Planning on taking a round-the-world trip? How exciting! This is a popular dream among intrepid travellers, as it allows you to experience a vast array of different destinations and cultures during a single trip.
If you’ve finally saved up enough money to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, I’ve focused all my efforts on providing you with a comprehensive guide to planning a round-the-world trip.
Before we get into the finer details, here’s a summary of the most important elements:
- The essential documents for a round-the-world trip include a passport, travel insurance, a visa, a vaccination card, and an international drivers’ licence.
- The most important vaccinations for a round-the-world trip are Hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, diphtheria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.
- Typically, the time needed for a round-the-world trip ranges from 3 to 6 months.
- The average cost of a round-the-world trip is 1.000 € per month.
The best insurance for around the world travel is the following:
Annual insurance is essential for frequent travellers. This package insures you for all the trips you take in a year, so you can save time and money on insurance. Each trip under 60 days will include cancellation coverage and a 24-hour assistance platform.
Activate a 5% Discount on Heymondo Annual Multi-trip, only valid until 05/12/2024.
Summary
How to plan a round-the-world trip
Worldwide travel requires a lot of organisation and planning, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your adventurous spirit! With that said, it is true that there are many things you have to take into account to be ready for any unforeseen events.
That’s why, in the following sections, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this type of travel, so you can effectively prepare for your round-the-world trip.
Let’s get started!
Around the world travel tips
The following tips can serve as a guide to help you plan your trip, but you don’t have to follow them to the letter! It’s important to adapt them to your needs and the type of trip you’re taking. Read on to find out what I mean!
Time needed
A round-the-world trip is a unique experience and, although the song says that 80 days is enough, a little more time than that is recommended!
Before embarking on your adventure, think carefully about how much time you want to travel. I recommend a minimum of 3 months, remember that you will lose a lot of time travelling between destinations, time you’ll want to get back!
It’s also crucial to keep an open mindset and be flexible, as there are bound to be places you end up not being able to visit if you plan every last detail of the trip. With worldwide travel, there are always going to be bumps in the road!
Be aware of the weather at your destinations
The weather will be one of the most influential elements of your trip, and although a good rain jacket can save you from the occasional downpour, it’s not nice to spend the whole trip soaking wet!
So when planning your trip and the countries you’ll be visiting, keep an eye on the weather and whether it’s hurricane or typhoon season.
This is also important because you may have to cancel your booked activities and feel like you haven’t fully experienced the destination at all. So, don’t forget about the weather!
Do your research on all required vaccinations
Another tip to bear in mind before you set off on your round-the-world trip is the issue of vaccinations. Many of the countries you will travel to during your trip are home to diseases that don’t exist in your home country.
For this reason, it’s critical that you travel with your vaccinations. Specifically, I’ve selected the following vaccinations for travel to Southeast Asia, Africa and South America:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Yellow fever
- Typhoid fever
- Japanese encephalitis
- Diphtheria
You can also visit the NHS website for more detailed information on the most important vaccines to take before your trip.
What you need in your backpack
When it comes to luggage, you should know that around the world travel is not the same as a normal trip. That’s why, in addition to clothes, shoes, and toiletries, your backpack should contain a number of other essential items!
Remember not to overpack or your backpack will weigh too much. Ideally, it should weigh no more than 10-15 kilos, as it will be hanging on your back for hours. Here are the items you must have:
- A small first-aid kit with essential medicines and medical supplies, such as bandages, adhesive tape, tweezers, hydroalcoholic gel, and scissors.
- A sleeping kit with an eye mask and earplugs.
- A sewing kit with a needle and thread to fix anything that breaks during the trip.
- A padlock to secure your belongings if you have to leave them in a locker.
- A universal power adapter.
- A secure fanny pack to keep your documents and money safe.
- A notebook and pen to document your trip and write down important information.
- Several SD cards to store all your photos.
- A stainless-steel bottle.
- A lighter.
Decide on accommodation based on the type of trip you are making
During your trip, you should know that you have many accommodation options, so it’s important that at each destination, you compare all the options so you can choose the one that will save you the most money.
With that said, I don’t recommend booking all of your accommodation before you arrive at a destination, i.e. book something for the first few days, but book the rest as you go along.
Look up the options in each city, but don’t book until you’re on the trip! That way, you won’t be limited to a set number of days in each destination because of accommodation.
Here are some of the different types of accommodation you can expect to find on your travels:
- Hotels and hostels, which are the most common form of accommodation, but ideal for resting in the most crowded places.
- Couchsurfing, which allows you to sleep in the homes of locals and experience destinations from different perspectives.
- Pay-as-you-work accommodation, where you can get accommodation in exchange for a series of jobs.
- Sleeping in airports or on trains, which are an alternative way to make the most of long layovers during your trip.
- Tenting, which is perfect for the wilderness — camping outdoors is always a rewarding experience!
Cruise vs. flying
Is it better to travel the world by cruise or by aeroplane? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but both are valid! It all depends on what you are looking for with your round-the-world trip.
What is certain is that in both cases, it is essential to have travel insurance to avoid any problems in case of a cancellation.
