4 Important Factors to Consider if You Want to Travel Long Term

Travelling the world long term is something that many people aspire to. When turning your dream into a reality, it is important to consider the different factors that will impact your travelling arrangements, including permits, insurance and costs. 

To help make your trip run as smoothly as possible, this article will look at some of the vital components of your plans. 

1. Passport 

The first and most important thing about travelling abroad is your passport. Your passport is the key to international travel and without it, you cannot get very far. You need to ensure you have a passport, and it will remain valid until the end of your travels. If it does not, then you need to think about renewing it before you go or ensure you travel back home before it runs out. While the British, Scottish and Irish passport application process is simple, it can take up to 6 weeks to process, so make sure you review this step before anything else. 

2. Insurance 

Before you go, make sure you have adequate insurance. The most important insurance you should consider purchasing is for healthcare, medical treatments and belongings. If you plan to travel long term, it is likely that you will be travelling with some valuables, for example, mobile phones, laptops, cameras, etc. These insurance policies will ensure you are covered if anything is lost, broken or stolen. Medical treatments abroad can cost a fortune and can sometimes be hard to access without insurance. 

3. Work permits and visas

Depending on where you are planning to travel, your reason for travel, and the length of time you plan to travel, will all determine whether or not you need a visa or work permit. 

If you plan on travelling around Europe, you are free to do so without a visa for no more than 90 days at a time (in a 180-day period)

If you are using your savings to travel and will be on the road for more than 6 months, then you will need to consider applying for a tourist visa. 

If you are taking your business online and travelling, you will need to consider an Entrepreneur visa. 

If you are going to be working, as an employee for another country while abroad, you will need to apply for the appropriate work visa.

4. Etiquette and legislation 

When travelling, it is important to spend some time researching the places you are going to visit and their rules. Etiquette and regulations will vary by country, and you don’t want to find yourself offending the locals or worse, in jail! Some things are illegal in the United Kingdom but are not in other countries and some of which may surprise you. A classic example, feeding pigeons is considered the norm in some places, however, is subject to a fine in Venice because it is prohibited. 

While you are planning a trip, it is easy to only think about the location, accommodation and transportation. There are many other things you should consider when travelling, to ensure you experience the best trip you possibly can.