Before getting into packing and preparation, you first need to decide where to go! And when.
Timing and Destination
Timing is key. For me, the right amount of time on the road was about two months. Thatβs how long I did it in 2015; in 2021 I traveled for five months and it was a little long, although, I did catch a brief βsecond windβ at about the 3 month mark.
Although I have enjoyed traveling during the off-season (NZ in 2015, ADK in 2021, MI and MN in 2021), it is the off-season for a reason. I have found that my favorite time travel is when the temperature is between 55 and 80Β°F. Use WeatherSpark to explore average temperatures when planning your travel.
Make sure that wherever you go excites you! And donβt be afraid to change your mind about your plans.
Accommodations
Finding a Place
Here was my hierarchy of accommodations when Iβm working:
- With a friend (usually no longer than a week, often just ~3 days)
- Airbnb (you donβt need a whole apartment, most of the time, if youβre solo - just a private room that has a desk)
- Hostel (or motel/hotel)
If Iβm not working, and weβre not in the middle of a pandemic, couchsurfing sites like Couchers and Trustroots are an excellent option. But it seems like they havenβt fully fired back up, yet, as of early 2022.
Another option I havenβt tried but think would work is looking for short-term sublets on the Listings Project.
Housesitting is also an option, but I havenβt tried it yet, in part because it is difficult without a car and because Iβm allergic to cats. But if you are extremely flexible, it can be really great.
Lastly, if you are roadtripping or hitching, motels are of course an option, along with camping on public lands.
Neighborhood
Being centrally located is useful when you go to a new city, if you can afford it. While downtown might not be the βcoolestβ neighborhood, it is often the most networked, with access to all (or at least, most) of the others. Another key plus is being within walking distance of a grocery store, or at least a convenience store. (On the other hand, staying by the beach on the Venice Lido was great.)
If you do not have a car (like me) you will want to make sure that your accommodation is within the zone of car/bike/scooter-share programs, for easier movement.
Staying close to the city center typically provides more flexibility (in terms of access to other neighborhoods) and access to public transportation and ride-sharing/car-hailing services.
Travel Methods
Planes are typically the easiest, but I recommend trains (US/Canada), buses (Flixbus or Greyhound), and boats if you can swing it. Explore your options using Rome2Rio and Google Maps - changing up your travel method can be fun. And keep in mind that using a train or bus rather than a boat lowers your impact on the planet - there are many modes of travel to choose from, not just planes!