Traveling around the world is one of the most enriching and ambitious journeys you can undertake. Below is an expanded guide to help you plan your global adventure — including destinations, travel styles, visa info, budgeting, and practical tools.
🌍 Global Travel Overview
🔄 Typical Round-the-World (RTW) Route Ideas
- Classic Westward Route:
- Start: New York → London → Rome → Dubai → Delhi → Bangkok → Tokyo → Sydney → Los Angeles → Home
- Cultural Immersion Route:
- Start: Cairo (Egypt) → Istanbul → Tehran → Kathmandu → Luang Prabang → Kyoto → Mexico City → Cusco
- Adventure/Nature Route:
- Start: Iceland → Norway → Kenya (Safari) → Madagascar → Bhutan → New Zealand → Patagonia → Antarctica (if budget allows)
- Budget Traveler’s Route:
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos) → India → Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania, Balkans) → Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua) → South America (Peru, Colombia)
📆 Timeframe Suggestions
- 1–3 Months: Focus on 2–3 continents or regions.
- 6 Months: Visit 4–6 major regions, with deeper exploration.
- 1 Year+: Slow travel, volunteering, digital nomadism, full circle of the globe.
💰 Budgeting for a World Trip
| Region | Daily Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | $30–50 | Very affordable (hostels, street food) |
| South America | $40–70 | Great value (Peru, Bolivia, Colombia) |
| Europe (Eastern) | $50–80 | Cheaper than Western Europe |
| Europe (Western) | $80–150 | Budget options exist (buses, hostels) |
| Australia/New Zealand | $100–200 | Expensive but beautiful |
| Africa | $50–100 | Varies widely, safaris are pricey |
| USA/Canada | $80–200 | Road trips save money, cities cost more |
| Japan/Korea | $70–120 | Very clean, efficient, moderate cost |
- 6 months: $10,000–15,000 (budget) / $20,000+ (comfortable)
- 12 months: $15,000–25,000 (budget) / $30,000+ (comfortable)
✈️ Flights & Transportation
Round-the-World (RTW) Tickets:
- Purchase through alliances like:
- Star Alliance RTW
- Oneworld Explorer
- SkyTeam Go Round the World
- Use mileage-based or segment-based pricing
Other Options:
- Book individual flights (Skyscanner, Google Flights)
- Use low-cost regional airlines (AirAsia, Ryanair, JetSmart)
- Overland travel: Buses, trains, ferries, car rentals
🌐 Visas & Documentation
- Key Tip: Always check visa requirements based on your nationality.
- Common visa considerations:
- Schengen Visa (Europe): Up to 90 days in 26 countries
- eVisas/ETAs: India, Australia, Canada, Turkey, Kenya
- Longer stays: Some countries offer working holiday or digital nomad visas
🧳 Packing Essentials
- Backpack (50–70L) or suitcase
- Clothing layers: for hot/cold climates
- Universal adapter, power bank, lightweight laptop
- Travel insurance
- Travel apps: Maps.me, XE Currency, Google Translate, Rome2Rio
📱 Useful Apps & Tools
| Purpose | Apps/Tools |
|---|---|
| Flights | Skyscanner, Google Flights, Hopper |
| Accommodations | Booking.com, Hostelworld, Couchsurfing |
| Budgeting | Trail Wallet, TravelSpend |
| Navigation | Google Maps (offline), Maps.me |
| Language | Google Translate, Duolingo |
| Itinerary Planning | Rome2Rio, TripIt, Roadtrippers |
✅ Planning Checklist
- Decide timeframe and regions
- Estimate budget + create savings plan
- Get necessary vaccinations + travel insurance
- Research visa requirements
- Book major flights (or an RTW ticket)
- Start with 1–2 months of accommodation booked
- Pack smart (carry-on preferred if possible)
Would you like me to:
- Create a custom itinerary based on your travel style?
- Help you build a budget plan for your world trip?
- Suggest routes based on season or weather?
Let me know your preferences!