You know that feeling of excitement that falls over you as you board the plane for your much-needed weeklong holiday? Imagine how you would feel before a year-long adventure into the unknown. But with hectic work schedules, family commitments, and budget constraints, most people assume that travelling for more than a week or two at a time is not an option.
Fortunately, these people are mistaken. Although spending a week on a tropical island is a great way to hit the reset button, travelling for seven days is just not enough for some individuals. If you’re craving more, but just don’t see it as a possibility, keep reading. Don’t let money, social ties, or your job hold you back. Check out what you can do to make a year-long trip overseas a possibility.
Sell your stuff beforehand
If you’re planning on hitting the road for a year or more, do you really need that car sitting in your driveway? Although some possessions are hard to part with, you can get a good amount of cash for what’s around your home. Just remember that everything is replaceable, and your experiences will soon be worth more than your possessions.
For anyone renting an apartment with time left on the lease, look into subletting. This is the best way to get it off your hands, but also have somewhere to live when you return home. If you own your place, consider making an income on the side by posting it on Airbnb. You can even pay a management company to take care of everything for you.
Be flexible on your travel plans
Any travellers on a budget know that flexibility is key. You need to be willing to travel somewhere based on cheap flight prices and accommodations. Set your Skyscanner results to the explore mode and you’ll get results for the cheapest flights around the world.
Work from your laptop along the way
If you’re handy with technology, consider starting a blog about your travels. Maybe it won’t amount to anything in terms of money, but it will still be a fun way to document your trip. There are also other ways to make money online. Online teaching companies like VIPKID are constantly looking for new recruits.
Working along the way is a surefire method to keep your travels going strong. But if you’re not keen on this, consider taking a risk with online gambling. Games like this are perfect for anyone with some extra cash on the side looking to double or triple it.
Get free room and board in exchange for volunteer opportunities
One of the best ways to get an enriching experience is by volunteering. By doing this you can make some amazing connections with locals and fellow backpackers. There is plenty of need for people like you to help out in wildlife sanctuaries, orphanages, hostels, and hospitals around the world. And the best part? Tons of volunteer programs offer free room and board in exchange for your time.
