impact on my life are when I took a year+ off of work to travel around the world (this is what inspired the start of the Cure for Curiosity !) and when I hit the road for a year and a half with my remote job…before remote work was popularized during Covid!

Let me tell you a little about both of these instances and then we can dive into how you can handle the most common challenges and questions about long term travel!

Travel around the World Sabbatical from Work (2015 – 2016)

I did the unthinkable. I quit a perfectly good corporate 8am – 5pm corporate marketing job to travel around the world. During the 13 months I was on the road, I traveled on a budget to Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.

It was a wild ride living in hostels and hotels taking every mode of transportation under the sun from planes and trains to motorbikes, boats, and even camels. Honestly, it was a dream come true, but it was not without its challenges.

Here are some helpful pieces based on that time in my life:

• Quitting Your Job to Travel: Is it a good idea or not?
• The True Cost of Travel: How much does it cost to travel the world?
• 5 Months of Travel by the Numbers
• 5 Months of Travel in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa

Digital Nomad while Working Full Time (2017 – 2018)

My next long term travel adventure looked a bit different. I decided to give up my apartment, while working full time, to road trip across the United States and Canada for a year and a half.

This meant finding stable internet and quiet places to work were top of mind, while budget travel was not as important. It enabled me the freedom and flexibility to see more of my own country and travel slower.

Thinking of taking a long road trip? Here’s some helpful resources based on what I learned during my cross-country 18 month road trip!

• How to Plan a Road Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide
• 80+ Good Road Trip Snacks: The Key to Any Successful Road Trip!
• Road Trip Packing List for Expert Travelers: 60 Road Trip Essentials + More Tips!

FAQs about Long Term Travel

Traveling for a year or even just a month can be complicated. Here are some frequently asked questions about the ins and outs of traveling for a long period of time.

How much money do I need for long term travel?

Long term travel budgets vary widely. Your expenses will depend on factors like your destinations, travel style, and personal preferences. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of any expenses back home, like mortgage/rent, car insurance/payments, etc.

To determine your budget, make a list of expected expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, activities, visas, insurance, and a cushion for unexpected costs. Research destination specific costs and create a financial plan accordingly. Alternatively, you can also just wing it and travel until your budget runs out.

Want more specifics about budgeting for long term travel? Budgeting 101: Learn How to Create a Budget in Just 5 Simple Steps

What about health insurance and medical care while traveling long term?

Health insurance is crucial when traveling long term. Research travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive coverage, including emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and trip interruption coverage.

Ensure that the policy covers the countries you plan to visit. Additionally, carry copies of important medical documents and prescriptions for any necessary medications. I personally travel with World Nomads , although I never needed to make a claim.

Do I need a passport and visas for long term travel?

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll definitely need a passport. However, your visa requirements depend entirely on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. You’ll need to research visa regulations for each destination and apply well in advance if required. An easy way to do it is using a service like iVisa .

Make sure to always keep track of visa expiration dates and renewals to avoid legal issues while traveling. One that many don’t think about is the Schengen territory in Europe … there’s a limit there too! I personally used 90 out of 90 days on my Schengen stay and then had to hop over to Morocco to avoid legal concerns.

How can I manage my finances while traveling long term?

Managing finances on the road requires careful planning. Depending how long you’re traveling for, you may want to open a bank account with low foreign ATM fees or a credit card with no international transaction fee to minimize unnecessary fees.

Also, make sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues and carry multiple forms of payment (cash, credit cards, debit cards) to avoid being stranded without money. This is especially useful in case of fraud or theft! You can also use budgeting apps, like Empower , or a spreadsheet to track your travel expenses.

What should I pack for long term travel?

Packing efficiently is essential, and you’ll thank yourself every time you have to move to a new city or accommodation. Make sure to pack versatile clothing suitable for various climates, quick-drying and lightweight materials, and don’t forget essential documents like passports, visas, and travel insurance.

Remember to also pack appropriate power adapters, toiletries, and any specialized gear needed for your planned activities. My long term packing list includes everything I took with me on the road and is a super helpful place to start.

Additionally, I’m an avid carry-on user. In fact, I hate checking luggage. Between the chance of lost luggage, theft, or simply delays, I’m carrying it on! As such, I have managed to travel for 13+ months out of 1 carry-on backpack. I highly recommend you give it a shot!

Want to learn how? Check out this post: How to Pack in a Carry On – No Matter the Trip Length

How can I stay safe while traveling long term?

Safety should be a top priority at home and on the road. It never hurts to check advisories for your destinations as well as identifying and avoiding risky areas. I find asking your accommodation for areas to avoid is super helpful as they know the area best!

Additionally, always stay aware of your surroundings. Secure your belongings. Use reputable transportation services. Let someone know your whereabouts. Carry photocopies of important documents and consider investing in a money belt or hidden pouch.

There’s endless tips for staying safe while traveling – check out my 35 top travel safety tips .

How do I find places to stay for long term travel?

Accommodation options vary widely. Couchsurfing , hostels , and guesthouses are budget-friendly choices, while vacation rentals and long-term apartment rentals, like on VRBO , offer more privacy. If you want to think a bit outside the box, you can also consider housesitting through sites, like Trusted Housesitters .

I personally always check Booking.com for accommodations so that I can read reviews to find hotels, hostels, or even rental properties that fit my budget and preferences.

What should I do about my job or career during long term travel?

If you plan to work while traveling, discuss options with your employer, such as remote work or sabbaticals. If you freelance, ensure you have a reliable internet connection and backup plans. You can also explore job opportunities abroad if you’re open to working while traveling.

While working and traveling is not always the easiest route (versus saving up and taking time off to travel), it can allow you to stay on the road longer. This makes it common to find long term travelers working at hostels or a local farm for a few weeks at a time.

How can I stay connected with family and friends during long term travel?

Staying in touch is essential. Fortunately, today it is so much easier than it was just a few years ago. You can purchase international SIM cards or phone plans which include international cell service.

Alternatively, you can depend on messaging apps with internet access. I personally love WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but I have also tried Telegram and Viber.

Another way that I kept my family informed of where I was and how to find me was a shared Google Doc that kept all of my daily travel confirmations and reservations. I updated it as I went and then my family could pull it up anytime to find out exactly where I was. Similarly, if you have cell reception, you can share your location! Did I mention technology has made it easier?!

What if I get homesick or face challenges on the road?

Homesickness and challenges are natural during long term travel. In fact, it’s actually accounted for in one of the stages of Culture Shock ! To help you keep your feelings in check, make sure to maintain a support system through social media, travel forums, or local expat groups or learn to make friends on the road .

Also, practice self-care, take breaks when needed, and remember that overcoming challenges is part of the adventure. Not every day will be perfect, but it will be worth it. Besides, you’ll learn new ways to think on your feet and address challenges as they arise. It’s a growth opportunity for sure!

What is the best way to plan an itinerary for long term travel?

One of the biggest questions… where to go during long term travel. There are so many amazing places in the world, where do you even start? It really all comes down to – where do you want to go?

Planning an itinerary should involve a balance between structured plans and spontaneous exploration. You can use online resources, guidebooks, and travel forums to research destinations, create a rough itinerary, and leave room for flexibility.

I personally had a starting destination (Norway) and then a few key dates I was meeting people in various places, like Poland and New Zealand. This gave me some structure to follow but loads of flexibility on where to go in-between.

One of the best ways to plan your itinerary is to ask other travelers what their favorite places are and to then ask locals for recommendations once you arrive.

How can I handle language barriers while traveling?

Going someplace you don’t speak the language can be scary. How will you communicate? Fortunately, there are many ways to communicate – believe it or not!

One best practice is to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. It will be immensely helpful and appreciated by locals. You can also use translation apps for deeper communication.

Also, if you’re reading this in English, you’re already in luck. English is often widely spoken in tourist areas. That being said, don’t rely on that alone. Knowing a bit of the local language can enhance your travel experience and build rapport with the locals. You’ll be able to get around with ease!

When in doubt, charades and emojis can be your best friends. Lost in China trying to get to the Panda Research Center ? No worries. I literally pulled out my phone and used 3 emojis: Bus, arrow, panda. And the first person I approached was able to point me in the right direction. Use your creativity!

How can I stay organized during long term travel?

In some ways, organization on the road is simple. You have your luggage, which doesn’t change much, and your documents, which can be stored online.

The best option is to create digital backups of important documents, keep travel itineraries and reservations in one place, and use travel apps to track expenses and stay on top of travel details. With everything being online, you can regularly review your plans and update them as needed.

What are the long term effects of travel on my life and career?

One of the biggest things that held me back from taking the plunge into quitting my job to travel was the fear of returning and finding another job. As it so happened, it was not something I should have been so worried about.

Long term travel leads to personal growth, increased adaptability, and a broader perspective on life and career goals. Consider how the experiences and skills gained during your journey align with your future plans and aspirations, and use them to your advantage in your career or personal life.

In all of the interviews after my around the world travel for 13 months I was asked about my trip in a positive light. “What did you learn from it?” types of questions. Trust me… it will pique their interest!

Do you have additional questions about long term travel? Put them in the comments and I’ll respond!

Helpful Resources for Long Term Travel

There’s no one-size-fits-all resources for long term travel as everyone is different as are what they want out of their travels, budgets, and interests. That being said, I have pursued many types of travel over the years and highly encourage you, if you’re thinking about it, to take the plunge. It’s incredibly rewarding.

Here are some additional helpful resources.

• 10 Secrets about Traveling Long Term that No One Tells You
• Master Long Term Travel Packing List for Your Next Big Adventure
• How to Pack in a Carry On – No Matter the Trip Length
• 10 Top Essential Travel Items for Light Packers
• Is Couchsurfing Safe? An Inside Look from a Solo Female Traveler
• What is a Hostel?: The Pros and Cons of Staying in a Hostels
• The 5 Stages of Culture Shock and How They Impact Travelers
• 12 Easy Ways to Make Friends While Traveling Alone
• 35 Critical Safety Tips for Travelers: Traveling Safely Made Simple
• 8 Ways to Start Traveling Alone and Love It!
• How to Do Laundry While Traveling: 4 Practical Options

Great post, Julia! Long term travel is such a transformative experience, and your detailed guide covers everything from the various types of long term travel to practical tips for managing finances, staying connected, and handling challenges on the road. Your personal experiences add a valuable touch, making it relatable for readers considering or already on their long term travel journey. The FAQs section is particularly helpful, addressing common concerns and providing insights. Looking forward to more inspiring travel stories and tips from you! Safe travels! ✈️🌍 #TravelGoals #Wanderlust

Thanks Steve! I have truly loved my long term travel experiences and hope others are able to try it for themselves – whether its an around the world trip, digital nomading, or some other kind of trip!

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How To Prepare For Long-Term Travel: Step-by-Step Guide

• August 21, 2023
• Last updated: August 21, 2023
• Digital nomad

Home » Travel Blog » How To Prepare For Long-Term Travel: Step-by-Step Guide

What is long-term travel? The truth is, long-term travel can mean different things to different people.

No matter the span of time you choose, at its core, long-term travel is an incredible way to experience cultural immersion, as well as a period of personal reflection and transformation.

For some, long-term travel can involve trading in a traditional lifestyle for adventure and exploration, while for others it is merely a vacation approached differently. Whether it is six months, a year, or indefinitely long, you will be able to gain firsthand experience with foreign cultures, see sights you would otherwise not find the time to explore and tap into the magical feeling of being found in the expansive world around them.

Preparation for long-term travel is a key step to making the most of your experience. And before you even begin thinking about what to pack , we have some big-picture ticket items to cover. Let’s jump in!

Having the right mindset when preparing for long-term travel is essential. Before hitting the road, it’s important to think through what kind of journey you’re envisioning.

Are you headed out for a spontaneous adventure? Have you decided to take a sabbatical year to learn new skills and expand your horizons? An extended wellness retreat ? Do you intend to continue with your current dreams and goals, potentially taking your job online as you go? Or are you looking for opportunities to volunteer?

Give serious thought to all these possibilities so that, when the time comes, you’re able to hit the ground running. With the right attitude and mindset, you are sure to have an incredible experience that will stay with you forever!

2. PASSPORT

Traveling with a valid and up-to-date passport should be considered essential for any traveler, particularly for someone embarking on a long-term trip.

Start with checking your passport’s exploration date. Many countries require the passport to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Depending on how long you plan on traveling, you may need to renew your passport before you hit the road.

Not only should you make sure that your passport has not expired, but it should also have enough blank pages for entry stamps and visas. Some countries will deny access if a person’s passport doesn’t have enough usable pages.

To fully enjoy long-term travel, it is important to make sure that you are not hindered by visa requirements.

Before your journey, it is important to check the visa requirements of each country you plan to visit. Do this well in advance of your trip (I’d recommend six months before) because the visa application process can be time-consuming, and you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.

Depending on the desired duration of stay, there are a variety of visas available including working visas, travel visas, and even digital nomad visas in some countries, if you plan to work remotely while abroad.

Again, each country will have its own rules and regulations, so check your country’s embassy website for an idea of how to get started.

Check out some useful posts:

• Remote Digital Nomad Jobs: The 5 Best Sites to Find Them
• Best Destinations for Digital Nomads
• 5 Common Digital Nomad Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

4. BANK CARD

When traveling long-term, most people opt to bring at least two debit cards: one primary and one backup. I recommend this approach, too.

Before taking off, make sure that your bank is aware of where you are traveling so that they will not block your card when you are trying to withdraw money internationally. This applies to both credit and debit cards.

Companies like Wise and Revolut are ideal especially if you plan on frequently traveling abroad. They come with minimal or no transaction fees or foreign exchange fees. However, always be sure to read the fine print before signing up with these companies because various conditions and fees may apply depending on your particular needs.

5. SIM CARD

Preparing a sim card for a long-term travel trip can be somewhat cumbersome and may require advanced preparation. The best option is to purchase a local sim with data. This is usually the lowest-cost option, as well. Research local providers in the country you are traveling to or ask in online forums or Facebook groups for recommendations.

But even if you are planning on buying a local sim, still bring your regular sim card with you, especially if that phone number is connected to your bank account or other important services. In case you need to authorize something or receive a confirmation code on your regular number, you can always switch out the sim card for a couple of hours.

6. HEALTH & TRAVEL INSURANCE (Plus Check-Ups)

Health insurance should be at the top of the list when it comes to planning for a long-term journey. Especially if extended activities such as trekking or high-adrenaline sports are involved.

Health insurance will provide financial protection in case of unexpected medical emergencies or illnesses that may occur during your trip. Without insurance, medical expenses incurred abroad can be costly. Your insurance typically covers the cost of medical treatment, hospitalization, prescription drugs, ambulance services, and other medical expenses. If you are bringing expensive photography gear and computers, consider investing in travel insurance to cover your valuables in case of theft or damage.

Last but not least, I recommend getting a checkup from both your primary care physician and dentist before leaving on the trip. You’ll feel more confident beginning your travels with a clean bill of health.

Get more inspiration:

• Travel Medical Insurance for Digital Nomads: Why You REALLY Need It

Digital Nomad Packing List: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Light

• Teach English online: How to Find the Best Fit for You

7. INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENSE

If you plan on renting a car during your trip, you may need to get an international driving license. You can sometimes get away with using your domestic license but double-check the legal requirements of your destination country.

In some countries, the law requires you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your domestic license. The fees for the IDP vary depending on where you live, but generally speaking, it is quite affordable and easy to obtain.

8. TAXES & FREELANCE REGISTRATION

For those planning to work while traveling, you may need to do some preparations around taxes and other legal work-related documents.

If you pay taxes in the country of your residence, make sure you are registered as a freelancer and get your tax number OR that your employer will pay taxes and deduct it from your wage if you intend to continue with your job online. 

If you’re not sure what the best course of action is, consult with your accountant. I recommend looking for an accountant who specializes in working with nomads or expats. They’ll be most knowledgeable about how to set you up for success.

9. POWER OF ATTORNEY

When you are away from home for an extended period of time, there may be important decisions that need to be made in your absence. Without a power of attorney, it can be difficult to ensure that these decisions will be made in the way you would like them to. And you defenitely don’t want someone making decisions on your behalf without your permission or knowledge.

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person authority to make certain decisions and act on your behalf while you are away. This could include managing finances, signing documents, or making medical decisions if needed. I know – even in 2023, there are places where you can’t get away with an electronic signature and require a physical one!

Having a power of attorney ensures that any necessary actions can still take place even when you’re not present.

10. YOUR STUFF & HOUSE/APARTMENT

Before departing for a long trip, you’ll need to decide what to do with your stuff and how to handle your house or apartment.

If you own a house, you may want to rent it out or have someone, like a housesitter, manage and maintain it while you’re away. It’s also important to make sure that all your bills are taken care of and automated so you don’t have any surprises when you return.

If you’re renting a place, it may make more sense to give up your lease and move your belongings into storage. This can be a great way to save some money. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a fresh start, you can do a big garage sale for most of your belongings and reduce your possessions to what you can fit in a suitcase.

You should also consider shipping your existing vehicles to your destination as it will help save you money over renting cars or buying a new one. 

If you have pets, you’ll need to make plans for their care and well-being while you are away. Consider hiring a pet sitter or asking a friend or relative to take your pet in while you travel.

11. LANGUAGE & CULTURE

To truly elevate and make the most of your travel experience it can be fun to learn a little bit about the language and culture of the destination you are going to.

Learning the basics of the local language can open doors to authentic experiences while traveling.  Start learning French , for instance, if you’re headed to Paris. Use language apps, practice with locals, and embrace mistakes. A simple “Bonjour” can lead to meaningful connections, making your journey unforgettable.

Learning just 15 basic phrases in the language of the country you are traveling to is a great place to start. You’ll be surprised how much locals will appreciate the effort you show. It also demonstrates an important level of respect and openness to the culture and people. Doing some extra research on the local ‘do’s and don’ts’ can also spare you from some embarrassing situations related to local taboos and culture.

Knowing basic information about regional history or famous classics may even break the ice in making local friends or finding subtle insider tips from locals. Language and culture really bring travelers closer to a place, so take some time to learn those prior to your next venture – you won’t regret it!

Starting your long-term travel in Asia?

• Bangkok Tips: How to Survive Your First Time In the Capital of Thailand
• Thailand Travel Guide
• The Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai (Update 2023)
• Where to go in Vietnam: Must-See Places for Your Vietnam Itinerary
• Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan: Tips on Attractions, Food and Best Hotels

BONUS: MAKE COPIES OF ALL IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

This is an often-overlooked aspect of preparing for a long trip, but it’s essential.

Before you leave, make copies of all your important documents, such as your passport, IDs, flight ticket, health & travel insurance, driving license, tax number document, visas, and any other important paperwork you may have.

Not being lazy about this and making both digital and paper copies has paid off for me more than once while traveling! Store the digital copies in a secure online cloud storage and the physical copies in a travel document organizer. This way, you will always have easy access to the key details and documents on hand if needed.

Wrapping Up

Traveling long-term can be a daunting prospect, but with the right preparation and research, it doesn’t have to be. From getting your finances sorted out to making copies of important documents and learning some local language basics – these tips should help make your travel planning easier.

So don’t let anything hold you back! Go explore new places, meet interesting people and create unforgettable memories on your month–,  year–, or full-on digital nomad adventure!

• Published: August 21, 2023

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Long Term Travel Planning: How to budget, book and explore

Long term travel planning is a very daunting task at the beginning of the process. The goal of this post is to take that daunting task of how to plan long term travel and break it into smaller and much more manageable pieces! We will address the tough questions that come up when planning long term travel.

There are tons of logistics that go into long term travel planning beyond deciding when and where. It is important to remember that you will also make mistakes and that is ok! Even though we consider ourselves “expert travelers” at this point, we still make mistakes. Travel is a continued learning experience!

If you read about how to quit your job and travel , it explains how we went through this process prior to backpacking the world for six months.

Determine your long term travel style

Depending on your travel experience at this moment, you may not know the answer to this exactly. Your travel style has a lot to do with your personality type and your level of comfort with discomfort. Your travel style will determine how you plan your overall trip and also your daily agendas. There is big picture planning and daily planning to consider.

Here is the difference between big picture and daily itinerary planning: When we went on our first backpacking trip, we knew exactly what days we would be in which cities for the entire six months. This was more cost effective and ultimately saved us tons of money because we booked transportation and housing in advance. However, this was not our approach within our daily itinerary. We love to wander around cities without a strict tourist to-do list. If we find ourselves enjoying an activity, no big deal if we extend that and miss out on something else. Worst case, we just have to come back another time! We simply knew where and when we would be in a city and we would go with the flow from there.

On the contrary, not everyone wants to be held back by even a big picture itinerary. We knew backpackers who simply bought a flight to Asia and figured out their itinerary one day at a time. In some countries, this is totally possible.

Ask yourself the question: How comfortable are you with discomfort?

If you land in a city and do not know where you are staying, will you be comfortable potentially sleeping in the airport if all hostels are sold out? If yes, great! If not, it is a good idea to plan your long term travel to an extent.

How much of your big picture itinerary do you need to plan?

There is absolutely no right or wrong answer to this question. For big picture itinerary planning, here are some examples of different long term travel planning styles.

Each day planned out: Experience everything you can in the time that you have.

This was our approach on our original six month backpacking trip around the world. We knew we had six months without jobs to travel, so we opted to see as much as we possibly could during that time. We moved to a new city every 2-3 days. This was exhausting but we loved it! We will probably never travel like this again, but it was exactly what we wanted at the time. Now that we work remotely and have been to so many different cities, we know exactly which cities we want to go back to and stay for a longer period.

Nothing planned out: The total go with the flow mentality

This is a classic backpacker travel style. We have so much respect for travelers who can do this and feel comfortable. These travelers buy a one way flight somewhere and just figure it out as they go. In destinations like Southeast Asia, you can totally get away with this. There are usually plenty of beds available in community hostels and flights between cities are affordable. As you meet other travelers, you can simply hop in on their plans and potentially check out a city that you didn’t even know existed! The cons to this approach are that housing and flights will be much more expensive. This can eat up more of your daily budget and potentially cut your time short if you did not plan in advance.

