>I am thinking about a trip 'round the world and could use suggestions on:
>Travel insurance
>Budgeting
>Woman traveling solo
>routes
>Tips on getting along in nations where I don't speak the language
>Jumping back into real life when I return-this may seem strange but part >of what is holding me back from this venture is the strangle hold I seem >to have on a comfortable, secure job/lifestyle and the fear that I won't >be able to find another I like as much when I return. Advice from anyone >who has experienced the same angst is welcome.
After more than a year of "stewing," I quit my job for what I intended to be a 6-12 month trip. I ended up traveling for 3 years. My basic advice is: GO! I can't tell you how difficult it will be to find a good job when you return. It depends too much on your line of work and your current position. It took me several months to find a job in my field. You might even be able to arrange a 12 month leave of absence. But the longer you wait, the more comfortable your lifestyle will become and it will get harder and harder to leave. For me, my trip was the most enjoyable thing I've ever done. Traveling changed how I view myself, the world and my place in it. And nobody ever dies wishing they had spent more time at the office.
Now the specifics:
Insurance:
The best policy I could find, and I researched many companies,
was from Wallach and Co. at 1-800-237-6615. They offer full medical insurance intended for those living abroad, and include medical evacuation coverage in the event you must be flown home or to a hospital in a western country. Most other travel policies are intended as supplemental coverage for tourists on a short trip. It's about $1000 per year. Although many budget travelers don't, you absolutely should get some type of insurance. I have visited public hospitals in several countries to get my immunizations updated and you would not want to end up as a patient in one. (Another post on AOL recommends Mutual of Omaha.)
Budgeting:
This depends on what level of comfort you expect and what you plan on doing. Visiting many places obviously increases transportation costs, while a month on the beach can cost next to nothing. I spent only a little time in Europe, but you would be hard pressed to spend less than $30 or so per day, although I'm sure some people do. In most of the third world, $10 to $30 a day should do it. In fact, $30 would be very comfortable in most places. I'm assuming you don't plan to stay at conventional tourist hotels.
Hiltons charge Hilton prices worldwide and you could easily spend $200 per night if you wanted to.
As an example, in India, a popular backpacker destination, a basic room with clean bedding and minimal furniture ranges from $1-$3, and a room with a private shower and toilet $3-$5 and up. A simple meal can cost 30 cents, $3-$4 gets you a very nice one. Buses and trains are usually very cheap, a few dollars to go several hundred miles. Prices increase if you want Air-Con, etc. Prices in more developed countries such as Thailand are a bit more. In China, food is almost as cheap, accommodation about twice as expensive as India, and trains even pricier, bit still much less than Greyhound. Prices vary greatly in Africa. As a rule former French colonies are more costly. In East Africa, a cheap hotel charges between $5 and $15. I can't help with South America.
The cost of air travel varies enormously. My cheapest flight was a domestic flight in Syria for $14. In most places, flights cost less than a similar flight would cost in the USA. I took planes only when necessary or very helpful: A $100 flight to save a three day trip bus trip or when getting a train ticket was nearly impossible.
Overall, I spent a bit less than $30 per day over three years, including budget-busters like Japan and the very occasional escape to a luxury hotel for a relaxation break and a dose of CNN. I'm not including airfare from the USA and back, but my $30 per day does include other international flights along the way. Many people spend a lot less than this, but I think they miss out by not having at least the occasional fancy meal and cushy First Class train. In fact, if you can afford it, the occasional break from the backpacker budget is worth it, as in India you can literally stay in a palace for less than $100.
Traveling solo:
I'm male, so I can't speak from personal experience, but as a rule, if you exclude places such as Somalia and Bosnia, the USA is the most dangerous place in the world. There are a few places with very high crime rates such as Lagos, Nigeria and Johannesburg,RSA where both sexes must be very cautious.
What I've learned from female friends, travelers and guide book suggestions: Mostly verbal harassment and attempts to "pick you up," often vulgar. This is mostly in Muslim dominated countries and India. You'll get whistled at occasionally, etc. In crowded places, such as waiting to buy tickets or on a packed bus, men may stand a bit to close or grope you. I've heard varying comments about how often this occurs ranging from several times a day to a couple of times a month. I expect blondes get it the most. Dressing conservatively helps. Wearing biker shorts, etc. while normal here, is considered "asking for it" in some places.
In general follow standard big-city precautions about where to go at night and neighborhoods to avoid and you'll be fine. Hotel owners can be helpful about this. You will also meet many other travelers that you can hang out with so you won't be alone all the time unless you choose to be.
Also, you could begin your trip on an "expedition" tour with companies such as Encounter Overland or Exodus Expeditions. Trips last 2-20 or so weeks and most passengers are young and on their own. I went from London to Nairobi on one of these trucks. I didn't like it much, but many people do. If you haven't spent time in the Third World, these trips might be a less threatening introduction.
Routes:
A popular one is USA-UK/NETHERLANDS-EGYPT-KENYA-INDIA-NEPAL-THAILAND/MALAYSIA/SINGAPORE-INDONESIA-CHINA/KONG KONG-JAPAN-USA or the reverse. I wandered all over the place making numerous detours and back tracking. I'll gladly offer specific ideas after you have a rough idea as to at least which continents you're interested in! Try to get way off the beaten path occasionally. My most amusing stories come from Bangladesh, for example.
Culture shock:
As a rule language isn't a problem. Almost always, somebody will speak English and will be glad to help if you're friendly and polite. Just remember that anyone who helps you is doing you a favor. Some tourists act as if it's a local person's duty to help tourists. In China, I used Chinese maps to get around. They have pictures of tourist sights labeled in Chinese so you can just show somebody the picture if you're lost. Learn to count and say please/thank you in the local language and you'll be fine. Learn the basic food/menu items as well.
Many places have English signs as well as in the local language. I found the Tokyo subway system easier to master than the New York City trains.
Once the initial apprehension fades, cultural differences become an adventure, not an obstacle.
Go for it! You can come back in a month if you hate it. I don't think you will!
