Long Term Travel: What it is & how to do it

Learn all about long term travel, from what it really means to how you can give it a try!

If you’ve dreamed of traveling around the world for weeks, months, or even years on end, you’re not alone. I was one of these dreamers who turned my long term travel dreams into a reality. And I highly recommend if you’re thinking about it, you should work towards it and give it a try.

Long term travel is a unique experience that will really help give you a new perspective on life. Not to mention, you may regret it if you don’t give it a try to see if its for you!

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

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What is Long Term Travel?

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Long term travel refers to an extended period of time spent away from one’s usual place of residence for the purpose of exploration, relaxation, adventure, or any other personal or professional goal.

While there is no strict definition for how long “long-term” travel should be, it typically involves travel durations that extend beyond the typical vacation or short-term trip. This means, it can range from a few weeks to several months or even years.

Long term travel is unique in that it allows you to truly immerse yourself in new cultures and environments without the deadline to return home looming. This allows you to get to know and understand different places and people deeper than you might with just a week or two away.

That being said, long-term travel requires careful planning and consideration of factors such as finances, accommodations, visas, and health insurance. While it can be a transformative experience, providing opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and building lasting memories, it’s also not easy.

It comes with challenges like homesickness, logistical issues, and financial constraints. You will have to become savvy to address and manage all the challenges encountered throughout your epic journey.

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Common Types of Long Term Travel

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There are many ways to travel for a long period of time. From gap years to being a digital nomad and beyond, there’s no limitation to the age or lifestyle you need to lead when you give long term travel a try!

1. Gap Year

One of the most commonly known types of long-term travel is the famous Gap Year. A Gap Year is when students or young adults take a year between high school and college or after graduation to travel for an extended period.

During this time, they may explore new countries, volunteer, work abroad, or engage in other personal growth experiences. It’s a great way for young adults to establish their independence and get to know a bit more about the world and what they want out of life.

2. Sabbatical

A less common type of long term travel – at least in the United States – is the sabbatical. A sabbatical is when a working professional takes an extended leave of absence from their job to travel and recharge.

A sabbatical can last from a few months to a year or more, depending on the individual’s goals and circumstances. Personally, I enjoyed taking a sabbatical because I had the finances to travel and it recharged me from the day-to-day grind of work.

Some places around the world even build sabbaticals into their work culture. In some cases, corporations even buy into the idea, and you take a break from work but hold on to your job. This is ideal because you know there is a job and income when you’re done traveling!

3. Digital Nomadism

A more recent trend has been the rise of digital nomadism. Digital nomads are people who work remotely while traveling continuously or for extended periods. They leverage technology, like Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and coffee shops to manage their careers while exploring different locations around the world.

I have given this a try and it’s a great option for those who have flexibility in their work. It’s particularly common with freelancers and consultants who are able to be location independent for their jobs.

4. Retirement Travel

How many times have you heard “I’ll travel more when I retire.”? I know I’ve heard it a lot. Retirement travel refers to retirees who embark on long term adventures after their working years have ended.

This could be by RV, cruise ship, road trips, etc. but they typically explore destinations they’ve always dreamed of visiting but never had the time and money to do so. One of the best parts of traveling when retired is that you can enjoy a leisurely pace of travel with no guilt!

5. World Travelers

Some individuals or couples make long term travel a lifestyle. This is when you continuously move from one destination to another. Sometimes this comes with the goal to visit as many countries or to see as much of the world as possible.

For many, world travel is accompanied with small jobs found along the way. This often looks like working at hostels, farming, teaching a language, or even just waitressing or ice cream shops for a small income along the journey. It helps travelers sustain the cost of living on the road without a full-time job.

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My Long Term Travel Experiences

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As a travel addict, which must be obvious in this travel blog, you may not know that I’ve spent years on years without a home base, traveling around the world and around the United States.

Two specific instances that made the most impact on my life are when I took a year+ off of work to travel around the world (this is what inspired the start of the Cure for Curiosity!) and when I hit the road for a year and a half with my remote job…before remote work was popularized during Covid!

Let me tell you a little about both of these instances and then we can dive into how you can handle the most common challenges and questions about long term travel!

Travel around the World Sabbatical from Work (2015 – 2016)

I did the unthinkable. I quit a perfectly good corporate 8am – 5pm corporate marketing job to travel around the world. During the 13 months I was on the road, I traveled on a budget to Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.

It was a wild ride living in hostels and hotels taking every mode of transportation under the sun from planes and trains to motorbikes, boats, and even camels. Honestly, it was a dream come true, but it was not without its challenges.

