Monday 16 September 2013

How to Live Traveling the World

Charles Veley has traveled to 823 of the world's 872 countries, earning him the title of the "world's most traveled man." Many people dream of traveling the world for a living; few people actually do it. While the idea may seem crazy to some, the experiences and memories made while globetrotting may well be worth the risk and the cost. Whether you want to quit your job or just take a few months off, it will take some planning and budgeting to make your travel dreams come true.

Instructions

    1

    Dare to be unconventional. Although many people dream of traveling the world as a way of life, few are brave enough to do it. Do not allow the risks to overwhelm or discourage you. Have the confidence to chase your unconventional dreams despite what others say or may think about them. Taking risks can bring you the happiness you cannot find by accomplishing more traditionally accepted goals.

    2

    Save money. Living a life of travel will require sacrifices. Many people dream of expensive items like homes and cars, but since traveling is also very expensive, you typically have to forsake these items to achieve your traveling goal. Cut back on your monthly expenses by switching to a cheaper phone plan or basic cable, eating out less and taking public transportation or biking to save on gas. Keep an eye on airfare and consider shipping your bags to your destination, which can be cheaper than the cost to bring them on your flight.

    3

    Get creative. Find out if your employer will allow you a paid extended leave of absence or if you can combine vacation time and sick days. This way, you can still have an income while traveling, at least temporarily. Otherwise, look into other ways to make money so that you can continue to travel. Freelance writing, consulting, working as a contractor and ESL teaching are ideal for people who want to travel. Look into international volunteer opportunities such as the Peace Corps (peacecorps.gov), which will provide you a stipend for living expenses in return for your service.

    4

    Do your homework. Regardless of how much money you have, you will need a plan and a budget. You will obviously need more money saved if you plan to quit your job, but you might be surprised at how far a dollar can go. For example, at time of publication, you can rent a studio apartment in Thailand for as little as $30 per month, while a good meal in Costa Rica can run under $2. Consider inexpensive hostels or rooms for rent to save money. Use the Internet or travel guide books to find local shops and farmers' markets to buy food rather than eating at restaurants. Also, be aware of laws regarding international travel and learn local laws and customs.

    5

    Go for it. Despite planning ahead and budgeting, it's normal to feel apprehensive about your plan to travel the world. Accept that what you are doing is a risk and a challenge, but be confident in your decisions and your goals. Keep in mind your reasons for wanting to travel and avoid letting others sway you from chasing your dreams. Whether you choose to take a one-way flight to Europe or spend a few months in Central America, be thankful that you get to embark on an unforgettable, life-changing experience on which you can look back fondly for many years to come.

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