A round the world trip is the ultimate travel adventure and a great way to explore many different destinations in a relatively short time. And with some careful planning this will be a trip that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Timing is key
You’ll be travelling for quite a while, so timing when to actually set off is absolutely key. The best times to avoid starting your round the world adventure is at Christmas, Easter and the main summer holiday period (July and August) as prices are at a premium at these times. April to June is a good round the world shoulder season.
Planning is everything
Next up is the biggest decision you’ll ever make about a round the world trip – where to actually go. Traditionally such trips include stops in Asia, Oceania and North America. In fact the most popular round the world hub-stops are Singapore, Sydney and Los Angeles, which isn’t to say that you can’t tailor-make the itinerary to suit your particular requirements. For example many choose to add on a stopover in Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Fiji, Auckland and Santiago. There are literally hundreds of other hubs along the way, depending on your budget and tastes.
The next consideration is which way round to actually travel. Most trippers opt to tackle Asia and Australasia first, although if that places you in North America in the winter months, you might wish to reconsider. Your best bet is to make up a wishlist of must-see places and then research the weather patterns in each country. This will help you avoid monsoons, wet seasons, hurricanes etc. try to strike a healthy balance between the number of stops and the length of time you spend at each destination – the last thing you want to be doing is constantly queuing at airport check-ins.
Booking your around the world adventure
Next comes the fun part! Actually booking your round the world rip. First up is to find a specialist who can guide you through the process. As a general rule the ticket is usually valid for 12 months if travelling from the UK and the only firm ticket is the primary departure, which gives you complete control over the whole trip. This flexibility is fantastic as it allows you to experience each destination in your own time and find out whether you love it or hate it! Again travel agents will vary so check and ask as many questions as you need to – that’s why they are there!
Quick tips on round the world trips
- Start planning ASAP, ideally 9-12 months before heading off
- Again book as soon as you can, ideally no later than 4 months before leaving
- Check which countries will require visas and apply for any before departure
- Check with your health provider which immunisations you’ll need and get them in good time
- Check the luggage allowance at each stage, as often the permitted weight will vary
- Relevant travel insurance is an absolute must!
