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How to Plan a Round the World Trip

Chaitrali Datar
We all dream of traveling the world, visiting different places, experiencing different cultures and cherishing those moments forever! However, we need to have a plan in place to make the best of our RTW trip.
So, the first thing you need is a clarity on where you plan to go. This will greatly narrow down your choices.
You must be having a bucket list in your mind and now is the time to put all those ideas into actions!
Before we get further into the details, let's take a quick look at what points you need to focus at.
It's not only about paying for your flights, but of having liquid cash with you in emergency. You have to chalk down your stay in hotels, campsites or inns, as per your preferences.
Remember that you also need a budget for visa, insurance, any vaccinations and for travel accessories, which might be important.
We shall now see as to how can you plan a round the world trip.
The smartest way of circumnavigating the globe is buying a RTW ticket. Why? It uses one airline alliance, and hence, is economical!
Book a RTW (round the world ticket)
How? For eg- any RTW alliance has a coalition of say 27 airlines which fly to around 1000 airports in over 180 countries, with a maximum of 15 stops.
Easy? Sure it is. However there is a catch. You must follow one direction, either east or west. Start and finish in the same country.
Book your flights before the departure, which you can surely change if you wish.
The minimum duration of a RTW air ticket is 10 days. You can tour around the world in 10 days if you fly non-stop. If you plan to take it easy, think about stock-piling your annual leaves, public holidays and even arranging a sabbatical.
Plan Your Leaves
PRO TIP: The maximum duration of an RTW is 1 year.
The weather is never going to be ideal at any place you go. Still, you can focus on the country where weather conditions are conducive for you to carry out your expeditions.
Check the Weather
For eg; If a Himalayan trek is your aim, you should not land in Nepal in the monsoon season!
You do not need to carry the entire wardrobe with you even if you're going on a RTW trip! Smart Packing is the key! 
Packing
Must-Have Travel Essentials
  • An International debit card
  • Mobile and laptop chargers
  • Compass, maps
  • Medicines
  • An all weather jacket
  • All purpose shoes
  • Mix and match clothing (for less storage of clothes)
  • Rest based on your itinerary
Having a medical certificate is preferred when going on a RTW trip. Ask your doctor for essential vaccinations to increase your immunity as you will be traveling across different geographies.
Consult Your Family Doctor
Are you ready to know about the best suggested travel routes for round the world trip?
The path you can follow is: 
North America-Africa-Middle East-Asia-Australia-New Zealand, take a reverse, visit South America and finally, end your trip in North America.
If you are short on time, but still wish to take the RTW trip, you may visit only the 7 wonders of the world, rather than a comprehensive approach.
Begin from UK, explore best parts of UK, reach Tokyo, and then travel to Manila, Bali, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and then return to UK.
The Best of Europe and Asia
Do you plan to experience opulence and luxury exclusively? You can do so on your round the world trip!
There are various travel agencies which offer a package of luxury trips in approx. 20 days.
The typical tour itinerary is that you will get to board private Boeing Jets, experience the best cruise ships and get to stay at 5-star hotels. However, the focus is more on hospitality, than sightseeing.
Wish to plan a budget- friendly round the world trip? That is quite possible as there are specific routes which can help you decide on a cost-cutting RTW trip.
The routes are: visiting South East Asia, India, Eastern Europe, South America and Central America.
You will certainly have a cultural extravaganza as you visit these places, especially India, as there are several majestic and historical sightseeing places that will be in your budget.
The plane route you can take is, say you begin from Denver via Malaysia (preferred is any SE Asian airline as it is cheap), reach Mumbai, explore India, then head to Russia, and then move to Eastern Europe. Next, you may head to Lima, and then South to Honduras, which is very affordable.
Other Suggested Travel Routes
  • The Pan America Highway (Alaska to Argentina)
  • The Equator (Ecuador to the end of Indonesia)
  • Island Hopping in Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania
Tips and Trivia
  • Talk to an expert travel agency before booking a ticket
  • Have a budget plan ready (very important)
  • Take note of any health issues you have
  • Book mid-week flights rather than weekend ones.
  • Do not fly direct.
  • Visit the historical site, during the day to experience less crowd.