Quitting your job, packing your life into a backpack, and spending an entire year exploring the world is not for the faint of heart. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating.
You’re about to trade your predictable routine for a year of mind-blowing experiences, unexpected challenges, and memories that will make your Instagram followers green with envy.
But pulling off a full year of travel isn’t just about booking and winging flights. It takes serious planning, a dash of courage, and a whole lot of strategic preparation.
Here, we’ll share a few tips that will help you prepare for a year of full-time travel.
#1 Get Your Money Game Right
Flights, Airbnbs, food, local transportation, and whatnot—long-term travel is not cheap. Your money should last as long as your wanderlust does.
Before you set off, craft a realistic budget. Research the cost of living in your chosen destinations. Factor in flights, accommodation, food, activities, and visas. Then, add a buffer for unexpected expenses because life throws curveballs.
Another wise thing you can do is get a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees, sign-up bonuses, and robust rewards. These cards can help you save money.
The U.S. News & World Report advises purchasing a general travel card if you’re after flexibility. But an airline-branded card would be an excellent option if you have a favourite airline.
Oh, and set up online banking before you go. You do not want to be locked out of your account when you need to transfer money or pay a bill. And tell your bank you’re traveling. Otherwise, they might freeze your card mid-trip.
#2 Set Up a Home Base While You’re Away
Long-term travel means leaving a lot behind. While you’re gone, what happens to your mail, your packages, and that random Amazon order you forgot was on a subscription?
You can ask your friends or family members to collect them. But what if they live far away and your neighbors aren’t up for the task? You’re not out of luck, though.
A virtual mailbox service can help you out. The Nomad Experiment explains it as a virtual office assistant for physical mail.
Rather than being delivered to your physical home, your mail is received at your virtual mailbox service’s address. Besides scanning incoming mail, these services forward mail and packages and send cheques to the bank for deposit.
So, set up a virtual mailbox service, and you won’t have to worry about missed bills or important documents piling up anymore.
#3 Switch to a Convenient Method of Contraception
Birth control might not have crossed your mind. But the last thing you want is to scramble for a pharmacy in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language.
Consider if your current contraception method fits with your travel plans.
Birth control pills are the most preferred option, but you will have to take them at the same time every day. Forget one pill, and your risk of pregnancy will increase.
IUDs are considered a convenient option. An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a tiny device that a healthcare provider inserts in the uterus of a woman.
Cleveland Clinic says that IUDs are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Once put in place, you can delay pregnancy for up to 10 years.
Skyla, Liletta, Mirena, or Kyleena—you can choose any brand’s IUD. Just take care to avoid Paragard.
Women who got Paragard IUD inserted are filing lawsuits against its manufacturers, Cooper Surgical and Teva Pharmaceuticals. Their suits claim that parts of the device broke off during the removal process, and the pieces got lodged into their uterus.
According to TorHoerman Law, this can trigger infections and perforate the uterine lining, which can result in haemorrhage.
The first Paragard bellwether trial is set to take place in December 2025. It’s hard to predict the exact number, but lawyers estimate that the Paragard IUD lawsuit settlement amounts could be between $10,000 and $400,000.
#4 Figure Out How You’ll Stay Connected
Staying in touch while traveling long-term is important, whether it’s for work, connecting with your mom, or updating social media.
Local SIM cards are your best friend. They are usually cheaper than roaming plans. And in many countries, you can snag one right at the airport. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave.
If you’re hopping between countries, an eSIM or international data plan might be easier. Google Fi, Airalo, and Holafly offer solid options without the hassle of swapping SIMs.
For remote work or frequent video calls, get a portable WiFi device. You won’t have to hunt for free WiFi or a cafe with decent WiFi.
Enjoy the Chaos
No matter how much you plan, travel will throw you curveballs.
Some days, everything will go wrong—your train will get cancelled, your hostel will lose your reservation, and you’ll end up eating the worst meal of your life at 2 AM. But those are the stories you’ll laugh about later.
Prepare wisely, stay flexible, and enjoy the wild ride. The world is waiting!