A mix of both: The ebb and flow itinerary

This is somewhere in between the two listed above. Most travelers fall into this category but it is not an easy thing to balance. If you go with this approach, we recommend planning at least the first 2-3 weeks of your long term travel itinerary. This way you can get your footing and figure out your next steps once you are in a new region of the world! The cons to this approach are the same as listed above. Housing and transportation will be more expensive. Another thing to consider with this approach is travel planning will take away from your current travel experience. You will need to take time in whatever destination you are in to plan your next move. This is totally not a deal breaker, just one more thing to consider!

Determining your travel style will greatly assist in the rest of your long term travel planning. You will know how detailed you need to be in the next steps! As for next steps, determining your travel budget and destinations go hand in hand with each other when planning long term travel. Depending on your destinations, your daily spend will be more or less. Also depending on the destination, you could spend one month or four months traveling on the same budget!

Again, we are aware this is a daunting task. Do a little bit at a time and before you know it, you will be ready for long term travel!

Determine your long term travel budget

Creating a travel budget is absolutely necessary, especially when it comes to long term travel planning. Similar to your travel style, your budget is partially determined by your level of comfort with discomfort. We had plenty of extra savings on our trip in case of emergency and as backup for when we returned without guarantee of jobs. Not everyone needs this level of comfort though! There are always ways to make money while traveling if you really find yourself in a pickle.

There are also so many ways to travel on a budget without sacrificing your experience. Even if we do not always travel on such a tight budget as our six month trip around the world, we will always use the majority of those principles. They just make sense!

Learn how to travel on a budget.

A few questions to answer while determining your budget:.

• Will you be working while traveling long term?
• What recurring expenses will you still have to pay while traveling? (ie. rent, car or student loan payments)
• What will your financial situation look like when you return from long term travel?

Our budget planning specific post goes into more detail, but here are the four steps to build your long term travel budget:

• Determine flight and transportation costs
• Determine housing costs
• Plan your daily spend
• Plan the costs for excursions and activities

Determine your long term travel destinations

While you are also determining your travel budget, you can also start to determine your destinations. The world is a big place and there is so much to experience. We still have a huge bucket list even after traveling full time for six months! Here is a breakdown of steps to figure out where in the world you want to travel long term.

Write out your bucket list

Where are your dream destinations? Once you write out that list, group things on that list that are in a similar region together. Is it possible to tackle them within the same time frame? For example, two things on our bucket list were to see the Great Wall of China and play with elephants in Thailand. It was actually a reasonably priced flight from China to Thailand, so we started our trip with that!

Once you know which bucket list items you want to check off, what else is there to do in that region? Vietnam was not on our radar when we first started planning and it turned out to be one of our favorite countries in the world. Research other things you want to do while slowly but surely tackling that bucket list.

Plan around the climates

This factor often gets overlooked when long term travel planning. You do not want to visit certain areas of the world during some seasons. For example, you can visit Asia during the rainy season (May – October), but be prepared for consistent heavy rains. If you want to backpack Europe when the weather is warm, then do not plan your trip from December – February. This may seem simple, but is important to consider when planning your long term travel route.

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Consider your budget

Some countries are simply cheaper than others. If you are stretching your budget over a long period of time, it may not be worth checking destinations off of the bucket list in really expensive countries. We wanted to go to Switzerland but it simply did not make sense with how expensive it was for even just one night. We will go back when we are not on such a small daily budget!

South America and Southeast Asia are regions where you can really extend your budget. You can spend 4 months in those regions on a $4,000 – $5,000 total budget. There are also cheaper countries in Europe to explore like Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Croatia that are affordable backpacking destinations! We spent more time in these areas when we were on a stricter budget.

Remember your travel style

This is a good time to go back to the first thing we talked about. How much do you want to have planned? There is absolutely no wrong way to go about this! The more planning you do ahead of time, the less planning you will have to do while actually traveling.

Travel is messy! Things will go wrong no matter how much you plan. But the less you plan, the more contingency you should have with your budget for unexpected expenses and pricier housing and transportation costs.

Our favorite long term travel planning resources

Google flights.

There are tons of second hand websites for tracking flights and prices but honestly Google Flights is our favorite. You can gauge how much flights should cost and compare different airlines.

This is the best place to start researching housing in each city. Trivago will show you options for any budget and different types of housing. We also find more people leave reviews on housing they find here compared to other housing sites.

Hostel World

Most hostels will also appear on Trivago but it is a good idea to check Hostelworld as well to see budget housing options. Sometimes pricing will differ and be cheaper here compared to other sites!

This is the best website when researching and booking different transportation options between cities. It will show all options from plane, train, car, ferry and bus! When balling on a budget, it is important to know which option is cheaper. Sometimes that overnight bus is worth the savings!

Plan out necessary long term travel details

Once you know where and when you are going, it is time to work out the details!

Book the essential activities

Are there any major activities that you need to book in advance? If you know when you will be in a city with one of your bucket list items, book it now! You never know when activities will fill up, especially if you are visiting during the high tourist season. You do not want to find yourself missing out on an activity because you put off reserving your spot.

Know your neighborhoods

It is important to know where to stay in each new city. We always research the best backpacker neighborhoods in each city because then we know there will be fellow travelers staying in that area and it is most likely budget friendly. Consider your priorities when booking housing and see if you can find options in that area before committing to housing in a new city.

Housing priorities to consider:

• Distance to bars and restaurants
• Distance to public transportation
• Distance to airport or train station

Research, research, research

Travel blogs, Pinterest, and asking friends are all ways to learn more about specific destinations. You will be surprised how many friends are willing to send over restaurants, bars and must do recommendations!

Save recommendations in Google Maps

This is one of our favorite travel planning hacks and will save you time on last minute research when you arrive in a new city. It is very simple:

• Locate the recommendation on Google Maps
• Save the recommendation to a new list if you do not already have a list created for that city
• Write a note about that recommendation that will remind you of the specialty or reason you are saving it (for example, “best sandwich shop” in Florence).

Now when you go to your Google Maps later, you will have an entire list of places to try!

Now that you are well on your way to figuring out your itinerary and long term travel plan, it is time to prepare for long term travel. You need to make sure you are prepared from what to pack to making sure your passport is not expired. Read here everything you need to prepare for long term travel.

Additional Resources:

Learn how to pack light for long term travel! Here are 50 things to know before traveling to Southeast Asia. Backpacking Essentials: Here are 10 Items that every backpack needs.

We hope this post provides clarity on how to plan long term travel! Let us know in the comments if there are any key factors missing. Happy traveling!

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Essential Considerations for Long-Term Travel

When it comes to long-term travel, there are many things to think about. Read our expert advice before setting out on your next big adventure!

Long-term travel is the dream, right? Getting paid to travel just sounds cool, and those that can pull it off become the envy of everyone they know. While long-term travel does afford you life-altering cultural experiences, access to earth’s greatest wonders, and a freedom not available in most jobs, is it all that it’s cracked up to be? I can tell you personally, it’s wonderful, but there are some essential considerations for long-term travel that you really need to ponder before setting out on your next big adventure. 

“How to travel full-time” is not found in any guidebook. It’s not like your vacation. It’s more like a nomadic version of your life now. You’ll have to work. You’ll move from place to place every few days with no home base. Saying goodbye to friends and family is hard, and the emotions you encounter in yourself and others may greatly surprise you. It takes a good plan, a strong personality, and a rooted foundation to succeed at this life.

About the author: Most full-time travelers are on a gap year of travel (or two), exploring the world on a backpacker budget until their “real life” starts. My story is a bit different. I lived the American dream for 15 years-the college degrees, the perfect marriage, the big house-I had it all. However, my mind was always in another place. I was happy at home, but I was always mind-wandering. After years of traveling a few times a year, my husband and I sold everything we owned, and we set out to see the world and meet its people. The considerations in this guide come out of our personal experience and are in no way meant to discourage any would-be traveler, but are to inform you of some likely encounters and prepare you for success!

“Pack” the Let’s Roam Adventure App !

Before you set out for some long-term travel, download our adventure app so you can find scavenger hunt tours wherever you roam. Explore cities around the world with new friends you meet along the way. It’s a wonderful way to see the sights, bond with travel mates, and make lifelong memories. Try one on your next trip!

38 Long-Term Travel Tips

The planning you do before departure, the fewer yucky surprises you will run into once on your trip. While it’s impossible to foresee every situation in advance, here are a few travel tips to consider before you take off. 

1. You’ll need travel insurance. 

Travel insurance is a debatable purchase for short-term travel, but for a long-term trip, it’s a must. First off, many destinations require that you have it. Plus, you’re going to need at least basic medical coverage. The biggest companies out there are World Trips and World Nomads. However, one of the most comprehensive plans is a newer one from SafetyWing . It covers all travel-related expenses, Covid-coverage, and major medical. It gets our vote for the best all-around, and the customer service is class!

2. Taxes can get complicated.

You’ll likely need to work if you’re planning on traveling for any period of time. If you’re American, this means you will have to pay self-employment tax. These taxes are hefty, and you need to have a good plan on how to deal with them. A tax consultant who is familiar with money earned outside of the United States is valuable, but you’ll also need to do a few things yourself. 

Keep a virtual copy of all receipts for anything that you do with “aims to make money.” Depending on your job, this could include travel expenses, food, or office equipment. If you spend less than 35 days in U.S. territory a year, you can opt out of the self-employment tax by claiming the foreign-earned income tax exemption and declaring your tax home in another nation, so you’ll need to keep track of your days in the US and in international air or waters. You must spend 330 days in a foreign country to claim this. Tax apps like FlyFin can help you organize your receipts, pay your taxes quarterly to avoid fines, and consult a CPA when you need help!

3. A detailed budget is your lifeline.

Let me just state this for the record, like remodeling a home, full-time travel will cost you more than you estimate. It’s impossible to account for every little thing, especially as travel comes with extra costs that you can’t prepare for, like that one anal gate agent that insists on weighing your personal item and charging you an overage fee, though the last 200 flights have not. 

To make sure you have enough for those unexpected expenses, you need to have an organized budget. Whether you use a budget app, a Google Sheet, or an Excel file, detailing all the expenses you know you’re going to have gives you a much better idea of how much wiggle room (if any) you have in your bank account.

In addition to creating a trip budget, we highly suggest keeping a spreadsheet of all the money you spend and where! This will allow you to see where your spending weaknesses are and brainstorm on how to decrease those costs.

4. A good travel credit card will save you thousands.

I cannot express the importance of a good travel credit card. Not only does it ensure the security of your purchases around the world, but the points and benefits can save money and stress during your travels. We personally use the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, which has a very high yearly fee, but it comes with a $300 travel credit yearly, huge point rewards for travel-related purchases, a dedicated travel booking platform, travel insurance, and discounts for car rentals and rideshares. It also provides us with Priority Pass lounge access for airports, which not only decreases the stress of the airport but gets you free food and drinks all over the world.

I also highly recommend getting the Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking Account. It’s fully manageable online and reimburses all ATM fees, worldwide, which can really add up in nations where you need to use cash.

5. Ensure stress-free travel.

There is no dispute. Travel is stressful. There is the constant uncertainty of whether all the paperwork is done. Did you need a visa? Do you have the right Covid test? Can you even cross this border, or is your departure destination on the red list? Where are you going to stay? Did you get the best hotel deal? There is a lot to think about. Do your research before your trip and get your mind wrapped around all the details. Take notes so you don’t have to look up the same information repeatedly. Being prepared, and decreasing stress where you can .

6. Travel groups are helpful.

When making your travel plans, consider joining Facebook groups for that destination. Almost every major destination has one, and they are worth their weight in gold for gaining access to travelers who have been there and can give advice on everything from cultural no-nos to accommodation recommendations. Travel groups range from solo female travel to destination-specific groups, and even topical groups focused on eco-travel or working travel. These groups are invaluable. 

7. Choose your destinations carefully.

Some destinations are popular with digital nomads, and there is a good reason for it. Not all places are created equal when it comes to long-term travel. What you need will depend on your travel style, but it pays to consider the three I’s—internet, interests, and infrastructure.

You need a place that’s economical, has good internet, has reasonable public transit, and has plenty of places to meet people. It also needs to interest you and provide you with the infrastructure you need to be comfortable. Not all areas can provide this. This doesn’t mean you can’t spend a week in the bush, please do, but for places you intend to stay longer, these are important considerations. Popular destinations include Eastern Europe, Mexico, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

8. Packing is tough.

Packing for a normal vacation can be a pain, but you’re only going to one place, one season. It pales in comparison to packing for full-time travel through multiple weather situations, activities, and cultural expectations. That’s tough!

Packing light is important. Trains are crowded. Bus doors are small, and virtually no airlines offer free checked bags anymore. Learning to travel long-term is learning to live without certain things. You cannot carry all those facial lotions and cleansers you love at home. Your hair is not going to be as well cared for. It’s just part of it. 

Find items that can be used for multiple things. For instance, a small vat of coconut oil is a great facial cleanser, a moisturizer, a hair conditioner, and a lip balm. A linen scarf makes the perfect beach towel, sarong, head wrap, grocery bag, shade-maker, and it works as an actual scarf for windy days too. (This is my most used travel item!) Think of clothes that you can layer and wear interchangeably. Black is your new friend. A low-key sneaker that can be worn with shorts, skirts, jeans, etc. is smart-something versatile and comfortable.

9. Review phone plans.

There are very few international phone plans that are economical. Only two companies offer true international plans: T-Mobile and Google-Fi. I have used both. Of the two, I find Google Fi to be a much better option. For the same price, it gives you way more highspeed data, and I find the coverage to be better. It’s especially good if you buy a Google Fi phone. This allows your phone to bounce from tower to tower, switching as it finds a more stable connection. It’s a pretty cool plan that keeps you connected.

We also carry an unlocked phone and buy cheap local sim cards with data plans. This gives us great internet and a local number, which often comes in handy!

10. Get a streaming device.

In order to stay connected with your home base and have a sense of normalcy, take a streaming stick like a Roku with you. You can access your Netflix wherever you are, which is a nice comfort. You might not know that internet searches, Netflix show availability, and many other accesses vary by country, so don’t just assume you’ll be able to get all the things you’re used to unless you bring it yourself. 

11. Sign up for a VPN.

You’re about to become a WiFi connoisseur, so make sure your information is protected. For very little money, you can download a VPN like Nord. They usually cover several devices, and you can pay in advance for up to three years. It’s well worth the money since you’re going to be doing all your banking, work, and personal bookings online. Plus a VPN will allow you to search for accommodations and flights from the local sites, which can save you big bucks!

12. Consider a mobile hot spot.

One of the most irritating things about international travel is the spotty internet in certain destinations. This is especially stressful when you’re lost! This always seems to happen in a place with no cell service and no one speaks English … talk about stress! Have a backup plan. We use a service called SkyRoam . It’s a pay-by-use service with a small mobile device. It has saved us more than once!

Staying Afloat

Contrary to popular belief, most full-time travelers are not rich. We’re not out here on dad’s money or living off someone else. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones, you are going to need a job to travel for extended periods. You’re also going to become a master budget traveler and travel hacker. 

13. Figure out how you’ll make money.

To finance a big trip, you’re likely going to need to work … at least a little. I know. I know. You’re going to be a YouTube sensation. I believe in you, but it’s a good idea to have a backup plan too! Many digital nomads are travel bloggers, but again, you might find it hard to fund your trips, at least at first, with just a travel blog.

Work forums like Upwork hire professionals to do all kinds of work from video and photo editing to ghostwriting to personal assistants, and most can be done remotely. It’s a digital world now, and the options for online work are numerous and varied. Don’t be afraid to get out there and try something new! 

Having a steady form of income increases your travel experience in every way. You’ll have the funds to do all the things on your bucket list. You won’t be as stressed out about every penny, and you can take that last-minute road trip with the peeps you met in the hostel. It will also give you purpose (more on this later). Do yourself a favor and get a job!

14. Put your passions to work.

When choosing a job, make sure to pick something that makes you happy! You’re going to spend a lot of time doing it, so make sure it’s something that you love. You’ll be tempted to take any job that comes along at first, and there is nothing wrong with that, but always be working towards your ultimate goal of doing what you want. Having a life of freedom isn’t just not going into a 9-5 you hate. It’s building a life of financial, mental, and physical freedom that truly allows you to enjoy long-term travel. 

15. Figure out how to eat inexpensively.

Learning to eat cheap is a big part of controlling your budget. You’ll want to try all the local delicacies in your travels, but you have to learn to do it in an economical fashion. Ask locals where they eat. Hit up the food trucks and street vendors. Go to the grocery store! You cannot eat out every meal. It’s bad for your health and your wallet. Plus, finding some comfort food from home every once in a while will help you stay rooted and comfortable in your new surroundings.

16. Live like a local.

In order to keep traveling, you’ll (probably) eventually lean towards slow travel. This happens for many reasons, but one is that it’s always less expensive to book apartments on Booking.com or Airbnb for long periods of time. Most guesthouses also offer discounts for stays longer than a week. 

Staying in one place decreases stress too, as you aren’t packing and moving every day. Hostels have a lot of perks, but with some negotiation skills and research, you might be able to score full apartments for the same price. Plus, having a place of your own gives you a home base that’s more comfortable than sharing a room for 12.

Be sure to read our guide on finding the best hotel deals .

17. Sightsee on the cheap.

Another big expenditure will be sightseeing. I recommend choosing a handful of the highest priority sites you would like to see and doing those first. Then, you can add in more as your budget allows. Always look for city passes that include admission to major sites and free public transit. They aren’t always worth it, but you should always check. 

When it comes to sightseeing, locals are your friends. Sure, there are lots of great articles out there, but they will never know all the things that the guy on the corner knows. We have found incredible free hikes that were as awesome as the well-worn expensive trails. We have taken local ferries to iconic destinations for pennies, that cost hundreds of dollars by tour. Talk to locals and other travelers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

18. Learn about safe transportation options.

You’ll constantly be on the look for the cheapest way to get from one place to another. You’ll need to balance the cost with the comfort and safety of travel. While you can take a bus ride through most of Central America, it might not be the safest or the most comfortable experience (though some are very nice)!

For more budget travel hacks, see our “ Budget Travel Hacks From a Full-Time Traveler .”

19. Splurges are necessary!

In order to keep your sanity, you’ll need to splurge on a healthy meal or a room with a bathtub every now and then. Every traveler is different, but there will be activities and creature comforts that are worth splurging on. Don’t feel guilty about it. Control your budget elsewhere and splurge on what really makes you happy. This whole thing is worthless if you don’t enjoy yourself!

Staying Connected To Important People

Perhaps the hardest part of long-term travel is the distance between you and the ones you love. Your relationships will change due to this venture! They will. That’s something you need to know beforehand and be okay with. Here are a few things I have noticed about relationships during full-time travel. 

20. You will get lonely.

I have the luxury of traveling with my husband, which helps, but we do find that we miss our friends and family. I’m not even a person that generally feels lonely. I never felt it until traveling full-time. You’ll meet and interact with more people than you ever have before, and yet somehow feel more alone than ever. 

People come and go like ships passing in the night, and very few real connections are made. You’ll find people you like and share a common traveler bond with, but they are likely to disappear from your life soon, with a few exceptions. It’s important that you keep in contact with your long-term friends and family! 

21. Set appointments to call home.

In order to preserve your important relationships, make appointments to call home. You’re likely going to be in different time zones, and everyone is worried about everyone else sleeping or being busy. Before you know it, it will have been a month since you talked to your mom or sister. Distance in your relationships is a real concern, and it takes a determined person to keep them intact. You’re the one who chose this alternate lifestyle, so a lot of the communication responsibility is going to fall on you. Be prepared for this and just take up the mantel. It’s worth it. 

22. Old friends may become acquaintances.

Long-term travel will change you, and your relationships with friends will change too. You’ll no longer have all the things in common that you once did, and you may find that your closest friends become more like acquaintances. This will happen to an extent no matter what you do, but it will be much worse without an intentional plan to prevent it. I suggest setting up a GroupMe group with your “framily” before you leave on your big trip. This will allow you all to stay in contact daily and know what’s going on in each other’s lives. 

23. People back home will lose interest.

When you first leave for your journey, most people will be very excited for you! They will have a lot of questions about your plan and will express their envy. This will not last. Eventually, a lot of those people that joined your Facebook page or started following you on Instagram will fade away. Your life is not something they can really understand or relate to. They may like your travel photos, but you’ll notice on your trips home that they really don’t have all the questions and interests anymore. You and your travels will become old news.

If you’re really excited to share your travel stories, and no one really wants to listen, it can hurt! Remember you’re doing it for yourself, not for others. Most people only really care about what affects them. It will hurt your feelings, but you need to prepare yourself for it. 

24. Your closest allies may support you the least.

While most friends and family will attempt to be supportive, you may see that those closest to you have the hardest time. They miss you. They don’t understand why you choose to be away for so long. It doesn’t make sense to everyone. Try to ensure that your closest peeps know how important they are to you. Attempt to be there for special things, and make sure you stay involved in their daily lives. They need you, and you need them. 

25. You’ll miss important moments.

Full-time travel means you’re away. This means you miss your niece’s kindergarten graduation and your nephew’s big game. You might miss Grandma’s 80th birthday or family holidays. Not only is this hard on you, but it’s hard on your family. When possible, be there for the big stuff. When it’s not possible, call to see how it went. Ask for video streaming of the game or send gifts for the party. Make sure you stay connected! 

26. Social media friendships aren’t real friendships.

It’s no secret by now how big a farse social media is. Everyone presents their ideal lives and neglects the truth of what’s actually going on. You’ll indeed meet other travelers online. You will have conversations and find common ground, but they are not going to show up when your world falls apart. They might offer some comforting words, but they don’t know you like your oldies and besties. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that this community is your real one. It’s easy to do. Don’t fall into that trap.

Cultural Considerations

27. culture shock is real.

When you think of culture shock, you may go extreme in your mind to mystical rituals, bizarre foods, or poverty, and all those things are valid. However, it’s the daily cultural differences that are likely to get to you after a while. For instance, unless you’re from NYC, the sheer amount of people in Bali or Thailand is likely to be a shock. The endless sea of motorbikes, crazy traffic, and lack of personal space are all potential stressors, especially after a few weeks. 

