Around the world, trip is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience which, for many people, often remains just a dream. So, if you have the unique opportunity to travel around the world, then good planning and organising are vital to ensure you can get the most from your desired trip!
Which are your favourite places to visit?
To begin planning your round the world itinerary, identify your ‘must see’ places or countries. Finding these places will help determine your budget, the direction around the world you will travel and the amount of time you will need.
You can then produce a skeletal plan, keeping in mind that certain places you had not thought of will come up along the way.
The Budget
With a skeletal plan, you can now estimate your travel costs. Take into consideration the cost of accommodation, food, drink and the price of activities. Additionally, you will need to set aside some money for your transportation costs.
The most common form of multi-continent travel is by air, with the option to book budget flights either around the world (RTW) ticket or multiple one-way tickets.
Some travellers prefer the RTW ticket since it’s much cheaper, while others prefer one-way tickets as it makes it easier to amend your itinerary along the way.
Other costs to consider include visa applications and fees charged by airlines for adjustments to your itinerary.
It’s always wiser to overstate than understate your budget; otherwise, you may be stranded in a foreign country.
How long will your trip take?
To complete a multi-continent itinerary, you will need a minimum of six months. Some more experienced travellers may require less time, while others may need more to soak it all in. Planning six months up to one year is advised.
The best time to visit your favourite places
There are many advantages and disadvantages to consider when planning to visit your desired destinations:
Crowds: Often, when attractions or sights are at their best, they’ll be overcrowded as tourists seek to take in the beauty.
Costs: Accommodation and dining around the must-see places will be more expensive as they attract more tourists. Also, ticket prices for attractions will likely be more in the busy seasons.
Peak season: You want to make sure that you see sights at their best. Consider the seasons, the best time of day, if the attractions are open and how busy they can be.
For example, if the Victoria Falls in Africa is on your bucket list, it’s best to arrive when the mighty Zambezi River is at its peak, which is between February and May. The site will be crowded, but the falls are stunning.
Do you want an all summer trip?
If you prefer the summer heat, it is possible to plan and get to all your destinations during the warm months. Search for weather charts online and plan your trip to your intended destinations during summer.
Usually, between April and October, the Northern Hemisphere is warm, and in the Southern Hemisphere, March to November have the hotter climate. The best thing about travelling through warmer months is that you will not have to pack heavy winter clothing. You don’t want to trot around the world with several luggage bags!
Book some events before you take off
As you plan your multi-continent trip, make sure to book certain events that may be of interest to you in the cities you will visit.
A Barcelona football club fan would enjoy watching their favourite team in action while seated in the home ground; Spain. It could also be attending a famous musician’s live performance or a festival.
Beware of delays and cancellations
Sometimes, things do not go as planned. When planning for your trip, you need to factor in shorter flights and not just the long haul ones. Your flights may get delayed or worse, cancelled. If you are on a connecting flight, it’s the airlines’ responsibility to get you another flight, but you might get stuck if you have booked two separate one-way tickets with different airlines.
Ensure you allocate yourself enough time so you do not end up missing expensive flights or rushing around unfamiliar airports. In some countries, you will not be compensated for any delays or cancellations so be sure you have ample time.
To wrap up
It is not ideal to rush through your trip by having too many places to visit all in one go. The best way to enjoy your RTW trip is to pace yourself. Take time to enjoy the fewer places you visit and give yourself time to rest; otherwise, you will be too exhausted from spending long hours at the airport and travelling between destinations.
You can also enlist the assistance of experts to help you come up with the most cost-efficient itinerary. This will help you to plan the details of your trip, ensure you don’t miss your favourite spots and help search for affordable tickets and accommodation.
