Step.5 THE TIME IS NOW

Step.5  THE TIME IS NOW

Well, now that you’ve cut a few expenses and finally have your finances in order, you can start thinking about your up and coming adventure. Whether or not you sold your house, car and kids to save some money, you’ll need at least a few grand to get away, as previously mentioned. In our experience, we’ve found that things usually end up costing more then originally expected, and not the other way around. Last minute preparations range from buying everything between sun block to snorkel gear, while taxes always add an extra bit of irritation. Having a comfortable money cushion is important for absorbing unforeseen expenses. For the sake of our example, let’s assume your adventure fund breakdown will look something like this:

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Travel adventure preparations- $300        One way ticket to where ever- $400

Misc. transportation (taxis etc)- $100     Two or three nights in a hotel- $200

First and last months rent- $1,000         A comfortable buffer zone- $1,000

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Of course there are always a 
few variables to take into consideration. Obviously, the further you go, the more expensive a flight will be, and the time of year you’re traveling in will have an impact as well. We recommend avoiding your destinations high season, and aiming for the last month or two of the non-touristy time of year. This will take some research but if executed properly can offer a number of advantages. Flights and transportation will cost less, and nightly hotel rates will be considerably lower. Finding a reasonably priced and fully furnished apartment will be much easier, and with many more options to choose from.

If you plan to find a job in your new place of residence, we suggest locking one in before the official high season begins. As local businesses prepare for the busier time of year, many tourist related jobs will become available. With a pay structure that’s directly linked to the high season, these forms of employment are quickly pursued by like minded adventurers, so you shouldn’t hesitate to start shopping around. Don’t be afraid to ask any place or person if they’re hiring, or know of anyone else that is. Help wanted signs and classified ads are something most exotic locations have never even heard of.

So wherever you've set your sights on, make sure to do enough research for avoiding hassles along the way. You probably don't have to worry about ending up in a sweat shop or being sold in the underground slave trade, but I guess anything's possible. More reasonable concerns have to do with passport requirements and flight times when traveling somewhere new. Focus your research on what's important and try not to sweat the small stuff. Think about languages to learn, ATM access and hurricane season. Don't worry about where you can buy your daily frappuccino or if your brand of deodorant will be available. So what if you'll be sleepy and stinky? -It's all part of the adventure! Could even help you fit in with the locals too!

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