Do your best to prepare for each nation you visit. Look up common foods, traffic, cultural taboos and norms, and the general personality of the people. Look at some pictures. Research solutions for each destination and know the common scams. 

28. Engagement fatigue is a thing.

Full-time travel causes you to engage on a different level than any other time in your life. You’re going to meet, get to know, and say goodbye to new people every day. If you’re a typically emotional person or deep-feeler, you may find this very difficult. Most people’s inadvertent protective mechanism is to become a bit jaded. Why form a new friendship today that I’m just going to have to say goodbye to tomorrow? It can lead to a lonely path. 

Getting to know new people and cultures takes a vast amount of effort. It’s easy for a while, but after some time, it becomes exhausting. You’ll find that you care less about all those cultural novelties that intrigued you at first, and you may find that you don’t really care to invest in people. This comes in waves, and you can get past it, but this is why keeping in contact with your roots is so important. 

29. You will always be a tourist.

No matter how long you spend in a place and how you view yourself, the local population is always going to see you as a tourist. You may encounter tourist fatigue from locals and get some attitude here and there. Most people are great, but it happens to those who live in heavily-touristed areas from time to time. You can imagine how it would feel if you put yourself in their place. For their sake, try to be a respectful tourist. For a few tips on this, check out our “ Tips To Make Your More Culture Conscious .” 

On the flip side, it can be exhausting to constantly be treated as an outsider. People are always trying to sell you something. You’ll likely pay more for most things than locals, and though people are kind, you’re not one of them. It’s kind of a constant feeling of being outside looking in. 

30. There will be places that aren’t for you.

You’re going to run into places that you just don’t vibe with. That’s cool. Move on! Even if every other traveler thinks it’s amazing, if it isn’t for you, move along. Every person is different. Try hard. Experience things. Open your mind to the frustrating parts by doing your research and getting involved, but then if it doesn’t work out, don’t feel bad about getting out.

31. Simple pleasures aren’t so simple.

What you consider to be simple things might not be so simple everywhere. You’ll discover that Coke tastes different in other nations. You might not be able to find your favorite chocolate, and that one you thought would be a good substitute turns out to be filled with coconut, but you didn’t know that because you didn’t know the Bulgarian word for coconut. It won’t bother you the first time, but the tenth time, it can get to you.

32. Flexibility is key.

As you have probably realized by this point in the article, you’re going to need to be very flexible. Your travel plans will not go like you thought. Changes will happen all the time, and you’re just going to have to roll with the punches. Put on your patient pants and resolve to live a life of last-minute alterations. You can stress yourself out about it and be angry all the time, or you can learn to ride the wave with pleasure, knowing it will lead to even better experiences than you ever imagined.

33. You’ll need to take breaks.

In the planning stage, you’re filling your itinerary with all the bucket list items to conquer on your trip. But the truth is, after some time, you’re going to just need days to chill and watch Netflix. You need laundry days, days to devote to finding jobs and housing, days to call home. Schedule these into your itinerary from the beginning, so you don’t hit the complete burnout stage before you realize you need a break. It will hit you all of a sudden. Keep yourself from crashing by inserting these breaks before you get to that point. 

34. You will end up in a routine.

You’re likely taking this path to get away from the same-old-same-old. It might surprise you how your human brain gravitates back to a routine though. All travelers have a routine, a set of systems that work for them, and you will, too, if you’re going to survive out here. 

Social Complications

There are a few things about international, full-time travel from a social perspective that might surprise you. The way you see yourself and your life is not always the way that others see it, and this can affect you pretty deeply if you let it. The more you know now, the more you can prepare yourself.

35. You are never allowed to complain.

Remember, you’re living the dream. So, even on your worst day, you’re not allowed to complain! I’m being a bit facetious here, but if you post that Instagram about being scammed or about your terrible, no-good day, don’t be surprised if you get negative responses from total strangers like “oh poor you, must be terrible to travel all the time,” or “well, at least you didn’t have to go to work today.” As previously stated, nobody really understands this weird lifestyle until they live it. It looks very different from the outside. Prepare yourself for other people’s perceptions.

36. Been there, done that.

You know how excited you get when planning a vacation? After traveling for long periods, you’ll notice that excitement wanes a lot. I still love travel! I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t, but I don’t have the anticipation I used to. There are still a lot of things on my list that I’m excited to do, but when travel is your life, it loses some of that novelty.

Be careful about this when talking with family and friends. They are super-excited about their two-week vacation, and you’ll have a tendency to downplay it because you have already been there or done that. Don’t be that kind of traveler. Revel in their excitement. Don’t be a snobby downer.

37. You can lose yourself.

Even the most grounded individuals are going to change immensely due to long-term travel. It’s likely that home won’t feel like home. In fact, nowhere really will. You’re at home anywhere … and nowhere! It’s kind of a weird phenomenon. 

You’re going to encounter ideals contrary to your raising, and you’ll have to expand your thinking. This can cause some real turmoil. You may find that those spiritual beliefs you have always held are being challenged, and it may take you some real soul searching to get to a place of stability again. You may find that you’re not as tough as you thought, or that you’re way more resilient than you knew. One of the most common problems is a lack of purpose. 

Travel is fun, but it’s not inherently purposeful. You can fool yourself (for a time) into thinking that your life mission is to inspire others to get out there and live life. In a way that’s true, but it isn’t enough of a purpose for most people. This is another reason why having a job is important. We also recommend that you engage on a regular basis with organizations that line up with your passions. There is no shortage of fabulous non-profits, eco-programs, and religious organizations that would love your help! You have time to volunteer, and it will increase your personal happiness immensely.

38. You need to have a plan for your health.

Traveling can take a toll on your spiritual, mental, and physical health. You aren’t eating as well as at home. You don’t have all your vitamins handy. It’s likely you won’t sleep as regularly or soundly, and you’re being challenged around every corner.

Make a plan. I carry a fishing tackle box of vitamins and supplements. Overkill? Maybe, but it ensures that my body has what it needs to function at its best when I am eating train station food. If you’re prone to anxiety or depression, keep an online therapist and make sure you find a way to nourish your spiritual needs. If that means attending church in a foreign nation on Sunday or finding a quiet place to meditate in the mornings, take time to do it! Keep in touch with your mentors and those people who keep you grounded, and make sure to get some exercise!

Closing Thoughts

I hope you can see from these considerations that full-time travel is more than a long vacation. It’s a full-on life change. It’s worth it, but you need to be prepared for BIG change! If you think it’s going to be all sunshine and rainbows, you’ll be sorely disappointed. But, if you prepare adequately and go into the process with realistic plans and expectations, you can have a life of freedom  and  purpose!

If this article has made you think, you might want to find out if the digital nomad lifestyle is right for you . It’s a fantastic way to support yourself while engaging in long-term travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Extensive travel is a lifestyle change like no other. Long-term travelers need to consider several things, like insurance, banking options, taxes, and plans to nurture your health on the road.

Long-term travel should be carefully thought out. Some things to consider include how to make money, how to protect your relationships back home, and dealing with loneliness.

Long-term travel takes some preparation. Start with securing a good travel credit card, practice your travel skills with local adventures,  and  begin researching the culture of your travel destination.

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Long-term Travel Guide: Slow Travel One Destination or Tour Many

March 18, 2019 by Janice Waugh

Congratulations! If you’re reading this you have decided to travel long term. Perhaps it's a gap year or a career break. Whichever, it's going to be great!

But long-term travel presents a few challenges in both the planning and traveling stages that you likely won’t have encountered on a typical vacation.

Will you be on the move most of your long-term trip or do you want to settle into a destination for a month or two? If it's the former, you have a lot of logistics to deal with. If it's the latter, you need to choose your destination and where, in that destination, you want to settle yourself. You'll need a plan for what you'll do there beyond seeing sights. And you'll need to  know how you will accommodate any dietary needs.

While traveling, you might face loneliness, a feeling of being unsettled, and a need to be grounded. You might become travel-weary.

Way back in 2001, I moved my family to Europe. The idea was to spend 10 months there. We spent five of those months in Neuchatel, Switzerland where one of my sons attended a Canadian school. We used Neuchatel as a base from which to explore central Europe but, essentially, we were slow traveling in one place. The following five months we toured the perimeter of the continent in a Volkswagen pop-up camper van. There was very little online at that point to help us plan but we managed with the help of friends and friends of friends.

I recently received a couple of emails from readers looking for help with planning a long-term trip. For this post I've dug in and done some research. I'll share the results as well as a few things I learned from long-term travel that I hope will help you.

You may also want to read:

Backpacking Solo: Your Complete Guide for a Great Budget Trip

Table of Contents

Travel Long-term Destinations for Your Interests and Budget

People sometimes ask me where to travel. It's such a personal decision. How can anyone answer this question except to suggest destinations that they have enjoyed?

Your Best Slow Travel Destination

To stay a few months in a destination requires a passion for it. Perhaps you speak a second language and want to live in a culture and the language full time. Or maybe you love the food of a certain country and want to eat it and learn how to cook it properly. Your passion could be driven by your heritage, the books of a certain author, music, or art. Any of these will give you a reason to stay, sink in, and enjoy a destination for a long while.

Creating Your Long-term Travel Itinerary

Whether you have a few months or a couple of years, it is easy to plan too much for a trip that involves many destinations. It's important to set out with at least a loose plan. You want there to be lots of room for changing your mind but enough of  a plan that your time and budget will be managed well. Search “long-term travel itinerary” on Google and you'll see many itineraries. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Develop your wish list. If you could only visit five countries, what would they be? You have a year? Make that 10.
• Now look at where they are geographically in the world. Are all five countries realistic given the time you have?
• If you want to be flexible with your time, choose countries that are possible to reach via ground transportation.
• Plan to travel slowly with a week or (hopefully) more for each destination. As you actually travel this may shift to a few days in one place to weeks in another but planning for an average number of days per destination will help you control your itinerary.
• Consider the weather you can expect in your destinations and the time of your trip. If you don't like cold, don't plan South America in July and August when the average temperature in Santiago, Chile is 9°C or 48°F. On the other hand, plan your trip well and you could enjoy an endless summer.
• For flights, consider  Airtreks,  a travel agency that specializes in booking long-term travel. They specialize in multiple flights in one trip. They know which airlines hub where, which ones have stopover programs for what destinations, and which local carriers are going to save you money when moving within a region, etc. However, to use them you need to have a complex trip. Their minimum is at least 3 stops internationally in at least two countries, not including the start and end cities.
• For train travel, see  The Man in Seat 61 . It's an amazing site that is well maintained. Bus travel is very local in nature and best arranged in the destination.

Destination Resources

• Expatistan  will give you the cost of settling into a destination compared with the cost of your home city. For those digging into a destination for a few months, this is a valuable resource.
• Nomad List is an incredible resource. As they describe it, “Nomad List is a database of 2,113+ cities in the world analyzing 1,716,568+ data points every second to help you choose where to go next — and when you arrive, it connects you to 100,000+ 🌍 nomads there.”
• Rome2Rio is a site where you can find out how to get just about anywhere from anywhere. It's an invaluable tool for planning a long-term trip as it can tell you how long and how much money moving from one place to another will cost. Knowing this may eliminate certain destinations from your list.

Best Solo Travel Destinations: Real Solo Travelers Love These Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers How to Plan Your Solo Travel Budget – On Any Budget

Slow Travel and Live Like a Local in Affordable Accommodation

When I planned the trip in 2001, there was very little on the Internet. There were no blogs and certainly no housing sites. The best to be found were classified sections in local newspapers. Now there is so much more. But some of the low-tech methods still work.

• Put out the word. There's nothing like word of mouth or share by Facebook to get the word out that you are looking for a short-term rental. Let people know. When I did this, I not only found a place but found someone to go and check it out to ensure that it was in a good area and clean. Photos and feedback really helped.
• Look for online listings for your destination . It may be a simple classified ad, it could be on the local version of Craiglist or Kijiji.
• Country-specific month-to-month rental sites . PrimeLocation is an option in the UK. Searching it, I learned that PCM is per calendar month and PW is per week. Prices are shown for both. You can filter furnished apartments only. One of the women who wrote me found  daft.ie  for rentals in Ireland.
• Land first. Find an apartment/flat second . Waiting until you arrive has the advantage of giving you time to suss out the city and decide what area you'd like to stay in. You can also learn how locals find the apartments for rent and use local sources.
• Home exchange . Trade your home for one in your destination. Here's what one of our readers had to say about home exchanges.  Free Accommodation: Try a Home Exchange .
• House-sitting. You'll have a few responsibilities if you house-sit but you will get your accommodation for free.
• Trade your skills.  World Packers   Trade your skills for a free place to stay. You might end up staying in a hostel, homestay, NGO, a farm or eco-project. Choose your continent destination and see what's on offer. You need to sign up as a traveler on their site and then apply for the position.
• Find a community.   Roam is a new service. It is an international network of co-living spaces that combines accommodation with work space and community.

Packing for a Long-Term Trip

When you're traveling long term you may think that you need to carry more than for a short-term trip but that's not really the case.

Packing for Slow Travel

If you plan to stay in one place for a long time you're best, as always, to pack lightly , and see what you actually need when you're there. Washing your clothes is easy when you've settled into one place, plus, a laundromat can be an interesting local experience. Should you find yourself missing things, there are always thrift shops and other low-cost options for buying exactly what you need.

Packing for a Long-term Trip on the Move

A backpack is your best choice for a long-term trip. A carry-on case requires at least one hand free at all times, and if it's a roller bag it can be heavy. Both these scenarios are not good if you're going up and down stairs at train stations, walking long distances, or are in places where you really want to keep your bag close to you at all times. For how to choose and pack a backpack, read:  Backpacking Solo: Your Complete Guide for a Great Budget Trip .

Bare Minimum Packing: Here’s Your Packing List Bare Minimum Packing – Travel Gear! Bare Minimum Packing: Urban and Luxury Travel Checked Baggage: Top Planning and Packing Tips Winter Solo Travel: Destinations, Planning, and Packing

You Needn't Be Lonely: Slow & Long-term Travel

Despite the fact that my 10-month trip was in a VW pop-up camper which allowed me to have everything I needed with me, including the same bed every night, there were times I longed for more. You likely will too.

Fear of being lonely is one of the greatest concerns of people about to set out on a solo career break or gap year. Here are a few ways you can deal with this.

• Connect with locals. When you stay in one place longer you will inevitably meet people. Go to the same coffee shop on a daily basis. Join a Meetup.com group. Read:  Travel Deeper: 12 Tips to Help You Connect with Locals .
• Be open to a travel companion . I have met travel companions on ships, at an ashram, and, of course, at hostels. Traveling with someone for a week or two is a great way to manage loneliness on a long-term trip. I book my hostels on  Booking.com  because I can see the reviews of hostels as well as inns and B&Bs that are in my budget all in one place.
• Breaking up a long-term trip by joining a tour and letting the company manage all the details while you simply enjoy the other travelers is a great way to beat loneliness.
• If you're traveling slow, take a course. Learn the language of your destination, or its culinary tricks. Learn to do something you've always wanted to learn whether that's rock climbing or watercolor painting.
• Join an organization or a Meetup.com group to connect with people with similar interests.
• If you've been on the move, settle down. When you’re traveling for a long period of time, hostel life can get old. You start to crave privacy, creature comforts, and a place that feels like it’s yours. Renting a short-stay apartment in many countries is either equal to or only slightly more per night than a private hostel room in a larger city. Try  Airbnb  or  VRBO.com  for booking an apartment.
• Go to a resort or take a retreat . On our 10-month trip, we went to a resort in Sicily for a week to get that settled feeling. Having people around, being served three meals a day, having my room cleaned every morning, ocean swimming: it was a bit of heaven. Try  VRBO  and  Vacation Home Rentals .

Manage Your Finances on the Road

• Insurance is a must . Getting sick while traveling solo, especially if you plan to be traveling long term, is no fun. Having the back-up of an insurance provider not only helps you if the worst happens, but also saves you tons of cash. Read  Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must .
• Have a second credit card and make sure one is a Visa.  In many countries, cash is king. But, on those occasions when you will need a credit card, it’s always good to have a back-up in case one doesn’t work. I’ve found that Visa is the most accepted worldwide with few exceptions. American Express tends to be the least accepted. And, don’t be fooled, even when a business displays a sticker that says a certain type of card is accepted, it might not be. Finally, call your credit card company to let them know where you will be traveling so your card won’t be blocked in off-the-beaten-track countries. Some banks no longer require this, but it doesn't hurt to make a quick call and they may offer some additional tips to help you keep your card safe.
• Don't use public Wi-Fi without a VPN. You should never go into your bank account or use your credit card online when you're on public Wi-Fi unless you're using a VPN. A hostel or coffee shop with a security code is still public Wi-Fi. Your account could be hacked, and worse, the data gathered could be used to hack you more. Read  VPN for Travel: What, Why and an Easy Setup Guide .
• Take crisp, clean bills.  Even though you’ll be using ATMs mostly, it never hurts to have some extra US dollars or Euros in your pocket. Make sure that you have fresh, new, clean bills. When exchanging money, your bills will be closely inspected. Any tears, stamps, marks, or signs of wear could make the local exchange service leery of accepting your cash.
• Pay in the local currency, ALWAYS.  To get the best price on the goods you’re buying, always pay in the local currency. If you insist on paying with your dollars or euros, you will likely pay more. The vendor isn’t necessarily trying to rip you off. They are trying to hedge their bets so when they take your foreign money to the bank, they don’t lose out. And, there is the hassle factor for them.
• Save on Hotels? Yes You Can, with These Tips
• Protect Yourself from Pickpockets: Keep Cards & Cash Safe
• Book and Travel Without a Credit Card: Top Tips
• VPN for Travel: What, Why and an Easy Setup Guide

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Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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How to Prepare for a Long (and We Mean Long) Trip

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Last October, I began the greatest adventure of my life : a solo bucket list trip through Central and South America. I had no set plan or time frame except to check three major places off my bucket list: Patagonia , the salt flats in Bolivia , and Cuba .

Since 2008, I have been on the road non-stop working mostly as a freelance photographer. I’ve visited 43 countries and lived in five. Long-term travel seemed overwhelming until I learned how to prepare properly.

Here are a few tips about how to prepare for your own long-term trip:

Do The Research

Cost of Travel

The biggest myth about traveling is that it’s expensive. Asia, aside from Japan and Singapore, is traditionally very cheap. Australia isn’t cheap, but Europe is more affordable since the euro has dropped. Flip through guidebooks on your destination to get an idea about the cost of the three biggest travel expenses: transport, accommodation, and food. Gathering a little information will guide you through setting the appropriate trip budget and savings goal.

Visa costs and requirements are listed on the U.S. Department of State’s website . Many visas are available on arrival while others are required in advance. Several places in South America, including Argentina and Bolivia, charge Americans a reciprocity fee to enter.

High/Low Seasons

Be aware that prices can triple during high seasons and holidays. Rates drop in low season, but monsoon rain, sporadic transport, and business closures can cause trouble. Shoulder seasons are often best to avoid crowds and high prices.

Bucket list activities will likely be a large portion of your travel budget. For example, Inca Trail permits sell out six months or more in advance. The Peruvian government only allows a limited amount of non-transferable permits. Plan accordingly with both your money and time!

Health & Safety

Visit a travel doctor about vaccination requirements and stock up on medication for traveler’s diarrhea. Be sure to pack probiotics that don’t require refrigeration.

Read up on the history of your destination. Follow any recent or potential political/military conflicts closely. Avoid traveling during elections as most businesses close and riots are possible.

Check the U.S. State Department’s website for travel warnings and sign up for their Safe Traveler Enrollment Program for email updates. Talk with other travelers and review guidebooks for specific travel concerns (solo women travelers, taxi hijackings, etc.).

Working Abroad

There are endless options to work abroad, but some require a little preparation. Go Overseas is a great resource for teaching English. Check out Wwoof.net and Workaway.info for work exchange opportunities for free room and board. Working Holiday Visas are options in Australia and New Zealand for Americans under 30.

Tell Everyone

The moment you start to talk about your trip, it transforms from a daydream into reality. Once you’ve set the departure date and spread the news, it also boosts your courage levels. Plus, it’s a great way to get your friends involved and make plans to meet up for a portion of your trip!

Find the Time

I quit several jobs over the past eight years to both travel and work abroad. During my adventures, I met people with a variety of careers—doctors, lawyers, teachers, and bartenders—who did the same. Always be honest about why you are leaving. There’s a good chance your boss will be jealous of your trip!

If you plan to change jobs, take advantage of any large gaps of time to travel. Post-graduation trips are also common. Consider freelancing from overseas. I still continue the majority of my freelance work abroad.

Travel Banking

The easiest way to save money while traveling is to avoid ATM fees and international transaction fees. I have a Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account, which does not charge ATM fees or international transaction fees. ATM fees charged by other banks are refunded monthly. Capital One does not charge international transaction fees on any of their credit cards. Many rewards cards are starting to do the same.

Most U.S. health insurance policies offer limited coverage abroad. Invest in a good travel medical insurance plan that covers emergency evacuations, adventure sports, short visits to your home country, and end-of-trip home coverage. If you have a serious preexisting condition, research your options thoroughly. Some policies will cover an “unexpected occurrence” of these conditions.

Consider a policy or additional insurance that also includes trip delays, lost luggage, and electronics. I insure my camera gear through State Farm’s Personal Articles policy. Be aware that most policies will not cover smart phones.

Get Healthy

Hit the gym and cut the caffeine. Traveling can be physically exhausting. Carrying a 30-plus pound backpack around airports, city streets, and hiking trails for months will take a toll on your body. Six months before my recent trip, I focused mostly on strengthening my upper body since my lower body was fairly strong from being an avid runner.

Before my first big trip in 2008, my caffeine addiction was causing havoc on my health, with horrible withdrawal headaches and pain from dehydrated muscles. I didn’t want caffeine to control my mood while traveling so I weaned myself off six months prior.

Keep in Touch

Distance doesn’t have to affect your relationships or love for sports. My closest friends live on three different continents. I talk to them regularly through various apps like Skype and WhatsApp. I share my adventures with friends and family through regular updates on Instagram and posts on my travel blog. When I’m lucky enough to have fast internet, I stream football and baseball games.

