Tonight I met with a friend who is preparing for his first long-term trip abroad. I’ve included the links which I shared with him & tips which we covered which I hope will be helpful for first-time globe trotters.
Before you go:
Discontinue/grossly limit at home expenses (don’t pay rent for a place you aren’t occupying)- Sell your stuff, put cell phone plan on hold -FaceTime audio & video use only wifi (no data)!
Game planning/major points:
1 pack light
2 right gear
3 skyscanner (utilize air miles domestically)
4 daily budget (avg global min $50- please fact check me!)
5 eat light, drink cheap
6 don’t eat any uncooked street food (& take a pepto before & after)
Helpful links/notes for getting started:
Product: Patagonia MLC backpack
hostelworld.com
airbnb.com (& couch surfing? I have not used it & have heard mixed reviews please proceed with caution) – Especially in pricey cities and when traveling with buddies
Ryanair – Europe 
& AirAsia (Australia) see airpass
Eurail pass 
(see multi-country pass & take regional trains especially in E Europe)
Skyscanner “United States” to “everywhere” search (search incognito/private browser)
Product: Cocoon Cotton Bag Liner/Travel Sheet
Product: Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set
(for interviewing people you meet along the way): Storycorps app (create custom interview Q’s & recording works without wifi!)
