Planning a round-the-world (RTW) trip is a dream for many travelers, offering the opportunity to explore diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences across the globe. However, organizing such a grand journey requires thoughtful preparation to ensure it’s both affordable and enjoyable. Here are essential tips to help you plan your round-the-world adventure.
1. Set a Budget
Before embarking on your RTW trip, it’s crucial to establish a realistic budget. Your budget will guide your destination choices, travel style, and overall trip duration. Consider all potential costs, including flights, accommodations, food, transportation, activities, travel insurance, visas, and emergency expenses. Allocate more funds for high-cost regions like Western Europe or Japan, and save on areas with lower costs like Southeast Asia or Central America.
2. Plan Your Route and Destinations
Choosing the right route for your RTW trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. Begin by making a list of must-visit destinations and regions. Consider factors such as seasonality, the type of experiences you want (adventure, culture, relaxation, etc.), and regional proximity. RTW trips are typically planned in a “hub-and-spoke” model, meaning you’ll fly between major cities or regions in a way that minimizes backtracking.
Research different continents and regions, such as:
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Bali)
- Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)
- South America (Brazil, Argentina, Peru)
- Europe (France, Spain, Italy)
- Africa (Kenya, South Africa, Morocco)
- North America (Mexico, USA, Canada)
Don’t forget to consider visa requirements and any political or safety issues that might impact your trip.
3. Consider a Round-The-World Ticket
One of the most cost-effective ways to book international flights is by purchasing a Round-the-World (RTW) ticket. These tickets are offered by airline alliances such as Star Alliance, OneWorld, or SkyTeam. RTW tickets allow you to travel to multiple destinations with one ticket, usually with restrictions like traveling in one continuous direction (eastward or westward) and completing the journey within a certain time frame (typically 12 months). These tickets often provide significant savings and flexibility compared to booking individual flights.
While RTW tickets are a good option for those visiting several regions, you may also want to compare other flight options (budget airlines, separate one-way tickets) to ensure you’re getting the best value.
4. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is essential when planning a RTW trip. Airlines frequently have sales or last-minute deals that can drastically reduce the cost of flights, especially if you’re flexible with your departure dates. Being open to changing your route slightly or adjusting the time of year you travel can result in significant savings. Apps and websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights allow you to see flexible dates or alternative airports to help you find the best prices.
5. Pack Light and Smart
Packing for a RTW trip can be a challenge, as you’ll need clothes and gear for a variety of climates and activities. The key is to pack light and versatile. Aim to bring clothing that is adaptable to different weather conditions, such as lightweight layers, a good pair of shoes for walking, and versatile accessories like scarves or hats. Remember that you can buy items like toiletries or specific clothing on the road, so there’s no need to overpack.
Don’t forget the essentials: a quality backpack, a travel-sized first-aid kit, and a durable pair of shoes. A travel journal or a portable power bank is also useful for documenting your journey and staying connected while on the go.
6. Research Accommodations
Accommodations vary widely in terms of price and style, depending on the region you are visiting. For a more budget-conscious RTW trip, consider staying in hostels, guesthouses, or booking apartments through Airbnb. Alternatively, if you prefer more comfort, check out mid-range hotels, boutique accommodations, or resorts.
In some locations, you can also find options like couchsurfing, where you stay with locals for free, or volunteer exchanges (e.g., Workaway, WWOOF) that allow you to stay for free in exchange for work. Booking sites like Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Agoda will help you find accommodation that fits your budget and preferences.
7. Organize Important Documents
Before you leave, make sure your passport is up-to-date, and that you have the necessary visas for the countries you plan to visit. Some countries offer visas on arrival, while others require you to apply in advance. It’s also a good idea to have multiple copies of your passport and other essential documents (e.g., insurance, flight itineraries) in case of loss or theft.
Consider investing in a travel insurance plan that covers medical expenses, cancellations, lost luggage, and other potential travel mishaps. You may also want to keep digital backups of important documents on cloud storage.
8. Check Health and Vaccination Requirements
Traveling to multiple countries may require vaccinations or health precautions, particularly in regions with a higher risk of certain diseases. Check the vaccination requirements and recommendations for each destination well in advance, as some vaccines require multiple doses or take time to become effective.
Travel insurance should include coverage for any medical needs while abroad, but be sure to check if you’ll need additional health coverage depending on the countries you visit.
9. Manage Money and Currency
Managing your finances effectively is crucial for a successful RTW trip. Consider carrying a mix of payment methods, such as a credit card (with no foreign transaction fees), debit cards, and cash in local currencies. Use ATMs or local money changers to get cash as needed, but avoid carrying large amounts of cash for safety reasons.
Apps like Revolut or Wise offer convenient ways to manage multiple currencies and avoid high conversion fees. Be sure to notify your bank about your travel plans to prevent any issues with your cards while abroad.
10. Stay Connected
While traveling the world, staying in touch with family and friends is important. Consider getting a global SIM card or an international phone plan that provides data coverage across multiple countries. Alternatively, use Wi-Fi at hotels, cafes, or public spaces to stay connected through messaging apps like WhatsApp or Skype.
Social media platforms and travel blogs are also great ways to share your journey with others. Many RTW travelers use Instagram or YouTube to document their experiences, allowing others to follow their adventures.
11. Consider Local Transport Options
Once you arrive in each destination, plan your local transport. In some regions, buses, trains, and ferries are the most economical way to get around, while in others, flying or renting a car might be more efficient. For instance, countries in Europe have excellent train systems that connect major cities, while in Southeast Asia, buses and ferries are common modes of transport.
For longer journeys, check low-cost airlines like Ryanair, AirAsia, or EasyJet for affordable flights. Booking in advance often results in better deals, especially on regional routes.
12. Research Safety and Cultural Norms
Safety is always a priority when traveling. Keep up to date with travel advisories and any political or health-related issues that might affect your route. Consider joining online travel communities like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree or Reddit’s travel forums for up-to-date tips and safety advice.
It’s also important to be aware of the cultural norms and practices in each country. Learning a few words of the local language or respecting local customs can go a long way in fostering positive interactions with locals.
13. Use Technology to Stay Organized
There are numerous apps and online tools that can help you stay organized throughout your RTW trip. Apps like TripIt allow you to manage your travel itinerary, while Google Maps can help you navigate new cities. Currency converters, weather apps, and translation tools are also invaluable when traveling internationally.
14. Be Open to Changes
Lastly, one of the most important tips for a successful RTW trip is to stay flexible. While it’s great to have a plan, traveling the world is an unpredictable experience, and sometimes plans may need to change. Unexpected delays, new opportunities, or spontaneous adventures can lead to the most memorable moments of your journey.