Send postcards. Everyone loves real mail. Set reminders for birthdays. If you can’t find stamps, use the Postagram app to send a postcard with your travel photos!

Sell Everything

Think like a Buddhist and rid yourself of attachment to your possessions. It’s better to invest in experiences than things. Ebay is always great for selling collectable items like my childhood Hard Rock Café shot glass collection, which sat in boxes at my parents’ house for years. It sold instantly and covered the cost of the first week of my trip! Consignment shops are great outlets to sell clothes, housewares and art. Donate everything else to charities.

Set a deadline three months before your trip. After this deadline, you can’t buy anything that isn’t for your trip.

Eliminate Bills

You should have no bills while you travel. That’s right—none! Cut off your Pandora, Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. Sell, rent, or have a friend list your house/apartment on Airbnb for a small commission. Sell your car or rent it to Relayrides.com or Flightcar.com . Several cell phone carriers will allow you to suspend your service without billing or for a small fee. For student loans, save enough money to cover payments for the entire duration of your trip plus an additional two months after you return.

The movie Fight Club was right: The things you own, own you.

Pack one week’s worth of clothes and do laundry often. It’s that simple. Trust me, your back will thank you.

Here is a short list of my top five essentials to pack from eight years of wandering the globe:

1. Quality Rain Gear

Invest in a quality raincoat with zippered underarm vents for hot conditions. It also serves as a top layer for insulation in cold weather and helps with wind.

2. Headlamp

The headlamp is the single greatest invention after the burrito.

3. Stainless Steel Water Bottle and Water Filter

Save the environment and your health by investing in a stainless steel water bottle and chemical-free water filter. I use a Klean Kanteen water bottle and a Sawyer Mini Water Filter. Both are great for your bank account and pack easily.

4. Dr. Bonner’s Soap

Dr. Bonner’s is organic, biodegradable, and smells great. Use it as body wash, dish soap, and laundry detergent.

5. Quick-Drying Towel or Sarong

A small quick-drying hand towel will dry your entire body. Sarongs are great multipurpose items; they are a towel, dress, skirt, blanket, and mop all in one!

Additional Packing Tips:

• Consider the cost of renting camping gear versus the burden of carrying your own gear for the duration of your trip.
• Make sure all electronic chargers are dual-voltage . Don’t forget plug adapters.
• To avoid over packing, don’t wait until the last minute . Start a few days before you leave. Then, go back and eliminate items. Make sure the majority of clothing matches to maximize options.
• Pack for one season . I packed mostly for summer on my trip and spent $20 on a llama sweater with matching gloves and socks when I got to colder weather in Bolivia.
• Don’t forget a good paperback travel book for long bus rides. When your Kindle battery dies, you’ll thank me. I recommend anything by Pico Iyer or Paul Theroux.

How To Plan Long-Term Travel (With Tips That Actually Help)

Planning a long-term trip? This is how you can plan well for the journey.

Quick Links

Why a long-term travel deciding if you are ready to embark on a long-term journey, tips for getting started on a long-term trip, where to stay on a long-term travel.

Planning long-term travel seems like a daunting task, and visitors are not always sure exactly where to draw the line when the usual short-term vacation changes everything and last many months or even a year. Regardless of how long one takes to experience new places, planning is key because tourists will need to know a lot about their priority destinations. Long-term travel is more than just how many days or months one spends on a trip. Vacationers' mindsets also matter as well as lots of preparations before beginning the journey. This is how to plan long-term travel, along with tips that actually help.

Related: 15 Helpful Tips To Make Long-Term Travel Easy For Everyone (5 That Sabotage It)

The internet has brought so many things right at the touch of our fingertips, giving us exceptional freedom to choose from plenty of options. Traveling has gone through digital changes, and now the new generation of nomads and independent tourists have an incredible opportunity to not only make money online but also travel the world. We are seeing many people doing this full-time, and there is an increase in the number of long-term vacationers. But why long-term travel? How do you know when you are ready to adopt this lifestyle? Is it sustainable? Let’s find out.

Does Realism Match Your Optimism?

Traveling can be exciting and fun, but at the same time, it can be challenging and exhausting. Long-term traveling needs someone to be optimistic, but an equal amount of realism is even better because it involves a lot. Vacationers find it difficult to accept one fact: that every day isn't going to be as fun and exciting. People are always enticed by Instagram's breathtaking photos of destinations. But understanding that every day isn't going to be beautiful is important when planning a long-term trip.

Leaving the comforts of one’s home to tour new places and interact with different cultures means letting go of the usual lifestyle and starting a new one. Behind every stunning Instagram picture is long period of planning and preparation. Things like the possibility of losing luggage, missing a train, or spending more than planned - are important to think about when preparing for this kind of lifestyle. Understanding that long-term travel has downsides and having the optimism to overcome those challenges will help vacationers decide if they are ready for the journey.

Have You Set Aside Enough Money?

Money matters a lot when it comes to long-term travel, as it is the major factor that determines most of the travel aspects, like transport means, accommodation, and meals. The number of months or weeks to spend on a long-term journey depends on the money allocated for the same. Money will also help travelers decide the countries they can visit because exploring some places can be expensive.

But enough money doesn't have to be a six-digit saving. Traveling doesn't have to be expensive, even if it’s a long-term trip, and it largely depends on the kind of travel one is planning. Plus, there are several budget options for accommodation, transport, and attractions. There are also tips to cut costs when visiting a destination. This allows travelers to spend less and make money on their long-term trips. If one is feeling comfortable with the amount of money they've set aside for a long-term journey, then they are ready to get started.

How Do You Handle The Fear Of Missing A Long-Term Travel Opportunity?

A lot of fears come with long-term travel planning – fear of leaving loved ones, losing a career, visiting certain countries, the fact that things might not go as planned, and having to get back home only after a short while. But the fear of failing on this long-term journey has to be greater than all these other fears. One is ready to embark on a long-term trip when they feel it's a must to make the travel work, and they wouldn’t be satisfied if it doesn’t.

After deciding about readiness to embark on long-term travel, some tips for getting started should make the planning and the trip easy. Here are some to keep in mind:

Get Educated On The Priority Destinations

First of all, it is important to list the places one would like to visit and then set priorities. Travelers should then conduct some thorough research and educate themselves about the countries they'd wish to visit. And this is beyond just learning a few words like saying 'hello' or 'thank you in a local language. It is important to have some ideas about the country's culture and traditions, history, politics, and tourism status. This will smoothen the trip and make it easier to interact with the locals upon one's arrival at the destination.

Get an idea of itineraries , public transportation means, visas, and their costs, backpacking prices , and things to experience in those destinations. There are a lot of online resources to use – travel blogs and social media (perhaps join a Facebook group!).

Know Which Countries To Avoid If Traveling On A Budget

Some countries are extremely expensive than others. It is not advisable to group destinations as a continent or a region to decide which countries to visit. Remember, some regions can be less expensive to visit, but the countries within them vary widely in price. For instance, getting accommodation in Singapore can cost three times more than in Hanoi, and the countries are both in Southeast Asia. Countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the USA can be pretty expensive, making them unsuitable for a long-term budget trip.

Related: 5 Expensive Destinations Done On A Budget (And 5 Destinations That Are Outright Steals)

Consider Reviews When Searching For Accommodation Options

Reading other travelers’ reviews on sites like TripAdvisor is important. The type of search engine to use in research depends on which type of accommodation and country one is opting for. Travelers looking to stay in hostels should use hostelworld.com, but Airbnb is also a good resource. Couchsurfing is a crucial site for vacationers looking to embark on long-term budget travel. Booking.com is the best search engine for travelers planning to travel to North America.

Have Long-Term Travel Insurance Ready

To get started on a long-term journey, ensure long-term travel insurance is ready. The last thing one would want to experience is getting caught up in medical charges. When researching insurance companies, it is important to keep activities like high-altitude hiking and skiing into consideration so that all needs are covered.

Pack Everything You’ll Need, But Not Too Much

While travelers should have all the essentials, they must also pack light for long-term travel. Some things to pack include:

• Lightweight raincoats
• Long-term travel backpacks
• Portable charger
• A water bottle (a filter type is preferable)
• Sun protection items, like a hat and sunscreen
• Shirts (long-sleeved and short-sleeved), pants, jeans, leggings, underwear, and a hoodie

Where one is going to stay is something crucial to consider when planning long-term travel. For vacationers who've never traveled long-term, wrapping their heads around which type of accommodation to opt for can be challenging. Consider these factors when deciding where to stay:

• Are you traveling solo or with family or friends?
• Would you mind sharing kitchens or rooms with other travelers if traveling solo?
• How much privacy do you need?
• Are you on a tight budget?

Answers to these questions will determine whether one will stay in a hostel, a hotel, or a vacation home.

Long-term travel has upsides and downsides – and understanding them is the best way to prepare and plan well for the journey.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Secret to Long Term Traveling

Serendipitous adventure, carefree nights with newfound friends in foreign lands, delicious foods for bargain prices, and the luxury of time to enjoy it all.

Welcome to the world of long-term travel .

When it comes to this kind of travel, I get a lot of emails asking for my “secret.”

How do you travel so often and for so long? How did you quit your job and escape the grind? You must have a trust fund to afford all that, right?

I’ve written about how I manage to travel in the past ( over and over again), but people still wonder if I am holding something back.

What am I leaving out? What, they ask, is my secret to escaping the cubicle and being a nomad? Did I win the lottery? Do my parents pay for everything?

There must be something that makes me so special.

Well, here it is! The big secret to traveling long-term is…

Absolutely nothing!

There is no special secret.

Vagabonds, nomads, and long-term travelers are nothing special. We have no superpowers or secret Swiss bank accounts. We don’t have a money tree or the ability to teleport everywhere.

Of course, privilege will inevitably play its part , but we’re not unique or doing anything special. This kind of travel has been done for decades, by people from all parts of the world, with a variety of backgrounds.

Long-term travelers are just like you.

When I first discovered long-term travel, I thought the backpackers I had met in Chiang Mai had found some secret to life I didn’t know existed.

But once I got on the road myself, I saw that there was no secret. I wasn’t unique or special. Millions of people every year did this. Even people with virtually no money were making it work.

I had left home thinking I was going on an exciting adventure few people go on — then I went to Khao San Road and hung out in Amsterdam during the summer. In those places, I met travelers young and old doing exactly the same thing as me — and none of them were trust fund babies.

These travelers just did what they wanted — a revolutionary idea for me at the time. But now, after years of travel, I realize that it’s not so revolutionary. If people really want something, they do it. If you want a big-screen TV or a new computer, you find a way to make it happen. If you really want to eat sushi for dinner, you are going to have sushi for dinner.

If you really want to travel, you will do that, too .

Because, just like you find a way to pay for that TV or your new car, these travelers simply arranged their life so that they could afford to travel .

The only thing these people had that I didn’t have before was the desire to do what they wanted to do, free from the expectations of society, just because they enjoyed it.

They simply said, “I want to travel” and then worked to make it happen.

They saved more, they took second jobs, they stayed home instead of going out to eat or drink, they found work overseas. They did whatever it took.

As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

It is that simple.

People ask me about whether I worry about bills, retirement, and my future. To be honest, not really.

When you travel long-term, all those things disappear. You have no bills because you have no home. You just spend what you spend from day to day (which is usually less than $50 a day ).

My mother told me I should start saving more for my retirement so I could…wait for it…travel more.

Then she stopped herself and said, “Well, I guess you do that already, so never mind!”

I’m a big believer in the idea that we shouldn’t work our lives away and that we should take short breaks to pursue our passions . Why should I spend my best years in an office, saving money for an age I may not even see, or if I do see it, might be too sick to enjoy?

Yeah, we long-term travelers save a bit for a rainy day, but we don’t worry about the future. We enjoy now . Take care of your present, and your future works itself out. When I stop traveling, I’ll figure out what is next.

So, when you ask travelers how they do it, they aren’t lying when they say there is no secret. We simply made a conscious decision to do it and, after that, just worked toward our goal, saving money and making plans just like what you would do for any other goal or venture in your life.

That’s the secret. So, know that you know it, go start making your travel dreams come true!  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How to Pack for Long-Term Travel Around the World

Last updated on January 4, 2024 by Shannon

Traveling around the world for a year (or even six months) is a different beast than a one-week or short-term vacation. While the packing lists share many similarities, long-term round the world travelers often need to pack a few different things that you wouldn’t for a regular trip. Unlike packing single destination or a single climate, your entire wardrobe and gear has to different climes and locations, while still fitting in your backpack..

When I left on my first yearlong round the world trip , I had a lot of anxiety about what to pack. This post shares not only my one-year long-term travel packing list and the updates I added along the way, but also my current recommended packing list after 15+ years traveling around the world as a digital nomad (because a lot has changed since 2008!).

What’s more—I don’t just tell you what to pack—but exactly why and how I’ve found each item on this packing list useful, so you can assess if it is also worth the weight in your pack during your own world travels, whether you’re heading out for a week, a month, or a long-term trip like mine.

Skip straight to the gear and shop my entire packing list on Amazon .

Table of Contents

Long-Term World Travel Packing List

Picture this: It’s 2008, and I’m desperately combing through the sparse online travelogues. I pause at every selfie—not called a selfie back then—and carefully log in my notebook what clothes the women are wearing in their photos.

My list includes notes like “most women carrying one hoodie and two long-sleeved shirts!” and “five t-shirts and a couple tanks = enough”. I initiated my visual stalking sessions in a desperate bid to discover how many tops and bottoms women packed for their round-the-world trips , along with which brands seemed to hold up throughout their year on the road.

When I left in 2008, I posted my original packing list ( below ) so that another woman would never again go through that painstaking process. The internet is a different place now—there’s a lot  of packing advice out there. But yet, every single week a heck of a lot of people still make it to this page for inspiration when sussing out their own long-term travel packing list.

So, consider this my updated, 2023 packing list for female travelers. It’s a full guide to effective packing for long-term trips (a month or more) and freely shares the lessons I’ve learned after 15+ years of travel and living abroad .

This male packing list is also well done, with great recommendations if you’re of the other persuasion. Sections below cover clothes, shoes, electronics, toiletries and more. I offer suggested brands and products, but keep in mind, I had only a few expensive pieces when I started; after 15+ years on the road, some of these were investment pieces that may or may not be worth it for your trip.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases—this does not affect my recommendations obviously, as this is a list of my current gear and recommendations of items that I paid for myself.

TL;DR: Long-Term Travel Packing List

• 8 tops (4 t-shirts, 1-2 long-sleeved shirts, 1-2 tank tops, and 1 UPF shirt )
• 4 bottoms (2 travel pants /jeans, 1-2 skirts , 1 dress, 1-2 shorts/capri )
• Cold weather layers: 1 pair leggings, 1 thermal , 1 hoodie
• 1 thin rain jacket
• 4-8 underwear
• 2-3 bras + sports bras
• 1 pair thin sleep shorts
• 1 pair hiking boots or sturdy walking shoe
• 1 pair Chacos or sports sandals
• 1 pair stylish sandals (flip-flops for hostels)
• 1 pair ballet flats (super optional)

Packing Essentials

• 1 set leak-proof containers
• prescriptions (scanned and stored online; printed for pain meds)
• 1 luggage lock(s) (optional combination lock needed for hostels)
• 1 quick-dry travel towel
• 1 menstrual cup
• 1 medical kit
• 1 spork (optional)
• 1 reusable water bottle and SteriPen or LifeStraw
• safety essentials : door stop, safety whistle carabiners, pencil wrapped with duct tape

Electronics

• 1 laptop/netbook/iPad
• 1 smartphone with quality camera
• 1 backup hard drive for photos
• 1 portable charger
• 1 mirrorless camera or point-and-shoot
• 2 travel adaptors (1 multi-USB adaptor; 1 set of small ones)
• 1 water purification device
• 1 pack of cards

Best Clothes for Long-term Travel

Travel-friendly tops.

There’s a good amount of variability here depending on your style preferences and where you’ll spend the bulk of your time on the road. If you’re only dipping into cold places, then opt for one fewer long-sleeved shirt because you can always use your thermal as a base-layer and then put a t-shirt over top.

You must travel with a high-quality UV protective shirt . Most people on round-the-world trips do a lot more outdoors activities than they would in everyday life. You’re sightseeing , snorkeling , trekking , kayaking, etc.

A quality UPF 50+ shirt is a must-pack. I had one on my round-the-world trip, and it’s always with me now, too—over the years I invested in a long-sleeved one for cooler hikes as well.

For the other shirts in your bag, simple cotton ones from your closet will likely suffice. Make one a bit nicer so that you can wear it out for a nice dinner. I also carry two thin tank tops ; I sleep in these, or wear them in non-conservative, hot climates. I tend to pack a range of colors for tops, though all in the same shade families so that key items layer well.

Vary your ratio of t-shirts and tank tops to long-sleeved shirts if you’re planning to visit many cold-weather places. You’ll definitely skip packing a sweater, which is why it’s so important to have a quality thermal and hoodie .

Lightweight/Versatile Dresses

Dresses and skirts an be a lifesaver since they allow you to stay cool in the heat. I tend to favor traveling with two below-the-knee skirts these days, but when I pack my travel dress , it’s pretty similar to this Columbia dress .

I’ve tried on prAna dresses over the years, which are well-made and raved about by other travelers. I’ve never found one that really hit my fashion sense, and I tend to stick with Columbia brand items because they fit my body type well (tall and slender), but I note that here in case you see one of their dresses that you love better.

I recommend getting a travel dress with inch-thick sleeves at the very least. This is more versatile in slightly conservative areas, and if you get a dress that covers more of your shoulder, it provides better sun protection too, which is important if you wear it out sightseeing!

Should it be a travel-specific dress? No! And, yes! If you’re packing for a month, stick with a dress from your closet—if you’re traveling with the dress long-term, however, travel dresses hold up better to many, many washes and are a just a better item to put on your packing list.

Pants & Bottoms

The skirts and dresses that I recommended comprise half of my “bottoms,” and that’s always a good ratio since I am most often in warm climates. I just wear my leggings under skirts in cooler climes.

In addition, I carry my fancy lightweight travel pants . I had a pair of Columbia pants when I first left and I loved them dearly, but they ripped when I took a particularly gnarly fall on my bicycle in Mexico. So, I replaced them with the closest I could find, which is a black pair of Columbia hiking pants . These pants run small—truly very small, like maybe go up two sizes if you have large hips/butt.

I might buy these prAna Halle ones though when I wear out my current high-tech pants because they are more true to size but still look good. To that end—go with black, that’s the entire point of these slim but functional pants over cargo styles from the North Face (which I also own and use on hiking trips, but just can’t fathom packing on a long-term trip because they’re so touristy).

The prAna pants are more stylish than many pants in this travel category. Besides that, I carry a pair of lightweight skinny jeans. I also carry whatever pair of black or grey leggings that I find in my drawer when packing. I don’t wear leggings as pants, but I do wear them under everything, including my jeans if it gets cold enough.

Leggings are a good idea on any packing list for long-term world travelers since they make all of your outfits a bit more versatile in warm/cold weather. I find that shorts are not very handy in conservative cultures, which you will undoubtedly visit on a long-term trip. Plus they tend to be very short or very ugly.

If you love shorts and are traveling to countries where you can wear them, consider packing just one skirt as a trade-off. Also consider packing a pair of thin capris instead of shorts, on many of my world trips I packed capris, and they were convenient—now I just prefer skirts for personal and style reasons.

I nearly always pack bottoms in tones of grey and black, and occasionally a colorful skirt; that way everything matches my tops.

Travel Skirts

Women will need a calf-length skirt at the very least to allow you to visit the temples and churches of this world. On my round the world trip, I had an ankle-length skirt that came in very handy during my four-months in India and Nepal .

Since then, in the rest of Asia and in Europe, it’s most handy to find a skirt that hits just below the knee. I own a SmartWool Merino wool skirt , which is terrific—it’s durable and travel friendly and it’s a great brand . . . but it’s a tinsy bit too short on my tall frame to work in temples. If you’re hiking and want a skirt for active travels, look here.

I pack active skirts when I head to Central America or Europe, where it’s a lot less conservative! Even then, however, I always pack at least one of these cheap Stretch is Comfort skirts that have held up remarkably well—I own that skirt in four colors, that’s how much I love it—the skirts have the perfect cost to function to style ratio. Sure, they will show sweat on a rough day, but they are cheap, functional and just the right length for conservative cultures.

Underwear & Bras

Not gonna lie, I pack eight pairs of underwear when I travel long-term—half thongs and half full-butted underwear. I do this ratio completely because of personal preference (but also because thongs are tiny, take up little space, and I don’t totally hate them).

The fancy travel underwear from ExOfficio have many doting fans among the traveler set—I own three pairs and only pack them if my long-term travels include a fair bit of trekking/hiking—I bought them to hike the Camino for five weeks and did not regret it.

That said, I’ve been fine with regular underwear that I pick up at a store when I pass through the states. Hardcore backpackers pack two pairs of underwear and wear one while washing the other pair. That is not me and will never be me, so I refuse to feel guilty for my eight pairs.

When traveling, you need enough underwear that you are not laundering clothes every day. I also pack two bras —dark and light—and one sports bra . And I carry a pair of small sleep shorts . I usually just wear one of my tank-tops to bed. In cold weather, I sleep in my leggings and wear my thermal to bed instead.

Jackets & Outer-Things

When I first left to travel, I was cash-strapped and I bought a $20 zip-up hoodie from Target and carried that around the world. It looked gnarly at the end of my year of world travel—all pilly and faded. I was actually sheepish about how shabby I looked at the end of my trip, which ended in the UK and Ireland.

My pilly jacket made it very clear that I was a budget backpacker.

Now, I’ve invested in better gear that looks nice and holds up well. You can’t do much better than an Icebreaker zip hoodie , which is made from Merino wool. It’s among my favorite travel brands because the clothes are durable and always fit well, too.

Now, I also carry this lightweight cardigan for a tad bit of protection warm climates or cool evenings (this is a perfectly nice, much cheaper cardigan for budget packers).

