The freedom of travel and a nomadic lifestyle has become even more popular of late. Nomad travellers are no longer considered as lost souls with no direction in life; they have now become the norm. Many people have realised that the corporate world or the slog of a 9 to 5 job does not suit them, and this is when they opt to travel and explore the world. An extended holiday of longer than two months requires proper planning and foresight. It isn’t the kind of thing that can just happened at the drop of a hat.
There are many things that will need to be organised, fall into place and pursued before you can leave on a jet plane, train or ship. Managing your finances and travel plans will take up most of your time but if you prepare ahead of time, you can avoid a catastrophe or an inconvenience which will set you back in terms of your travel and exploration goals. Here are some basic starting points to consider when you have decided to pack up and head out into the unknown.
Pack and Store Your Belongings
First and foremost, you will need to give notice on your leased premises and start organising your life to take on a more ‘nomad’ way of being. If you have decided to rent out your property short-term while you are away, you will need to decide if you will keep it furnished or whether you will require self-storage. A quick and convenient self-storage solution is provided by PODS. Find your storage at ukpods.co.uk for the best way to move and store your belongings safely. PODS will deliver your container to your home and once you have filled it, they load the container and move it to a secure storage facility. Quick, easy and convenient! Ensure you pack up your belongings properly and check which items are not permitted for storage.
Get the Paperwork Sorted
You will want to update your insurance as if you have opted to store your belongings or car, your insurer will need to be notified. If you think extended travel is something you would like to do long-term, you can opt to sell your car and cancel your car insurance. Speak to your broker about a comprehensive travel insurance as you do not want to be in a foreign country without it. A comprehensive policy should cover your health and medical evacuation if needed. Another important tip is to get a prescription from a doctor that proves the medication (if any) that you are travelling with will not get you into trouble with border security.
While you are updating your insurance policies, ensure that you have all the required documents to travel. Ensure your banking cards, credit cards and driver’s license are usable in the location/s you will be staying and travelling in. Check that your passport is valid, your visa is done, if required, and any other documents you may need to travel. Keep certified copies of everything scanned in the cloud so that you can access them if you ever need to. It is better to be prepared than sorry!
Plan Your Adventure
Research the area or places you will be travelling in and ensure you understand what is required in terms of transport, accommodation and funds. Booking these amenities beforehand and confirming them prior to departure will save you a lot of stress while in transit. Plan where you will be heading to, how long you will be staying, what your goals are and how you will be getting there. Another useful tip is to check which cellular provider operates in the area or country you are travelling in. Research what data will cost and where to get a sim card so that you can stay connected to your friends and family and use the internet for work, email or social media.
Check the power and plug configuration so that you are prepared to charge your devices adequately. Invest in guidebooks and check the currency conversion – you will need to know how far your pound will get you in another country. Find expat groups on social media to brush up on some frequently asked questions so you get a better lay of the land before heading out.
Remote Work Opportunities
Working remotely may be something you are keen to undertake while travelling. There are great resources available for the working nomad community on Facebook and on various online platforms. Remote working opportunities are popular amongst travellers who want to make the most of their adventure while earning an income too. If you are lucky enough to receive income so you do not have to travel, then you can explore at your heart’s content.
Working remotely offers you the opportunity to handle small projects according to your skillset from anywhere in the world. All you need is your laptop, an internet connection and the drive to work remotely while travelling. If you are taking your entire family along, enrol your children for online schooling that allows distance learning, so they do not fall behind in their academic year.
Pack Light
Extended travels require the ability to travel light. This means that you should pack only the bare minimum needed to see you through your travels comfortably. You should also remember that whatever you don’t need will become a pain to slog around while travelling and if you do need something, chances are you can probably purchase it when you need it. Invest in a good pair of hiking boots and clothes that travel well. The last thing you want to worry about is having to iron clothing or transport them delicately as to not damage them. A good quality soft-shell jacket should also be another investment as this is lightweight, warm and weather-proof. The less you pack, the lighter you can travel and the easier you can explore.
Once you have planned and organised your life accordingly, your extended travel adventure awaits. Pack your sunblock, vitamins and travel pillow and explore at your leisure knowing that you are fully prepared and organised to do so!
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