Are you craving adventure? Do you yearn to explore remote destinations, experience different cultures, and create unforgettable memories? Traveling the world is an exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons, challenge your comfort zone, and embark on a life-changing journey.
However, planning a trip around the globe can be daunting, overwhelming, and confusing. From selecting your destinations to arranging accommodation and transportation, there are many moving pieces involved in planning your journey.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the essential steps of planning your world trip, including budgeting, packing tips, itinerary planning, and safety considerations. Buckle up and get ready for an extravagant adventure!
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Planning a Round-the-World Trip
Planning a round-the-world trip can be an exciting adventure for anyone. It takes a lot of effort, planning and patience, but the end result is worth it. Whether you want to travel for a few months or a year, there are many things to consider and it can be overwhelming. However, with these steps, you can make this dream a reality.
Firstly, to plan your trip itinerary, create a bucket list of all the places you want to visit, even if it’s just a vague idea. This will give you a good starting point and also provide inspiration when you research. Secondly, choose your top five priorities from this list and plan your trip around these must-see places. The rest can be included as the trip develops.
Next, decide on the direction you want to travel in – east to west or west to east. It’s important to avoid backtracking, which can be expensive and has other drawbacks. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each direction and research ways to avoid jet lag.
When deciding which countries to visit, consider how much time you can travel for as well as your budget. Map out your route on Google Maps or on a paper world map to visualise your trip. It’s important not to rush through each country to tick them off your list but rather to experience and fully enjoy each place you visit.
In order to make the most of your trip, plan ahead for any prior commitments, such as work or family events, and factor in time for accommodation, transportation, visas, vaccinations, and travel insurance. Be flexible and allow room for spontaneity and unexpected experiences, as they may be the highlights of your trip.
Lastly, be sure to research loneliness, culture shock, safety, and other travel tips specific to your destinations. It’s always better to be prepared and informed. Overall, planning a round-the-world trip can be daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be an incredible and life-changing experience.
2. Booking a Round-the-World Plane Ticket
Are ready for the trip of a lifetime? Booking a Round-the-World plane ticket is simpler than you may think. This type of ticket is a series of flights that start and end in one country after circling the globe in one direction and stopping at several cities en route. It can be considered a “world airline pass” that allows you to customize your itinerary based on your preferences, within the guidelines of the airline alliance or another provider selling you a single ticket.
One of the best options for buying a Round-the-World plane ticket is with an airline alliance. These groups of individual airlines have formal agreements that enable cooperation with each other, which results in a vast network that connects destinations across the world. The Star Alliance network, for instance, reaches 1,300 destinations in 190 countries with 50 hub cities, allowing you to reach every corner of the planet with its Round-the-World (RTW) ticket.
To book a Star Alliance RTW ticket, you can start building your journey with its user-friendly Book and Fly tool. You can choose from a wide range of themes, such as “beaches and islands” or “adventure,” to help inspire your itinerary. You get to select a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 15 stopovers, and each stopover lasts for 24 hours or more between two flights (transfers are less than 24 hours). Your journey must start and end in the same country, and you need to follow one global direction, either east or west.
The price of a Star Alliance RTW ticket is based on the total mileage and class of service, and the minimum journey is three days, while the maximum journey is one year. You can pay with several credit cards, and the website is available in English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese. Once you’ve completed an itinerary with which you’re satisfied, you can book the RTW ticket online, and changes are allowed, but change fees can apply.
So, let your imagination run wild, and start planning your Round-the-World journey today with Star Alliance!
3. Choosing an Airline Alliance
Going on a trip around the world is not just a dream anymore, it can be a reality with an Around the World ticket. But how can you ensure that you have the best experience possible? One of the first things to consider is which airline alliance to choose.
Airline alliances allow travelers to create their own custom itinerary with ease. By partnering with various airlines, they offer a network that covers almost every corner of the globe. One such alliance is Star Alliance, which offers over 1300 destinations in more than 190 countries.
