Why NOW is the best time to prepare for a Travel Lifestyle!

What is a Travel Lifestyle?

Disclaimer: Although it is still unknown what travel will look like in the future, this methodology still applies.

Exactly what is a travel lifestyle and how does it differ from a vacation? At this stage of your life, you may wonder if a “travel lifestyle” is for you. Maybe you do want to travel more, but are unsure how to get started.

We travel 4 to 6 months of the year, and hope to continue and increase the time away, after Covid-19 abates. Although “travel” will undoubtedly change due to the pandemic, preparation for a travel lifestyle remains the same.

Start by realizing that most of us take vacations. Typically, vacations are a set number of days, at a specific location(s) usually with some semblance of support staff.

In most instances, visitors enjoy concierge service and resort amenities. Sightseeing tours, daily housekeeping, dining out, or umbrella drinks served on the beach are part of the package. They have a common theme in that they are never long enough!

A travel lifestyle, on the other hand, is immersion in a different culture, with the goal of living like a local. Travel is slower and for a longer period of time. You are your support staff.

Exploring unfamiliar streets, ordering lunch in the local language and meeting new people expands confidence as comfort zones are shed. Life expands as we embrace different customs and traditions and grow as people. Ultimately, travel is the great teacher as we come to see how alike we all are in our differences.

Why now is the best time.

You are home and have time now; time to think about the future. Time to seriously explore if a “travel lifestyle” would really work for you. Sit down with a pen and paper. Next, write down what would have to happen to make this dream a reality. Everything we see that is tangible in the world starts with a thought. So get to thinking!

Realize what is important.

What is important to you? If we learn anything from Covid-19 it is the importance of people and experiences over things. As you think about a travel lifestyle, take stock of what you actually need in your life. The fewer bills you have to pay the easier travel becomes.

Too much “stuff” in your house? Now is a good time to do some serious housecleaning. The less clutter in your home, the less clutter in your mind. You may find it liberating to have fewer possessions weighing you down.

Affording a travel lifestyle.

Do you feel like you don’t have enough $$ to fund extended travel? Don’t worry! Young or “young at heart,” there are a myriad number of ways to afford to travel.

“Digital nomads” is a whole subculture that relies on remote work for income as they travel the world. Co-shared workspaces are springing up all over the globe. Maybe this is something new for you or an extension of pre-retirement skills. Curious? Start researching the skills and opportunities available. Need training? It’s all online!

Enjoy teaching or language? Consider certification as an ESL teacher. (English as a Second Language) Teaching is online plus you can train and start teaching BEFORE embarking on your new lifestyle.

Not good at English? There are MANY websites for freelancers, from bookkeeping to copywriting to techie jobs. Honestly, the list is endless. Here are the top ten freelance platforms:

• Fiverr.
• Upwork.
• Freelancer.com.
• Skyword.
• Bark.
• Dribbble Hiring.
• lemon.io.
• Bluerang.
• Gun.io
• Designhill.

Here is a link to more information on these platforms along with MANY others. Yes, do your research now.

Feeling creative? Look at how many businesses have gone online due to the virus. Do you have a skill that you can parley into an online class? Think about it, while you have the time.

Prepare for your travel lifestyle.

I am at “that age” where comfort is a major factor. Ask yourself, what do you need to travel comfortably? This is the time for another list. A lighter suitcase? A manageable backpack? Tush cushion or back support for the oh-so-uncomfortable airplane seats? Decide what is important to you and make your list. Extended travel is not fun if it’s not comfortable.

I have all of the above in my backpack, along with a cozy blanket, a neck pillow, a regular pillow, and noise-canceling headsets. All but the headset are collapsible, inflatable, lightweight, and E-Z care. You can also get eye masks, footrests, and many other assorted comfort items.

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My comfort items for extended travel.

I love this Samsonite travel pillow/blanket combo. I use it both as a pillow and support for my lower back. The blanket has been a lifesaver on numerous occasions. Here are some similar items:

This Cocoon Inflatable Air Core Travel Pillow is what I use when sleeping against the airplane window. You will find several different varieties here.

My Thermarest Lite Seat ends up being used by one of us on most flights. Sit on, lean against, or use for your back, it does it all.

To make travel less stressful, consider a lightweight carry-on suitcase or backpack. Don’t worry. Subsequent posts will teach you how to live out of a carry-on. In fact, this goes hand in hand with “Realize What Is Important” discussed earlier. Become a minimalist.

A few years ago, I treated myself to a Black Label Lite Shock 20″ Samsonite. While it is on the pricy side, substantial discounts, like this one on Amazon, can be found! It is super light and easy to manage, plus it keeps me from “over-packing.” There are many well-made carry-ons available in all price ranges. Here are some options. LMK if you need help!

Explore travel destinations.

From an expense standpoint, not all destinations are created equal. This one activity alone may give you the ability to experience extended travel. First, download a currency converter, then start researching which location fits your pocketbook. For example, you can stay in Honolulu for $200/nite or in San Miguel de Allende for $328/12 nights! See our Youtube about our SMA Airbnb.

