As a lifetime traveler and volunteer, I've gathered many opinions and tricks about traveling, especially while volunteering. Currently, I'm volunteering in Narva, Estonia, practicing English with kids at a school. Whenever they ask about my hobbies, I always start with traveling
I love traveling because it allows me to discover new places, cultures, cuisines, and meet new people. Traveling makes me feel free. That's why I try to travel as much as I can, both economically and mentally.
I call myself a "lifetime traveler" because I resigned from my professional career in cost management and budget reporting to travel around the world. And I'm happier than ever. But that's a story for another day. Today, let's talk about how to travel more efficiently.
Tips for Efficient Travel
Plan in Advance
Unless you're a super-rich, busy businessperson, you need to plan your travel at least 2-3 months in advance. If you work for a company, check the calendar at the start of the year for national or religious holidays and plan accordingly. If you're volunteering at a school or kindergarten, ask your mentor about school breaks and start looking for cheap flights for those dates.
Flexible Destinations
If there's a specific country you want to visit, focus on finding flights there. However, I prefer a more flexible approach. For example, if I want to see European countries, I use Skyscanner, Momondo, or Google Flights to enter my travel dates and leave the destination as "everywhere." These sites show the cheapest flights for those dates.
If I find a cheap flight to Sweden, I'll go there first, even if I initially wanted to visit Spain or Portugal. If you have 2-3 days off, one country is enough, but for a week or 10-day trip, you can hop from one country to another. For instance, start in Sweden, then find a cheap flight to Poland, then Italy, and explore Venice, Florence, Bologna, and Milan by bus. That's how I traveled during Christmas 2023.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, prioritize safety over comfort. You'll mostly use your hotel or hostel for sleeping. Look for budget-friendly options like hostels, where you can also meet fellow travelers and save money for future trips.
Embrace the Local Experience
Don't feel obligated to see every tourist attraction. A country is more than its museums and parks. Immerse yourself in the local life. Wander through random streets, find a cozy cafe or restaurant, and try their food—not just the ones recommended on Google. Don't copy what everyone else does; sometimes, go off the beaten path and discover things for yourself. But always stay safe—don't venture into dangerous areas or sleep under bridges!
Balance is Key
In everything you do—working, eating, traveling, living, or loving—always find the balance. This approach will make your travels and life more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Project number: 2023-1-EE01-ESC51-VTJ-000134063
Project title: „Community Spirit”
Project number: 2023-1-EE01-ESC51-VTJ-000134063
Project title: „Community Spirit”