Here’s a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by cruise versus a plane.
✅ The main advantages of a round-the-world trip by plane are:
- It allows you to travel anywhere in the world.
- It is fast and safe.
- There are very cheap flights if you know how to look for them. I have a trick for you later on!
❌ The main disadvantages of a round-the-world trip by plane are:
- Many airports are too far away from the best rural destinations.
- It causes jet lag when you travel long distances, as is the case with any round-the-world trip.
- Stopovers between flights can be very long and waste your time.
✅ The main advantages of a round-the-world trip by cruise are:
- By travelling at night, you can make the most of the daylight hours to get to know different destinations.
- Cruise ships have a multitude of services inside, so you won’t get bored during the journey.
- There is a wide range of routes to travel around the world.
❌ The main disadvantages of a round-the-world trip by cruise are:
- The cruise stops are sometimes too short for you to be able to discover the whole city.
- You only get to see coastal cities around the world.
- You have to depend on a set timetable and a predefined itinerary.
Is it possible to complete a round-the-world trip in 3 months?
Designating 3 months to make a round-the-world trip is a dream that many travellers consider.
But is it really possible? The answer is yes! Especially if you are flexible in terms of the destinations you want to visit.
As it is a shorter period to travel for such a momentous trip, you’ll be limited in what you’ll be able to visit at each destination, but with a little planning, you’ll be able to visit the most important sites!
If you’re travelling on a budget and can’t afford a long 6-month trip, don’t worry! There are many itineraries designed for trips of only 3 months.
Documents needed for an around the world trip
Another important issue is documentation, because paperwork is another fundamental part of any round-the-world trip.
I have prepared a list of all the documents that you will need to carry with you at all times during your trip. In addition, I recommend that you make a photocopy of each one of them and carry them both on paper and electronically, including:
- Valid passport.
- Visa for each country, if necessary.
- Travel insurance with medical coverage.
- Vaccination booklet.
- International driving licence, if you plan to travel by car.
5 around the world travel ideas
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived! If you still haven’t planned your trip, I have 5 different routes for you, adapted to the average travellers’ tastes and needs.
Which route tickles your fancy?
1. London – Bangkok – Singapore – Sydney – LA
Our first route is designed for those adventurers with less time to travel around the world.
Specifically, it is a route that starts in London and continues through Bangkok, Singapore and Sydney, ending in Los Angeles.
This will allow you to see Europe, Asia, Oceania and America on the same route, all the way from London’s famous red buses to Thailand’s tuktuks!
2. New York – Reykjavik – London – Athens – Cairo – Delhi – Mumbai – Bangkok – Beijing
Here’s a route that allows you to see multiple cities in Europe and Asia. Starting in New York with its impressive metropolitan skyline, the next destination is Iceland and its breathtaking untouched natural landscapes.
From there, you can enjoy two more European destinations: London and Athens. Both cities boast some of the world’s most famous monuments — places you simply have to see once in a lifetime!
The next step is Africa, specifically Egypt and its awe-inspiring pyramids, before moving on to Asia and discovering the cultural richness of India, Thailand, and China.
3. Los Angeles – Rotterdam – Nairobi – Cape Town – Chiang Mai – Bangkok – Taipei
If Africa is high on your list of priorities, this route is for you! You’ll experience both Kenya and South Africa, where you will, without a doubt, will fall in love with the people and the culture of hospitality in Africa.
After Africa, you’ll travel to Asia and experience two countries with very interesting cultures: Thailand, with Chiang Mai and Bangkok, and Taiwan, with Taipei.
And we don’t want to leave the Americas and Europe behind! You will also have the chance to visit the United States and its most international city, Los Angeles, and to Europe, specifically to the Netherlands.
4. San Francisco – Hong Kong – Singapore – Delhi – Istanbul – Kotor – Vienna
If you’re interested in Eastern Europe, this route will take you to both Turkey and Montenegro — and to places that aren’t too crowded! This route ends in Vienna, a city that mixes modernity and classicism in its architecture.
Other cities you will be able to experience on this route are San Francisco, with its Golden Gate Bridge, as well as Hong Kong and Singapore, with their endless opportunities for shopping and culinary experiences.
You’ll also visit the gem of India, Delhi. If you have the time to visit the city of Agra, you simply must visit the majestic Taj Mahal, the jewel in the crown of the Indian experience.
5. Miami – Quito – Sydney – Bangkok – Madrid – Casablanca
Last but not least, here is the longest route that I suggest you consider. This route is more spread around the globe and touches all the continents, from the Americas to Africa, passing through Oceania, Asia, and Europe.
In addition, this route allows you to visit “Middle of the World City”, located in Quito, which divides the world along the equator. Needless to say, it’s a very exciting place to see on a round-the-world trip!
From there, you’ll move on to Australia to discover its unique flora and fauna, then on to Thailand, Spain, and finally Morocco, with its famous Casablanca, known for the famous film and the vibrant Arab culture.
How much does it cost to go on a round-the-world trip?
Without a doubt, one of the most frequently asked questions about a global adventure of this sort is the price. How much does it really cost to go around the world? Or in other words, how much do you need to save?
