Embarking on a round-the-world (RTW) tour is a dream for many travelers, offering the opportunity to experience diverse cultures, landscapes, and attractions across multiple continents. Planning such a trip can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of incredible destinations around the globe. To help you narrow down your options, here’s a guide to some of the best countries to visit on a RTW tour, based on affordability, diverse experiences, and iconic landmarks.
1. Thailand
Thailand is a top destination for RTW travelers, offering a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi and the ancient temples of Chiang Mai, Thailand caters to every kind of traveler. It’s also a very affordable country to travel through, with budget accommodation, inexpensive food, and easy transportation options.
- Highlights: Grand Palace, beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, ancient temples in Ayutthaya, and vibrant street markets.
- Best For: Budget travelers, backpackers, cultural enthusiasts, and beach lovers.
2. Japan
Japan offers a unique blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge technology. It’s one of the most fascinating destinations for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and modernity. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the ancient temples of Kyoto, Japan is a country full of surprises. While not the cheapest destination, Japan offers an efficient transportation system (including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains), which makes getting around easier.
- Highlights: Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Mount Fuji, and traditional tea ceremonies.
- Best For: Culture lovers, tech enthusiasts, nature seekers, and foodies.
3. Indonesia
Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is known for its diverse landscapes, cultures, and rich natural beauty. Bali is the most famous tourist destination, offering stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts scene. However, destinations like Java and Sumatra provide rich cultural experiences and access to dramatic volcanic landscapes, jungles, and wildlife.
- Highlights: Bali’s beaches, ancient temples like Borobudur, Komodo Island (home of the Komodo dragons), and the cultural city of Yogyakarta.
- Best For: Beach lovers, adventurers, culture seekers, and nature enthusiasts.
4. Australia
Australia is an iconic destination for RTW travelers, offering a wide variety of landscapes and activities. From the Great Barrier Reef to the vast Outback, stunning beaches to cosmopolitan cities, Australia is perfect for outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and relaxation. Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are well-connected, making them perfect starting or ending points for your RTW journey.
- Highlights: Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Outback, and vibrant cities like Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Best For: Adventure seekers, beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and urban explorers.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand is a favorite for nature lovers and adventure travelers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, lakes, and rolling hills, New Zealand offers incredible outdoor experiences, from hiking in Fiordland National Park to bungee jumping in Queenstown. Whether you’re into adrenaline-packed activities or just soaking in the natural beauty, New Zealand offers a great way to experience nature up close.
- Highlights: Milford Sound, Tongariro National Park, Hobbiton, and Queenstown (the adventure capital of the world).
- Best For: Nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and fans of Lord of the Rings.
6. Vietnam
Vietnam offers a rich history, diverse landscapes, and delicious food at an affordable price, making it an excellent destination for budget travelers. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the scenic Ha Long Bay, and from the historic town of Hoi An to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a country of contrasts.
- Highlights: Ha Long Bay, ancient Hoi An, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Best For: Budget travelers, foodies, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts.
7. India
India is an overwhelming yet fascinating country to visit on a RTW trip. With its rich culture, diverse landscapes, historical landmarks, and spiritual heritage, India offers something for every traveler. While it’s incredibly affordable, the country can be chaotic, so travelers need to plan carefully and be prepared for a sensory overload. India’s regions are diverse, from the beaches of Goa to the temples of Varanasi, the Himalayan trekking routes to the desert of Rajasthan.
- Highlights: The Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, Kerala’s backwaters, the holy city of Varanasi, and trekking in Himachal Pradesh.
- Best For: History and culture lovers, spiritual seekers, budget travelers, and adventure enthusiasts.
8. South Africa
South Africa is one of the most affordable destinations in Africa, offering a diverse range of experiences. From wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park to exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town and hiking the iconic Table Mountain, South Africa provides a rich mix of cultural, natural, and urban experiences. You can also explore nearby regions such as the winelands of Stellenbosch or the coastal beauty of the Garden Route.
- Highlights: Kruger National Park safari, Cape Town and Table Mountain, the wine region of Stellenbosch, and Robben Island.
- Best For: Safari enthusiasts, nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture lovers.
9. Italy
Italy is a must-visit country for its world-class art, history, food, and natural beauty. From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and from the vineyards of Tuscany to the beaches of Amalfi, Italy offers a rich and diverse experience. It’s a fantastic destination for history buffs, art lovers, foodies, and anyone seeking picturesque landscapes.
- Highlights: Colosseum and Roman Forum, Venice’s canals, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, Tuscany’s rolling hills, and the Amalfi Coast.
- Best For: Art and history enthusiasts, food lovers, romantic travelers, and culture seekers.
10. Greece
Greece is an ideal destination for an RTW tour with its incredible historical landmarks, beautiful islands, and Mediterranean charm. The country offers an abundance of ancient ruins, stunning coastlines, and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether exploring the ancient Acropolis in Athens or lounging on the beaches of Santorini, Greece is an excellent place to experience both history and relaxation.
- Highlights: Athens’ Acropolis, the Greek Islands (Santorini, Mykonos), Crete, and ancient ruins like Delphi.
- Best For: History lovers, beachgoers, foodies, and those seeking relaxation.
11. Peru
Peru is a great destination for history and adventure lovers, offering some of the most iconic attractions in South America, including Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines. The country also features lush rainforests in the Amazon, vibrant cities like Cusco, and a rich cultural heritage. Peru offers good value for money, making it ideal for budget travelers.
- Highlights: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Inca Trail.
- Best For: History enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and nature lovers.
12. Mexico
Mexico is a great option for RTW travelers due to its affordability, proximity to the U.S., and diverse regions. Whether you’re looking for beach resorts in Cancun, cultural exploration in Oaxaca, or ancient ruins like Chichen Itza, Mexico has something for everyone. The country also offers vibrant cities like Mexico City and stunning natural landscapes.
- Highlights: Cancun’s beaches, Chichen Itza, Mexico City’s art and culture, Oaxaca’s food scene, and Copper Canyon.
- Best For: Culture lovers, beachgoers, foodies, and history enthusiasts.
13. Brazil
Brazil is a top destination in South America known for its lively culture, stunning beaches, and vast natural beauty. From the Amazon rainforest to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro and the majestic Iguazu Falls, Brazil offers diverse experiences for travelers. While Rio is famous for its Carnival and beach culture, there’s plenty more to explore, including the Pantanal wetlands and colonial cities like Salvador.
- Highlights: Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and Christ the Redeemer statue, Iguazu Falls, the Amazon rainforest, and Salvador’s colonial architecture.
- Best For: Nature lovers, beachgoers, culture seekers, and adventure travelers.
14. Egypt
Egypt is a dream destination for history enthusiasts, with its ancient monuments, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor. Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its proximity to other Middle Eastern and African destinations, makes it a must-see on an RTW tour. A cruise down the Nile River and exploring the markets of Cairo add to the charm of this destination.
- Highlights: The Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s temples, the Nile River cruise, and Cairo’s vibrant markets.
- Best For: History buffs, archaeology enthusiasts, and those seeking a cultural journey.