The only thing keeping you from a dream life of slow travel is that you haven’t started the process of making small changes to get there! Or better yet, you don’t know where to start.

If that’s the case, you’re in the right spot. This post explains the major steps and considerations to make a life of long-term travel a reality for anyone.

You’re probably tired of seeing people living your dream life, while you’re feeling stuck with the same rhythm you’ve been in for too long. Traveling long-term can definitely be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m here to share how I quit my corporate job, left on a one-way ticket to put my bucket list items on the calendar and start living for experiences.

What are you waiting for? Your dream life of slow travel and adventure is ready for you to take!

Read More - Learn more to understand exactly What is Slow Travel, and why it's right for you.

Setting yourself up for long-term (or indefinite) travel takes a few months of preparation, but you will thank yourself in the long run for the work you put in to set yourself upright! Of course, this depends a lot on where your life is prior to going into this transition, how much you currently own, what you want to experience on your travel, your budget, and your adaptability.
This section breaks down some of the best starting points so you’re ready to tackle specific plans with more space on your plate.

Shed What You Don't Need

First, start assessing what you currently have in your life, in your space, in those boxes in the garage you haven’t touched for months. Now think about what you don’t need, and what you could get rid of before you even think about travel. Making space in your life physically will allow you more space mentally to take on new goals and projects. Think about the things you can sell, and put that money towards your travel!

A big decision that will need to be made is what to do with your current living situation while you’re abroad. Does it make sense to keep paying rent for the months you will be away? Are you in a good place to move out entirely and save on the monthly expenses? Or maybe you will want to sublet your place on Airbnb to make some passive income while you’re abroad!

My partner and I both were at the crossroads of moving out entirely, which was really refreshing to think about everything we wanted to keep! A good trick when going through what you own is by asking yourself: “Does it bring me joy, purpose, or sentiment?”. In asking that question, you will really start to realize what is and is not necessary to keep in your life.

Green Tip - Look for sustainable ways to get rid of things - Post it on a community Buy, Sell, Trade site. Donate it to a local thrift store. Gift it to a friend. Recycle it! Try to avoid sending anything to the landfill!

Get Ahead Of Your Health

In the early stages of preparing to pivot towards a life of travel, set yourself up for less stress down the line and check in with all of your health needs before you have something major on the other side of the world. We all know how long some doctors can take to get in for an appointment, so do yourself a favor and get in early.

Make a point to get a routine dental cleaning, get a routine physical, update on any recommended vaccinations, visit your gynecologist, and whatever else in your mental and physical health needs attention.

You don’t want that routine dentist appointment you saved for a week before you leave to suddenly result in a root canal that you will either wait to do (in agony) or try to schedule in a country where you don’t understand the healthcare quality yet (which happened to my partner).

Budget

Budgeting is a crucial step in the beginning phase of planning for your travel, as it will determine the plans you go with in later steps. You will have a lot of options for accommodation, transport, food and excursions, so get yourself to a reasonable starting goal (that you can adjust later).

Be realistic with yourself and what you can afford to do. You shouldn’t expect to have a full budget created that you can stick to for the next 5 years, but get an idea of where you are at financially which will help you in the next steps as you ‘Take The Leap’ to full planning mode. Assess your current expenditures and think about where you can cut back, vs. what costs may be included with a nomadic life. And in the meantime, save as much as you can!

Some additional costs that should be considered with a life of travel will be discussed more below, and include:

Storage Unit for personal belongings at home
Travel Insurance Coverage
Renter’s Insurance
Mobile Phone
Accommodation
Food
Public Transportation
Visas / Passport Renewal

Income

Indefinite travel is only possible as long as the funds last, and without any coming in, it’s not really indefinite is it? If you’re planning to take a leave from your job and travel for a while off your savings, then go ahead! Just make sure to focus on your budget, and be ready to say goodbye to a life that you’ll fall in love with.