I wear my hoodie on planes and travel days and in cold climates. And generally, I wear the cardigan all over for sightseeing and day-to-day travel—it’s super thin so it’s not too warm in hot climates to work as a shield from the sun.

On my long-term trip, I carried this North Face fleece pullover , but now I invested in a very nice thermal under-layer (I had a cheap cotton one before) and it mitigated the need for a fleece. (With thermals, thumb holes are everything !)

Many travelers also pack a  lightweight rain jacket , which is ideal during rainy and monsoon seasons, and it also acts as a thin windbreaker. Splurge for a thin one, as you they can take up a lot of space otherwise.

TL;DR: Clothes to Pack

Best socks, shoes, and sandals.

Mix and match the shoe recommendations to fit the trip you have planned. You should probably limit yourself to three shoes that, in combination, allow you to trek, do water activities, and look nice.

If you go over three shoes, then your packing list gets bloated and you won’t fit everything into a small, carry-able size bag.

Pack Boots or Walking Shoes? 

Finding the right travel shoe is one of the two most important packing decisions you will make ( finding the right backpack being the other).

On my first long-term trip (and for a few years after), I carried these New Balance hiking boots and they were so fantastic that I replaced them with the exact same pair of shoes when I returned. These versatile shoes worked well because they were sturdy enough to function as hiking boots for my trek in the Himalayas, but they’re also light enough to double as general sneakers for everyday sightseeing. They are the most comfortable and cushioned hiking shoe I have ever found.

Now, however, I travel with a pair of Skechers GoWalks and I love them. These Skechers are an ultra lightweight shoe and serve me well in my slower travels now, but—and it’s a big but for a round-the-world trip—they would not have held up to a year on the road, and I would have needed to buy a pair of sturdy hiking boots for the treks I did in the Himalayas .

If I were doing it all over again, I would definitely bring my New Balances if I planned to do any big hikes (Machu Picchu, Nepal, etc). If I weren’t doing something like that, I would find a Merrell store and try on these Siren Edge Hikers so I had a better hiking boot that was a bit more versatile as a walking shoe.

Along with my walking shoes , I now have a pair of green Chuck Taylors, which I deeply love but definitely did not bring on my RTW trip—they offer no arch support and are impractical for long-term travel. Ditch them from your packing list if you’re considering it.

Adjust your shoe choices to your planned trip and activities. And consider buying shoe inserts no matter which shoe you choose as the ones that come with shoes are lame. I have high arches and buy a Superfeet insert  for all of my travel shoes (the green is their classic, but  use their website to determine which color best fits your foot situation. Note that if you use insoles you often need to go up half a shoe size).

Pack Quality Socks

Get ready for a fangirl rave about my love for SmartWool socks . You should not scrimp on good footwear since it’s such an important part of long-term travel, where blisters and ill-fitting shoes can really ruin a trip.

Socks are also important and can play an important part in avoiding stinky feet syndrome.

These SmartWool socks are magical. Pack at least one pair to wear during treks and outdoorsy activities. They will keep your feet dry and cushioned. If you’re planning an active trip—or if you value comfort—pack at least two pairs. Then just throw in two pairs of thin cotton ankle socks . Four pairs of socks should work for most people, especially if you have comfortable sandals you’ll be using to explore and sightsee, too. If you’re on a hiking-heavy trip, pack a pair of tall SmartWool socks .

Best Travel Sandals

On my long-term travels, I needed something versatile and durable, and there is no better travel sandal than Chacos . You’ll meet many long-term travelers wearing these because they offer good arch support and you can wear them in a wide range of circumstances, from trekking through waterfalls to sightseeing in hot climes. (And they look way better than Tevas.)

Alongside my Chacos I packed a pair of flip-flops to do the trick in hostel showers and casual situations. Like with my pants suggestion—avoid color here, just go with black.

Now that my travels rarely include hostels, I replaced my flip-flops with this comfortable gladiator sandal , which is hella stylish and yet surprisingly travel-friendly. For years, I recommended the Crocs Sexi-Flip sandal , which remains the best travel sandal out there, but they are hard to find, and the “upgraded Serena” sandal is just not the same.

I replaced my Sexi-Flip Crocs four times over the years, and am devastated that they discontinued it. The Haviana gladiators I now recommend are still quite comfortable, but they don’t transition as well to night-time chic.

One problem with just traveling with sandals and boots is that you have nothing to wear in nice situations. Carrying a versatile travel sandal is especially needed if you don’t plan to carry ballet flats. I want to like ballet flats, but on a long-term trip I’ve never found a way to keep them from smelling really bad after a short bit. Truly, I’ve tried them all and I’ve tried everything from inserts to spray deodorant—no dice.

For that reason, I don’t pack flats any more; I sometimes buy a cheap pair if I’m in a spot for a while, but I mostly rely on my gladiator sandals. It’s up to every individual woman how she decides to navigate the need for a dressier shoe (also note that most clubs in Western countries will not allow flip-flops)—this travel sandal is amazing and would work for nice occasions, but it’s best for trips under six months since it won’t hold up to near daily use for a year.

Yes, You Need a Sarong

A sarong has untold uses and every female traveler should pack one . My sarong can act as a travel towel. It’s a beach coverup. It’s an emergency bedsheet, sun protection for my face, a stylish accessory, and more.

Pick a sarong in a fun color and pattern. And while your sarong surely works as a scarf, I carry a scarf as well because I am  always cold, plus it’s fun to have a few extra things to make an outfit more stylish. Consider this pickpocket-proof travel scarf as it’s mega-convenient with a hidden pocket.

TL;DR: What Travel to Shoes Pack

Best toiletries and travel accessories.

Buy a high quality liquids containers. When I first left, I had great ones from the Container Store—I still own those, but I eventually supplemented them with these squeeze tubes  and love them. Whatever you buy, buy a good brand as it sucks to have them leak all over.

I am not much fussed over my toiletries, so I fill these tubes with whatever is in the bathroom when I’m packing. I’ve dyed my hair a lot in the past, so I actually dump into a tube the highly concentrated conditioner that comes with dye kits because it lasts a long time.

Other than that, it’s personal preference  what  you put inside; they sell a lot of major brands all over the world (Pantene, Dove, etc). Some travelers swear by non-liquid shampoo bars , but I’ve never gone that route—they’re a bit pricey and I personally prefer to splurge in other areas. If you need to save on liquids though for carry-on travel, these ethical shampoo bars are a good deal .

On the road, note that face lotions in many countries contain whitening elements, so I always pack an extra face cream and an extra quality sunscreen to last a good while. You won’t have this issue in Europe, but it’s rampant in Asia, especially.

Pack your deet repellent in its own ziplock bag.

And for dental hygiene, toothbrushes and toothpaste are a cinch to replace on the road; I use a SteriPod to avoid toothbrush funk.

As for toiletry cases, I used  this small zip one for many years and it worked well. For Christmas I received this hanging one from MEC (a Canadian outdoors company) and it’s magnificent. It’s a cinch to hang from door handles or towel bars to keep everything handy, especially in bathrooms without countertops. The closest you can buy on U.S. Amazon is this Sea to Summit Hanging Bag —a good option from a go-to company for travel gear.

Go for a small-to-medium sized toiletry bag, because you may want to take it directly into showers with you. And opt for one that hangs—you’ll be so glad it does in tiny hotel bathrooms and shared hostels. You can store things like hair brushes, the deet, and other things in a small packing cube . (Here’s why I thoroughly love packing cubes .)

Prescriptions, Contacts, & Glasses

If you have prescriptions , either carry a year’s supply or research where you can top-up on the road. Carry paper copies of your prescription, and scan them and email them to yourself too. It’s dead-simple to get an eye exam and new contacts in Europe, but its trickier if you don’t speak the local language.

Also, some prescription pain meds are controlled substances in countries with harsh drug policies, so if you have any irregular prescriptions, research that ahead of time. I carried a year’s worth of contacts with me (I wore two-week throwaways) and I was able to replenish contact solution on the road.

I also carried a pair of glasses and a hardshell case. Since I am seriously blind without my glasses, I scanned and emailed myself both of these prescriptions in case I was robbed or in case something else happened—I’ve taken multiple eye exams in a foreign language; it’s not fun. I also made sure my contact supply and glasses were never stored in the same bag on travel days.

Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups like the Diva Cup are the single best way to handle your period on the road, and this post explains what and why . I highly recommend you go this route. Truly.

Read the post. Consider the options. You’ll thank me. (True story. Long-term travelers email their thanks for this tip alone on a monthly basis).

Luggage Lock

Just yes, you need one. It won’t stop someone intent to steal, but it stops quick theft. I carried two around the world, this one  for luggage and this one for my hostel lockers.

I used a Pacsafe to secure my bag during my initial years of longterm travel—its a well made item that does its job well. That said, the company has more sophisticated options , such as slashproof bags and backpacks.

Medical Kit

Start traveling with a good base for your medical kit . Once you have the base, remove the things that seem overkill (I have never carried or needed an ice pack) and then customize it to meet your needs and add a few things that are often lacking.

These oral rehydration salts have saved my life , twice. I carry many now. Also, no matter your stance on antibiotics, you should carry them. I always add a full bottle antihistamines for my hay fever, too.

Carry the basic painkillers: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin. An antibiotic like Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin (or both). Loperamide for diarrhea. Malaria medicine, if needed. Band-aids, gauze,  triple antibiotic ointment.

From there, top up your kit when you are on the road—antibiotics are over the counter in many developing countries and they all carry ORS, antihistamines, etc (and for cheaper in most cases!).

Door Stop and Safety Whistle

Solo female friends swear by both these items for giving them more peace of mind on the road. The door stop is a basic precaution in hotel rooms where the door might not latch correctly. You’ll need a doorstopper like this one , which has a very thin front edge since most hotel rooms have minimal gaps since they are fireproof doors.

Water Bottle

I drink from a stainless steel Nalgene  because I prefer not to drink from plastic; if you’re not fussed, you could go with a durable collapsible bottle . Either way, having your own water bottle saves money and is convenient and prevents overuse of plastic in countries with few effective recycling programs.

Many guest houses will have refill stations. And if you bring a SteriPen or LifeStraw then you’ll need one of these too ( here’s why and how I use a SteriPen ).

Sun protection is no joke. This sun hat does the trick.

Misc Bits & Bobs.

I carry this handy travel spork and I love it. If you’re a budget backpacker, then having a set of utensils comes in handy—it’s less necessary for mid-range and higher travelers.

I also carry a tiny ziplock with things like bobby pins , safety pins , a tiny sewing kit , extra hair ties , matches , and a pencil with duct tape wrapped around it . I explain that more here  with ideas for travel hacks for those travel MacGyver moments. You must pack duct tape on a pencil!

I also carry two carabiner clips and I love them dearly for their handiness . I use regular carabiners (with the screw lock) for a range of things. To attach my wallet to my purse, making it pick-pocket proof. To attach my purse strap or backpack to my chair when eating somewhere so it’s not easily swipeable. To attach shopping bags, water bottles or things to my bags on travel days.

I’ve even used it to attach my camera strap to my backpack when sightseeing to prevent a motorbike from driving by and snatching it. So cheap, so many uses.

TL;DR: Packing Toiletries & Long-Term Travel Essentials

Best electronics.

After a couple years on the road, the weird positions of working from the road caught up with me. In addition to the gear listed here, I have a complete ergonomic travel system with a laptop stand and friendly tech that prevents further carpal tunnel and RSI injuries. If you’re keen on that, I have listed out The Best Ergonomic and Portable Travel Gear .

Adapters & Charging

If you’re traveling with a good amount of technology and if you’re in a couple, then you should consider packing this handy Belkin powerstrip . Many times hotels will have just one outlet, so this is the best way to ensure your camera, phone, and gear is all charged in the morning.

I always carry a bigger multi adapter (and these have gotten very cool now, where it has a USB-C charging spot for my Mac, as well as three quick-charging USB ports!). Then, a few stray smaller ones usually float around my bag since I have a lot of electronics to charge—although now that the bigger adapters have so many USB ports I can more easily get away with just one universal travel adapter .

I carry a laptop since I work from the road ( more on that here ) and after 15+ years of travel, it’s never been stolen (knock on wood for me, will ya). I have a MacBook Air now (used to have a Dell PC).

In the past, I have used my  PacSafe in sketchy areas, though I usually carry my computer out sightseeing if I am truly concerned. There is also the option of packing a cheap netbook too if you’re not working on the road. And really, a tablet could do the trick in that case too.

Read Should I Bring my Laptop for an in depth discussion as other travelers weigh in on the options.

I carry a Panasonic Micro Four-Thirds if I’m on a trip where I want really great photos. The  micro four thirds (mirrorless) cameras are the ultimate travel cameras and my review of my Panasonic shares why .

Even more, NatGeo magazine named it a top travel camera. These cameras are fantastic. Basically, it’s almost to the level of a DSLR (with detachable lenses and everything) but at least half the size and weight of traditional DSLR and far nicer photos than a point and shoot. Nothing wrong with a point and shoot though!

If you’re not into high end photography and just need something that works, upgrade your smartphone to the latest model and use it for photos—the iPhones now take truly great photos in sunlight and low light.

iPhone/Smartphone

I adore my unlocked iPhone ; if you unlock your smartphone you can buy cheap SIM cards (about $2) and plans for well less than $15 a month to use while you travel. This helps when meeting up with other travelers and calling guesthouses to book ahead.

Also, the cameras and social sharing features are fantastic and mean you don’t always have to carry your bigger camera when your little one takes high-resolution photos. My techie friends put together a great list of  how to buy SIM cards in various countries around the world.

Backup Hard Drive

Depending on your travel situation, you should likely bring a portable backup hard drive like this Western Digital Passport (what I carry), or the LaCie Rugged drive , which would handle rough travel. Also consider online data backup programs. I wrote a detailed post on  How a Long-Term Traveler Can Back Up Heaps of Data .

Water Purification

Consider a way to sterilize your water . I have seen the LifeStraw in action, and it looks like a great all-in-one option; if this had existed when I left I would have probably carried this instead of a SteriPen, maybe.

The SteriPen is a great device, it uses UV light to sterilize unsafe water in about a minute. I used this extensively throughout India, also Laos, Uganda, and other really undeveloped countries where filtered, clean water is harder to find. I reviewed it after my trip and although you might not need it often, if you are going to very underdeveloped countries, I advise having it as a safety measure. 

I also carry a Klean Kanteen water-bottle  to save money and the environment (fewer plastic bottles!).

Rechargeable Battery Pack

I carry a small backup battery supply that gives me two extra charges on my cell phone and a charge on my Kindle. This will save you if you use your smartphone for navigation sightseeing or entertainment on long bus rides. I carry one like this Anker battery pack .

Kindle/Tablet

I’ve of two minds on this. I carry my Kindle Paperwhite everywhere and I deeply love it. I will not leave for travel without my Kindle . I traveled with an iPad mini too, in the past—it was all overkill since I travel with a laptop. The only strong value I found in the iPad was that my electronic guidebook was far easier to navigate on the tablet than the Kindle.

Usually, however, I carry a paper guidebook, so I am leaving the tablet with my nephews next time I pass through home. If you have a laptop and a smartphone, then there is very little value in carrying a tablet.

If you’re a reader, however, than a Kindle is invaluable. Same goes if you are a solo traveler, it’s nice to have a trove of books to pass the time. Double points if you renew your library membership before you leave; you can check out electronic books for free while you travel.

Something Silly

I carried a deck of cards during my entire RTW trip, and in the years since, I also pack a portable cribbage board when I travel with my nieces and nephews, or Bananagrams if I will be near friends who also like board games and cards.

Travel is about time spent bonding with others, and these silly items will give you a reason to encourage new friends to put down their smartphones and hang out.

TL;DR: Essential Electronics on Long Trips

How to interpret packing list advice.

Above I offered up my current recommended packing list items, as well as the rationale for or against packing each item I recommend. For a bit more help on actually deciding what is worth carrying on your back for a long trip, let’s take a look at how to interpret this information on my packing list, as well as any others you’ve bookmarked.

Know Thyself 

Every person has their own style, and that should play a role in what you ultimately pack for long-term travel. If something doesn’t make sense, but yet a lot of people recommend it, consider if you can pick it up once you’re on the road. Also look at all of this in terms of what you also like in your current life.

Let’s talk about three things that other travelers have mentioned to me over the years as misguided advice.

First, leggings. I packed leggings and I love them. Even now that the leggings trend has waned, I pack a pair and use them constantly. But one blogger followed up and said my advice was rubbish and she never once pulled them from her pack.

Where’s the disconnect?

She and I wear different clothes, and we likely experience cold differently. My leggings act as my sleepwear in cold weather or hotels with A/C. I don’t think twice about using them under my pants for extra warmth (like the buses in Myanmar, which are so unbelievably frigid that I cried a time or two and had to hug my niece for hours to keep her warm).

I also packed an above-the-knee short dress that worked well in Australia and Europe, but I used my leggings to make it culturally appropriate in the 6+ months I spent in Asia. The woman who emailed didn’t find that need, or she had packed something else to work in that situation.

Instead of purchasing every recommendation on my packing list, go with the spirit. Maybe you’re a tights person instead! :)

The same could be said about jeans. I took other people’s advice about not packing them for my longterm trip, and then I bought myself a pair a couple of months into my year around the world.

Now, in the subsequent 15+ years I’ve continued traveling, I’ve never left home without my well-worn jeans. I like jeans and I favor them in regular life. For me, I value the trade-off and carrying them is worth the extra weight and drying time (they are hard to dry in monsoon season).

If you’re happy in trekking clothes or quick-dry, or perhaps you favor khakis, then take my jeans recommendation in the spirit of, “Bring bottoms that you like to wear.”

Pack What You’ll Wear 

Packing lists seem to go one of two ways, either fashionable, or what I can only describe as “safari-light.” For a round the world trip, or longterm travel, you’ll likely need something that crosses between the two.

While I love those pretty packing lists for Europe that I’ve seen online, you’re going to also needed clothes of a quality and style that can last for the length of your trip and also ones that will work in a range of circumstances.

If you’re fashion-conscious, read through this list with an eye toward clothes that fulfill a role that your current wardrobe does not. Do you have clothes to hike a mountain in a conservative-yet-tropical place? While a tank-top suffices in some places, it won’t cover enough skin in others.

It’s because of that range of situations that you need to think about long-term travel as a mix of dual and often competing needs. Stylish but functional and long-lasting.

Suitable for warm-weather, but layerable so you stay warm in cold weather!

You may have never worn a rashguard/sunshirt in your life, but you should seriously think about one if you’re planning outdoorsy activities. I’m not claiming they’re fashionable, but on a long trip, they may just avoid an unwanted third-degree sunburn.

Since your daily life doesn’t likely need much flexibility, pack items with an eye toward not only what you like to wear, but what will serve your trip in the hundreds of new experiences in which you will find yourself.

Consider the Climate

Most packing list advice for long-term travel attempts to cover a huge range of climates and countries. That’s inherently trickier than packing for a two-week trip to one climate. Even though my own world travels included several continents and climates, it’s still different than your trip—and possible different in very important ways.

Let’s consider my advice to pack jeans if you’re keen on them. I love jeans and faithfully carry a pair, but in 2017, I backpacked through Vietnam with my trusty jeans . . . and they stank to high heaven.

In the past, I had always traveled outside of rainy and monsoon seasons. Sure I hit rain sometimes, but in the past, it was a few days of rain and eventually enough dry air to thoroughly dry my jeans.

This time, after three weeks with just a few hours of sporadic sunshine and nearly 100% humidity, my jeans reeked of sour clothes dampness. I shoved them in a ziplock for weeks until I could get to a new climate.

What this means is that you need to temper any packing list with adjustments for your trip. If you are backpacking Asia during rainy season, then consider swapping some cotton shirts for quick-dry fabric.

And my travels have also chased summer around the world. Although I spotted snow on my trek in the Himalayas, that was brief and my layers sufficed (I also bought a cheap jacket in Kathmandu for the hike and ditched it a few weeks later).

If you’re visiting ski destinations or snowy climes, you’ll need to either pack a heartier base layer or plan on buying/renting a heavy jacket once you arrive. You’ll also want an extra pair of wool socks.

Tiny tweaks like what I mention above are impossible to account for if you follow someone else’s packing list in full. Instead, take the packing list advice and compare it to the trip you’re planning around the world.

How I Picked My Backpack

The red backpack was my main pack and it’s a 52L Eagle Creek Meridian. Eagle Creek doesn’t make that pack anymore, but this Tour Travel Pack is nearly identical, and I own this updated version in teal .

At the time, I feared I may need something bigger, but this backpack was free from my bestie in LA, and free won out. Now that my RTW is over, 52L was the perfect  size. I used this bag for five years, and only stopped to downsize and to switch to a 40L rolling bag.

52L was big enough to carry clothes for two people, although I wasn’t that disciplined to carry so little, at first. But on my world travels through Southeast Asia with my niece, we shared this backpack and each carried a daypack—that size sufficed us both for seven months.

The updated version that I own is 55L, and I use it for travels with my toddler son.

The lay-flat design and women’s fit is what sells me on using Eagle Creek backpacks—it makes a massive difference. Even now that I own this Osprey pack (which I bought to walk the Camino ), I maintain that EC has the best build design, and certainly the most comfortable for a woman’s frame.

The blue bag ( North Face Surge ) held my laptop and all of my electronics gear on travel days, and it acted as my daypack when out sightseeing. I used (and fell in love forever with) using a packing cube system  to organize everything in my bag. These packing cubes saved my life on travel days when I was rushed to repack and bolt out the door.

I am a forever evangelist for packing cubes .

This bag setup was my system for six years. Eventually, in 2014 I changed to THE most amazing  rolling suitcase from Timbuk2 , and I used Timbuk2’s Showdown backpack since it was a bit more low-profile and small than my trusty North Face. This setup with the two Timbuk2 bags is what I used from 2014 to 2019.

I still deeply love my rolling suitcase and will never return to full-time backpack use, but I’ve switched up my laptop bag over the years—I also have a Timbuk2 messenger bag and a Herschel backpack— this Herschel backpack is my current laptop bag, and either it or my North Face is my sole luggage when I travel around Europe because both fit under the seat in front of me and hold a week of clothes if you’re super minimalist.

