Planning a long term trip is not as easy as it may seem and should be done really carefully (even scrupulously) to avoid problems and disappointments. Here a list of things that you should definitely consider before packing your bags.

1. Even if you have already chosen your destination, take time to evaluate it once again according to the following criteria: convenience of living in it, good infrastructure (choice of more or less comfortable and affordable rental properties), visa policy (visa should be easy to obtain and to extend if needed).

2. Make researches in climate and likelihood of natural disasters. If your chosen region is, for instance, earthquake-prone or suffer regular floods, then it might be a reason to evaluate your choice once again. Losing your health and money is not a kind of experience that you expect from life in travel.

3. If you are on a limited budget, then specify cost of living in this region/city.

4. Other important factor is a cost of flight to the destination. Just keep in mind that there always is a certain chance that you will have to return home earlier then expected (in case of any problems with health/relatives that stayed in your home country etc.) so air ticket bought shortly before departure shouldn’t cost you a fortune.

All this information can be easily found on the Internet: in blogs, expatriate forums or Livejournal traveling societies.

Following these simple guidelines might help you to save money, spare nerves and make your life in travel pleasant and carefree. Well, to a certain limit, of course. J

Read also:

Articles about renting property for long term living
„Renting property tips: vol.1”
„Renting property tips: vol.2”

Finding cheap air tickets and common mistakes
„Getting there: find cheap air tickets”
„Budget airlines vs regular airlines”

Source of income for lifetime travel
„Make money while in travel: vol.1”