Going on vacation is one thing. Setting off for weeks, months, your gap-year, or even a few years on a globe-trotting adventure of self-discovery is quite another. The dream is to live on the wind, changing destinations at a whim, but the reality is there are logistics to consider, even for the wildest free spirits. There are accommodations to book, visas to prepare, budgets to consider,  eSIM deals to be secured, and safety nets to set. What’s more, as LGBTQ+ travelers, we have additional considerations added to the list. What are the laws of the country? Which areas of the city are safe?

None of this needs to completely snuff out the fires of spontaneity, but a little preparation goes a long way to making the most of any globe-trotting adventure. Here are our top tips to get you started.

Money Makes the World Go Round

Let’s be real. You need savings to travel. Anyone who claims otherwise probably has a trust fund or a sugar daddy. Things can and do go wrong. You might miss a flight because the taxi driver got lost on the way to the airport and need to book a new one, or your hostel wasn’t where it was advertised, and you find yourself having to check into another hotel in the middle of nowhere. Having a financial safety net is fundamental. Online, you can find information on typical daily expenses for individual cities and countries, so you can safely prepare a daily budget.

Also, be sure you can access your money. International bank accounts like Wise are your best friends here. Having a little physical cash in your pocket is always a good idea too, for emergencies.
Besides savings, if you’re traveling for a really long time, you’re going to need a steady income from somewhere. It is possible to find work on your trips, but don’t rely on it without some forward planning. English teaching is always a safe bet, and there are plenty of online groups on Facebook to help hook you up.

Visa? I Barely Know Her

Borders may seem like lines in the sand to free spirits, but they can feel like ironclad walls to the unprepared. Research is key. Different places have different types of visas you can use depending on how long you’re planning to stay in one country, with everything from Digital Nomad Visas to Tourist Visas available depending on the destination

Finding LGBTQ+-Friendly Accommodations

You always need a base of action, whether that’s a hostel, hotel, Airbnb, or even a couch (couch surfing is a good choice for budget travelers). Plan this well in advance, and have a general idea of how long you want to stay—you can always extend it later.

As well as being aware of the LGBTQ+ laws of a country, research which areas of the city/town/village are safe for LGBTQ+ people and generally safe overall. Make sure your host is, too. For hotels and hostels, you can read reviews or check to see if they are IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) approved.

Getting from A to B…and Back to A Again

Traveling requires a lot of travel. Shocking, we know! But as well as the obvious flights, there are also public transportation systems in different countries to contend with. Familiarizing yourself with these before arrival is highly recommended. Big cities usually have websites for their transportation networks, but in smaller places, you might have to rely on bus route information from hosts or other travelers. With respect to day trips and outings, be sure you plan how to get back from places as well as how to get there—nothing is worse than being exhausted after a day of exploring and not knowing how to get back to your base.

Breaking the Language Barrier

Knowing the local language does wonders for resolving any issues that may arise on your travels, but it’s somewhat impractical if you’re visiting many countries with different native languages. However, you can’t always rely on everyone speaking English. Consider interactions that might come up beforehand, such as buying a train ticket, and prepare for them using Google Translate. Knowing how to pronounce place names is a good start too!

Staying Safe and Healthy

Health and safety should always come first in travel, just as in life. Get medical insurance for wherever you go. If you take medication, make sure you have enough of it for your travels, or have a way to receive it when it runs out. Research what vaccines you need for each destination. Be prepared that your stomach might need some warming up to local cuisine if it’s very different from what you’re used to—so maybe don’t eat all the insects at the buffet on your first night.

Then there’s the gym! It might not be essential, but if you want to stay in shape while traveling, these days, most gyms allow you to pay per visit. Failing that, a good workout routine done in a hotel room or local gym does the job.

Stay Connected with eSIMs

Roaming charges are a real pain when traveling, and there’s nothing worse than being hit with a hefty phone bill in the middle of your travels. eSIMs, the hottest new technology for those on the move, offer simpler, more flexible, and secure mobile connectivity without the need for clumsy physical cards. GigSky is the top provider , offering local rates in whatever country you’re in, with the convenience of a second phone line. They have a range of plans with different data options and validity lengths, and they use the fastest networks in over 200 countries. Costs start as low as $3.99 USD. You really can’t go wrong there.

In the end, globe-trotting with your head, heart, and wallet in check ensures your adventure doesn’t turn into a beautiful disaster. So, plan ahead, stay savvy, and make “good” decisions—at least when it comes to your travels that is!

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