Imagining life post-pandemic: 5 things you'll need if you're planning to spend a year traveling

Traveling is a wonderful way to recuperate from life’s stresses as well as seeing breathtaking views around the world. It's also one of the best ways to determine if you and your Significant Other are a great match. If both of you stick it out despite being in an unfamiliar territory, then it is safe to say that it's for keeps. With J, that's how I knew. :) It sucks that it has been more than a year since we went to a new place together, but at least I see him every day now.

Anyway, if you're like me who lives in a country where the government still doesn't have a plan to beat the pandemic, it is very unlikely that you’ve travelled far from your front door, let alone taken a plane to a new and exotic place to relax and explore. Now that restrictions are beginning to ease for other countries due to the vaccine rolling out, you might be planning a year-long trip to explore the world, like my friend Ed who moved across oceans to be with this True Love. If so, don’t forget these things if you’re planning to spend the year traveling as far away from home as possible.

International bank account

Traveling for a year is very different from taking a two-week holiday. Usually, you’d prepare your spending money and convert it into the currency before traveling. However, if you plan on moving between countries it’s very likely you’ll need different currencies and your current bank account may not allow you to use your card abroad. However, using a bank like Revolut will allow you to use your card in many countries without any questions being raised and without hefty charges to your account.

Virtual address

You’ll get mail when you’re traveling, and if you’ve moved all of your belongings into storage to save on rent payments for an empty property, you’ll need somewhere for your post to reside. Using a virtual address like those provided by http://physicaladdress.com allows you to still receive your post and check it online any time you like.

Working visas

Tourist and working holiday visas must be applied for. Check with individual country embassies for details about how far ahead of time they should be purchased and how long they will last so you’re able to stay and work legally in the country. This is especially important if you plan on spending a summer working in a particular place. Check now so you’re not left with no other option and no way of making more money during your travels.

Healthcare

Have you checked to see if you need any vaccines for your travels? Many countries pose dangers that you might not be aware of. For example, the majority of cholera cases occur in areas with inadequate sanitation and water hygiene, such as parts of South and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean and if you’re not vaccinated you could become very unwell. Speak to a pharmacist or Doctor for more advice before traveling.

Prepare yourself for a culture shock

Finally, preparing yourself for how different cultures live will help not only prevent a nasty shock upon arrival, but also help you learn more about their religions, culture and customs. Doing this will make you more welcome in the country as well as feeling like you’re also a part of this new culture. Most of all, after being locked down for so long, take plenty of pictures and enjoy the freedom of being able to explore our beautiful planet once more.  

Since I am not able to travel yet, I amuse myself with other ways, like my hobbies.

My current object of fascination is my new carnivorous plant, the Byblis Guehoi.

Ladies and gents, I'd like you to meet Carny.
I even bought her distilled water. What a baby!

I just got her today, and I am so amazed! I've been wanting to get carnivorous plants for a while now and I'm so happy my balcony finally has one!

Do you see the bodies of flies, bugs, and mosquitoes? Amazing!

I also stress-bought plants again.

At the rate things are going, I will end up with a forest before the year is over. Send help.

Keep safe, friends! I can't wait to fill my blog with new anecdotes about new places I've been to.