Talk to the management in your current role, and see if there is any way to travel while working for the same company! I was working a full-time corporate role when I was ready to start traveling, and after a few conversations, a new door opened to working a dream job abroad! Although I didn’t end up accepting the role, it’s a reminder that you should always at least ask.

“The answer will always be no to the questions you never ask”

If you’re ready for a full change, think about how you can make money remotely. Maybe you have a great digital skill that you can do freelance? Maybe you will incorporate your travel into your work, like with travel photography or a skills instructor at resort destinations (surfing, yoga, cooking)?

Get creative and be your biggest advocate! This is the chance to take a dream and make it a reality with a little bit of work and commitment.

At this stage, you’ve got the ball rolling in the right direction, but with no real commitments made, you can still turn back to the life where you’ve cleansed your space and belongings, prioritized your health, and assessed your budget, without any major time or money put into the real traveling planning. And that’s great, if that’s where it ends!

But, if you excited and ready to continue moving forward with the journey, it’s time to take the leap and start getting into some of the specific plans that need to be considered, like where you’ll be exploring, accommodation options, documentation, insurance coverage, banking, phone plans, and packing!

Destination

Throughout the weeks, months, or years of dreaming of a life traveling, maybe there has been a bucket list place you know you want to start, which is awesome! But if not, you’ll need to start focusing on a destination that you can build your plans around, and a time of year to plan on.

Destination

The world is a big place, and you will never be able to see it all. Luckily there are ways to get to every corner of it,

so don’t worry, you’ll be able to explore wherever you want along the way, but you do need to start somewhere.

Think about the destination as a region, rather than a place. Once you can focus in on a broader region, the rest will fall into place with some research. Focus on traveling slowly, so you can fully experience a place in the day-to-day, rather than focusing on plans and logistics of travel. Moving slowly will mean you stay somewhere for a longer period of time, get enriched in the local culture, meet people more regularly, and spend more time being than being on the move.

Try to have a general idea of where you’d want to go, even if it’s as simple as “Croatia, to the mountains, then Western Europe”. This will at least provide a guide on where to start researching. Keep the distances between the ideal destinations as close as possible, because it wouldn’t be cheap or easy going from the UK to Greece to India.

When To Go

Be aware of the tourist fluctuations for the destinations you’re considering, especially if you’re on a budget. Travel in the shoulder seasons to save money in so many ways! There will be more accommodation and transport options, smaller crowds, and lower prices for excursions. Another benefit of off-peak travel, is you get a more authentic experience and meet some locals!

My partner and I arrived in Split, Croatia in mid-October, when we had plenty of summer days left to enjoy the coastline swimming in the sea, but without the crowds of other tourists!

Accommodation

Where you stay is completely dependent on your budget and the experience you’re looking to have.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are free options where you trade work for food & accommodation. This includes WWOOF, WorkAway, and Trusted Housesitters. Couchsurfing is also an option although participation of global members is on the decline.

If you’re about to spend a bit, but still with a reasonable budget, check out month-long stays with Airbnb! This has been our top choice of accommodation, so we only have to pick 1 place for a whole month, it allows us time to settle in, and we get to fully immerse in a community. Stays over 28 days often have a long-term discount, so we save a ton vs. the nightly costs for a hotel or hostel.

If you’re doing more frequent travel and can’t commit to a month somewhere, hostels and hotels are an easy option! When you consider the nightly price, the cost is definitely among the highest options, but there are some cool resources to save.

Check out Hostel World, for the best deals and the chance to connect with travelers before the trip. Also, there’s Hotel Tonight which has discounted last-minute hotel rooms.

Documentation

Depending on the timeline of when you hope to leave, start thinking about the validity of your Passport and any Visa requirements for the region you will want to go. These processes are the most out of your control, so it’s better to get them started sooner than later so they won’t hold you up.

Passport renewals can take up to 11 weeks and is essential before you can book any international travel. If your passport is up to date, check when it will expire, thinking about how long you hope or plan to be abroad. While updating a passport while abroad is possible, it is much easier to do while in your home country (and way less stressful).

