How we were getting ready for a year long journey

Planning a year long holiday

The start of the planning was basically same as for any annual holiday – check where you go, check if you need a visa, check if you need some vaccination. This goes no matter if you’re headed across oceans or just heading to comfortable road trip camps at your own pace. Going abroad vs. staying at home is usually the first decision when planning an adventure, but no matter the destination, good planning is crucial. Whether you're mapping out a local camping trip or coordinating flights across continents, having a solid plan makes all the difference. We spent a lot of time researching, ensuring we had the right vaccinations, checking visa requirements, and finally booking our flight to Peru (Colombia and Ecuador were also on the shortlist).

One major thing we also had to deal with before leaving Europe was our business and how to keep it alive while travelling. Luckily, being a freelancer with some passive income gives you the freedom to work from anywhere, making long-term travel much easier. No need to pause your career—just take it with you. Now I offer the same options for all people living in Slovenia. Interested? Find out more about my consultation business.

What you have to arrange before leaving for a year:

• Visa – for us was source list of countries where tourists don't need visa here for CZ and here for SI
• Vaccination – In many South American countries yellow fever is obligatory, other vaccination is recommended. Check here in CZ and here in SI
• Travel & Health insurance – We eventually decided to make it with a local Slovene insurance group
• International driving license 
• Have at least 2 credit cards - eventually, we both decided to open a Revolut account for payments and a Trade Republic account to invest our extra funds.
• It's also good to give a full power or authorization to somebody, in case some more bureaucracy appears
• In case, there are elections in your country while you are gone, make sure you also have a voting ticket 
• Check that your passport is valid
• If you don't plan to work on the way and pay taxes in your homeland, freeze your health insurance 

Finding places to stay and getting around

One of the biggest parts of planning a year-long holiday is figuring out where to stay along the way. Long-term travel requires flexibility, and the best accommodation options depend on budget, comfort level, and location. Hotels and motels are reliable choices for short stays, providing convenience and amenities like private bathrooms and housekeeping.

For travelers wanting a more homely feel, vacation rentals or guesthouses offer kitchens, laundry facilities, and extra space for longer stays. Campers and outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of RV parks, which provide essential services like electricity, water, and designated parking spots, making them a great option for road trips.

Getting around also plays a major role in long-term travel. Public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways, is often the most budget-friendly and practical option in cities. Renting a car or campervan allows for more freedom and flexibility, especially when exploring remote areas. In some regions, domestic flights are surprisingly affordable, saving time on long-distance journeys. Choosing the right mix of transport options helps balance convenience, cost, and adventure throughout the trip.

And this is what we packed for a year on the road:

• 2 1 bikini
• 3 4 shorts (2 sports shorts)
• 4 5 tops (2 sports tops)
• 4 5 t-shirts with short sleeves (2 sports t-shirts)
• 4 t-shirts with long sleeves (2 sports t-shirts)
• 1 cotton shirt 3 cotton shirts
• 2 3 jackets (warm PrimaLoft, softshell, light windproof)
• 2 jumpers
• 2 sport bras 4 bras
• 7 pair of socks (3 high warm socks)
• 5 underpants
• 1 long warm under trousers
• 1 2 pair of gloves
• Personal cosmetics
• 2 power banks
• 1 knife 2 knives and 1 multitool
• Compas
• Sleeping bag and sleeping mat (no need unless you plan sleeping in it every night, hiking destinations have easy & cheap rentals)
• First aid kit and warming folia (eventually, didnt need it, but I carry it always everywhere)
• Nikon camera
• Octopus tripod
• Computer
• Huawei mobile phone
• Instal offline google stranslate Czech-Spanish dictionary
• 2 sunglasses, 1 dioptrical glasses
• Camel bag, water bottle
• Sandals, flip flops or crocs
• Hiking shoes, running shoes
• Napsie travel pillow
• All packed in 1 big and 1 small backpack

Guys, as always, have it easier in life (they don't have to wear dresses and bras....) So here's what Primmoz has packed and also actually used:

• 5 7 t-shirts
• 2 shorts
• 1 3 shirts short sleeve
• 2 jeans
• 2 jackets
• 1 softshell winter trousers
• 1 warm underpants
• 3 underwear
• 6 pairs of socks
• 2 jumpers
• 1 pair of gloves
• Hat
• Hammock (really, rarely used it)
• Camping cooking set
• Computer
• Mobile phone
• GoPro (but get a new one :-D)

Best GoPro Accessories for Travel You Can Get in 2020 >>

• 2 knives
• Silver tape
• Personal cosmetics
• Camel bag
• Sleeping bag and sleeping mat (no need unless you plan sleeping in it every night, hiking destinations have easy & cheap rentals)
• Hiking shoes, running shoes
• Lots of condoms
• Half a kilo of various pills
• All packed in 1 big and 1 small backpack