Around the World: Before You Leave

Motivation

This is perhaps the key element for a "successful round-the-world trip" or long-term travel. Without motivation, the adventure that such a project represents risks ending prematurely or quickly turning into a series of hardships before, during, and after the trip.

Escape or a desire for new discoveries?

People often talk about "escape," but for most, it’s primarily—and fortunately—a desire to discover oneself and others or to take a break from life that prevails. A pivotal moment in one’s existence that you want to open up, an opportunity that may not come again soon.

So, seize it to return richer with new experiences and often a different perspective on things and the world around us. Too bad if those around you sometimes struggle to understand or accept that you’re leaving everything—or almost everything—behind: home, job, etc., while "society is in crisis." If the desire is strong, you have to go, or you might regret it later.

But on the other hand, if the main motivation is simply to escape, hoping that "it’ll be better elsewhere," then there’s no point in leaving. Changing your surroundings won’t necessarily change what’s in your head. On the contrary, some travel difficulties may only amplify things or increase negative perceptions of yourself and your environment. In that case, it’s better to wait a little longer for the right moment.

Purpose of the Trip

Alongside motivation, clearly defining the broad outlines of your journey can be useful to leave with peace of mind and make the most of the months ahead.

So, first ask yourself: what is the purpose of your trip? Is it simply to discover the world and enjoy yourself, or, on the contrary, to make the most of the experience through reports, a book, etc., or even to secure funding for your trip in advance via grants and sponsors?

While the first choice offers total freedom and allows you to travel at your own pace—even if it’s best to have a rough plan beforehand—the second involves many constraints and requires a very different approach. In this case, be aware that the "work" before departure (and upon return) will be entirely different, and once on the road, you’ll have to stick to your obligations if you want to succeed. Not always easy.

So, it’s best to be clear from the start. There’s no point in hoping to offset your trip this way if you haven’t planned for it beforehand, nor even looking for an excuse along the way. Few people can handle improvisation well enough to achieve results!

The Right Choices

Without going into detail, the success of a multi-month trip also depends on a wise choice of itinerary, duration, and budget.

But first and foremost, remember that you have—or will have—nothing to prove to anyone, and respect your desires and motivations. If necessary, accept that you may have to return earlier than planned if the trip no longer brings you joy (or at least change your destination). Often, after six months, you may start feeling a bit weary, and after a year, some may experience "homesickness." There’s also no need to try to break records in the number of countries visited, the difficulties faced, the length of the trip, or the lowest possible expenses. Especially since, from home, things always seem easier—once you’re there...

Fears and Anxieties

A little fear or great anxiety about leaving on a round-the-world trip (or even just for a few days) is a feeling many travelers experience.

Even if many don’t express it (consciously or unconsciously), it’s quite common that, as departure approaches—or when you feel like leaving—certain fears arise about the unknown, losing your bearings, distance, etc. To the point that for some, this can even lead to minor illnesses, insomnia, and other discomforts, or even giving up on the trip altogether.

Yet, everything is normal—or almost—and this could be called "traveler’s stage fright." A stage fright that usually disappears at the moment of departure or in the days that follow; few people return after just a few days on the road.

As for the best remedy, besides discussing it with those around you (especially if you’re traveling with others), it’s ultimately about thinking of all the great moments and unique experiences you’ll have during your trip...

When to Leave?

Or more precisely, at what point in your life should you leave on a round-the-world trip? This is a question many potential travelers ask themselves: at what age, at what stage in their professional or personal life?

Age

In practice, it’s clear that most long-term travelers are young. Many under 30, most of whom have finished their studies but haven’t yet fully entered "working life," leave on a round-the-world trip. Beyond the fact that there are no professional constraints, some also think (rightly or wrongly) that it’s better to be "young" to undertake such a journey, especially as a backpacker.

On the other hand, for several years now, more and more retirees have been setting off on long-term trips, particularly in motorhomes. Even if few actually go on a full round-the-world trip, many leave regularly for several months. Including simply to spend the winter elsewhere, such as in Morocco—a country that welcomes tens of thousands of European retirees in motorhomes every off-season.

Professional Life

More than age, it’s generally professional activity—or lack thereof—that determines the desire to leave in many cases. While young people and retirees naturally have more flexibility, more and more working people are taking a break in their careers. Some see it as a turning point and take the opportunity to travel, while others simply opt for a sabbatical year as provided by law.

Others try to combine work and travel, either because they work in seasonal, temporary, or high-turnover sectors (like healthcare), or because they’re unemployed.

Sabbatical Leave

While some take advantage of the end of their studies, retirement, a period of unemployment, or a gap between jobs to travel, others have to rely on their employer’s goodwill to leave.

