Are you bored of nine-to-five life, ready to ditch the monotony and jet off to uncharted lands for a long-term stay? Though extended trips can be rewarding, revitalizing your zest for life and engulfing you in beautiful cultures, they require careful, detailed planning. If you’re prepping for an extensive, lengthy vacation, read on for seven tips for organizing before you head off into the unknown.
Ship your car
If your dream destination is cross country or in foreign lands, you may want to consider shipping your vehicle for comfortable transportation during your months-long stay. Though you can rent a car or utilize public transport, rental fees and frustrating delays can throw a wrench in your day-to-day life.
By shipping your vehicle with a reputable company like Guardian Auto Transport, you can bypass headache-inducing transportation roadblocks and explore your destination without restriction.
Get your house in order
When embarking on a long-term stay, you’ll need to sort out your home life to ensure everything is in order when your return. Once you’ve spoken with your place of employment, consider home security or renting options for your space.
Though renting can bring some extra cash while you’re out adventuring, you risk damage and potential theft without the ability to check-in. However, you can enlist the help of friends or family to check-in and run operations for a cut of the profits.
Purchase travel insurance
Travel insurance is critical, no matter the length of your trip. Sure, it’s useful for minor annoyances like lost luggage and travel delays. However, travel-related coverage can also be a serious lifesaver if you face health issues or accidents while vacationing.
Make a complete packing list
To avoid stressful scrambles to unfamiliar convenience stores, make a detailed packing list before jetting off. Consider the climate where you’re going, and outline what you’ll need for the perfect travel outfit. And don’t forget to stock up on any last-minute travel necessities—our future self will thank you for your hard work and preparation.
Think about medication
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough for your trip. While you may be able to find comparable medicines at your destination, it’s better to save yourself the hassle and potential restriction. If you’re going abroad without the ability to refill necessary prescriptions, bring a letter from your doctor and check local regulations before departure.
Get travel vaccines
If you’re traveling abroad, consider vaccinations to keep you safe from foreign ailments and infections. Check online months prior to your trip to ensure you obtain proper dosages and necessary boosters.
Check your passport & visas
If it’s been a while since you used your passport, don’t forget to check its validity. Government passports should be valid throughout your trip and six months after to account for prolonged stays.
Most countries have strict requirements—and few things are more jarring than realizing you need to renew your passport days before a trip. Avoid the headache (and expedited passport processing fee) by renewing early.
Before You Go
Though planning a long-term vacation will take time and careful preparation, detailing your entire vacation can save you from anxiety-inducing situations. So, secure your home, create an economical packing list, keep your documentation in order, and be on your way to the vacation of a lifetime.