- Planning and Preparation
- Decide whether to visit single country, continent, or entire globe
- Research local history, customs, and current events
- Set specific travel schedule or leave it open-ended
- Determine travel duration and how it fits into home life
- Cost Management
- Avoid exceeding $50 daily budget excluding airfare
- Plan for food and lodging expenses ahead of time
- Consider alternative travel options like teaching or cruise ship work
- Use hostels or international teaching programs for cost savings
- Practical Requirements
- Obtain valid passport and visa for destination countries
- Inform doctor about travel destinations and required immunizations
- Pack essentials only, avoid heavy luggage
- Bring international cell phone or rent one per country
- Health and Safety
- Get plenty of sleep and drink purified water
- Eat balanced diet and wash hands frequently
- Check local health warnings before traveling
- Bring earplugs and headscarf for protection