The solution in this case is often a sabbatical leave as defined by the law. This helps employees obtain a leave of several months (between 6 and 11) under certain conditions.

To qualify, you must have 3 years (consecutive or not) of seniority in the company or group, plus a total of 6 years of professional experience. You must not have taken a leave of at least six months in the six years preceding the request. The maximum leave allowed is 11 months, plus any accrued paid leave, and the minimum is six months. At the end, the employer is required to reinstate the employee in a similar position with equivalent pay to before departure.

To obtain sabbatical leave, you must send your employer a request by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt at least three months before departure, specifying the leave and its duration. The employer must respond to the employee in writing within 30 days; beyond this period, consent is considered granted.

In practice, the employer can postpone the leave for up to 9 months and, for companies with fewer than 200 employees, refuse it if it would harm the company’s operations. The refusal can be challenged by the employee before the labor court within 15 days of receiving the employer’s letter.

Personal Life

The last factor that can influence the decision is personal circumstances. More than anything else, it’s your desires (with the associated advantages and disadvantages) that dictate the choice. Some prefer to travel while they’re "single," while others prefer to do it as a couple, with or without children.

Finally, some see the round-the-world trip as the "dream of a lifetime" and realize it in retirement, once (in theory) free from professional, family, financial, and other constraints.

Conclusion

There’s no clear answer, as there are many scenarios and advantages and disadvantages to each period. Perhaps the only thing to say is that when the desire becomes too pressing, it’s better to go and have memories rather than regrets...

With Whom to Leave?

Alone or with Others?

Another important point in preparing for a long-term trip: with whom do you want to leave and best share an experience that is often unique in each person’s life?

While the answer is of course personal, know that traveling alone as well as with others has its share of advantages and disadvantages. So, it’s best not to go against your "nature." And those who particularly dread loneliness would do well to look for travel companions beforehand rather than hoping to find them, for the same itinerary and duration, along the way.

However, especially for a long trip, don’t forget that everyone’s goals and desires (budget, interests, activities, comfort level, etc.) must align somewhat to hope for a successful trip.

Don’t Forget Before Leaving

Housing

What to do with your home during a long trip?

You’re a Homeowner

In this case, you can rent out your home through an agency, a classified ad, or via acquaintances. But be careful: if you want the place to be vacant upon your return, it’s best to be in order by offering a contract that clearly states the tenant’s move-out date. Also, remember to issue rent receipts and, above all, require a deposit.

You’re a Tenant

You can sublet, but be aware that this is illegal without the landlord’s prior consent. If you want to stay within the law, check your contract, insurance, and local taxes. Again, it’s better to entrust your home to someone you know. If you’re worried about your furniture and other belongings, you can always opt for a storage unit (quite expensive) or a friend’s garage (also valid if you’re a homeowner).

Additionally

Whether you’re an owner or a tenant, you can also leave your home empty. In this case, keep your home insurance but turn off the water, gas, and electricity. If you’re leaving for a very long time, cancel your phone (and internet) subscription, but don’t forget to inform the neighbors of your departure. As a last resort, some prefer to sell everything and leave.

Vehicle

If you choose to keep your vehicle, you’ll still need to insure it during your absence. To protect against theft, you’ll need a closed garage; you may even be required to keep full coverage if you park in a shared lot. Practically speaking, remember to disconnect the battery.

Other solutions: lend your vehicle to a trusted person (inform your insurance) or even sell it before leaving.

Mail

For those who are away for a long time. Just because you’re on the other side of the world doesn’t mean you won’t receive mail at your home. Hence the importance of knowing how to retrieve it.

No problem for those who haven’t changed their address and whose home is occupied by family, friends, roommates, or subtenants. They’ll collect your bills and other mail, sort it, and forward it. On the same principle, if your home is empty, leave the keys with someone who’ll handle this task (also advisable for security reasons).

However, if you’re moving, it’s best to contact your post office before leaving to request mail forwarding. La Poste’s temporary forwarding contracts range from one month to a year. For about 25 €, they’ll forward your mail to the address of your choice (family, friends...). Another solution is to use a mail forwarding service and get a virtual mailbox. This can range from simple mail holding to scanning all your mail online. Paying bills or responding to mail is also possible.

Note that what applies to mail also largely applies to phone service.

To Pay

Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean bills and other local or income taxes will stop coming. Don’t forget this in your budget calculations. However, to limit costs, cancel unnecessary subscriptions or calculate the costs of reinstalling and reactivating them upon return, as well as the consequences of suspending them.

To make your life easier, prioritize automatic payments and/or have your mail handled by someone you trust (provide a power of attorney)—or, as a last resort, a specialized company—that can act when needed and save you from penalties and other hassles upon return. Generally, it’s better to be in order before leaving.