Based on where you want to go, there are different requirements for entry that you definitely need to check out! Some countries require a Visa depending on your country of origin, vaccination records, accommodation plans, bank statements, and even your confirmed plans of exit!

Knowing what your destination countries require will allow you to plan accordingly so you can avoid any bumps in the road (which are usually much more expensive to get over on the spot).

Especially after the pandemic, global travel requirements are constantly changing, so make sure that the research you do is updated and accurate to when you plan to travel. Check out the Government websites on Entry Requirements to make sure you have everything you need before you go!

Insurance

Insurance coverage is a big one to tackle, and can definitely get a bit complicated if you don’t know what to look out for, and to be honest there are a lot of options! You can have a combination of health insurance, travel insurance, and renter’s insurance to make sure you and your investments are protected.

Take your time doing the research to find what is best for you and your needs to make sure you have coverage! Not all insurance plans are created equal, so go into the details to see what coverage you have for emergencies vs. routine health visits, travel issues that are your fault or not, and any coverage on your personal belongings.

While traveling with a limited amount of things in a foreign place, knowing that you have support in the worst-case scenarios will offer you some peace of mind that you’re covered, so keep in mind these helpful tips to get started:

Check your credit cards for travel insurance coverage
Read the fine print for health insurance to check the exclusions (especially if you plan to do any type of physical activity)
Invest in Renter’s insurance to protect all of the things you will be traveling in the event it gets lost or stolen

Banking Smart

This step can be very easy if you already bank with someone that makes it easy for long-term travel, but chances are your bank will charge you ridiculous foreign transaction fees and ATM fees, which are easily avoidable! The following list is the 3 biggest things you’ll want to set up for a safe, cheap, and easy way to travel:

Credit Card that has 0 foreign transaction fees so you can use your card for all purchases without fear of fraud
A Checking Account that has unlimited foreign ATM withdrawals with no added fee
A way to budget and manage all of your finances so you can stay on top of it

Phone Plan

An easy way to feel overwhelmed as soon as you land in your first destination is not having any connection to the internet, or a basic phone plan to get you settled. Before you go, have a plan in mind of what you will do for a phone plan so you can take action to get set up as soon as you land. You have a few options to stay connected if your current plan doesn’t already work where you’ll be traveling to, including:

Planning to use WiFi with no phone plan (which is unreliable and I definitely don’t recommend)
Switching to a local provider via physical SIM when you arrive so you don’t have any international fees
Installing an eSIM on your phone so you have connection when you land (best option!)
Getting a travel plan with your current provider (which is ridiculously expensive in some cases)

Don’t forget to have your friends and family back home get set up on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger so you can stay in touch without accidentally incurring international call/text rates!

Read More - Check out more on International Phone Plans for Travelers!

Packing

While all of the plans listed above are in motion, you’re well on your way to making your dream life a reality! Now for the fun part, think through what you want to bring with you and how you’re going to move it all around. What you bring will be carried with you to every new destination, so do yourself a favor and only bring what you need, making space for things you didn’t know you needed until you arrive, and making sure to choose luggage that is comfortable and works for you.

By packing smart, you will incur fewer baggage fees (if any at all), save space and weight on transport which improves its efficiency, and also align more with a minimalist lifestyle! This part can be daunting depending on your lifestyle and travel style, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make it easier to select what you will bring, and less stressful once you start your travels!

Pack Light (10 Days)
Use what you Already Have
Favor Functionality over Style
Versatility is Everything

Read More - For more ideas on packing smart, check out this post on Packing Hacks to Stay Organized on Long-Term Travel!

Now that you have everything you need together, you’re ready to take off and make your dreams a reality as you take on this new lifestyle! But the key to traveling sustainably is making sure you are able to do everything you want, without breaking your budget or making wasteful decisions when you’re in a crunch.

Sustainable thinking has been important to get you to this point, but it is so essential to keep you on this path so you can travel affordably and feel good about it! While you’re on your journey, the major areas of consideration include your transportation, what you eat, and making sure to record these memories that will last a lifetime!