To start planning your trip, simply visit the alliance’s website and use their user-friendly tool to build your itinerary. With a Star Alliance Round the World ticket, you can visit 98% of the world’s countries, allowing you to explore and experience different cultures with ease.
The ticket is flexible, allowing a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 15 stopovers, with each stopover lasting 24 hours or more between flights, while transfers are less than 24 hours. The journey must start and end in the same country and follow one global direction, either east or west.
Once you have chosen your itinerary, enter your contact and payment details and your ticket will be booked. Changes are allowed, but change fees may apply.
In addition, if you are part of a frequent flyer program, your ticket qualifies to earn miles and points. Be sure to refer to your program’s rules for more details.
Traveling the world has never been simpler with a Star Alliance Round the World ticket. With outstanding value for money and access to a network that connects continents seamlessly and comfortably, it’s time to start planning your journey and exploring all that the world has to offer.
4. Rules and Considerations for an RTW Ticket
A round-the-world ticket is the ultimate adventure for the passionate traveler. It allows you to explore the world in one journey. However, before you make a purchase, there are certain rules and considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that an around-the-world ticket is usually a series of flights that starts and ends in one country. You must circle the globe in one direction and make stops in several cities en route. Most RTW tickets are valid for up to one year, but the minimum journey is three days.
To purchase an RTW ticket, airline alliances provide an excellent option. The three major airline alliances where you can buy an RTW ticket are Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam. Star Alliance offers 1,300 destinations in 190 countries, but there are some conditions to keep in mind. For instance, there must be a minimum of two stops and a maximum of 15 stops. Additionally, you must cross the Atlantic Ocean once and the Pacific Ocean once.
While it might seem overwhelming to plan an RTW journey, the good news is that airline alliances have a user-friendly tool to help you. However, it’s recommended that you start by reviewing some sample itineraries to become familiar with the process to avoid making mistakes that go against the rules.
Once you’ve built your itinerary and are satisfied, you can book the RTW ticket online. It is also worth keeping in mind that changes are allowed, but change fees can apply. Therefore, it’s essential to read and understand the terms and conditions before making the purchase.
Overall, purchasing an around-the-world ticket can be an excellent experience. With the right planning and a bit of research, you can create a fantastic itinerary to explore the world. So, what are you waiting for? Book your around-the-world ticket and start your adventure today!
5. Duration for a Round-the-World Trip
Travel around the world is a dream for many, but planning it can be overwhelming. However, with a bit of research and some tips, it can be a breeze. One important factor to consider is how long the trip should be. A Round-the-World (RTW) trip can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years, depending on the traveler’s preferences and budget. Most traditional RTW tickets are valid for up to a year, but travelers can also plan their trips using budget airlines and book one-way tickets as they go. The key is to find a duration that allows time to fully immerse oneself in each destination without burning out.
Another factor to consider when planning an RTW trip is the direction of travel. Traveling westward is better for combating jet lag, but it might be more expensive as most airlines will require an additional stopover. In contrast, traveling eastward might save money on flights but could come with the challenge of more severe jet lag. To cope with this, travelers can take overnight flights to spare themselves the cost of a hotel room.
When planning the itinerary for an RTW trip, starting with a bucket list of dream destinations is vital. It is essential to consider weather, timing, and seasonal events like festivals when choosing which destinations to prioritize. Highlighting these top destinations will make it easier to plan around them while slotting in other destinations depending on timing and weather. Furthermore, books and podcasts are great resources for inspiring travel destinations and activities.
There is no right or wrong answer to how long an RTW trip should take, and it ultimately depends on personal preferences. Some travelers choose to quit their jobs and embark on a long-term journey for a year or more, while others may only have a few weeks or a month to spare. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that remote work is now not only possible but also desirable; therefore, an RTW trip might also be possible for those with full-time jobs. The bottom line is to find a duration that allows enough time to experience each destination fully.