(NOTE: I paid for all of these bags by the way, so it’s all my honest opinion on what works).

I travel more slowly now, so it doesn’t make sense to have the same packing system that I used on my yearlong trip. But, even to this day I swear by packing cubes. When I left the U.S. for the first time, my backpack was packed to its seams, but much of my stuff did not make it beyond Australia, the first country I visited.

I have an in-depth guide on  how to pick a backpack . The size and fit of a pack is so important—it’s imperative that you take the time to pick a good one that will serve your trip well. And if you are convinced that I overpacked (I did that first year!), then this Guide to Carry On Travel might be up your alley; Erin shares great advice and it’s a good jumpstart on your research.

My Original RTW Packing List (2008)

Because I believe in the preservation of information, this is the packing list I took on my year-long round the world trip. I also maintained the dispatches from the road which cover exactly what I had to replace, send home, etc. This is the packing list I published in November 2008 when I left on my longterm trip.

The packing list above is a curated packing list that includes all the things I’ve learned over the years. :)

CLOTHES/SHOES

1 pair of  lightweight tech-travel pants 1 pair of jeans 2 skirts 1 pair of sleep/athletic shorts 1 travel dress 3 tank-tops (1 dressy tank) 1 sun shirt/rashguard for outdoor activity 3 shirts/t-shirts 1  long-sleeved thermal 1 long-sleeved cotton shirt 1 fleece pullover 1 zip-up hoodie

4 pairs of socks ( love   my two SmartWool socks ; plus 2 cotton) 8 pairs of underwear 2 bras 1 sports bra 1 scarf 2 pairs of leggings 1 hat 2 pairs of capris 1 pair of Chacos sports sandals 1 pair of New Balance hiking boots  ( I deeply love these as hiking shoes) 1 pair of flip flops (for shower shoes in nasty hostels)

MISCELLANEOUS

PacSafe Mesh net Microfiber travel towel Sleep sheet Sunscreen Deet insect repellent 1 extra copy of my passport 1 mini sewing kit 2 carabiner clips 1 headlamp flashlight 1 mini set of eating utensils 1 pocket knife 1 travel adapter (and a couple tiny adapter tips) 1 travel medical kit: Advil/Tylenol/Aleve, antibiotic, malaria medicine, band-aids,  gauze  triple antibiotic ointment, cough/zinc drops Random bits: bobby pins, safety pins, sharpie, pen, duct tape (wrapped around a pencil), small scissors, etc.

Toiletry case Refillable travel size containers of: shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen for face, face wash, travel size toothpaste, floss, deodorant Toothbrush Razors Diva Cup Contacts (full trip month supply) Contact solution and 1 eye glasses case Hair ties

1 small bottle of foundation 1 compact eyeshadow duo 1 mascara 1 blush

These are things I carried in my daypack and my travel purse !

ELECTRONICS

My Laptop: (I had a Dell but now use a MacBook Pro) Western Digital hard drive (2+ TB is a mere $100 so it’s worth bringing one to back up photos!). MP3 Player (now I travel with an unlocked iPhone) Camera: Canon PowerShot  (I upgraded in year two to a  Panasonic Lumix Mirrorless ) Headphones for Skyping/music Kindle (as of 2012 I carry one of these now)

Journal Book: Started with “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen Neoprene laptop cover (it’s my computer’s raincoat!) SteriPen Pens Deck of cards My money belt (around my waist version; I used mostly for trains in India and Eastern Europe)

For insights on how I fared with the above packing list, here were my updates from the road circa 2009.

Dispatches From the Road

01/07/09 : RTW Update from Australia

• My beloved headlamp—which was so  helpful at the hostels here—was lost/stolen on my outback safari to Uluru. Plan to replace as soon as possible.
• I left my nice sun hat on a bus along with my Nalgene water bottle.

02/02/09 : Update from Cambodia

• I shipped home a package of souvenirs by sea—hope it gets there!
• My jean skirt is now unnecessary; I shipped that home too.
• One pair of capris was stained beyond wear (trust me), so I left those behind in Phnom Penh.
• I bought a pair of farmer-style pants in Laos.
• Contact solution has been incredibly  hard to find. Wearing glasses for now.

02/25/09 : Update from India

• Helen brought me a new headlamp to replace the flashlight I have been stuck using.
• She also brought a new Nalgene water bottle and a SteriPen— amazing, truly.
• Bought an Indian kurta and haven’t regretted it for a moment. GREAT for trains and blending in as much as possible.
• Picked up a new scarf. Lighter than the warm one that came in handy in Oz and Laos—much better for India.
• Left my purple cotton shirt behind in Jaipur, it was nubby as hell!

04/25/09 : Update from Nepal

• Did some major shopping here! And I shipped home a package of souvenirs.
• I bought a knock-off North Face rain jacket for the Poon Hill trek—works like a champ.
• Bought a safari-style hat for the trek and beyond.
• Replaced my sleep-sheet, my cheap one was too short!!
• I love my new silk harem pants. Great to sleep in and pack up tiny.

05/20/09 : RTW Update from Italy

• I sent another package home with souvenirs from Nepal; though super touristy, Thamel has incredible bargains and neat items if you dig around.
• Threw another worn out shirt away and replaced with a couple new ones from H&M. New sundress too—gave the other one away as it didn’t fit me right anymore.
• My Chacos smell disgusting and are not responding to cleaning, but they still work fabulously besides the stinky-feet syndrome. Will try vinegar soon.

06/25/09 : Update from Slovenia

• Just bought a Western Digital external hard drive to backup photos and my computer is falling apart and sadly destined to die soon.

Other Packing Lists Around the Web

If you’re still deep diving into the world of long-term packing, here are some other great research spots. If you appreciate the resources on A Little Adrift, please come back here when buying any of the suggestions from Amazon . I only linked to products that I actually use and recommend, and if you buy any of my recommendations through my link, then it costs you nothing extra, but I get a tiny commission. That commission helps keep this website running. :)

• Solo female : Devon shares  an amazingly detailed breakdown of her packing list  and this one is well done with  interactive tabs and detailed lists .
• Solo male : Matt has a great packing list , as does Gerard from GQ Trippin .
• Family : With 2 Kids in Tow shared a family packing list for two toddler age children .
• WWOOFing : Beers & Beans have a great list and description for packing if you plan to work on organic farms .

If there is ever anything that I can do to help, please do reach out on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram and let’s talk about how we can make your travel dream a reality. 

If you’ve found this useful, pin it!

16 Things to Prepare for a Long trip – International Travel Checklist

What are the things to prepare for traveling long-term? What do you need to keep in mind and how can you be prepared for anything when you’re going on a long-term trip? Here’s an international travel checklist with an overview of what you need to prepare and know before going on a long-term adventure.

I still remember that feeling of excitement when I was preparing for my first solo long-term trip.

I was going to travel for a year to Australia and New Zealand. I had little travel experience and not really a clue what I was doing. I felt nervous and anxious about leaving my family, friends, and home but also thrilled for the adventure ahead.

When you’re about to go on a long-term trip, there are a lot of things to take care off. And while you’re preparing for that adventure into the unknown, you might also go through a variety of emotions for the upcoming trip.

You might feel overwhelmed at times by all the things you need to do at home (storing your belongings, arranging a postal address, saying goodbye to your loved ones), nervous about the trip ahead (am I really ready for this??) and hopefully also very excited for this new adventure.

I can fully relate to these feelings as I’ve been through it myself many times.

I’ve been living a nomad life for 10 years now. Every time I’m about to leave my home base and set out on a new adventure, I have to prepare myself physically and mentally for the next chapter of my journey.

Reading Tip: Why I decided to leave the grind and become a nomad

Throughout the years I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. Realizing you can’t enter a country because your passport is going to expire within 6 months or having your credit card blocked because you forgot to tell your bank you’re traveling to a new destination isn’t fun…

To avoid making the same mistakes, I’ve started making an international travel checklist for myself with all the things to prepare before traveling to my next destination(s).

I’m also sharing some useful tips and resources so you’re prepared for anything while traveling long-term!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

International Travel Checklist – Essential documents to prepare before traveling

1. get a passport with enough visa pages.

Depending on how many countries you’re going to visit, make sure you have enough visa pages available in your passport.

Some countries request having a blank page for either an entry stamp or a visa. If you don’t have any blank pages left, you might be refused entry.

Upon applying for a new passport, check how many pages the standard passport of your country of residency has. If you’re planning on traveling a lot, you should consider requesting a 52-page passport.

Most countries also require your passport to have six months of remaining validity . As you never know how your trip will go, just always make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your planned trip.

If you’re already traveling and you notice that you’re running out of visa pages or passport validity, you should be able to renew your passport in your embassy or consulate abroad.

Just keep in mind that it will take longer to receive a new passport when you apply for one abroad than it would in your home country.

2. Check the visa requirements of your destination(s)

Never forget to check the visa requirements of your destination(s) before you leave on your trip. Some countries offer a visa upon arrival, other countries require you to apply for a visa in advance.

Nowadays most countries have an e-visa portal through which you can apply for a visa online. However, there are still countries that only issue visas at their embassies.

For a few countries, such as China, you have to apply in person in your country of residency. Keep this in mind if you’re f.eg. planning an overland trip from Europe to Asia !

A great resource for checking the visa requirements for each country and how to apply is iVisa . This service also offers assistance if the application process turns out to be a bit complicated.

Another tip is to always keep track of the time you have on your visa . This might seem obvious but is often overlooked.

I once miscalculated the days on my 30-day visa for Bali. Upon departure at the airport, an immigration officer kept questioning me for more than an hour why I had overstayed my visa.

I wasn’t even aware of it until I realized I had miscalculated with one day… I had to pay a fine and was able to catch my flight to Malaysia just on time.

So don’t make the same mistake as me and also, don’t leave on the last day of your visa in case your flight is delayed or gets canceled… You don’t want to be stuck at the airport like Tom Hanks in The Terminal. I’ll tell you later on in this article what to do in case of flight cancellation.

3. Get an international driver’s license

You might initially not have plans to rent a car and drive yourself but if you go on a long-term trip, it’s always good to be prepared for anything. You never know that you suddenly feel like going on a road trip or that you have to drive in an emergency situation.

When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had no intention of driving myself but it gave me peace of mind knowing that I could if something would happen.

Not all countries require an international driver’s license but it’s good to have one in case you run into any issues.

4. Get proof of vaccination if required

Depending on where you’re going, you might need to get certain vaccinations. You can check here to see if your destination requires any mandatory vaccinations.

When I traveled to Africa many years ago, I had to get vaccinated for yellow fever or I wasn’t allowed to enter certain countries. I also got vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, diphtheria and tetanus. I’m telling you, I’m prepared for anything…

Nowadays it will also be important to check if you need proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test result upon arrival at your destination.

5. Get an international debit or credit card, a travel card and cash

I always travel with 2 cards: an international debit card supported by Visa and a travel card. It’s good to have a backup in case one of the cards gets lost or stolen. That’s why you should never put your cards together in your wallet or handbag but instead keep them in separate places.

Most countries have ATMs nowadays but you need to check beforehand if you’re better of with a card supported by Visa or MasterCard . In countries like Kyrgyzstan, most ATMs only accept Visa cards.

Don’t forget to notify your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad. You don’t want them to block your debit or credit card when you need to withdraw money from an ATM abroad.

I also have a travel card from Wise (formerly known as TransferWise). You can easily open an account online and apply for a debit card that you can use worldwide to withdraw money at a very low fee (1.75%).

Some countries don’t have well-functioning ATMs yet, like Uzbekistan , so it’s also very useful to bring some emergency cash. US Dollars are accepted worldwide and usually have one of the best exchange rates.

And last but not least, carry local currency with you in case you go to a shop or restaurant that doesn’t accept credit cards.

Tip: Most airports have ATMs nowadays but charge a larger fee than ATMs in cities. The rates to exchange money at the airports are also usually higher. Only withdraw or exchange enough money to get from the airport to your hotel or hostel and get some local currency once you’re in the city.

6. Make copies of your travel documents

Once you have all of the above documents in order, make paper copies of them. It’s handy to have paper copies of your passport, driver’s license, etc. in case you lose your original ones or if they get stolen. That’s why you should store the copies in a separate bag than where you keep the original ones.

Tip: If you travel in countries that are known for bribing officials, never hand over your original documents. Give them a paper copy instead and say that you left the original ones in your hotel room.

Fortunately, I’ve never been in such a situation but I’ve heard horror stories of travelers in which the officials would only return their passports after they paid a huge bribe…

I also always have a scanned copy of my documents on my phone and on an online account that I can access on any device.

Things to prepare in case of unexpected circumstances

7. get long-term medical travel insurance.

Chances are that nothing will happen when you’re on the road but look at what 2020 has taught us…

From catching a weird virus to motorcycle accidents, lost luggage at the airport, pickpocketing, breaking your leg while  skiing , or falling during a horse trek , bad luck can strike you at the most unexpected moment.

Having medical travel insurance will be a blessing when you have to go to the hospital as you don’t want to spend your entire travel budget on medical costs.

For advice on what to do in case of flight cancellation and delay, read the section below.

Reading Tip: One of the Best Medical Travel Insurances for Nomads – SafetyWing Review

8. Know what to do in case of flight cancelation or flight problems

It can always happen that your flight gets delayed or canceled. Especially nowadays, due to the current situation, many airlines cancel flights last-minute.

Like many other travelers, I’ve had this happening to me in 2020. That’s when I found out about Flightright .

Flightright is a great platform to help you get to know your rights in case your flight is delayed or canceled, and they also offer assistance with flight problems caused by corona.

What to do if my flight is canceled? I firstly contact my airline to see if I can get a replacement flight or a refund. On top of that, I also check if I’m entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

To know how much compensation I can get for my canceled flight, I use Flightright’s free compensation calculator . They offer great advice to know your rights as a passenger and what you should do to claim your compensation.

If the airline refuses to pay, Flightright also has a team of travel law experts that offer legal services to enforce your claim.

So in case you’d encounter any problems with your flight (delays, cancellations, strikes, overbooking,…), definitely check out Flightright’s platform as they tell you in detail what you’re rights are and what to do!

9. Know who to contact in case of emergency

Keep the contact information of your local embassy on your phone or write it down and keep it close in case you encounter problems with local authorities.

I once had trouble with some police officers in Kyrgyzstan who were claiming I needed proof of registration to travel in the country. That wasn’t true as these regulations had changed in the last year.

These police officers were just trying to get a bribe out of me. I kept my calm but when they started using threats like having me arrested, I took out my phone and told them I was going to call my embassy. They immediately left me alone.

It’s also not a bad idea to register with your local embassy . You can email them or give them a quick call as soon as you’re at your destination.

If there would be an unforeseen problem in the country, your government will know that you’re there and will help you get to safety.

I’d also recommend installing the TripWhistle app on your phone. This app maps your location, allows you to text or send your GPS coordinates to someone, and provides you with the emergency numbers for the police, the fire department, and medical services in nearly 200 countries.

10. Keep a list of emergency contact info and stay connected with your home

As I often travel alone, I always carry a list with the contact details of my mother and sister in the form of a small card. I keep one in my wallet and one in my backpack.

I do this in case something would happen to me so medical professionals know who to contact.

If you have allergies, I would also write them down on a card. In case you need treatment and you can’t answer questions, the doctors at least will know what you’re allergic to.

I know that the list above seems a bit gloomy. I’m a very positive person and the chances that something happens on the road are very slim. It’s just always better to be safe than sorry and to be prepared for anything!

Now let’s move on to fun things to prepare for your upcoming adventure!

More Useful things to prepare for travel

11. essential travel items.

I’ll soon make a post of what I carry in my backpack as a long-term traveler. But no matter your destination and how long you go traveling, these are the items you should always pack:

• small first-aid kit including bandaids, antibacterial ointment, paracetamol, medicine for stomach illness,…
• hand sanitizer and toilet paper
• small flashlight
• portable charger
• universal travel adapter
• reusable water bottle with a filter so you can safely drink tap water wherever you are
• pen and paper : very useful to take notes, fill in papers at customs,…
• protein bars or snacks : if you want to be prepared for anything, make sure to have some food with you!
• thread and needle travel kit : very handy when there’s a rip in your bag or clothing

Read: What’s in My Camera Bag – Essential Gea r for Travel Photographers

12. Useful travel apps

It’s crazy to think that when I started traveling in 2011, smartphones and travel apps didn’t exist yet.

I used to find my way around places by using a foldable paper map, find accommodation by reading suggestions from a guide book or knocking on doors,… So much has changed in the last decade!!

I might sometimes feel nostalgic about those good old-school travel days but some travel apps have made things a lot easier.

Here are the travel apps I find most useful and are worldwide accessible:

• Google Maps or any GPS app to find your way around places. I also download maps for offline use.
• Google Translate : this app translates into 103 languages, has access to nearly 60 languages for offline use, offers camera translation in 37 languages (handy to read signs or menus) and has two-way instant speech translation available in 32 languages
• XE Currency Converter : this app quickly provides up-to-day currency rates and you can also use it offline.
• GlobeTips : this app advises you how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator.
• Booking.com : there are many apps that help you find (last-minute) accommodation. I always use the booking.com app to find good deals that suit my budget.

13. Book first night accommodation

I’m an adventurous traveler and like spontaneous travel but I always book my first night’s accommodation in a new country in advance.

I’m usually tired after a flight or a long day of overland travel and it puts my mind at ease knowing that I have a place to relax for at least one night upon arrival.

It gives me the time to arrive, to adjust to my new environment, to explore the area, and prepare for the next steps of my journey.

Reading Tip: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap and Free Accommodation around the World

14. Research your destination

I always do some research about the countries I’m visiting. Not only to have an idea of which places I would like to see but also to have some knowledge about the local culture and customs.

I don’t want to be an ignorant traveler thinking that the rules and etiquette from my home country are the same everywhere else in the world.

Research the dress code. You really don’t want to be that girl wearing short dresses in a conservative country or that guy wearing shorts and sandals while visiting religious sites.

Know what is allowed and not to avoid misunderstandings. When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had to be very aware of my hand gestures. In some countries, a thumbs-up means the same as putting up your middle finger…

Remember that you’re a visitor. If you invite someone into your home, you would like them to respect your rules and customs. Do the same when you’re traveling, even if those customs don’t align with yours. It’s part of the travel experience.

15. Learn basic phrases

People love it when they hear you’re trying to speak their native tongue. They’ll react with amazement, give you a big smile, and won’t label you as “just another tourist”.

They’re happy when a foreigner puts effort into learning their language, even if it’s just basic phrases like “hello, how are you, thank you,…” and they’ll respect you for that.

By learning the basics of the local language, doors that otherwise would remain closed have opened.

I’ve been countless times invited for a drink, a meal or a sleeping place. People quickly open up if they hear you’re putting effort into learning their language.

Learning the local language has been a very enriching experience and taught me more about the country than if I would just visit its historical and tourist sites.

Reading Tip: 7 Reasons why you should learn a foreign language

16. Be flexible and have a positive and open mindset

There’s this saying ” If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”. This is oh so true!

Nothing ever goes as planned, especially when you’re traveling. Unexpected things will happen. It’s part of the adventure and the journey.

I’ve learned to be flexible, have an open mind, and approach unforeseen events with a positive mindset. Every challenge is an invitation to learn and whatever came my way, it always brought me where I’m supposed to be.

I hope this travel checklist is helpful and that you’re feeling more prepared for your upcoming adventure! If you’d have more questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me a private message.

Do you have more things to add to this international travel checklist? Do you have more tips and resources that are useful to be prepared for anything on the road? Let me know in the comments below!

MORE USEFUL POST ABOUT LONG-TERM TRAVEL:

The Ultimate List of 23 Countries with Digital Nomad Visas (for remote workers)

What is the best Affordable Travel Insurance for Backpackers? The 3 Best Backpacker Travel Insurance Companies Compared

Travel and volunteer abroad for free with these 4 work exchange programs

The Complete Guide to Teach English Online with 37 Online Teaching schools and Platforms

4 Realistic and Best Ways to Find Free Accommodation for Travellers

How to Make Money While Traveling the World including the 12 Best Travel Jobs

2 thoughts on “16 things to prepare for a long trip – international travel checklist”.

Your article is very helpful, especially for the beginner.

Thank you Jay

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Home » Europe » Long-Term Travel in Europe: How to Stay for More Than 90 Days

Long-Term Travel in Europe: How to Stay for More Than 90 Days

Mind-blowing history, delicious food, and charming cities with a history beyond imaginable — Europe is a fascinating place, and long-term travel here is a dream for many.

Unfortunately, visa issues & travel costs often make it difficult to travel through Europe for an extended amount of time, which can throw a lot of travelers away.

But don’t let this discourage you… there are still options for determined humans!

First, you gotta really sink in that Europe isn’t just one place, and when people talk about the 90-day limit, they’re talking about restrictions on the Schengen Area and the visa policy that governs a total of 27 countries. It includes most of the European Union as well as a few non-EU countries.

And that’s mostly what I’m covering here.

This guide will not only show you the options for staying more than 90 days, but also tips for long-term travel in Europe. It may not be easy, but there’s definitely a way or two to make it happen. 😉

Let’s make your dreams come true.

First Things First: The Schengen 90-Day Rule Explained

Money-saving advice for long-term travel in europe, faqs on long-term travel in europe and the schengen 90-day rule, final words of wisdom.

Simply put, the Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that work together to make traveling between them easier.

By removing passport controls and border checks, people (and goods) can travel freely in the area without too much hassle – kinda like traveling in a single big ass country.

All you need is a valid passport to enter a Schengen Area country and boom – you’re set.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

The Schengen Area got its name after the 1985 Schengen Agreement, signed in the village of Schengen in Luxembourg, and it encompasses some of the most popular backpacker destinations in Europe (The Netherlands, France Portugal… you name them).

And now, while this all sounds like great news, the only issue is that you’ll need a visa (which is difficult to get) if you wish to stay more than 90 days.

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How the Schengen Area Affects You

Citizens from countries such as the US, Canada, or Australia, are allowed to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. That’s not a whole lot of time, so you’ll want to make the most of it.

