Preparing for an Extended time on The Road

I describe as extended, any time you plan to be on the road for more than 30 days. Unless you have some extra cash laying around, you'll need a financial plan for this trip. You'll also need other plans like where you're going, where you'd stay and what supplies you'll need, but those are easier to put together. Once your financials are taken care of, the rest is easier. This post assumes that you will not be working while on the road, that you do not own a mobile or flexible business, that your current job does not allow you to work remotely, that you are not a business owner with competent managers, and that you don't have any other significant residual sources of income.

That said, the first thing you'll need to do is to pay all debts at home. This is probably the hardest issue to resolve for most Americans. The reason why you should have zero debt before you go on the road is because you don't want to be thinking about the bills that are piling up back home when you are trying to have the time of your life. Granted, if you have enough savings stashed away, you can keep paying your bills while on the road, but then again, how many people actually save their money in this country? Also, having to save up to cover future bills will be twice the work.

The second step is to save up for your trip. Again, I know this is easier said than done, but trust me, you can do it. After you've achieved these two milestones, you can plan how you'd like to live your time on the road, Do you want to stay at fancy hotels every single time? Do you want to camp most nights? Sleep in you car, van or SUV? Couchsurf? Find friends who may offer you room and board? Maybe you want to do a combination of these. Whichever you prefer, you'd want to estimate how much this is going to cost you. Make a list of expenses that you're likely to encounter and calculate the dollar amounts for each of them. Here are some basic expenses you should be aware of:

- Gas
- Car maintenance (oil change, fluids, unforeseen repairs, etc)
- Living expenses
- Food
- Clothing
- Souvenirs
- Entertainment
- Emergency fund
- Travel insurance (including car insurance)

An extended road trip may be a life changing experience. It can be carried out by almost anyone with enough desire and discipline. It is true that this adventure may be more appealing to single, childless individuals, because of their decreased responsibilities, but I know of single moms, retirees, and highly accountable managers, who have achieved the same.

TIPS: If you have a mortgage you may want to rent out your property to cover those expenses while on the road. If you are thinking of creating a business that has freedom of mobility, this may be your chance to put your remote management skills to the test!