6. Planning Your Round-the-World Itinerary
Planning a round-the-world trip can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many destinations to choose from, it can be overwhelming to narrow down a list of places that fit your budget, schedule, and travel interests. One of the first things to do is to create a bucket list of locations all over the world. This list will help inspire you and give you an idea of what is possible on your trip. It’s important to highlight your top five priorities as they will become the bedrock of your itinerary. Once you have those locked in, the rest of the places on your list will slot in around those stops based on timing, weather, and more.
When planning your round-the-world trip, it’s essential to pick a direction to travel. From your home country, your itinerary will take you either east to west or west to east around the world. It’s best to avoid backtracking because it can be expensive, cause more jet lag, and is bad for the environment. Traveling east is harder on the body as it requires adjusting to a shorter day cycle. On the other hand, traveling west provides a longer day cycle and is easier on the body.
The most economical way to circumnavigate the globe is to buy a round-the-world (RTW) plane ticket through a single airline alliance. There are three primary airline alliances to choose from: Star Alliance, OneWorld, and Skyteam. Once you pick an airline alliance, you can purchase an RTW ticket made up of several legs fulfilled by that alliance’s partners. The RTW ticket rules vary between each of the airline alliances, but some general principles apply to most. You typically must follow one global direction, start and finish in the same country, and book all your flights before departure.
When planning your itinerary, consider stock piling vacation days, tagging on public holidays, or even arranging a sabbatical from work to take off at least two months (but ideally six months to one year). Because most airline alliances give you up to a year to use your ticket, you can maximize your purchase if you plan well. Consider what you want to do on your trip and when those activities are possible.
With careful planning and preparation, your round-the-world trip can be an unforgettable adventure.
7. Generating Your Travel Wish List
Planning a journey to travel the world can be exhilarating, but where do you start? One of the first steps is to generate your travel wish list. With so many beautiful destinations to choose from, it can become overwhelming. But fear not, with a few simple steps, you can create a list that will leave you feeling inspired and excited for your adventures to come.
Firstly, it’s important to visualize the types of trips that make you most excited. This could be exploring ancient ruins, hiking through lush forests, or relaxing on a sandy beach. Once you have a general idea, it’s time to think about who you’ll be traveling with. Will it just be you? Will you bring your partner, or family along? It’s important to make sure there are enough sites and activities of interest to suit everyone.
The third step involves thinking about how long you are willing and able to travel. Consider the transit time and how long you’d like to spend at your destination. Once you have a rough idea of these factors, you can start searching online for top destinations with activities that interest you. Cross-reference a few lists to ensure you have a comprehensive range of options.
Now that you have a potential list, research the general costs of flights, hotels and activities to help plan your trip. Keep in mind that some trips may be short-term while others may be long-term, so it’s important to differentiate between the two. Create a symbol or some sort of notation to mark the trips you’d like to take in the near future, and decide what actions you need to take to make your long-term trips a reality.
Lastly, don’t forget to think about potential barriers and how to overcome them. This may mean saving more money, obtaining certification for a particular skill, or saving up vacation days. Congratulations! You have created a comprehensive travel wish list filled with places you dream of visiting. Keep adding to it as you learn of new destinations and remember, your list is constantly evolving. [13][14]
8. Traveling as a Family and Kids’ Input
Planning a Round-The-World (RTW) trip as a family with kids can be overwhelming, but it is essentially as simple or complicated as you make it. One of the main hurdles is the actual planning, but it can be surprisingly straightforward once you get over some of the initial challenges. It takes a certain amount of perseverance, planning, and patience, but it is a part of the adventure. Including your kids in the planning will add a lot of value, making them feel an important part of the journey and embrace traveling.
The method of planning a family RTW trip isn’t all that different from planning a solo or couple RTW trip. Sometimes, the biggest challenge is just getting started. The first thing to do is not to overthink it! Many people think of every detail of the journey and create a massive plan, but it’s not always practical. Don’t stress about it too much, and it is a significant mistake to plan each detail about a long-term journey.
To start with, creating a rough route, sorting out any medical requirements, making a packing list, making a budget, and booking a flight are the necessary steps. Getting home life in order and mini-planning the first region/country are crucial. Once you have these foundations in place, it’s time to go on your adventure.