Once you hit that 90-day limit, you’ll need to take a break and stay outside the Schengen Area for another 90 days. But don’t worry, the countdown clock stops when you leave, and doesn’t start again until you come back.

So, in theory, you can stay for 30 days, leave for a bit, and come back for another 60 days, as long as it all adds up to 90 days or less.

It’s important to keep in mind that these rules apply to Schengen in general, not just one country. So, if you’re planning a grand European tour, make sure you’re keeping track of how long you’ve been in the area. You don’t want to get caught out and have to leave before you’re ready.

List of Schengen Area Countries

Non-schengen area countries.

There’s more to Europe than the Schengen zone, so it’s worth mentioning a few exceptions. Each of them will have its own set of rules on how long a traveler can stick around without a special visa.

These will be even more important when you lay out your strategy on how to stay in Europe for more than 90 days, but more on that later.

Some noteworthy countries include:

• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland): 180 days
• Republic of Ireland : 90 days
• Bulgaria : 90 days
• Georgia : up to 365 days! (so you should definitely give it a go )
• Others : you’ll have to look into the particular country you’re planning to visit. The US State Department has compiled all this information for US citizens .

Alright, folks, now for the meat of it. The truly juicy question. The reason why y’all clicked on this article in the first place…

How the heck does one stay in Europe longer than 90 days?

It is NOT possible to extend a tourist visa to Europe, the Schengen 90-day rule is real, and exceeding it can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering. Enforcement of this rule varies greatly between countries — some may not enforce it as strictly, but it is still not advisable to overstay.

There’s an easy and a hard way to stay longer, though, and we’re gonna look into both. Baby steps.

The Easy Way: Splitting Things Up

There is indeed an easy way to stay in Europe for more than 90 days — you just have to split things up.

Most non-Schengen countries, such as Ireland, Romania, and some other Balkan countries , allow you to stay for up to 60 or 90 days. In the UK, you can stay up to 180 days, and countries like Albania and Georgia even let Americans stay up to a year!

So, in theory, all you need to do to extend your stay in Europe beyond 3 months is to spend 90 days in the Schengen Area, take a trip to Ireland for a couple pints of Guinness, immerse yourself in Bulgarian folk culture for a while, and then return to the Schengen Area with a renewed Schengen visa.

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Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

The “Hard” Way: Longer Term Visas & Life Hacks

If you’re determined enough about moving to Europe, or just politely overstaying as long as possible, know that there is a way — you just gotta be determined enough.

Working Holiday Visa

A working holiday visa might be one of the easiest and best ways to actually travel long-term in Europe. This type of visa is designed with young travelers in mind, meaning people that want to work and travel abroad for a period of time.

In Europe, several countries (both in and outside the Schengen Area) offer working holiday visas. For example, people from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can apply for a working holiday visa in several European countries, including Germany, France, and Spain.

They allow you to travel and work for up to 12 months , but may have restrictions on the type of work, hours, and specific qualifications or funds required. Make sure to check for specific requirements !

People looking to move to Europe from the US through this method will have a harder time though, as only a couple of countries offer this possibility. The next few options might give you a better chance.

Long-Term-Stay Visa

The majority of Schengen countries do not provide long-term-stay visas for tourists or visitors who do not plan to work in the country. To get a long-stay visa, one must typically apply for a work or residency visa.

The Schengen area does offer a temporary residence visa (C- or D-class, depending on the country) for up to one year, but requirements and availability vary among countries. Some may be more difficult to obtain than others.

Also, some countries may require you to have up to 20,000€ in savings before you can move.

Student Visa

International students can apply for a student visa once they’ve received an admission letter from a recognized European university program. This is the most common type of visa for international students, and it will allow you to enter the country to follow a specific course or program.

These are relatively easy to obtain if you do plan on studying abroad, and it gets better: even though each country has its own set of policies, the European Union advocates for international students to be allowed to stay for at least 9 months to find suitable jobs.

Freelancer/Remote Worker Visa

This one can be a little bit more complex for casual tourists, and you’ll likely be denied if that’s your case. If you live life as a digital nomad, though, then this visa is probably the right choice for you.

There are several countries that offer freelancer visas and visas geared towards the increasing number of remote workers, Germany being one of the most popular ones with their Freiberufle visa .

A freelance visa like this is typically granted for three months, after which it can and should be converted into a residence permit. You apply, pay a fee, submit proof that your business can survive, and then wait to be accepted.

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

Get a European Passport/Marry a European

If your parents or grandparents (sometimes even great-grandparents) have citizenship in a European country, you may be able to apply for a passport. With one, you could work in any EU country without paperwork or restrictions! The process can be very time-consuming, but it’s worth it.

Alternatively, you can fall in love and apply for a marriage visa! You’ll get to stay there while the application process goes through and then you can move to Europe and stay there forever with the love of your life (a chocolate croissant).

All jokes aside, leave love out of your visa extension attempts as much as you possibly can.

If you’re planning to stay in Europe for a year or more, costs will definitely add up, even if you just wander around the cheapest countries .

And as you’re probably gonna spend part of this time without work, you’ll need to find ways to make life as inexpensive as possible.

Here are a few different ways you can make this process easier:

• Embrace Hostelling: Hostel life is the best life! Besides saving you a ton of money, hostels are places where you get to meet awesome, like-minded travellers. Just book yourself an epic hostel in Europe and let the magic come to you.
• Try Couchsurfing: For Broke Backpackers that want to go the extra mile, Couchsurfing is the way to go . The community is amazing, and you’re likely to have experiences you would never normally have had — I attribute many of my traveling highlights to it, and highly recommend looking into it.
• Experience Volunteering/Work-Exchange: Do good & experience the world fully by signing up for a volunteering program! There’s definitely a lot to it, as this strategy has gotten a bit of a bad rep over the years, but we address it all in our comprehensive guide to volunteering abroad .

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

How long can you stay in Europe without a visa?

Travelers with a Schengen Visa can stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. They have a 180-day countdown, during which you can only stay for a total of 90 days, regardless of how many times you enter or exit the area.

Are there any special visas for Americans looking to move to Europe?

There are no special visas specifically for Americans, but there are a variety of options for long-term stays, such as student visas, work visas, or long-term residency permits. It’s best to check with the specific embassy or immigration office of the country you’re interested in.

How long can an American stay in Europe?

Generally, Americans can stay in EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This can vary with the country though, as countries like Albania and Georgia let American citizens stay up to a year. Always check with the embassy or consulate before traveling.

Do all European countries use the euro?

Not all European countries use the Euro as their currency. Only the member states of the Eurozone use it, which currently includes 19 out of 27 European Union countries. Places like the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Poland, for example, are not in on that.

Can I stay in Europe longer if I start drinking wine like a true European?

If you can drink wine like a true European and make the border control officer believe that you can’t live without it, it might just work. But if you can’t hold your liquor, they might just think you’re a liability and send you back home. Best stick to the 90-day rule.

That’s all for today, my fellow dreamers. The main takeaway here is that long-term travel in Europe IS possible! Don’t let visa issues and travel costs give you a hard time — just tell ’em where to stick it.

With the right knowledge and trip planning , it is possible to travel through the Schengen Area and other parts of Europe for more than 90 days.

But remember: Europe is not just one place and there are options available for those who REALLY want it. Don’t let anything hold you back from exploring its beauty. And come say hi in Lisbon!

Tomás Monteiro

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can you stay in Spain and France for 60 days, go to England for 30 days, then back to Spain for 30 days.

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The ULTIMATE Long Term Travel Essentials + Blogger’s Packing List

Posted on Last updated: December 21, 2023

Here are the BEST tried-and-tested long term travel essentials in 2024 and beyond – from travel clothes to photo gear that I have been using for years (9 years on the road, to be exact) to my travel packing list I use every trip! I’ve tried SOOO much different travel gear over the years, so if an item has made it to this list, it has my full stamp of approval.

I have been planning this article for YEARS and it is finally here! I am happy to finally announce my comprehensive list of WHAT’S IN MY BAG. These are my long-term travel gear must-haves, recommendations, and travel products I can’t live without. 

I’m not the most materialistic person so I used to try and just use whatever works. But since becoming a blogger I have begun to try out different products that I could actually use myself and recommend. And now I bring this list to you! 

If you are going on a trip soon, you might want to dip into this little list and see if you can supplement your suitcase with some helpful supplies. The below items are great for long-term travel, but also good for any kind of travel and simply make your life easier on the road!

Best Random Long-Term Travel Essentials

Here are the things that don’t fit into a category but are travel essentials nonetheless. Underneath each is why I love them and use them myself!

iPhone Case with a Cord/Crossbody Sling Strap

If you met me from 2021 onwards, you would have noticed my phone hanging on a cord around my neck like a purse. Some people think it’s silly, some think it’s smart, and others are confused by it, but let me tell you having your phone on a cord is a GAME CHANGER.

When I moved to Barcelona for the summer of 2021, I knew it was famous for pickpockets and I didn’t have the best track record with putting my phone down in random places and accidentally leaving it there (and having a massive freakout 5 minutes later).

If you can relate… you NEED one of these. You never need to worry about which pocket your phone is in or where it is in your bag. It’s just ON you at all times in a way that is convenient yet not annoying at all. It can sit under a purse for the ladies or even in a jacket pocket. You are then forgetfulness-proof AND pickpocket-proof. Win!

Budget : I used to have a basic cord case like the first photo on the left. This is super cheap yet durable and adjustable!

Splurge (Only about $10 More): I have ordered this crossbody phone case several times, and it’s my FAVORITE. It has a little wallet on the back that pops out and can even prop up the phone to take a photo with. It’s durable and adjustable and has space for multiple cards, change, and cash.

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco-Sheets

I was indifferent when my mum made me put these in my bag when I left for another long-term trip, but let me tell you these are INCREDIBLE. You can carry 60 LOADS of laundry detergent in a tiny, convenient, nice-smelling flat packet.

Never again do you have to pay for the detergent in the laundromat or try and buy a cheap bag at the store only to end up hauling it around your next destinations with you. I think I’ll use these amazing little detergent sheets for the rest of time.

Travel Water Bottle

It’s very important to have your own reusable travel water bottle when on the road for ANY amount of time, long or short term. Sustainability has never been more important, and if you can avoid using any plastic bottles, the Earth will thank you!

Many destinations, airports, and hotels have water refill stations, and chances are you can get away with using less plastic on most trips now, even when you can’t drink tap water. Stock up on a water bottle you can call your own, and even decorate it with stickers from your travels.

Standard Bottle: Hydro Flask/ThermoFlask – Many people use the HydroFlask brand of water bottle, but I find that the ThermoFlask is pretty much the same but cheaper! I have one of these right now and it’s trustworthy, durable, and keeps water nice and cold. I have tons of peeling stickers on it so it might need a clean, but they last forever! IT even comes with 2 lids.

Space Saving Travel Water Bottle: Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle – These bottles are amazing and made for travel! They’re a great size for travel but when you’re done they FOLD UP super neatly and conveniently with a little strap that hooks it in shape. This way you don’t need to waste space when your bottle is empty!

Splurge for Outdoors : LARQ Water Bottle PureVis – If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink tap water or where you will be doing a lot of outdoor adventures, hiking, or camping, you might want to invest in a self-cleaning/UV purifying water bottle that can make any water drinking quality. I recommend Larq – they’re cute, too.

Fluentalk T1 Mini Handheld Translator Device

This is a newer of my long term travel essentials that I absolutely LOVE. This tiny, credit-card-sized device can instantly translate between THIRTY SIX languages!!! The future is truly here.

It includes one year of data (which means you can have instant conversations through the translator in two languages anywhere, anytime). For travel through countries where the language is completely foreign, this thing can be a godsend. It can do Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and of course about 30 more.

When learning a few words is not enough, this thing makes up ALL the ground. I actually wrote a review about my experience using this device here, so check that out or the website below.

Combination Locks

I ALWAYS have a combo lock on me while traveling long term, as it could come in handy for many different reasons. If you are like me, you may end up spending a night or 2 in a hostel (or spend your whole trip in them) to save some money. Hostels have lockers, but usually require you to use your own lock to keep your stuff safe.

Sometimes I use these locks to lock the zippers of my bag together for extra precaution, too. You never know when you’ll need it, so it’s good to have. These ones are even TSA-approved, have long locks you can use them on luggage, and are affordable.

Face Mask and Earplugs

Some long-term travel essentials I ALWAYS have with me are a face mask and earplugs. Sometimes your hotel is on a noisy street, sometimes you stay in hostels with other people around, and other times your curtains do NOT block the morning light properly. Sleep while traveling is SO important!

A face mask and some pairs of earplugs are some of the easiest travel essentials to have on you at all times. They’re cheap, too! I love my unicorn face mask and recommend you get a cute/silly one too for maximum fun.

I recommended some reusable earplugs below and also some soft/moldable silicone ones as I find the gooey ones are MUCH easier on my ears when I’m sleeping.

Quick-Drying/Small Microfiber Towel

Ok, I would be lying if I said I ALWAYS had a small or quick-dry towel with me on the road – sometimes I just use my sarong as I mentioned above, and hope that hotels will provide a towel. But I’m not always so lucky.

Having one of these tiny-pack quick-dry towels is extremely useful on the road, especially long term. There’s nothing worse than a wet smelly towel in your bag or paying for one at your accommodation.

Best CLOTHING Essentials for Long Term Travel

Black leggings.

Black leggings are probably my NUMBER ONE GO-TO long-term travel essential. I always have at least one, if not two pairs with me on the road because they are good for literally everything. You can wear them to a yoga class, and then under a cute top for a night out. You can sleep in them. You can wear them on the place. They’re versatile and go with everything.

Currently, I have a pair of cheaper polyester leggings and also a warmer spandex pair that’s more suited for hiking and cold. See the two options below:

Budget: These polyester leggings come in a 2-pack online for less than $10 a pair. My philosophy: take as many pairs as you can 😛

Splurge: Eddie Bauer Tight trail leggings – these are AMAZING and so durable, with zipper pockets and a little pocket at the top too! They won’t get holes like the ones above did for me!

Waterproof Shell Rain Jacket

This is another MUST essential packing item for travel. I don’t care if you are spending a week in Mexico or 6 months in Europe – you NEED a waterproof jacket, and preferably a shell jacket that folds up small. I speak from experience when I say, you do NOT want to be caught in a surprise rainstorm without one.

Budget : I have had this jacket for a while and have absolutely no complaints. It’s a bit thicker than some shells I’ve had but it still folds up small and works a charm.

Splurge: If you’re all about the quality and the brand, then check out this Marmot waterproof lightweight jacket. It also comes in 3 colors!

Balance of Clothes

Just as a quick packing tip, try and have a good balance of shorts, pants, tank tops, tees, and long sleeve shirts that can layer and go with each other. The best way to do this is have a good balance of solid colors, black/grey/beige/white/other colors that go with everything, and some patterns that also match with a few other items.

You may want to have ONE big puffy jacket that you can usually carry on your arm if it won’t fit in any bags. See my video below for more as well as using packing cubes (link below)

@kimmconn Part 2: choosing clothes to #pack ! #backpacking #longtermtravel #travel #packingtips #tiktoktravel #fypage ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

Cover-Ups/Kimonos

A GREAT way to add fun to any outfit is with a kimono, cover up, or similar. You can wear the same black leggings, boots, and crop top every day with a different kimono and maybe necklace. I legitimately do this. See the photos above!

I also always have a sarong on me while traveling, no matter where I am. I use sarongs so much that I usually go through one a year or more as they get so worn and torn. What can you use a sarong for? Let’s see:

• a cover-up when swimming
• a cute wrap skirt or dress
• a scarf or headwrap in the cold
• a cushion for your camera in a backpack
• a blanket on the plane
• and more! Sarongs are long term travel ESSENTIALS for females! I usually haggle for them in local markets but I usually have a cute patterned cloth sarong like the one below:

Obviously you NEED a swimsuit if you are going to travel long or short term. You never know when there will be a nice pool, jacuzzi, hot spring, or beach, and you MUST be prepared.

I know that swimsuits are different for everyone so I am not going to link a product or brand but rather make a recommendation: always have a black swimsuit top and a black swimsuit bottom that you can mix and match with tops and bottoms of different colors and maybe a one piece!

I have a black top that ties like 20 different ways that I recommend – it’s a regular triangle top in black and I wear it ALL the time.

Pashmina/Scarf

This is another long term travel ESSENTIAL because you can use it in SOOO many different ways. A scarf/pashmina is similar to a sarong but tends to keep you warm more than keeping cool. But, it can still do both. Above are photos of me using my pashmina in 3 different ways.

Hats for Travel

These are the hats I usually have. I often pack them flat in a smaller compartment of my suitcase lke a bit of an afterthought.

• One sun hat with a wide brim , foldable if possible. These are great for photos but can be annoying to pack. I have a foldable one which is MUCH more convenient than some stiff brimmed hats. These are also great for photos.
• One bucket hat: I LOVE my bucket hat because it’s fun, great to block the sun, great for parties or festivals, and great for bad hair days. I wear this the most out of all my hats. It’s like this one.
• One snapback/baseball cap : Works for excursions, hikes, runs, or certain fashion days.
• One Beanie: If you are going somewhere cold. Beanies are tiny and cal usually squeeze in your bag somewhere.

Obviously, you need sunglasses no matter where you are traveling. I’m not going to tell you which ones look best on your face, but I will share with you a link to the ones I have purchased literally 5 times on Amazon (I never buy fancy sunnies as I always ruin them). Here they are.

Best Shoes for Travel

I have traveled with all kinds of shoes over the years – some great and some I would never travel with again. Here are the best.

Waterproof Versatile Sneakers

Loom Footwear are the ever-versatile sneaker-running shoe combo. They come in black or white, and are great as running shoes but cute enough to wear out on the town and to events. They’re perfectly low-key enough to go with anything. And they’re waterproof, too – perfect for hiking or rainy days!

I’ve already gone through a couple of pairs of Loom footwear while on the road, simply because I wear them to EVERYTHING. Going on a run? Loom footwear. Going to a festival? Loom footwear. Walking around a new city all day? Loom footwear. 

Tevas – Comfy Hiking Sandals

Hiking sandals are something I never thought I would get into, but once I tried Tevas I was sold. These babies are EPIC – they’re super versatile and perfect for traveling in hot destinations where you don’t feel like putting your feet into a hot sweaty sock/shoe but still want comfort and the ability to go for miles.

I’ve had the same pair for so long that I can’t find the same color online, but the design is exactly like the pair below. They ar great for walking around a new city all day, hiking a mountain, or just everyday wear, too.

Birkenstocks

Yep, it’s true. These are one of the pairs of travel shoes I cannot live without. For some reason some people make fun of birks, but my theory is that those people have never slipped on a pair of properly broken-in birks that are perfectly molded to their feet. They’re durable, they LAST, and they are so comfy. Team Birks forever.

Other Travel Shoes

Besides a pair of trainers/running shoes (that should usually be wearable for other occasions), hiking sandals, and birkenstocks, I sometimes pack:

ONE pair of cute travel shoes (like flats or cute strappy sandals): When Teva’s don’t cut it for a cute night out (and let’s face it, they wouldn’t work for something fancy), I like to have a cute pair of flats just in case. I usually pack a VERY small flat pair so they hardly take up any space and pack easily next to another pair of shoes.

Black ankle boots or similar: Even in warm destinations, I find that a pair of black ankle or combat boots (like Doc Martins) are AMAZING to have (and usually to wear on the plane). A good pair of these works for so many occasions, such as being cute with a dress, comfy to walk around cities all day, cute AND comfy with black leggings, or even to go hiking in if they are comfy enough. I currently have a great pair of knockoff Doc Martins like this.

Converse: You can’t go wrong with a pair of connies. I don’t bring these on EVERY trip, but a pair of solid tennis shoes is always a good idea if you have room. You won’t always need a pair as the running shoes/boots can fill the same function, but they’re good to keep in mind. I usually have a classic pair of chucks.

Best Packing Necessities for Travel

Here are the game-changing long term travel essentials that help with packing, organizing, and keeping things where they need to be.

AmazonBasics Packing Cubes

I SWEAR by these. I have had them for years. The Amazon Basics packing cubes below come with 2 large and 2 medium packing cubes, but I have only ever used three – one large one for tops, the other large one for bottoms, and one small one for undergarments and swimsuits.

The 3 packing cubes fit wonderfully whether you are backpacking with a large backpack OR using the cutcase I recommend below. The size is perfect, and organizing your clothes like this makes it feel like you have mobile drawers to keep things neat. See the video below for how I pack them.

@kimmconn Pt3: Get those clothes packed up! #longtermtravel #packingtips #travel #backpacking #tiktoktravel #travelblogger ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

Smaller Daypack Backpack

I always pack at least one smaller backpack in my bag because I am not going to want to wear my huge backpack everywhere. Sometimes you have a small day trip, a hike, or a festival where you just need a mini backpack to carry a couple of things around.

I have one cute leather one for nicer events and another miniature backpacking backpack with straps and compartments similar to the ones below. You may also want to consider a foldable day pack that folds back up into itself for maximum space saving.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

A hanging toiletry bag is another absolute travel packing essential that I ALWAYS have, no matter if my trip is 3 days or 9 months. I have had 3-4 different hanging toiletry bags over the last 10 years and I find it best to have at least 2 larger compartments with some smaller ones. The ones below are great – one cuter and one cheaper.

I haven’t listed out ALL the toiletries that I bring, but check this video below for an idea of how I pack toiletries for long-term travel:

@kimmconn Did I bring too much? #packingtips #packinghacks #tiktoktravel #traveltips #travelblogger #fypage ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

Best Suitcases and Backpacks for Travel (The Bags I Use)

Samsonite rolling duffel with compartments.

I ended up with this bag completely randomly, and now I am on my second one. If you are the type who LOVES different compartments and being able to separate your stuff conveniently and easily, you NEED this suitcase… er, I mean, wheeled duffel. Wheeled duffers are the vibe.

This type of bag mixes the best of all suitcase worlds. It has two main compartments – one on the bottom and one on the top. You can access the top compartment from the bottom OR the top, there are other compartments along all the sides of the top compartment, there’s another zip pocket on the top, AND there are two larger compartments on either side. Oh, AND there are backpack straps if you wanted to wear it on your back!

