Planning a Round-the-World Trip

Things to Consider When Organising the Trip of a Lifetime

Jul 28, 2008

Today, it is possible to circle the entire globe thanks to cheap, affordable airfares. For a successful trip, there are a few things to keep in mind.

For a round-the-world trip, booking several individual flights would be an extremely expensive approach. Fortunately, many travel companies now offer cheaper specialised tickets, which give a certain number of flights, or a certain mileage, using an alliance of airlines.

The Essentials

The number one priority should be health. An appointment with a GP or nurse will provide all necessary information regarding which inoculations are needed, and which medicines should be taken as a precaution.

The budget for any trip should be realistic. On a long trip there will be hundreds of hidden costs and expenses, and any approximated expenditure should be increased by at least 20 or 30% to prevent being caught several months from home with an empty bank account.

Travel light. Don’t skimp on medication and useful gadgets, but take a small and varied assortment of clothes, and use washing facilities when abroad.

To Plan or Not to Plan?

There are two trains of thought when it comes to travelling for a significant length of time. The first states that the smaller the amount of pre-planning, the better. It captures the adventure spirit, and is less work. The second argues that the more the trip is organised before stepping on the first flight, the better. This leaves little to chance and decreases the likelihood of major problems.

The First Night

Both approaches have good and bad points, and to adopt a happy medium is probably the best tactic. In countries where the language is familiar, or for those with a reputation for being safe, little or no planning is usually required, except for checking the rules for visas.

With unfamiliar or unsafe countries, it is a good idea to arrange both accommodation and an airport pickup in advance. This reduces the risk of being hassled and ripped-off by local drivers when clearing baggage pickup. Accommodation can be easily booked online, and many provide complimentary airport pickups. Check hotel reviews with sites such as Trip Advisor.

The latest information for any country, including details on crime and health, can be found on government websites, such as the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Website.

An Open or Set Itinerary?

Once in a new country, it is often safe and easy to use public transport, or hire a car and explore. This can be extremely cost effective if the hired vehicle doubles as accommodation (a campervan, for example).

At other times it is best to plan the itinerary beforehand, or if desired, book a guided trip through a company like 'GAP Adventures'. These packages often provide all accommodation, internal transport, and a trained and knowledgeable guide, but do not arrange flights to and from the start-point. This fits perfectly with a round-the-world ticket.

If accommodation has been booked directly, double-check the reservation via phone or email, especially if arranged several months in advance.

It is important to be aware of local surroundings at all times. Even in safe countries, a distracted and unaware tourist makes an easier target than a confident one. Keep valuables hidden or leave them in a hotel safe, and check with hotel staff as to which parts of town are best avoided.

The copyright of the article Planning a Round-the-World Trip in Luxury Travel is owned by Robert Harrand. Permission to republish Planning a Round-the-World Trip in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.