Remember, involving your kids’ input while planning is vital, as they will contribute positively to the adventure. The planning method may vary depending on personal preference, but an essential strategy is not to overcomplicate things. Be flexible with your itinerary and use online resources to book and plan as you go to make up the cost of not booking in advance with your flexibility.
In conclusion, planning a family RTW trip is an adventure of a lifetime. With enough effort, flexibility, and perseverance, it can be achievable. Include your kids in the planning process and make the journey fun for everyone. Remember, it’s not the destination but the journey itself that counts.
9. Considering Direction of Travel
Planning a journey to travel around the world is a dream for many but can be a daunting task. However, with the right guidance and preparation, it can become a reality. One important consideration is the direction of travel.
When planning a round-the-world trip itinerary, it is important to decide whether to travel east to west or west to east. It is not advisable to backtrack, as it is not only expensive but also causes more jet lag and is not environmentally friendly.
Traveling east to west is tougher on the body because it involves flying through several time zones, which can disrupt the body’s natural sleep rhythm. To combat this challenge, become proficient in dealing with jet lag and adopt a slightly longer sleep cycle than the standard 24-hour cycle. It’s also worth considering that a trip traveling east to west may take longer than going the opposite direction.
When planning a round-the-world trip itinerary, remember to include all dream destinations in a bucket list regardless of location. This will make it easier to shortlist the top priorities, focusing on your budget, travel highlights, and memorable experiences. It is essential to remember, though, that weather, timing, and other considerations may affect the travel itinerary.
To help expand the travel itinerary, it’s best to do research by browsing travel books, podcasts, and other resources that offer inspiration on new experiences and destinations. It is important to plan the trip based on personal preferences, with some travelers preferring a detailed itinerary, while others enjoy spontaneity.
Diving and backpacking were among the top experiences the blogger planned to do during their travel itinerary. With this motivation, they ensured that a visit to the Great Wall of China and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival were included in their vacation plans. If traveling with a companion, it’s a good idea to plan together and make sure that both parties’ interests are taken into account.
Planning a round-the-world trip itinerary is a process that will require patience and time. Some of the considerations include determining the countries to visit, time frame, and prior commitments. It is crucial to remember that visiting every country is unnecessary. As such, trips should be tailored to the preferences of the traveler. The use of Google Maps or a paper map can help visualize the itinerary and have a better understanding of which countries to visit. Finally, it is best to allocate more time for each destination to create memorable experiences rather than traveling too quickly.
10. Cost Considerations for a Round-the-World Trip
Planning a round-the-world trip is an exciting and overwhelming experience, and it’s important to consider all the costs associated with this type of journey. The total cost of a trip like this depends on many factors, such as the countries visited, the type of accommodation and transportation chosen, and the activities planned. Contrary to popular belief, traveling the world long-term can be cheaper than a typical overseas vacation.
When thinking about where to go and stay, it’s worth keeping in mind that developed countries such as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan can be expensive, with daily costs averaging around $125 per person. Conversely, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America tend to be much cheaper, with daily costs averaging around $50 per person in countries like Cambodia, India, and Nepal.
When planning a round-the-world trip, it’s important to consider the budget and to plan the itinerary accordingly. It’s possible to limit the time spent in more expensive countries and to visit places with a lower cost of living to help keep expenses down. Budgeting resources such as BudgetYourTrip.com can help estimate daily costs for each country.
Transportation is another significant factor when budgeting for a round-the-world trip. Flights tend to be the most expensive mode of transportation, while buses and trains are cheaper alternatives; however, they can also be slower and less comfortable. A combination of flights, buses, and trains can be cost-effective, depending on the itinerary.
It’s also important to budget for activities and tours, as they can add considerable cost to a trip around the world. It’s worth considering a mix of free or low-cost activities and tours to help save money.
Overall, a round-the-world trip can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, but with careful planning and budgeting, it can be an incredibly rewarding and affordable experience.
