So you want you to travel, but don’t quite know where to start. You will learn everything you need to know to make your first trip abroad by the time you finish this read.
Get a Passport
“Do you have a passport?” This is the first question I throw out to anyone who tells me they’re interested in traveling. This $110 investment is not only the most important document needed to cross international borders and to get out of airports, but also it’s great to have as an additional form of identification.
In the United States, form DS-11 is used to apply for a passport and can be downloaded online. The instructions are on the application, and it even tells you where to mail the form once it’s filled out. The most effort you will expend is going to your local pharmacy or post office to get a 2×2 inches passport photo taken and printed. You have plenty of time to decide where you want to go, since U.S. passports are good for 10 years. Just get a passport!
To apply for a U.S. passport, click here.
Save Money
When I started researching ways to travel, I always came across articles on how to travel for free. Unless you have family or friends who are happy to sponsor your trip across the globe, the truth is there is no way to travel for free. Every traveler that I know has worked and saved. There are plenty of opportunities (which I will discuss another time) to study, volunteer, or work abroad. If you currently have some form of income and are interested in traveling, there is hope.
It is all about working, prioritizing and saving. Here is some financial advice I follow:
- Always pay yourself first.
When your check is deposited into your bank account, make a contribution to your personal savings, no matter how small the amount. My Grandma used to tell me that pennies turn into dollars. Dollars buy things like plane tickets, so invest in dreams.
- Prioritize.
Sometimes you have to ask yourself, “what’s more important… putting money into my savings account, or (fill in the blank)?
- Avoid debt.
Debt will accumulate and consume your life’s purpose, if not managed properly. Come up with a plan and pay it off. This will give you more control of your time and money. Going to bed with peace of mind is better than going to any place in this world.
- Wait a month before making any large purchases that are not necessary to your survival.
This tactic helps you avoid impulse purchases. You will likely find that in making yourself wait, you will realize you can make do without that purchase–and now you have more money.
Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist
This goes with the point about saving money. A tourist goes abroad, stays in hotels with trade names, eats at fancy restaurants, and does everything that is included in the tour packages. In one way or another, we are all tourists. Ultimately, what separates a traveler from a tourist is one’s ability to leave their comfort zone. A traveler is an adventurer and is not afraid to travel, despite financial or any other limitations. Personally, I have taken 24 hour bus rides, stayed at $8 hostels, and eaten crackers for lunch and dinner (the hostels provided free breakfast). Likewise, I use discount travel sites and sometimes go to countries solely because of cheap flight options. Again, this goes with prioritizing and asking myself, “How do I travel and get the most of my hard earned money?” Be a traveler and be willing to travel anywhere–however you have to do it!
Be Safe
It is great to explore the world. The top priority should be traveling safely! The good news is that the world is not as dangerous as you may see in the media, and there are plenty of resources to help you pursue your goals safely.
The travel advisories on travel.state.gov is a great resource.
This site provides four levels of precautions that should be exercised for each country:
1. Exercise normal precautions
2. Exercise increased caution
3. Reconsider travel
4. Do not travel
I normally stick to countries with levels of 1 and 2. If you go to the Department of State’s website and count the total number of countries with 3s and 4s, the number is small. Therefore, you still have a lot of places to choose from. The site provides certain areas within different countries to avoid and crime and safety reports to ensure your safety. Also, there is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), where travelers can register to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in emergency situations.
Another quick safety trick I use is to google the countries and cities I plan on visiting. Then, I click the “News” tab to learn what is going on in those specific places. If I do not see anything concerning, I do not worry. If you want to take it further, you can read blogs or search YouTube for people who have traveled to places you want to visit. But in doing this, be careful not to let someone else’s unfortunate experience discourage you. People are different, situations are different, and experiences are different. If you allow other people’s experiences to dictate what you do, you will be too scared to leave your house.
Don’t Forget the Visa
Wherever you plan to go, always confirm whether or not a visa is required to enter the country. Some countries require you to have a visa even if you are just transiting through. On this page of travel.state.gov, enter the country in the “Learn about your destination” section. You’ll be able to see whether or not a visa is required. This page will also have links to secure websites where you can apply for e-visas. E-visas cost between $20-$300. If a country’s visa is too expensive, then there are many countries that provide free entry, as long as your stay does not exceed a specific amount of days.
Conclusion
If you’re going to travel, the most important things are your passport, finances, safety, and visa. As long as those things are in order, you’re ready to go. The purpose of this website is to help you travel. In the future, I will be elaborating on some of the points I made in this blog and providing you with a wealth of information and content that inspire you to pursue your aspirations!
Did I miss anything? Whatever questions you have or content you want to see on this site, leave your inquiry or suggestions in the comment section, or feel free to contact me at brogotravel@gmail.com. Thank you!
