Embarking on long-term travel is an exhilarating adventure that demands a unique approach to planning and pacing. In this article, we'll explore how to strike the perfect balance between exploring new destinations and taking the time to soak in every experience. This guide aims to help you navigate the challenges and joys of extended travel, ensuring you make the most of every moment without feeling overwhelmed.
In this article:
Plan for a slower pace than on your usual holidays
When mapping out a round-the-world trip, it's common to initially plan as if for a short holiday, aiming to see every must-visit site. However, long-term travel is different; after months on the road, constant sightseeing can become tiring and you might even loose interest when a waterfall is 'just another waterfall' which is probably not what you're looking for preparing this trip. In my opinion, it's better to visit fewer countries but take the time to explore each place thoroughly, staying longer in each location and trying to 'live like a local' as much as possible.
Go off the beaten path and away from popular Instagram spots
Exploring beyond the usual tourist spots is a key advantage of world travel. Instead of just hitting every famous site listed in travel guides, which are often crowded and expensive (me dying a little bit inside every time they make you pay for a picture in one of those spots), consider seeking out more unique and authentic places. These can offer wonderful surprises and opportunities for meaningful encounters and also the peace and quiet you need when you've been travelling for several months in a row.
Embrace the unexpected
Coming from a type A like myself please take it seriously when I say that one major benefit of long-term travel compared to shorter vacations is the freedom to embrace the unexpected and to learn how to enjoy it. We forced ourselves not to plan every detail of our itinerary within each country for this specific reason. While resisting this urge can be challenging, leaving room for spontaneity often makes for a more enriching journey. You might set a list and order of countries to visit, but remain open to changing your plans based on new opportunities, places that capture your heart, or people you meet along the way this can lead to incredible adventures and unforgettable memories.
Take the opportunity to do things you would not do on your usual vacation
Your round-the-world trip may offer unique opportunities not available during regular vacations. This could be the only time you can dedicate weeks or months to activities abroad like working, volunteering, WWOOFing, earning diving certifications, embarking on long treks, or taking language courses. These experiences often become the most cherished memories of your journey, enriching your travel with deep personal growth and understanding of diverse cultures.
Add some 'time off' to your itinerary
Traveling for several months non-stop can be exhausting, even if you're fully measure how lucky you are to be able to accomplish such a journey. Continuously visiting tourist sites, often uncomfortable nights spent in public transportation, jet lag and changing locations every few days for a year might lead to traveler's fatigue or even burnout. It may seem odd, but incorporating rest periods into your journey is crucial. Although mentioning this to friends and family might prompt jokes about needing a vacation from your vacation, it's genuinely beneficial to plan for downtime during your travels to maintain your energy and enthusiasm. For instance, we have planned to spend close to a month in Indonesia and will spend half of that time just relaxing and rebooting to get ready for potentially many hikes in New Zealand.
