When you’re travelling for the long-term, it’s understandable you’ve got a bit more to look out for than you would on a normal holiday. From a lack of organisation to ignorance regarding the culture, here are six things you’ll want to avoid during your travels.
Not being organized
Not being organizedMake sure you’re not leaving everything until the last minute. Long-term travelling requires a level of organisation far higher than that of a normal holiday, so ensure you’re prepared for the challenge.
An itinerary is a good idea to keep you on track and avoid going off-schedule. Spontaneity is fun and you shouldn’t restrict yourself, but make a note of what you want to do and when you want to do it to avoid disappointment down the line.
Losing your luggage
One simple slip-up and you could say goodbye to your belongings. Loss of luggage is a common mistake – be sure to stay vigilant as claiming for lost baggage isn’t always easy.
Why not invest in a tracker for your belongings? They’re now much cheaper than they have been in the past, and will ensure you have a close eye on everything.
Getting scammed
Getting scammedOne of the most common traps tourists fall into is being scammed. If you’re evidently unfamiliar with your surroundings, opportunists will make the most out of you by tricking you out of your cash. This often happens in marketplaces, where vendors hike their prices up in the hopes you won’t realise.
You’re going to want to haggle your way through if you want to conserve as much money as possible. Approach vendors with a kind and confident demeanour, and whittle the prices down to a more sensible amount.
Ignoring the culture
Wherever you are in the world, it’s important you don’t miss out on the culture. Many travellers are ignorant of how deeply rooted the culture of their destination is in the way of life, pushing it aside to look at the pretty sights. Take the time to appreciate just how important culture is.
Whether it’s by trying some of the local delicacies on offer – street food is often a safe and delectable bet – or visiting sites of cultural and historical importance (1Cover suggest temples like the ones in Bali), you’ll be taking the time to appreciate some of the most important parts of your destination.
Not managing your money
Travellers often face the daunting prospect of being left out of pocket before the end of their trip. You can avoid this by having a daily budget. Plan out your expenditure, from essentials like accommodation to fun things like sightseeing, and consider how much you can realistically spend each day.
A prepaid travel card is another good idea; you’ll be locking in a set amount of money and an exchange rate that won’t be affected by any future fluctuations. If you’re not the best at managing your money, this is the best option to avoid overspending.
Holding yourself back
The most important thing of all to avoid when travelling long-term is holding yourself back. Many travellers fail to seize every opportunity on offer and miss out on things they really wanted to do.
Don’t make the same mistake. Travel offers such a rare experience that you’d be foolish not to make the most of it.
