For many, traveling the world and experiencing different cultures is second only to quitting their job, but when you’re over forty, this idea may seem like a pipe dream. You may be thinking that by this stage in life, you’ve been working for decades and know the lay of the land when it comes to the nine to five. But, regardless of your age, there are a lot of tips and resources available to help make your dream of leaving your job to travel the world a reality. Here, we have outlined everything you need to know about quitting your job after 40, and how to make traveling the world a reality.
Evaluate Your Finances
Before you even consider booking a one-way ticket, take a good look at your finances. Take the time to review your budget, figure out what it would take to sustain yourself, and crunch the numbers. Many seasoned travelers can testify to the fact that it is not necessary to have a ton of money saved in order to live and travel abroad. But without a financial plan, you may find yourself running out of money quickly.
If you decide that you need to work while abroad, check out websites like Elance and Freelancer, as they offer a wide range of freelance opportunities. You could take on odd jobs while traveling, such as street performer, bar tender, or tour guide, or you may even locate a job in hostel that pays in lodging and meals. In addition, there are a wide range of travel bloggers, who offer support and advice on living and traveling abroad.
Identify Your Destination
There are so many wonderful places to explore and you’ll need to narrow your destination down. The easiest way to do so is to think about what type of experience you are looking for. Do you want to immerse yourself in a culture or explore nature? For some, it’s as simple as throwing a dart at the map and making the trip happen. The important thing is to identify a location that will provide the type of experience you are looking for.
Make a List of Your Goals
It’s important to identify your goals prior to embarking on your travels. Why do you want to take an extended travel break? Writing down a list of your goals will help to make the process easier. For example, if your goal is to learn a language, then you’ll want to identify the countries that speak that language.
You’ll also want to get a sense of what is required to live in your destination of choice. Ask yourself questions such as, “What type of visa will I need?” and “Do I have to have a job in order to stay for a prolonged period?’ Once you have gathered all of the information needed, the process of obtaining visas, finding a job, and managing your finances will become much easier.
Research Your Destination
It’s important to research your destination prior to traveling abroad. Determine what the climate is like, the cost of living, safety precautions you should take, and a general outline on the available transportation options.
You’ll also need to read up on the customs and culture of the country you are visiting. Dressing inappropriately, with flip flops or shorts, can ruffle the feathers of locals. Also, make sure you read up on the laws and regulations, or you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Find a Place to Stay
Staying in hotels can get expensive quickly, as well as limit your ability to actually see a country. Staying at hostels is a great idea – they are fun, easy to find, and offer inexpensive lodging. But, if you’re concerned about security, there are plenty of other lodging options available.
You could stay with locals via sites such as CouchSurfing or Airbnb, choose to stay in a private room, or look into a homestay. As an alternative, you may even decide to camp, just make sure you read reviews first in order to determine what is best for you.
Stay in Touch With Family
Living abroad can be life-changing, but nothing should replace your family. Make a conscious effort to stay in touch with those closest to you, so they know you are safe. Whether it is through email, text, Skype, or social media, it’s essential that you check in with family regularly. Technology can make keeping in touch with friends and family a breeze, as you can update them on what you’ve been doing, and share your experiences, from wherever you are in the world.
Manage Your Home Affairs
Take the time to efficiently manage your home affairs before embarking on your travels, such as banking issues, bills and setting up a trusteeship for your home and other liabilities, like loans and mortgages. Make sure all of your affairs are in order, and that someone you trust is able to take care of them in your absence.
Experience the Culture
Enjoying and appreciating the culture of a different country offers a great reward. Take the time to travel to the less mainstream locations. Visiting a different location provides an excellent opportunity to learn about new cultures, meet great people, and view amazing views. Even just taking the time to explore the area you’re staying can open up a wealth of new experiences.
Explore Leisurely
Make sure that you don’t rush your trip – take the time to enjoy the country you are in. Wander the towns, chat with local café owners, and get to know the people. Immerse yourself in the culture and people and connect with the locals, which allows for a more fulfilling experience.
Don’t Sweat It
Traveling can be exhausting, but it improves with time and experience. Don’t take yourself too seriously and remember to have fun. This is a great opportunity to do something amazing, guilt-free and make friends in the process.
Traveling the world after 40 can be an exhilarating and life-changing experience, but it relies on thoughtful preparation. Evaluate your financial situation, identify your destination, and do your research. Find appropriate lodging, stay in touch with family, and manage all of your home affairs. Experience the culture and explore leisurely, without worrying about the little things. Follow all of these tips, and your dream of traveling the world after forty can become a reality.