The answer will depend on a multitude of factors: your means of transport, the duration of your trip, the type of accommodation, the countries you visit, and the activities you do, among others.
However, to give you an idea, travelling with an average of €1,000 a month will be enough for you to enjoy a fun and eventful trip — but as I said earlier, this depends heavily on your personal circumstances!
To save for your trip, I recommend setting aside a portion of your monthly salary and not touching it except in cases of necessity. You can save faster if you eliminate all those unnecessary expenses. Don’t waste money on things you don’t need!
Best travel insurance for your round-the-world trip
Finding the best travel insurance for a trip of this stature is no easy task, but don’t worry! In this section, I’ve analysed all the most important elements of this type of trip to find the best policy for you.
Annual insurance is essential for frequent travellers. This package insures you for all the trips you take in a year, so you can save time and money on insurance. Each trip under 60 days will include cancellation coverage and a 24-hour assistance platform.
Activate a 5% Discount on Heymondo Annual Multi-trip, only valid until 05/12/2024.
Worldwide travel insurance comparison
In the following table, you can see a comparison of the best policies offering worldwide yearly travel insurance.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | |
Long Stay | MultiTravel | Nomad | Traveller | Star | |
Price for 1 year | 169€ | 198€ | 504€ | 600€ | 751€ |
Discount valid until 05/12/2024 | – 5% | ❌ | ❌ | – 10% for families | – 5% for all |
Activate Discount | Get a Free Quote | Get a Free Quote | Activate Discount | Activate Discount | |
Covid-19 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Medical expenses | 3.500.000 € | 300.000€ | 222.600€ | 150.000€ | 500.000€ |
Hospitalization | Actual costs | 300.000€ | 300.000€ | Actual costs | Actual costs |
Theft or loss of luggage | 1.700€ | 2.000€ | 2.670€ | 1.150€ | 1.500€ |
Repatriation | Actual costs | Actual costs | 17.800€ | Actual costs | Actual costs |
Sports activities | Optional | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Phone theft | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Camera or drone theft | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Recommended for | All types of stays | All types of stays | Digital nomad | All types of stays | All types of stays |
Review | HeyMondo insurance | Chapka insurance | SafetyWing insurance | ACS insurance | IATI travel insurance |
Discount > | Promo Code HeyMondo | Promo Code Chapka | Promo Code IATI |
How to save money on your trip
With the basics covered, you are now one step closer to starting your worldwide experience! And still, it’s a decision that takes time because of the money involved in a trip like this.
That’s why I couldn’t leave without first telling you about the tricks I have for saving money on my travels, it’s taken me many years of research, but I’ve done it!
Find cheap flights
One of the best tools I use for saving on flights is AtlasVPN. This virtual private network allows you to locate your IP on a multitude of servers around the world and, from there, find price variations for the same flight.
You’ll be amazed at the number of cheap flights you’ll find!
In December 2024, get an immediate 70% discount on AtlasVPN
Click here to Activate Promo Code
Once you’ve got your VPN, head over to Skyscanner to find flights at reduced prices!
Find cheap accommodation
A trip around the world involves moving from destinations every few days, and this requires, above all, organisation.
But if you can also save money on each accommodation, your trip around the world will be much cheaper! That’s why Booking is your greatest ally.
Access Booking.com now and get discounts of up to 15% in December 2024 by becoming a Genius user.
There are also ways to save money when booking your accommodation with Booking. The first of which is becoming a Genius user, something you get from making 2 bookings (Genius level 1), and 5 bookings (Genius level 2).
As a Genius user in Booking.com, you can enjoy:
- Discounts on room rates.
- Free breakfast.
- Upgrades to superior room categories.
- Free parking.
- Late check-out.
- Welcome gifts.
In addition, there are hotels in Booking.com that directly offer you a 10 to 15% discount on your rate for being a Genius user.
Access to get discounts of up to 15% by becoming a Genius user.
Finally, Booking.com has a Minimum Price Guarantee program, so if you find a cheaper price for your hotel on any other website, they’ll match it!
How to save when booking activities
Are you already thinking about all the exciting activities you’re going to do around the world? No wonder! It’s important to make the most of every city you visit.
I always save money by booking activities through GetYourGuide.
GetYourGuide is an indispensable tool for organising any trip to any destination. It’s a platform that helps you book tourism and leisure activities for your trip.
With GetYourGuide, you can book your activities online to avoid queues, and take advantage of a discount for online bookings. This way, you save time and money, so you can enjoy more activities during your trip!
Best card to use
Are you looking for a bank card that can be used all over the world and that won’t charge you fees? This multi-currency account and card have been my allies on every trip abroad!
Its advantages and features are ideal for this type of adventure.
If you travel frequently, the Revolut Metal Card is another great way to save money. For starters, they offer you unlimited currency exchanges without paying any fees!
This Card allows you to make unlimited domestic transfers free of charge, and withdraw up to £800 a month from international ATMs.
If you spent £650 abroad in a month using a standard card, and withdrew £350 at ATMs, you would have paid around £44 in fees.
With the Revolut Metal card, you would have paid £0 in fees.
