Tips for long term travel?

[elliefab]

Hi all, I'm about to begin travelling for a year - 8 months travelling/teaching in south america and then I plan to head to Europe for 4-5 months until my money runs out!

Does anyone have any tips for long term travel? Or even done something similar? I'm really excited but also worried about packing as i'm travelling through various climates !

I would appreciate any advice on past experiences you may have!!! Thanks in advance!

[IncaTrail50]

Travel light! We ran into a girl who was two weeks into a similar trip and she had a giant suitcase she could barely lift. She sat next to us after we helped her hoist it onto the train in Slovenia. She was miserable and had decided to buy a backpack at the next stop, throw out some of the things and ship the rest back home. Unless you are traveling in the wilderness you will be able to buy heavier clothing when needed, or replace what gets worn, ripped, or lost. Take mix-and-match colours, pack for about 4-5 days, and plan on picking up bargains when you arrive at each place.
Enjoy, I am thoroughly jealous!

[markmol]

Hi Ellie

as Kim says travel light, i usually buy cheap t shirts as i go, also in South America you can purchase cheap alpaca jumpers. If you are hiking the Inca trail you can hire jackets in Cusco, saves lugging them around.

[darrenpete]

Using a bit of forethought before traveling can make the difference between a memorable trip and a disaster. When planning a lengthy vacation -- whether it's your dream trip around the world or longer stays in fewer locations. Such preparation is imperative Plan your itinerary carefully before you leave, even if you're making an extended stay in only a few places.