Here are some helpful pieces based on that time in my life:

• Quitting Your Job to Travel: Is it a good idea or not?
• The True Cost of Travel: How much does it cost to travel the world?
• 5 Months of Travel by the Numbers
• 5 Months of Travel in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa

Digital Nomad while Working Full Time (2017 – 2018)

My next long term travel adventure looked a bit different. I decided to give up my apartment, while working full time, to road trip across the United States and Canada for a year and a half.

This meant finding stable internet and quiet places to work were top of mind, while budget travel was not as important. It enabled me the freedom and flexibility to see more of my own country and travel slower.

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FAQs about Long Term Travel

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Traveling for a year or even just a month can be complicated. Here are some frequently asked questions about the ins and outs of traveling for a long period of time.

How much money do I need for long term travel?

Long term travel budgets vary widely. Your expenses will depend on factors like your destinations, travel style, and personal preferences. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of any expenses back home, like mortgage/rent, car insurance/payments, etc.

To determine your budget, make a list of expected expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, activities, visas, insurance, and a cushion for unexpected costs. Research destination specific costs and create a financial plan accordingly. Alternatively, you can also just wing it and travel until your budget runs out.

Want more specifics about budgeting for long term travel?
Budgeting 101: Learn How to Create a Budget in Just 5 Simple Steps

What about health insurance and medical care while traveling long term?

Health insurance is crucial when traveling long term. Research travel insurance policies that offer comprehensive coverage, including emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and trip interruption coverage.

Ensure that the policy covers the countries you plan to visit. Additionally, carry copies of important medical documents and prescriptions for any necessary medications. I personally travel with World Nomads, although I never needed to make a claim.

Do I need a passport and visas for long term travel?

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll definitely need a passport. However, your visa requirements depend entirely on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. You’ll need to research visa regulations for each destination and apply well in advance if required. An easy way to do it is using a service like iVisa.

Make sure to always keep track of visa expiration dates and renewals to avoid legal issues while traveling. One that many don’t think about is the Schengen territory in Europe… there’s a limit there too! I personally used 90 out of 90 days on my Schengen stay and then had to hop over to Morocco to avoid legal concerns.

How can I manage my finances while traveling long term?

Managing finances on the road requires careful planning. Depending how long you’re traveling for, you may want to open a bank account with low foreign ATM fees or a credit card with no international transaction fee to minimize unnecessary fees.

Also, make sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues and carry multiple forms of payment (cash, credit cards, debit cards) to avoid being stranded without money. This is especially useful in case of fraud or theft! You can also use budgeting apps, like Empower, or a spreadsheet to track your travel expenses.

What should I pack for long term travel?

Packing efficiently is essential, and you’ll thank yourself every time you have to move to a new city or accommodation. Make sure to pack versatile clothing suitable for various climates, quick-drying and lightweight materials, and don’t forget essential documents like passports, visas, and travel insurance.

Remember to also pack appropriate power adapters, toiletries, and any specialized gear needed for your planned activities. My long term packing list includes everything I took with me on the road and is a super helpful place to start.

Additionally, I’m an avid carry-on user. In fact, I hate checking luggage. Between the chance of lost luggage, theft, or simply delays, I’m carrying it on! As such, I have managed to travel for 13+ months out of 1 carry-on backpack. I highly recommend you give it a shot!

Want to learn how?
Check out this post: How to Pack in a Carry On – No Matter the Trip Length

How can I stay safe while traveling long term?

Safety should be a top priority at home and on the road. It never hurts to check advisories for your destinations as well as identifying and avoiding risky areas. I find asking your accommodation for areas to avoid is super helpful as they know the area best!

Additionally, always stay aware of your surroundings. Secure your belongings. Use reputable transportation services. Let someone know your whereabouts. Carry photocopies of important documents and consider investing in a money belt or hidden pouch.

There’s endless tips for staying safe while traveling – check out my 35 top travel safety tips.

How do I find places to stay for long term travel?

Accommodation options vary widely. Couchsurfing, hostels, and guesthouses are budget-friendly choices, while vacation rentals and long-term apartment rentals, like on VRBO, offer more privacy. If you want to think a bit outside the box, you can also consider housesitting through sites, like Trusted Housesitters.

I personally always check Booking.com for accommodations so that I can read reviews to find hotels, hostels, or even rental properties that fit my budget and preferences.

What should I do about my job or career during long term travel?

If you plan to work while traveling, discuss options with your employer, such as remote work or sabbaticals. If you freelance, ensure you have a reliable internet connection and backup plans. You can also explore job opportunities abroad if you’re open to working while traveling.

