Short Term Cure for Long Term Itchy Feet

It creeps up on you. You know it’s been lying in wait. At the back of your mind. In the bottom of your belly. Until one day it rises up and explodes out of your chest as you leap out of your chair and shout,

'I HAVE TO TRAVEL, NOW!!!’

While this sounds like a scene similar to Alien, it’s actually an everyday event for a lot of keen-bean travellers out there. Whether you’re already on the road or just earning enough cash to kick start your travels, you can’t fight the urge once a case of the contagious travel bug sets in.

Why fight it? Embrace it!

Planning your travel adventure is (almost) as exciting as actually going on your travel adventure. The world is your oyster, your road is open and like those Goosebumps books you used to read as a kid, you can choose your own adventure!

So what can you do about it? Being proactive by planning towards an ultimate goal will give you a light at the end of the tunnel. Here are a few ways to alleviate your itchy feet.

1.      Dream. And dream big!

    Where do you want to go and what have you always wanted to experience? This may be your once in a lifetime journey so this is your time to be inspired about everything you've ever wanted do.

Tip: Grab a map of the world, a red marker and let loose marking which counties you want to see. I’ve done this more times than I can count. 

2.    Plan, plan, plan, plan, plan…did I say plan?

       You’ve spent countless months saving and have told everyone you’re going. You land at your destination but denied entry to the country because you don’t have the right visa! True story. Plan those finer details and you’ll be as prepared as possible*.

A few areas to cover:
- Flights
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Insurance
- Sleeping bags - important & handy; not all hostels provide bedding
- Currency exchange
- Hotels
- Time of year – ever wanted to see Serbia in January? No, us neither.
- Car hire - Are you legally allowed to drive in that country; you’d be surprised
- Countries in conflict - Check government websites to reaffirm  guidelines when visiting a country in conflict, social unrest or if you’re generally uncertain

*(Note: All the planning in the world can’t prepare you for every eventuality.  Don’t sweat it when these arise, it’s not always about the destination, but the journey)

                                                 3. Budgeting

       In the words of Biggie Smalls, ‘Mo Money, Mo Travels’. Budgeting is in direct conflict with Point 1, but gives you a realistic idea of what you're going to be able to see and do within your money limits. I think of this process as the 'Fun Police' coming in to piss all over your parade. However it’s an imperative step in planning. Over budget and you will kick yourself for missing out on amazing travel opportunities. Under budget and you'll find yourself stuck in Sala debating whether to sell your body for cash. I exaggerate (but not by much). Don't get stuck and have to make that 'not-so independent' call home to the bank of Mum and Dad.

Take into account:

- Flights – internal as well as international

- Hotels, Hostels and Camping – varies greatly and beware of the words ‘Prices from’ when researching. This more often than not means mid-week in monsoon season (does not include inflatable raft required to reach hotel)

- Transport around the country – car hire, bus service, tours, donkeys

- Visas – these can vary a lot so be sure to budget for them and do your research to ensure you get the correct one for your trip

- Daily Cash - Meals, Partying and Souvenirs – Set yourself a daily or weekly allowance for these things! Otherwise you might find yourself with a new pet elephant, empty pockets and 3 months left of travelling

- Sightseeing Tours and Park Entry Fees – Tours obviously cost $$ so you may decide to venture on your own. But be aware that tour costs usually include entry fees into attractions, National Parks and museums.

- Technology on the Road – Remember that you may want to document your trip through pictures (Digital cam, SLR), videos (HD Camcorder, GoPro), blogging (laptop, netbook, iPad). As this might be your once in a lifetime trip, be sure you have everything that you want to use to remember it.

4. Go!

Get up and book your ticket! After the lengthy (and sometimes longwinded) planning process, you need to finally put those plans into action as you kick start your journey by actually purchasing your ticket to your worldwide adventures! This can sometimes be the hardest part (I have a little guidance on that too) but it’s the first step towards your great adventure.

Explore. Dream. Discover...And have a FREAKIN ball!!! (Actual words from Mark Twain)

For now,

Jones x