To many modern people, taking off in a boat and sailing around the world in search of new lands seems like a pipe dream — it's not something people do anymore – or is it? In this article, we'll teach you how to sail around the world easily and cost-effectively. What are you waiting for? Let's get adventurous!
Buy Your Own Boat
Technically, the easiest way to explore the world is to take action and buy your boat. If you dream of open seas and wide expanses of sprawling land on the horizon, maybe you were made for a life at sea!
Cost-wise, this isn't suitable for everyone, and it will most likely require you to get a boating licence and relevant permits. You also must remember that boats require upkeep and regular cleaning to keep them working at their highest capacity.
You can, however, also consider buying a second-hand or older boat for a lesser cost and fixing it up yourself if you, or someone you know, has the skill set to do this. This can be a great, sustainable, cost-effective way to get yourself a sea-faring vessel.
You can set sail any time inspiration strikes when you're a boat owner and return home when you need its familiar comfort. If you're a confident sailor with experience looking after boats – why not invest in your next great adventure? It may be a higher upfront cost, but the freedom it gives you to travel can be worth the expense in the long run.
Cruise Your Way Around The World
There are two main ways to cruise around the world. Firstly, you could go on a cruise! This is a more expensive option, but if you want a relaxing way to see some fantastic destinations, a cruise offers the luxury experience you crave.
On a cruise, you can sit back and relax as someone else takes the wheel, and you have the added benefit of having a hotel room to rest in every night after you've finished exploring. It's a great way to see new places by sea without learning how to sail or buying a boat.
The second and most cost-effective way is to get a job on a cruise ship. There are many different types of cruises this could be anything, for example:
- Receptionist
- Waiter
- Performer/Entertainer
- Chef
- Housekeeper
- Character actor on a Disney cruise!
Not all cruise ship jobs are boring, and they often come with free accommodation and added perks such as free meals and two days off a week to explore.
Getting a job on a cruise ship means sailing the world for free, and you don't have to sacrifice the security of a day job to do it. This can be a great option for young people and new graduates who want a cost-efficient way to explore.
Join The Navy
This one isn't for everyone, but for those with dreams of serving their country, joining the Navy can be a great way to see the world while building friendships with your fellow Navy reserves. Some positive things you might not know about joining the Navy include:
- Humanitarian Work – there's not always a battle to fight, so a lot of the work that the Navy does now is humanitarian. This includes travelling to areas with natural disasters to provide aid or areas with disease outbreaks to provide important vaccinations and medicine.
- Social Life – everyone who joins the Navy does so because they're committed to similar values. This often creates a strong foundation to build friendships on, and the time you spend together providing relief to those who need it only strengthens this bond.
- Travel – one of the major perks of joining the Navy is seeing many of the world's great wonders. The Navy is deployed to many countries depending on where they are needed; recently, the Royal Navy has provided relief efforts in West Africa and The Philippines.
Some negatives include:
- Long Journeys – you often won't get a say in how long you're deployed, so you may have to make peace with being away from friends and family for months at a time.
- Lack Of Freedom – though they do allow time off, you'll often have to follow strict Navy routines such as early rises and scheduled tasks when you are on the clock. This may not be suitable for those who want to choose their destinations and spend time exploring.
- Political Implications – when you sign a contract with the Navy, you also sign a contract with a country. This means if war does come about, you will need to be ready to fight in it. Ensure your political values align with those you're signing up to join.
Are You Ready For Adventure?
Now that we've told you how to sail around the world, it's up to you if you go ahead and do it. We wish you the best of luck on your voyage! Enjoy the open waves, and don't forget to watch out for seagulls!