Most people dream of exploring the world. Different cultures, new adventures and travels that change your life for the better.
Unfortunately, the daily grind and life’s commitments can make it hard. Throw in the recent worldwide chaos and travelling has been off the cards for most of us for far too long.
When it’s back in full swing, no doubt your feet will be itching to wander further. For many, it’s the perfect excuse for long-term travel. You could be dreaming of the freedom to pack your bags and head to the airport, without a solid plan in mind. Or you just want a little extra time to explore and discover. Regardless, affordable long-term travel needs some preparation.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
Discover the Right Destinations
Travel has changed a lot over the last year and a half.
The decline in flights saw an increase in local travel, with the classic road trip and caravaning becoming the new norm. But there are destinations impacted by the pandemic still waiting to be explored – locally and abroad.
Know what’s in demand to help find the right destinations for you. More travellers are extending upcoming vacations, seeking quality over quantity and favouring camping and beach summer trips. There’s also a higher appreciation for staying closer to home.
Research places that rely heavily on tourism. Thailand, Maldives, Fiji, Morocco, Croatia and Barbados are some countries needing our help to recover when overseas travel is back. Australia has many off the beaten track adventures begging to be had too. Travelling local and interstate also supports the Aussie businesses doing it tough. If your big travel plans or overseas trip gets cancelled, turn it into a couple of local trips to avoid missing out on a holiday or extended adventures.
Plan Your Expenses
Before you set off, get your expenses in order.
If you’re considering insurance or a travel loan, research any restrictions that may end up costing you more. Whether a low rate loan or credit card is better to fund your getaway depends solely on your needs. Either way, make a savings plan well before you travel and adjust your budget and costs.
Think about:
- Creating a contingency budget
- Extended accommodation stays if restrictions change mid-travel
- Travel bans chewing into expenses and a backup plan to take any pressure off
- The long term impact and costs of a loan or credit card
- Having a plan to pay off any travel debt
- Keeping an eye on fluctuating exchange rates and changes with entry visas
- Travel insurance to protect your wallet (check conditions relating to Covid-19)
- Checking your airline and accommodation’s cancellation policies
Understand New Safety Measures
The way we travel will never be the same.
Things are changing every week, so it’s important to revisit the planning stages and be as prepared and flexible as possible.
As restrictions shift, travellers must also adapt. Keep your finger on the pulse by following government websites like Smart Traveller for the latest information. If you need to hold off booking flights, plan your itinerary and research accommodation and local travel tips instead.
Consider:
- Whether vaccinations are mandatory for where you’re travelling to
- Health passports and/or proof of negative Covid tests
- Researching where the testing clinics are before you leave
Sustainable Travel
A silver lining to come out of the pandemic is sustainability and conscious travelling. It’s forced us to rethink how we travel and its impact on the environment, raising the question of how do we travel better?
Tourism is becoming less taxing, prioritising eco-practices over profits. Countries may introduce fly-free days and other measures to control climate change. Natural areas, local communities and cultural heritage will be better protected and fewer crowds will help preserve areas damaged by over-tourism.
Another valuable lesson is – that travel is a privilege, not a right. Conscious travelling involves slowing down, covering less ground and engaging more mindfully with fewer destinations. This rise in slow travel has become an antidote to city lifestyle. Now, travellers are as much about the journey as the ultimate destination.
Take action by:
- Travelling resourcefully
- Reducing your carbon footprint by avoiding air travel where possible
- Choosing less popular cities or smart cities to visit
- Buying local items
- Finding sustainable accommodation
Create the Ultimate Travel Experience
Travel experiences are priceless.
Although the overseas ban remains in place, you can still plan for future adventures now, ready for when it lifts. In the meantime, wandering local is the perfect way to experience long-term travel again safely. Make sure you take advantage of the Government half-price flight scheme if you’re flying interstate, available from April-July.
Author Bio
This article is written by Jayde Walker who writes in the travel, lifestyle and small business industries. Catch her on LinkedIn for more.
