Planning a round-the-world (RTW) tour can be an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but it requires careful preparation to ensure you make the most of your time, budget, and energy. For beginners, the process might seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your RTW tour:
1. Set Your Travel Goals and Budget
- Define Your Goals: Before diving into planning, think about what you want to get out of your trip. Do you want to explore cultural landmarks, enjoy nature, go on adventures, or simply relax on beautiful beaches? Knowing your goals will help you choose your destinations.
- Establish a Budget: Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on your RTW tour. This will guide your decision-making process, including where you go, how long you stay, and what kind of accommodations you’ll book. RTW trips can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on your travel style and the destinations you choose.
2. Choose Your Destinations
- Decide on Key Destinations: Think about the places you’ve always wanted to visit, but also consider budget and time constraints. Make a list of your must-visit countries or cities, and group them by continent or region to help create a logical route.
- Research Costs: While selecting destinations, research the cost of living in each place. Some countries may be more expensive (like Western Europe), while others are much cheaper (like Southeast Asia or Central America).
- Consider Your Interests: If you’re an adventure lover, you might want to include countries with hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife, like New Zealand or Costa Rica. If you’re into history, countries like Greece, Egypt, or Peru might be on your list.
- Plan for Diversity: Try to include destinations that offer different experiences (cities, nature, beaches, cultural sites) to create a diverse and enriching trip.
3. Determine Your Travel Dates
- Decide on the Length of Your Trip: RTW tours typically last anywhere from a few months to a year. How long you spend traveling depends on your budget, visa regulations, and personal preferences.
- Factor in the Best Time to Visit: Keep in mind that seasons and weather conditions vary by region. For instance, Southeast Asia has a monsoon season, while Europe is ideal in the spring and fall. You’ll want to avoid harsh weather conditions to ensure a comfortable journey.
4. Look Into Flights
- Round-the-World Tickets: Many airlines offer RTW tickets, which allow you to visit multiple destinations for a fixed price. These tickets are often provided by airline alliances such as Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam. Each alliance has its own rules for RTW tickets, typically requiring you to fly in one continuous direction (east to west or west to east) and make a limited number of stops.
- Compare RTW Prices: Use websites like Flight Centre, Air Treks, or Round the World Flights to compare prices for RTW tickets. You can also use individual airline websites or aggregators like Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for discounted tickets.
- Book in Advance: RTW tickets can be cheaper if booked months ahead of your departure. However, keep in mind that you may have to stick to a specific itinerary and schedule once you book your RTW flight.
5. Plan Your Route and Itinerary
- Consider the Logical Order: When booking RTW flights, try to build a route that minimizes backtracking. Flying in one continuous direction (east to west or west to east) is often cheaper and more efficient.
- Limit Your Stops: While it may be tempting to visit as many places as possible, keep your itinerary manageable. A jam-packed schedule can lead to travel fatigue. Ideally, you should plan for a few days to a week in each destination.
- Leave Room for Flexibility: Your itinerary doesn’t have to be rigid. Leave a little flexibility to explore new opportunities or change your plans if you discover new places while traveling.
6. Book Accommodation
- Choose Budget-Friendly Options: For budget-conscious travelers, consider hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb. Use platforms like Booking.com, Hostelworld, or Agoda to find affordable accommodation options.
- Consider Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is a great way to save money and meet locals. You can stay for free by finding hosts who offer a place to sleep, typically on a sofa or spare bed.
- Book in Advance for Popular Locations: In popular tourist destinations or during peak seasons, it’s wise to book accommodations in advance. For less touristy places, you can often find accommodation on arrival.
7. Sort Out Visas and Vaccinations
- Check Visa Requirements: Depending on the countries you’re visiting, you may need visas. Some countries offer visa-on-arrival, while others require you to apply in advance. Make sure to check the visa requirements for each destination well in advance to avoid delays.
- Vaccinations and Health Precautions: Many countries require specific vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B) for entry, and some may require proof of vaccination. Check the CDC or WHO websites for updated vaccination recommendations and ensure that you get your vaccines on time.
8. Pack Smart and Light
- Pack Only Essentials: Overpacking is a common mistake for first-time RTW travelers. You’ll need to carry everything with you, so pack light. Stick to the essentials such as versatile clothing, comfortable shoes, toiletries, and travel gear.
- Use Travel-Specific Items: Consider packing a travel backpack or roller bag that’s easy to carry and meets airline regulations. Don’t forget travel adapters, a power bank, a reusable water bottle, and a travel pillow for long flights.
9. Create a Travel Insurance Plan
- Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is essential for a long journey. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and activities like hiking or scuba diving if relevant.
- Shop Around: Compare different insurance providers like World Nomads or SafetyWing to find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
10. Prepare for Cultural Differences
- Learn About Local Cultures: Each destination will have its own unique culture, customs, and etiquette. Take the time to research local traditions and behaviors to avoid misunderstandings.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Learning a few basic words in the local language (such as greetings and thank you) will go a long way in making connections and showing respect for the culture.
11. Track Your Spending
- Set a Daily Budget: It’s easy to lose track of expenses while traveling, so set a daily budget to keep your finances in check. Apps like Trail Wallet or Expensify can help you track your spending as you go.
- Use Local Currencies: While credit cards are widely accepted in many places, using local currency can save you on exchange rates and ATM fees. Always carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.
12. Stay Safe and Connected
- Stay in Touch: Stay connected with family and friends by sharing your itinerary and contact details. You can also use apps like WhatsApp or Skype to stay in touch at no cost.
- Safety Precautions: Always be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, safeguard your valuables, and follow local advice to stay safe.