Grab an online travel guide to check for pricing. We love Lonely Planet books. In addition, there’s an extensive list of travel books on both Amazon and Ebooks. Browse to your heart’s content then download a kindle version. Trying to save money? Google destinations, follow travel blogs, join some expat FB groups; the supply of available information is endless.

Also, take into consideration if you are a cold or warm weather person. Be aware of which countries have “opposite seasons” from your location. For example, a white Christmas is highly unlikely in Australia!

What is the timezone difference in various countries? This may impact your ability to easily communicate with friends or with your “remote” employment. Just go to your “World Clock” on your cell and search for a major city in that area. Bingo. Now you know what the time differences are.

Medical care in your travel destination.

Unlike a vacation, where time spent is limited, extended travel can mean months in one location. For this reason, availability, affordability and quality of medical care can be a key component.

Therefore, choose a destination based on your overall health and risk tolerance. Once again, expat FB groups, and medical travel guides can help you. One excellent resource is this CDC book, updated 2020, on Health Information for the International Traveler. Of course, the CDC website is the most up to date. Also, check the US Department of State website for other safety matters.

One final note on Health Care; we highly recommend Medical Travel Insurance. Medicare will not help you internationally, and even if you have private medical insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket. Just Google travel insurance and start looking. If you are over 70, be aware that some companies will not cover you.

Visas and the Travel Lifestyle.

Think you can just go to a country and stay as long as you wish? Not! This is only true in your home country. Some countries require a visa to enter while others may have an agreement with your home country making a visa unnecessary. Clearly, it is best to know before you go!

Are you thinking of Europe as a destination? Are you familiar with the Schengen agreement? In 1985, 26 European countries joined together to abolish their internal border for free and unrestricted movement. Called the Schengen agreement, it is also the name of a visa. The Schengen Visa allows visitor entry up to 90 days. Be aware, this does not mean 90 days in each of the member countries. Instead, it means 90 days total in all of the 26 countries combined within any 180 day period.

The State Department website has visa/passport information for foreign countries. Click here to go to their website then type in the country of interest on top left where it says “Learn about your Destination.“

Extended Travel Lodging.

So, how do you stay somewhere for 3 or 4 months or more and not go broke paying for lodging? This is an easy one because there are SO MANY different opportunities. We’ve been pet and house sitting since 2012. There are numerous websites dedicated to this like Trusted HouseSitters (we offer a 25% discount with this link) or Housecarers. Our prior posts on sitting adventures include Pet Sitting Around the World, and Why we Spent 3 months in Ecuador. Be aware that some countries consider pet sitting like paid employment even though no money changes hands.

Another option is house trading. We’ve done that too but not for an extended period, yet! Our post, Home Trader or Guest Host will give you some insights. Many traveler arrange sequential house trades and just keep on going. HomeExchange, People Like Us, and Homelink are just three of the many trading websites.

A third option is a work/lodging exchange. HippoHelp, Worldpackers, Workaway, helpstay are just a few of the organizations that offer some length of room and board for a certain amount of work. We have not personally done a work/lodging exchange but it may be right up your alley.

One of our favorite places to find lodging in-between pet and house sitting is Airbnb. We’ve consistently had good luck finding suitable lodging here. Just make sure you read ALL the reviews, scrutinize all the photos and ask questions of the host if you have any concerns. Need more help with Airbnb? Just ask.

Final travel lifestyle thoughts.

Although the Covid-19 has brought our travel lifestyle to a halt, we plan to reimplement it when we feel it’s safe to do so. Of course, many things will have changed which will cause us to conduct our own risk assessments as we move forward.

Depending on the likelihood of a resurgence of the Covid-19, we may initially travel domestically. Certainly, our mode of local transport, which used to include buses and taxis, will now primarily be our feet or a rental car, when needed. Airbnb may continue to be our lodging choice, as we feel fewer people pass through their doors than in a hotel.

Pet and house sitting will require greater scrutiny and extensive interviews on both sides. Yes, all of this remains to be determined. Nevertheless, if you have ever contemplated extended travel, working through the above list should leave you with a good idea as to your suitability and desire to do so. Please realize we know that some may think talking about travel during the pandemic is foolish and premature, but what better time to think about these things than now.

For more safety tips while traveling, please check out How to Create Safe Travels and Anti-Pickpocket Travel Gear. Easy ways to avoid pesky travel problems encompasses the time from Dec. 2019 to Mar 2020 when we quickly decided it was time to flee the UK and GET HOME!

Join us in our travels.

If you found this post helpful, please feel free to pin it and share it. Travel is our passion and showing you how to travel longer for less is our pleasure. To join us on our journey, just sign up in the right-hand sidebar for email notification of new posts as well as occasional travel gear sales, etc. Your privacy is important to us and we never sell or share your emails. Stay safe, stay healthy, and let me know if you have questions, or feedback or would like to hear some other topic in the comments below. Aloha.

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