So, you want to travel around the world?
Of course, a trip around the world just might seem too good to be true. You may feel that you ought to be blessed with endless amounts of money to afford such a trip.
The truth is, traveling the world doesn’t have to be a hobby reserved for the rich and famous. Instead, there are plenty of ways that everyday people can see the world without having a bottomless bank account. If this plan comes to fruition, it’s safe to say that you’re bound to experience the trip of a lifetime!
If you want to travel the world, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering five simple tips on how to make your dream of traveling the globe a reality.
1. Save and Sell
First and foremost, let’s talk about the financial aspect of your trip.
Before taking off, you’re going to want to set your sights on saving as much money as possible. Remember, you’re going to be spending this period of your time generally free from traditional employment. That means that it’s absolutely imperative to take the notion of saving beforehand very seriously.
You’ll also want to entertain the idea of selling your stuff. If you plan to be gone for an extended period of time, there’s no sense having a collection of large-scale items back home. To start, try your hand at selling the following items:
- Car and bikes
- Furniture and collectibles
- Technology
- Existing memberships
- Clothing and jewelry
- Household appliances
- Household equipment
In selling such large-ticket items, you can look forward to earning serious cash to contribute to your savings. You’re also freeing yourself from the things that would go virtually unused in your absence.
For those selling their vehicles, be sure to also consider scrap car buyers. This type of business will buy your vehicle in a short time frame and offer you cash.
2. Eat Like a Local
When traveling, it’s tempting to experience all the best restaurants the country has to offer.
When in France, it’s only natural to be tempted by the 27 Michelin Star restaurants that are found throughout the country. While there’s no denying that this is an incredible experience, it’s certainly not cost-effective. After all, one Michelin Star meal could equate to the cost of an entire week’s accommodation.
Instead, why not do as the locals do and opt for the local fare? In France, this might mean dining on a baguette loaf, stinky cheese and opting for a cheap bottle of Bordeaux to go.
When you commit to local food and drink, you can rest assured that you’re going to save a significant amount of money. This is also a great way to learn more about the culture and feel more ingrained into their society.
3. Pack Light
Short and simple, it’s time to pack light!
On a trip around the world, you’re soon going to be relieved that you didn’t overpack a multitude of outfits, shoes and knickknacks. Let’s be honest, your travel pack is going to get heavy pretty quickly if you resist the advice to pack light.
In packing light, you’re also making it all the more easy on yourself and your wallet to get around. In reality, traveling with a large pack can be incredibly expensive.
When it comes to transportation, a large and heavy bag is always going to cost significantly more than a small one. A small bag is also more likely to qualify as carry-on luggage on a plane and train. With this, you can avoid paying a fee \ for your bag altogether.
4. Skip the Hotels
Let’s be honest, treating yourself to hotel after hotel isn’t exactly going to work for your trip around the world.
Sure, the hotel life might cut it on a one-week vacation to Rome. But, you’re going to find that you’re running out of money pretty quickly when you’ve committed to a long-term trip.
Instead, opt for more inexpensive accommodation such as hostels, bed and breakfasts or Airbnbs. While you might not benefit from that elevated hotel experience, you’re bound to save a ton of money.
This is also a simple and effective means of interacting with the locals and establishing connections. When you’re in with the locals, you’re naturally going to find that you benefit from a better experience overall.
Another inexpensive accommodation opting is to bunk up with family, friends and acquaintances. Do you have a cousin in Moscow? Or, what about your friend-of-a-friend that’s doing a student exchange in Beijing? Either way, it’s always worthwhile to check-in and inquire about bunking up with them for the duration of your stay.
5. Opt for a Work Exchange
If you’re serious about seeing the world on a budget, it might be time to consider a work exchange.
With this type of exchange, you can generally benefit from free room and board in exchange for work. For example, a farm in rural Australia might allow you to live for free in their home in exchange for four hours of daily farm work.
This can allow you to experience a country without the need to pay for accommodation. Fortunately, work exchange terms can vary anywhere from a few days to a period of months. This means that you can commit to working short-term or long-term depending on your travel schedule and itinerary.
How to Travel Around the World
If you’re reading this, it means that you’re at least considering the notion of traveling around the world.
Good on you -this has the potential to make you a happier and even healthier person. In fact, one study found that those who don’t travel or take vacations have a 30 percent greater risk of developing heart disease. So, if you’re not yelling willing to travel for yourself, do it for your health!
If you’re prepared to take the steps necessary, you could be well on your way to booking your travel around the world. This includes anything from saving your money and selling your stuff to bunking up with roommates and packing light.
It’s only natural to feel a tad nervous before committing to such a major life change. Be sure to use this guide to inspire you into making this dream a reality.
Are you in need of some serious travel inspiration? If so, be sure to bookmark my page and revisit again in the future!
