If the past couple of years has taught us anything, it is that life is too short to spend it all in one place. This is why more and more people, of all ages, are deciding to be bold and start a journey in their life.
Round-the-world trips are tempting for everyone who has the drive for adventure, excitement, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people.
Whether you are a young person, wanting to travel before college, a digital nomad with a gist for exploring new countries, or simply someone who wishes for their own Eat, pray, love journey, the round-the-world trip takes courage, and we congratulate you on this marvelous undertake!
A journey like this is not easy to plan and organize, especially since you want to leave some room for flexibility and spontaneity. So, here are our best tips on planning your first round-the-world trip.
#1 Breakout your budget
Whether we like it or not, our trip will depend on our budget. Big time.
This is why it is super important to organize your budget in a clever way. The most expensive costs of your trip will be the plane tickets, train tickets, and accommodation fees.
These costs will take up to 60-70% of your total budget, so this will help you understand for how long you can be traveling, and which destinations you can pick (how far away and how expensive).
#2 Plan where you are going
So, you want to travel the world, you have prepared your wallet, and your bags are ready to pack?
Great! Now, let’s determine where do you wish to go. There are two different traveling styles for world travelers: an organized one and a self-designed one.
An organized trip can be via repositioning cruises, for example, or a plan to go volunteering in different places with agencies or non-profits that are organizing your trip.
Planning your trip by yourself takes a lot more thinking through, so take your time to do the research and decide where you are staying and for how long.
#3 Double-check terms for traveling to each place you have chosen
Every country in the world has its own terms under which you can visit them. So, before you plan to go to an exotic destination, check what you have to do in order to prepare for the trip.
First of all, make sure you can be provided with the required visas and residency permits on time. Secondly, check their healthcare measures. For some destinations, particularly the tropical ones, you might have to take a vaccine (e.g. for malaria) some days before you decide to take the flight.
Finally, if you are planning to drive, make sure your driver’s license is valid in a foreign country and that you can rent a can with it.
#4 Pack smart and light
First things first: organize your hygiene. Most things you need you will be able to find along the way, and some you aren’t able to bring on the plane even.
Prepare for all seasons, but bring enough warm clothes, and avoid those that take up too much space in your luggage, no matter how much you love wearing them.
Bring the essentials: your devices, chargers, passport, wallet, umbrella, your best travel mug, meds you take on a regular basis, and emergency health kit.
#5 Always have a backup plan
Going far from home is as dangerous as much as it is exciting, and a lot of unpredictable events can occur.
This is why most people who are world travelers already know that you should have a few “exit strategies”.
First and foremost, keep an emergency budget safe. And make sure you always have enough that you can come back home.
Secondly, as things can go always go south, think about what it is that you can do while traveling to help you make more money if needed.
You can always find a place for volunteering, rest, and save up some funds, you can try waiting tables or working online.
#6 Get your life in order before you take off
Leaving home for a long period of time can be tricky. Here are some things you should have in mind when leaving the flat for so long:
- Sublend your apartment, if you are renting. This can be a good way to save up some money and not make double spending on accommodation while traveling.
- If you are leaving the flat empty, switch off your electric installations and water. It will not only lower your expenses, but it will keep the place safe from hazards.
- Make arrangements for your pets and plants. Ask a friend or a cousin to water your plants and take care of your dog (cat, bunny) while you are away.
