When you are planning to go abroad for the long-term, whether that is to study at a foreign university, work a temporary job, or simply to travel and explore the world, there are many factors that you will need to consider in the process. While you may have already planned what you are going to do once you arrive at your destination, you may still be unsure of what preparations to make here at home to make your journey a success.

If you've decided to trek across West Africa, it's a good idea to plan for your sleeping arrangements. While you might be spending most of your time on the road, there will still be times when you'll want to have a predetermined place to stay for a few days. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to spend time with the locals, you might want to check out the hostels in the areas where you'll be staying.