Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
A stay in the Bahamas for a month? Touring London for a whole season? Sounds like a dream, but there’s actually a lot of preparation work that goes into configuring your life for an extended vacation.
Here are 5 things to do before you hop on a plane…
Rent a car or ship your own?
If you’re planning an extended vacation, it’s important to decide whether you should rent a car or ship your car. Depending on your specific needs and situation, one option may be more ideal than the other. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
- How long will you be gone? If you’re only taking a short trip, renting a car may be the more convenient option. However, if you’re planning to be gone for an extended period of time, it may make more sense to look into car shipping companies.
- Where will you be going? If you’re staying in one general area, renting a car may work out fine. But if you’re travelling to multiple destinations, it may be easier to ship your car so that you have your own transportation.
- What is your budget? Renting a car can be relatively inexpensive for a day, but if you’re on a tight budget or if you’ll be gone for a long time, shipping your car may be a more cost-effective option.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to rent a car or ship your car for an extended vacation depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Work through financials and bills ahead of time
If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s important to make sure your bills will be taken care of in your absence. One way to do this is to set up automatic payments for your recurrent expenses, such as your mortgage or rent, car payment, and utilities. This will ensure that these important bills are paid on time, even if you’re halfway around the world.
It may also be a good idea to notify your credit card company of your upcoming travel plans. This will help to avoid any disruptions in service or unexpected charges. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure that your finances are in order while you’re away from home.
Save up an emergency fund to cover expenses and extras
An extended vacation can be a great way to recharge your batteries and see the world. But before you book that ticket, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected expenses that may come up while you’re gone.
One way to do this is to set up a separate savings account specifically for your trip. This will help you stay on track with your spending and ensure that you have enough money to cover any unexpected costs. It’s also a good idea to purchase travel insurance before you leave. This will provide protection in case of medical emergencies or lost baggage.
Who will keep your home company while you’re gone?
Imagine you’re planning the perfect vacation. You’ve got your flights booked, your accommodations sorted, and you’re counting down the days until you can relax and explore a new destination. But before you can truly enjoy your trip, there’s one more important task to take care of: making sure your home is taken care of while you’re gone.
If you’re not planning on returning to your home during your vacation, then you’ll need to make arrangements for someone to check on it in your absence. This could mean renting it out, asking a friend or family member to stay there, or hiring a professional property manager. Taking the time to plan for your home’s care will give you peace of mind so that you can focus on enjoying your vacation.
Pack the proper belongings
Travelling cross country is an amazing experience. It’s a great way to see different parts of the country and learn about new cultures. However, it’s important to be prepared for the trip. This means investing in the proper travel gear for the country you’ll be living in. For instance, if you’re moving to a colder climate, you’ll need to invest in warmer clothing and footwear. If you’re moving to a hotter climate, you’ll need to invest in lighter clothing and sunscreen.
You should also make sure to pack any medications you may need, as well as any documents you’ll need for your move such as a passport or Visa. research the country ahead of time so that you will have plenty of time to apply for and receive the proper documentation.
Plan your travels out ahead of time
When you know where you’re going and what you want to see, you can better plan your days so that you don’t end up feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You can also use your travel time more effectively if you have a specific goal in mind.
For example, if you want to visit 10 different cities in 10 days, you’ll need to do some research ahead of time to make sure you can realistically accomplish this. It is easier when the destinations are closer together like Helsinki and Tallinn or Vienna and Prague. Planning your trip ahead of time will also help you save money. By booking flights and hotels in advance, you can often get better deals than if you wait until the last minute.
By taking care of these things in advance, you can ensure that your extended vacation is as stress-free as possible.