Transport

The First Trip

The first step in transportation is how you get there, which is most likely going to be by plane, unless you’re staying closer to where you live (nice job!). Traveling by flight is definitely not sustainable, but sometimes it is the only choice to travel.

Budget flight apps like Kayak, Skyscanner and Hopper can be great to save, but be aware of what it might cost. These options usually have an extra fee for luggage (including carry-ons), long layovers, and risk of missed flights. Skyscanner and Kayak are actual search engines, whereas Hopper is a booking agency. If you book a flight (or hotel) through the Hopper App, there aren’t as many guarantees as what you’ll book when going through Skyscanner and Kayak.

I also use Google Flights (in incognito mode) to check for the lowest dates, and compare this with a search on Kayak. I’ve found the most affordable options through these 2 methods, especially when you factor in all of the hidden costs that get tagged on the cheap flights.

Green Tip - Over 8% of global carbon emissions are from aviation alone. Try to take other transportation options like train, ferry, or bus to get between destinations! If you can't cut back on flights, where can you cut back your carbon emissions?

The Rest of Transportation

Once you get to your destination, unless it is in a very rural area, you will find public transport to be much more accessible and reliable! Thankfully this is almost always the cheaper option, and way better for the environment for so many reasons.

You won’t always be able to get exactly where you want to go the second you want it as you would with a car, but immersing in public transport is a great way to get the local experience, meet people, save money and see more of the country than you would on a major interstate highway.

For transport in between destinations, it is a great time to kick back, reflect, catch up on some sleep or see the landscape. Trains are the most efficient means of transport, and often more comfortable than long-haul buses, but do be aware that almost all long-haul transport will have baggage fees which should be incorporated into the pricing (another reason to limit to 1 backpack)!

Food

No matter where you plan to travel, food and nutrition is a major necessity but how you do it can be impactful to both your budget and the planet. Unless you’re doing a program like WWOOF or WorkAway where food is provided, you have the options of either eating out or grocery shopping, both of which will give you a taste of the local cuisine and have their pros and cons.

Ultimately, grocery shopping and cooking at home will likely be your best option for your budget, but you can definitely find some amazing deals around the town or city you’re staying that will cost you the same, get you out meeting locals, and prevent all the dishes you would have to do otherwise.

If you have any dietary restrictions, respect those as needed and make sure you know what the words are in the native language to prevent a reaction. Food is a major cultural aspect, so I encourage you to lean into the local cuisine as much as possible. For some, this may be harder said than done. I myself was a vegetarian for the greater part of 12 years and I got very used to this diet, especially living in California where everyone seems to be an organic, GF, vegan-only type of person.

Some of the best foods I have tried while abroad have been the local meats from a butcher, and you definitely won’t find the variety of options we have in the US. It’s always a great idea to get some additional nutrients from supplements like AG1 or daily vitamins to support your health!

Memories

At this stage, you put in all of the work and you made it to the other side. As much as you’ll want to disconnect and just be, these are moments that you will look back at with fondness as you share your experiences with friends and family for the rest of your life!

Take some time to reflect and record the places you go, the things you do, the people you meet, and everything you’ve learned (and unlearned). Take a small envelope/packing cube to keep memories stored while you are on your journey. You never know what you’ll want to bring with you, whether it’s the local currency, photos, tickets, coasters, or shells. And as beautiful of an area you’re in, don’t forget to get some photos with you in them as well!

Summary - Slow Travel - Guide to Your Dream Life

Like any long-term goal, the end may feel far from where you’re at. Start the journey now with small steps every day, week, and month, and you’ll get to your goals in no time. Start with the small bites of addressing where you’re currently at, and make some space for the new. As you free up some mental and physical space, you’ll be able to tackle specific planning of where you’re going and make sure your basic needs will be covered. Most of all, be proud of yourself for making the jump and doing what you’ve always dreamed of.

This is your one shot at life, what do you want to do with it?