While working and traveling is not always the easiest route (versus saving up and taking time off to travel), it can allow you to stay on the road longer. This makes it common to find long term travelers working at hostels or a local farm for a few weeks at a time.

How can I stay connected with family and friends during long term travel?

Staying in touch is essential. Fortunately, today it is so much easier than it was just a few years ago. You can purchase international SIM cards or phone plans which include international cell service.

Alternatively, you can depend on messaging apps with internet access. I personally love WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but I have also tried Telegram and Viber.

Another way that I kept my family informed of where I was and how to find me was a shared Google Doc that kept all of my daily travel confirmations and reservations. I updated it as I went and then my family could pull it up anytime to find out exactly where I was. Similarly, if you have cell reception, you can share your location! Did I mention technology has made it easier?!

What if I get homesick or face challenges on the road?

Homesickness and challenges are natural during long term travel. In fact, it’s actually accounted for in one of the stages of Culture Shock! To help you keep your feelings in check, make sure to maintain a support system through social media, travel forums, or local expat groups or learn to make friends on the road.

Also, practice self-care, take breaks when needed, and remember that overcoming challenges is part of the adventure. Not every day will be perfect, but it will be worth it. Besides, you’ll learn new ways to think on your feet and address challenges as they arise. It’s a growth opportunity for sure!

What is the best way to plan an itinerary for long term travel?

One of the biggest questions… where to go during long term travel. There are so many amazing places in the world, where do you even start? It really all comes down to – where do you want to go?

Planning an itinerary should involve a balance between structured plans and spontaneous exploration. You can use online resources, guidebooks, and travel forums to research destinations, create a rough itinerary, and leave room for flexibility.

I personally had a starting destination (Norway) and then a few key dates I was meeting people in various places, like Poland and New Zealand. This gave me some structure to follow but loads of flexibility on where to go in-between.

One of the best ways to plan your itinerary is to ask other travelers what their favorite places are and to then ask locals for recommendations once you arrive.

How can I handle language barriers while traveling?

Going someplace you don’t speak the language can be scary. How will you communicate? Fortunately, there are many ways to communicate – believe it or not!

One best practice is to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. It will be immensely helpful and appreciated by locals. You can also use translation apps for deeper communication.

Also, if you’re reading this in English, you’re already in luck. English is often widely spoken in tourist areas. That being said, don’t rely on that alone. Knowing a bit of the local language can enhance your travel experience and build rapport with the locals. You’ll be able to get around with ease!

When in doubt, charades and emojis can be your best friends. Lost in China trying to get to the Panda Research Center? No worries. I literally pulled out my phone and used 3 emojis: Bus, arrow, panda. And the first person I approached was able to point me in the right direction. Use your creativity!

How can I stay organized during long term travel?

In some ways, organization on the road is simple. You have your luggage, which doesn’t change much, and your documents, which can be stored online.

The best option is to create digital backups of important documents, keep travel itineraries and reservations in one place, and use travel apps to track expenses and stay on top of travel details. With everything being online, you can regularly review your plans and update them as needed.

What are the long term effects of travel on my life and career?

One of the biggest things that held me back from taking the plunge into quitting my job to travel was the fear of returning and finding another job. As it so happened, it was not something I should have been so worried about.

Long term travel leads to personal growth, increased adaptability, and a broader perspective on life and career goals. Consider how the experiences and skills gained during your journey align with your future plans and aspirations, and use them to your advantage in your career or personal life.

In all of the interviews after my around the world travel for 13 months I was asked about my trip in a positive light. “What did you learn from it?” types of questions. Trust me… it will pique their interest!

Do you have additional questions about long term travel?
Put them in the comments and I’ll respond!

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Helpful Resources for Long Term Travel

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There’s no one-size-fits-all resources for long term travel as everyone is different as are what they want out of their travels, budgets, and interests. That being said, I have pursued many types of travel over the years and highly encourage you, if you’re thinking about it, to take the plunge. It’s incredibly rewarding.

Here are some additional helpful resources.

• 10 Secrets about Traveling Long Term that No One Tells You
• Master Long Term Travel Packing List for Your Next Big Adventure
• How to Pack in a Carry On – No Matter the Trip Length
• 10 Top Essential Travel Items for Light Packers
• Is Couchsurfing Safe? An Inside Look from a Solo Female Traveler
• What is a Hostel?: The Pros and Cons of Staying in a Hostels
• The 5 Stages of Culture Shock and How They Impact Travelers
• 12 Easy Ways to Make Friends While Traveling Alone
• 35 Critical Safety Tips for Travelers: Traveling Safely Made Simple
• 8 Ways to Start Traveling Alone and Love It!
• How to Do Laundry While Traveling: 4 Practical Options

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