I plan to have plans to travel but I'm not sure of a few things, and some personal insight would be appreciated!
Hey guys. I'm 18 and I plan on traveling some point soon but there are some things that have crossed my mind. I'm sure they're common questions.
- I don't have a lot of money. I know it's possible to travel on barely nothing but realistically, what's the situation like? Has anyone traveled broke before? Do you find work? How/what do you afford to eat? Where do you sleep at night?
- What if I get sick? Like really sick? Do hospitals take care of you?
And I guess it would be cool to know how you get around. I figure hitchhiking and walking, but hearing from people who have experienced it before is better than supposing. Thanks!!
Reply to this Hi Sarah, where are you planning to go? It all depends where you are going. Some countries won't let you in if you don't have money and a return ticket for example. If you go to Europe you could try the Mediterranean in the Summer, you may be able to sleep on the beaches, shower from the beach showers and buy food in super markets, but I would only recommend it if you are going with company. Hitchhiking is VERY dangerous and not at all recommended. You still need money for tickets to get to the places, and if you want to do something (go to a museum or a club) you will need money. You may be able to get some temporary jobs cleaning, or waitress or bar jobs but then you need to stay for a while. Also in many places in Europe recession has hit hard, so there may be fewer of these jobs next year.
Hospitals usually require you to pay or have an insurance plan. Again, it all depends on where you are going. I think Britain is quite generous on this, in Sweden you would have to pay (they will send you the bill, and it can be huge). Poorer countries may not charge in state hospitals but they are horrible, dirty and overpopulated. You should get a travel insurance that covers decent care in case something happens. Don't expect your embassy to do anything, they probably won't - this is a common misunderstanding but most embassies will only assist in the most serious cases and even then only help with things like contacting relatives etc.
Read some of the travelblogs here from the places which are on your list of "to go" and check out the essentials with your Foreign Office they usually has advice for travellers.
The best idea may be to go on a bicycle tour in your home country - it may be a great adventure too!
Reply to this I travel broke all the time. But my priorities aren't in fancy lodgings and nice things to buy (unless it's something I really want). Just not interested anymore, unless it's something like a historical thing. I still buy groceries at whatever local market instead of going to restaurants. Especially open markets. Sometimes I go fishing, if I can get the out-of-state license. Camping. Parks passes. And there's travel clubs, but that's something I haven't done. Sometimes I'll stay with friends or family. I research a place to see what I want to do before I get there, to see what deals they have, and what I need to budget. And I like to travel in the off season. These things alone will knock quite a bit off your bill. Sometimes all I go with is gas money and groceries from home, and pack very little. Just depends on what I plan to do.
I've only traveled around the US, for the most part. But several things that you can keep in mind - insurance is a good thing. If you know where you're going, it's ok to check out the clinics and hospitals, just to know where they are. Otherwise, mostly what I do is take contact numbers, some way of communication with whomever I'm going to use as a base, and leave them with some sort of an itinerary (if I have one). And keep in touch. For the extras, I budget what I can, take what I plan to spend and a little extra for emergencies - there's always something with me. And see if there's some sort of travel insurance or something for back-up. I use AAA when I'm driving (lots of discounts, and that 100 miles free towing is great). A little pricy, but well worth it. All my meds (plus a little extra) and whatever medical equipment I need. The first aid kit from hell. And I'm off and running. lol
Reply to this sarah, when you travel you should make sure you have enough money to spend or in any case if something happens, like you have to be hospitalized for some reason then you won't have to worry about anything because you have your own money to support your needs.
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