I put different things in each one – shoes and one packing cube in the bottom, other packing cubes/bags and toiletries in the top, and extra stuff in the sides. MY exact bag isn’t available online right now, but I linked two similar ones below. I think the make is called Andante.

Solgaard Check-in Closet Suitcase with Built-In Hanging Closet

After many years with the rolling duffels above, I have finally swapped to an EPIC suitcase as of this year. I have a Solgaard Check-in Closet , which is a large-sized aluminum suitcase that snaps closed. It has a TSA lock, 4 wheels, and a completely innovative built-in closet that you can hang in the closet when you get to your destination.

I have traveled with every different kind of suitcase under the sun and I can CONFIDENTLY say that this one is my favorite. The convenience of opening your suitcase and having an immediate, hangable closet is unmatched. And yes, I did some content for them as you can see above, but I’m never swapping suitcases again!!

Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader Camera Backpack

To be honest, I was never on team ‘expensive backpack’ until I got this bad boy. I made my way around the world with cheap backpacks (always ones that had many compartments, of course) for SO long until Manfrotto reached out to me and sent me this incredible piece of wearable technology I reviewed here . I will never go back.

Yes, this is a camera backpack, but listen… I think this thing would be great for anybody. It comes with more velcro dividers than you could possibly need, which you can organize inside the main compartment in any way you’d like and access it from a few points using the zipper design.

You can use the different compartments for cameras (it’s fantastic to be able to organize the bag depending on your equipment using the different sizes of dividers), OR you can use the compartments for literally anything that you like. The main compartment can be divided up to keep equipment safe, or to keep your clothes seperate from your food.

The top compartment (also with tiny dividers) can separate all the things you’d usually have in the ‘random sh*t’ compartment of your backpack (we all have one). There’s a separate laptop sleeve, secret-looking side compartment, water bottle holders, front zip, TONS of extra straps, tripod attachment loops, and even an attached TSA lock. Best backpack EVER.

Travel Camera Equipment Packing List for Different Budgets

It’s no secret that I have a lot of different camera equipment for travel. I now pack most of my stuff in the backpack above, but it hasn’t always been this way. I will share some great camera bags for travel and also the cameras that I use now and have used in the past on more of a budget.

My Cameras / Best Cameras for Travel

I think it’s very important to have a camera to record all your travel memories with. I know most people use their phones these days, but nothing can replace the quality of a good camera. I have always had a big DSLR (now a mirrorless) but I have recommended a smaller camera for those who don’t place as much emphasis on photography!

Budget DSLR: Nikon d3500 – I had this camera for YEARS and years (well I had the d3300 but now it’s the 3500). It’s a wonderful entry-level DSLR with good quality and capabilities for a crop frame camera. It’s a perfect camera to get used to shooting with a big camera and learn lots of skills.

Splurge DSLR: Nikon D780 – This is the newer version of the camera I have now (the D750), and I love it! Nikon has a d850 out too but in all honesty it’s not much better than the d750/d780 (in fact I prefer the d750) and WAY more expensive. This is a fantastic full-frame DSLR you can use with tons of lenses and get incredible content with.

Budget Mirrorless: Sony a6000 – The Sony a6 series are a fabulous mirrorless camera series that are more compact and affordable than many other cameras on the market today. I will suggest the entry level camera for the sake of budget and ease of use, but check out the further cameras in the series to upgrade.

Splurge Mirrorless : Sony a7riii – This was my DREAM CAMERA for SOOOOO many years, until Eliot and I finally purchased it in 2021 for a series of even photography jobs we had in Mexico. I love it SO much. I have always been a Nikon gal but the Sony has taken over the top spot for the camera I prefer to shoot with. It’s the smartest camera I have ever had.

We have a Tamron 28-75 lens first and foremost for this camera that takes care of most shots we ever need.

Go Pro: I have always traveled with a Go Pro which gets all the shots that my other cameras can’t… underwater, adventures, outdoors, and more. Go Pros have an amazing fish eye wide angle lens leading them to be able to capture a lot more than other cameras, especially during adventurous activities or filming yourself. I currently need a new one but the most recent one on the market is below.

Best Drone for Travel: DJI Mavic Series

I LOVE my drone (which is the version before the Mavic 3, the Mavic 2 Pro). I am sure that a smaller drone such as a mavic air/mini might be more convenient for travel, but my Mavic 2 Pro (his name is Alejandrone) folds up NICE and small, flies very long distances, and gets some of the best shots I’ve ever gotten in my life!

If you are just starting out with drones and want to give them a try for a cheaper price and a smaller product, check out the mini. It’s cute and VERY small. Check DJI for deals … they usually offer incredible Black Friday deals.

Best Camera Bag for Travel

Splurge : I already mentioned my FAVORITE Splurge camera bag above, the Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader Camera Backpack. See abve for the description or here for the link.

Budget: NEEWER Flexible partition padded camera bag – this was our tried-and-trusted camera bag until I got the one above. This camera bag also has flexible dividers that you can move around to fit your gear. Somehow we were able to fit two DSLR’s AND a Drone in here with extra lenses and carry it around the world for two years. Love this bag, would 100% buy again.

My Tripods / Best Tripod for Travel:

Budget : The AmazonBasics tripod is more than adequate. I actually used this tripod for longer than I would like to admit before upgrading to the one below. If you are on a budget or unsure about tripods, try this one out.

Splurge: Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced – This tripod is INCREDIBLE and truly professional. If you want something top-notch, try this one.

Essential Electronics from Long Term Travel

And there is still more! Could this be the most extensive packing list ever? It’s not easy to pack for long trips, but I hope this guide is helping.

A Laptop is one of the main essentials for long term travel especially if you plan on working (which most people will need to do if traveling long term). I have always and will always have a Mac. I’ll be the first to admit that Apple has an absolute hold on me and that I don’t think I am capable of moving away from them now… as annoying as they can be sometimes.

I have a MacBook Pro 16 inch – I upgraded from the 13 inch a few years ago when I learned that the basic version of the 16 inch has the same features as the upgraded version of the 13 inch. Better processing for photography etc.

Laptop Case

It is PARAMOUNT that you keep your super expensive laptop safe. Take it from me, the person who has probably had the most computer issues while traveling out of everyone in the world. I have the laptop case below and I think it’s the best I have had (with compartments – you know I love compartments). It even protected my laptop from spilled water on the plane once. And it’s cute.

A power bank is another true travel essential. You never know when you won’t have time to charge your phone or camera batteries and need to charge on the fly. Power banks are amazing for long days, flights, festivals, and just to have a backup power supply at all times.

We have the 2 Pack Miady 20000 power bank, and these things last FOREVER. They takes ages to charge but you can charge a phone and cameras multiple times on one charge. We ordered the exact pair below recenty.

Everyone needs some music in their ears while traveling… whether it’s to have those existential moments staring out the window on the train or to drown out the baby on the plane. I have had everything from super fancy expensive headphones to a pair I got in a random electronics shop in Jordan. Here are some to look at:

Budget: Tozo t6 True Wireless Earbuds – I had these for a while until they mysteriously disappeared while on the road. They’re under $30, fine quality, and they have over 200k reviews on amazon.

Splurge: Jaybird Headphones – I got a pair of these for Eliot for his birthday one year and they lasted him YEARS. Thse are true top-of-the-line quality headphones and worth investing in f you spend a ton of time listening to music – traveling, at work, and more. The current model is below.

Universal Adaptor

To be completely honest, I usually travel with about 10 different singel adaptors and I have picked up over the years. But I do NOT recommmend that. I recommend getting ONE, GOOD universal adaptor that has a ton of USB slots and a USBC slot as well as plug slots so you can plug everything in at once, everywhere. The one below is a game changer.

I will no doubt be adding more long term travel essentials to this packing list over time – let me know what products you have questions about or would like to see! Thanks for reading!

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Best Long-Term Travel Insurance

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Table of Contents

Factors we considered in long-term travel insurance

An overview of the best long-term travel insurance, top long-term travel insurance for u.s. citizens, long-term travel insurance coverage recapped.

If you take multiple trips a year, you may want to consider purchasing long-term travel insurance for emergencies. This is especially true if you go abroad for extended stays, as travel insurance typically covers you even when your U.S. medical insurance may not. 

Because the considerations and coverage for long-term plans differ from shorter, single-trip policies, NerdWallet has researched the best long-term travel insurance plans for U.S. citizens.

Here's our list of the best long-term travel insurance providers:

Allianz Global Assistance.

Travel Guard.

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

We made the following considerations when selecting the best long-term travel insurance companies:

Coverage . We looked at the types of coverage offered and the amount of coverage you could purchase. 

Cost . Affordability is essential, as the best coverage worldwide won't matter if the policy is too expensive. 

Ease of purchase . Being able to quickly and easily find quotes and sign up for coverage is a crucial factor in choosing the right policy.

Customization . The more options you have to tailor a plan specifically for your needs, the better.

Note: We excluded companies that require you to list the length, locations or dates of your trips to purchase a policy. We recognize that most travelers likely don't know these details for all the trips they'll take a year in advance. 

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

To compare prices and coverage levels, we looked at quotes for a one-year policy for a 35-year-old traveler based in California. If a company offered more than one tier of travel insurance, we went with their entry-level option. 

On average, the price of a policy offered by the listed companies was about $171. 

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover award flights?

Let's take a closer look at our five recommendations for long-term travel insurance.

Allianz Global Assistance

What makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Easy-to-use website.

Affordable coverage.

Different options for different budgets.

For our test, Allianz Global Assistance's basic coverage cost $138, about 19% lower than average.

Travel Guard by AIG

What makes Travel Guard great:

Includes dental coverage.

Offers security and emergency evacuation coverage .

Missed connection coverage of up to $500.

For our test, Travel Guard's basic coverage cost $259, about 51% above average.

USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services

What makes USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services great:

Budget-friendly option.

Includes emergency medical evaluation. 

For our test, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services' basic coverage cost $100, almost 42% below average.

What makes GeoBlue great:

Certain prescription drugs are covered.

Covers medically necessary COVID-19 testing and treatment .

Allowed to take unlimited trips outside of the U.S. for a maximum of 70 days abroad per trip.

For our test, GeoBlue's basic coverage cost $125, about 27% below average.

What makes Heymondo great:

Offers a one-month refund policy, provided the trip has not started and no claims were made.

Easy to add coverage for electronics, cruises or adventure sports.

It has an app to file claims and chat with a doctor 24/7.

For our test, Heymondo's basic coverage cost $232, about 36% above average.

» Learn more: Does my Chase credit card have health insurance?

Most travel insurance companies offer annual plans as a cost-effective way for you to insure multiple trips in one year. Annual plans typically cover medical emergencies and basic benefits. Depending on the provider, some benefits such as baggage delay and trip cancellation are not always covered in annual plans. There are, at times, maximum trip durations per policy.

You can purchase an annual plan that covers multiple trips in one year (with restrictions on trip duration) or a specific long-term travel insurance plan if your trip is longer than three months. Annual plans are on a 12-month rolling basis. Long-term policies can last up to two years, depending on the travel insurance company.

Yes. If you're considering backpacking or taking a gap year, travel insurance companies have options for long-stay travel insurance. Policies vary by providers, but they'll typically include emergency medial treatment, legal protection and travel document replacements.

Yes, several travel insurance providers offer annual plans. Annual plans are a cost-effective way to insure more than one trip during the year. Depending on the plan, long-term trips may be excluded from coverage.

Before purchasing long-term travel insurance, you should think about the type of coverage you want, your budget and if you have any pre-existing medical conditions you wish to be covered.

Having the right plan may provide you with peace of mind and save you serious cash in the event of an emergency.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

How to Navigate an Extra-Busy Summer Travel Season

Tips for beating the exceptional crowds expected this year and keeping your vacation budget manageable.

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To help you understand what is going on in the travel sector, our highly experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts ( Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe ). You'll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest…  

The upcoming summer travel season will be extraordinarily busy and exceed pre-pandemic levels, though it will look a bit different than the past two summers when Americans caught the travel bug after years of COVID-19 restrictions. On the wane is so-called revenge travel, a post-pandemic phenomenon in which Americans who were desperate to make up for lost time booked exotic, and often expensive, “ bucket list ” adventures. 

This year, the trend has shifted back to more traditional vacation destinations and cost-conscious practices. But overall travel volume will hit historic highs this summer. Online travel agency Expedia says flight searches are up 25%, overall for June through August, compared with the same time last year. And interest in international destinations across Europe and Asia is up by triple digits. The number of Americans who eventually book a trip this summer will be on par with last summer. But globally, 4.7 billion people are expected to travel in 2024, compared with 4.5 billion in 2019, with much of that travel occurring this summer. That means that flights, hotels and attractions in the United States and abroad will be crowded to levels unseen in years. 

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Domestic airfares will remain in line with or just slightly higher than last summer. Fares will begin to rise in May, reaching a peak at the end of May and early June. 

To save money, avoid holiday weekends and travel during late August, if possible, when airfares will drop more than $100.

International airfare will be a mixed bag. Overall, prices will drop for most regions of the world, compared with last year, though they will still be higher than pre-pandemic levels. But airfares will fluctuate significantly depending on the destination, so bargain airfares won’t be found everywhere.

Avoid holiday weekends and travel during late August, when airfares will drop more than $100.

Flight disruptions are a definite possibility this summer as airlines struggle to put enough planes in the air to meet demand. Some carriers will be forced to trim their schedules to cope with a lack of available planes due to production problems at aircraft makers Boeing and Airbus.

When planning a trip, be wary of major events taking place locally that boost prices and shrink availability for hotels, restaurants and car rentals.

• For Europe, avoid Paris during the Olympics in July and August. 
• The same goes for Germany from mid-June to mid-July, when it hosts the quadrennial European Football [soccer] Championship. 
• And singer Taylor Swift’s European tour this summer will cause price and availability issues in every city where she performs. 
• Domestically, political party conventions in Milwaukee (July) and Chicago (August) mean accommodations will be at a premium during those events, if they’re available at all.

If you’re hitting the road this summer, gas prices in the U.S. should be similar to or slightly higher than last year, ranging from about $3.50 to $4 a gallon, although some states will be much more expensive. Still, unforeseen international issues, like a worsening situation in the Middle East, could suddenly boost the national average well above $4.

Car rental prices will be slightly above last summer’s, with fleet availability improved over last year. 

Domestic hotel prices and availability will be in line with last year. But also consider short-term housing rental agencies like Airbnb , as this option may be more affordable and convenient, particularly for families and groups. 

As for where Americans are headed, interest in off-the-beaten-path locales that became popular immediately after the pandemic hasn’t evaporated. One booming trend is “destination dupes” — affordable alternatives to popular tourist spots. Think Liverpool for London, or Québec City for Geneva.

Another trend is “set-jetting” — traveling to destinations that are filming locations of TV shows and movies. While the concept isn’t new, the trend got a massive boost during the pandemic era, when TV watching dramatically increased during lockdowns. 

Other summer travel trends are “cool-cations” (summer vacations to destinations with mild climates to avoid potentially record-breaking heat) and “tour travel” (traveling for a concert).

The strength of the U.S. dollar and relatively low inflation are driving more Americans to travel to places where the dollar will go the furthest , like Southeast Asia. And there is a growing interest in Japan, which lifted its pandemic travel restrictions only last year.

New York City and Los Angeles will top the list of the most popular domestic travel destinations this summer, according to Expedia, followed by Seattle, Orlando and Las Vegas. 

Internationally, Cancun, Mexico and London top the list. Next up: Rome; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Paris. Other destinations that are trending: Auckland, New Zealand; Hong Kong; Osaka, Japan; and Da Nang and Hanoi, Vietnam.

This forecast first appeared in The Kiplinger Letter, which has been running since 1923 and is a collection of concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington, to help you understand what’s coming up to make the most of your investments and your money. Subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter .  

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Sean Lengell covers Congress and government policy for The Kiplinger Letter . Before joining Kiplinger in January 2017 he served as a congressional reporter for eight years with the Washington Examiner and the Washington Times . He previously covered local news for the Tampa (Fla.) Tribune . A native of northern Illinois who spent much of his youth in St. Petersburg, Fla., he holds a bachelor's degree in English from Marquette University.

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These Are Going to Be the Most Popular Travel Destinations in 2024

A lready thinking about where you want to travel in 2024 ? If you’re hoping to hit the hottest travel destinations of the year, Expedia Group is here to help. The one-stop travel site—alongside Hotels.com and VRBO—just released Unpack '24 , a travel trends analysis for the coming year. In addition to detailing the projected top 10 most popular international destinations of 2024, the site also revealed 10 “dupes” for travelers looking to perhaps spend a bit less, as well as those hoping to be surrounded by fewer fellow tourists. Additionally, they revealed 10 affordable cities where the world’s biggest musical acts are set to perform, as well as where to travel if you live a sober lifestyle.

“At Expedia Group, we have extensive first-party travel data that we use to enhance and curate experiences for our travelers across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo,” Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands, says in the report. “These insights shape our travel forecasts, revealed in Unpack '24, enabling our travelers to be the first to discover and book the most desired trips before they become well-beaten paths.”

Ready to ignite your travel bug? Ahead, discover the most popular travel destinations of 2024.

The Top 10 Travel Destinations of 2024

Expedia Group predicts that travelers are most likely to jet set to destinations popularized in fan-favorite TV shows and movies. According to the report, “More than half of travelers say they’ve researched or booked a trip to a destination after seeing it on a TV show or in a movie. In fact, travelers say TV shows influence their travel decisions more than Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts.” With that in mind, they reveal that the top 10 travel destinations of 2024 are as follows:

• Thailand - Featured in White Lotus , Season 3—which has sadly been pushed to premiere in 2025
• Romania - Featured in Wednesday , Season 2—which has not yet set a release date
• Malta - As seen in Gladiator 2 , which is set to premiere on November 22, 2024
• Paris - As seen in Emily in Paris
• Scottish Highlands - Featured in Outlander
• London, Bath, and Windsor, U.K. - As seen in Bridgerton and The Crown
• South Korea - Featured in Squid Game —the Season 2 release date has yet to be announced
• Florida Keys - As seen in the series Bad Monkey
• Australia - Featured in Baz Luhrmann’s Faraway Downs series, as well as the film Furiosa , which is set to premiere on May 24, 2024
• Greece - as seen in the films Argylle (set to release in 2024) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

The Top 10 Travel Destination Dupes

Dupes have long been lauded in the beauty and fashion categories, and now the concept is making its way to travel. “1 in 3 of those polled say they’ve booked a dupe,” the report reveals. “But what do these less obvious alternatives offer besides potential savings? They’re often less crowded, tend to be a little unexpected, and can be every bit as delightful as the tried-and-true destinations.”

Intrigued by the idea of booking a stellar vacation for a fraction of the price? Check out Expedia Group’s Top 10 Travel Destination Dupes, below, which are listed as the original destination of inspiration and the dupe that mirrors it.

• Seoul —> Taipei
• Bangkok —> Pattaya
• Santorini —> Paros
• Saint Martin —> Curaçao
• Sydney —> Perth
• London —> Liverpool
• Lisbon —> Palermo
• Geneva —> Québec City
• Zermatt —> Sapporo
• Nashville —> Memphis

The Top 10 Tour-Inspired Travel Destinations

Music lovers, this one’s for you! As you well know, traveling to see your favorite artists live is expensive, to say the least. With this in mind, Expedia set out to find the most affordable destinations where the world’s most famous pop and rock stars are set to take the stage in 2024.

Through their research, in which they analyzed the average daily rates of tour locations, they found the top 10 most affordable cities (less than $150/night on average) where travelers can witness the likes of Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Coldplay, Metallica, Madonna, and more. They are as follows:

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - $91
• Edmonton, Canada - $108
• Mexico City, Mexico - $119
• Warsaw, Poland - $119
• Birmingham, U.K. - $127
• Houston, Texas - $130
• Antwerp, Belgium - $140
• Tokyo, Japan - $147
• Perth, Australia - $148
• Detroit, Michigan - $149

For more research-backed travel trends, be sure to check out Expedia’s full Unpack ‘24 Trend Report .

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This Is the Most Affordable Vacation Destination in the U.S. — and It Has Pristine Beaches

Travel more for less when visiting the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

DoxaDigital/Getty Images

Getting out and exploring the world shouldn't have to clear out your bank account. Yes, there are plenty of first-rate five-star destinations out there that are worth saving up to visit one day, but while you stack that cash, you could always go visit one of America's most affordable destinations, too. And OptimosTravel has done all the hard work of figuring out just where those destinations are for you. 

The travel company released its list of the most affordable vacation destinations in America, analyzing more than 100 well-known spots. To determine which ones rank as the most affordable for solo travelers, the team assessed each location on daily meal expenses, public transportation costs, accommodation rates, and attraction fees.

After looking at all the data, the team determined that the Outer Banks, North Carolina , is indeed the least expensive vacation destination, where solo travelers can spend an entire day there for $177, making a 7-day family vacation possible for about $3,247.90.

"We ranked Outer Banks as the least expensive destination, where the allure of the Atlantic meets affordability," the company shared in its findings via email. "With the lowest accommodation costs at $91.44, combined with meals at $60 and attractions adding up to $11.27, the daily cost per person stands at a mere $177. A week-long stay here ... for a family of four [comes out] at just $3,247.90, proving that paradise doesn't have to cost a fortune." 

Joining the Outer Banks is another southern favorite, Charleston, West Virginia, coming at No. 2. Its daily cost breakdown came to just $177 as well but came with a slightly higher weekly cost of $1,242 per person due to a higher cost for accommodation and a $2,926.30 cost for a family of four.

These two are followed by two Georgia downs, Helen and Tybee Island in third and fourth, respectively, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee rounding out the top 5.

A few big-name destinations also made the list, with Sedona, Arizona; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Bend, Oregon; in the sixth through ninth spot. Monument Valley, Utah, completed the list, coming in at 10th place with an average daily cost of $218 per person.

Want to go even further? Check out 13 of the most affordable destinations in Europe to visit right now. 

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