How to Plan and Prepare for Longterm Travel

Planning and preparing for a long term trip overseas is extremely exciting. The research, the what-ifs, and the mood boards for the visually inclined... the world is your oyster.

With that, the process can feel a little daunting. How does one decide to head abroad long term? Is that even possible? Where do you start?

And once you are well into the process... what should you do to prepare?

Don't worry, we have you covered. This guide is written by an American expat who has moved abroad 3 times. These personal tips will help you check all of the boxes from the beginning wonderings to getting ready to head out on a surely unforgettable journey.

What do you need to consider before a long term trip overseas?

If you've just started thinking about whether or not long term travel could suit you, we have a list of things to think about before pulling the trigger.

While extended travel is a dream for many, it's not always a reality due to several things like responsibilities back home and entry requirements to dream destinations. Plus, there is the financial side of it all, too.

Let's take a look at some of the things you should consider when deciding whether or not an extended trip makes sense for you right now.

Long term travel and finances

Long term travel is typically expensive, especially if you won't be working during the duration of your trip. When it comes to finances, here are some key areas to consider.

Work

If you're retired or not planning on working, you can skip this part! However, if you have a job, you need to think about how a long term trip could impact your work and career.

Perhaps you're traveling long term for work. In that case, you can pass go and collect $200. But if you have a job back home and are planning to leave for a while, you will need to decide if your job is worth losing. However, an employer may hold a spot for you. It's important to open communications with your work to see what the options are if you're undecided.

Additionally, it's important to know ahead of time. If you are hoping to head abroad for multiple months, you may not be allowed to work in your destination(s) - even if you work remotely or are a contractor. Most countries have strict work laws that foreigners must abide by.

Savings and passive income

Depending on where you are going and for how long, you might need to apply for a visa to stay multiple months. If this is the case, you may need to prove to the foreign government that you can provide for yourself (financially speaking) during the entire duration of your stay.

Having a savings account or passive income (such as property rentals) can help you prove that you're able to sustain yourself.

Budget

Perhaps less of a concern if your long term trip is a work mission, but still important, is your budget.

Whether you're traveling with your savings, passive income, or you do plan to get the necessary permits to work abroad, knowing what you're able to do financially before you go can help you set your expectations.

Check destination requirements

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a long trip abroad is to research and understand the entry requirements. Through a quick search, such as "France entry requirements", you can learn whether or not you need a visa or other permission to visit your country of choice.

Visas

Many countries require foreigners to apply for a visa in order to stay for extended periods of time (more than 90 days is common, but it can vary).

Knowing whether or not you need a visa, which one you need, and the steps to get one are essential when planning a long trip.

Vaccine requirements

Some countries have vaccine recommendations or even requirements for entry. You can usually check whether or not the country (or countries) you're going to have requirements by looking on official Embassy websites.

Sort out your responsibilities back home

Maybe a strange question, but pretty important. How easy will it be to step away from your life back home?

Rental agreements or mortgages

What rental agreements or mortgages are you responsible for? If you're renting, when is your lease up? Are you hoping to renew?

If you have a mortgage, can you confirm that it will be properly paid while you are away?

Leases

Whether it's for a car or something else, what are the terms of your lease? Can you continue to pay while you're abroad?

Cars

If you are leasing or own a car, where can you store it? Will you continue to pay insurance on it? What is your plan?

Pets and plants

It is possible to travel with pets - but maybe less so with plants. If you have pets, whether it's a fish, dogs, cats, or farm animals, what are you going to do while you're away?

Will you try to bring them? Will you hire a pet sitter or have a family tend to them? What about your plants?

It's important to think about how your living responsibilities will be cared for while you're abroad.

Subscriptions and recurring payments

From streaming platforms to apps, gyms, and more, the average person has several subscriptions. Make a plan for your subscriptions, whether it's pausing them or something else.

Some services, even if they're on your phone, may not work overseas.

Some recurring payments to pay attention to are streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, etc.), insurance, wifi, utilities, etc.

Future appointments

If you have annual appointments or regular checkups, dental cleanings, etc., make a plan. Either cancel them or move them if they aren't aligned with your travel plans.

Managing your health during long term trips

That leads us into a nice segue. Typically, domestic health insurance does not cover you internationally, though check the terms and conditions of your health insurance just to be sure.

Additionally, travel insurance - which is highly recommended and sometimes required - doesn't cover routine appointments, treatments, and care.

This is why it's extremely important for you to consider your health and wellbeing while you're traveling and that you properly prepare.

Check-ups and physicals

Unless you get a health insurance plan for international travel, you may not be able to do any check-ups while overseas. It can be helpful (even just for peace of mind) to go in for a check-up before a long trip.

Long term travel insurance

Getting long term travel insurance is always recommended - this way, you know you are covered in the event of a medical emergency. In some cases, such as for many European visas, long term travel insurance is a mandatory part of the visa application process.

Prescriptions

If you rely on prescription medication, you need to make a plan for how you will get your necessary medication and what you can do if you run out.

Some doctors may be able to prescribe you extras to bring with you. Make sure you start an open dialogue with your doctor so you can learn about what they recommend and which course of action would be best for you.

Preparing your technology for long term travel

Staying connected is so important, especially when traveling to a new, far away place. Whether it's to upload those incredible European photographs or to keep in touch with your loved ones back home, it's crucial to have a plan.

Mobile SIM and eSIM cards

To ensure that your phone will work while you're on your trip, you may need to buy a SIM or eSIM card for your phone. Both are easy to find; it's more of a matter of preference and the type of phone that you have.

2FA

If you have 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) on any of your accounts or devices, make sure that you either turn it off or make a plan. If you use text messages to receive codes for logging in, these text messages likely will not work while you're overseas.

There are a couple of things you can do as a workaround. One is to make your cell phone number a Google number. This will give you access to it anywhere you can access Google/internet.

Another option is to get a temporary phone number and change all of your 2FA to this phone number. This can be a hassle, however, and then, of course, you'll have to remember to change it back.

Whatever route you decide to go, just make sure you handle it before you leave for your trip to avoid being locked out of important accounts.

Charging/adapters and plugs

Different countries usually have differently shaped electrical sockets, meaning your appliances may not be able to be plugged in. Look up which adapter you need for your destination(s) so you'll be able to continue to use and charge your electronics.

If you're not sure or are planning on traveling spontaneously, there are universal adapters available.