Gazing upon the break of day evolving over the old temples in Bagan represents a distinctive, once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure.
Embark on an unforgettable journey around the globe with our comprehensive guide to planning your around-the-world trip. From air travel and train journeys to private jet charters and cargo ship voyages, we've got you covered.
More and more cruise lines are offering around-the-world voyages, such as Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise, spanning 274 nights, seven continents, and approximately 150 stops. But planning such an epic adventure can be overwhelming. That's where specialist agents like Trailfinders, Travel Nation, or AirTreks come in, helping to arrange air-based itineraries with reduced organizational stress and access to special deals.
Start your planning journey with detailed step-by-step guides from websites like Global Travel Planning. They offer advice on choosing routes, the number of destinations to include, and booking transportation such as flights, trains, buses, and ferries. Flight comparison tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights can help find the best airfares, even at regional airports to save costs. Overland travel options, which can be cheaper and more scenic alternatives to flying, are also highlighted.
Digital itinerary and booking management tools like Wanderlog and TripIt can help organize your entire trip itinerary, manage bookings across flights, accommodation, and activities, and keep everything accessible offline. Packing lists based on your trip details and destinations can be assisted by PackPoint.
Considering multiple travel modes, air travel is a common choice, with booking multi-stop flights or round-the-world (RTW) tickets via airline alliances like Star Alliance, OneWorld, and Skyteam (Skyteam has suspended sales of RTW tickets). Train travel, particularly in regions like Europe, Japan, or parts of Asia, offers a scenic, efficient alternative or complement to flights. Private jet charters offer luxury and flexibility but require specialized brokers or companies. Overland travel, such as buses, rental cars, or long-distance coaches in various continents, can be economical and adventurous.
Sailing and cruising offer pre-planned itineraries around the world or specific regions, with some focusing on luxury, others on adventure. Cargo ship travel, an unconventional option, allows passengers on commercial freighters for slow but unique voyages.
DIY planning is viable with the abundance of online tools, forums, guidebooks, and booking websites covering flights, trains, accommodation, and cruises. However, travel agents or specialized tour operators can simplify complex itineraries, especially for RTW tickets, private jets, or specialized voyages like Antarctica expeditions or niche cruises. Some agencies offer themed group tours catering to various budgets and interests.
Researching specialized trip types like sailing or visiting remote destinations (e.g., Antarctica) can be found through dedicated guides and operators specialized in these niche trips.
For a thorough approach, start with broad trip planning guides, utilize digital itinerary and booking management tools, compare various transport options suited to your style and budget, and decide whether you want to handle booking independently or seek expert help from agents. This combined strategy will help you design a customized and feasible around-the-world adventure.
Prices for these journeys vary widely, with options like Cargo Ship Voyages offering a cargo ship crossing from Rotterdam to Cuba for £1,880 per person, including all meals. A private jet trip around the world can be arranged through Expeditions, visiting 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Easter Island's Moai statues, Angkor's temple complexes, Petra, and the Serengeti, starting at an undisclosed price.
Holland America Line's six-continent, 124-day round-trip Grand World Voyage starts from £19,900 per person, full board, including complimentary airport transfers, a £500 air credit, and up to £6,700 per person in onboard spending credits if booked by 3 June 2024.
It's possible to lower the carbon footprint by traveling from London to Istanbul by train instead of flying, or by taking a boat from the Thai capital to Koh Samui instead of flying from Bangkok to Singapore.
For more information on specific travel forms like sailing or visiting remote destinations, consult dedicated guides and operators specialized in these niche trips. Rome2Rio can be a useful tool for establishing costs for train, bus, boat, or taxi travel between destinations. House or apartment rentals can be much more comfortable and convenient, particularly for longer stays.
In conclusion, planning an around-the-world trip can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and strategies, it can be an unforgettable adventure. From step-by-step travel planning guides to utilizing travel planning tools and apps, considering multiple travel modes, DIY planning versus travel agents, and researching specialized trip types, this combined approach will help you design a customized and feasible around-the-world adventure.
This article was produced by Traveller (UK).
- Embarking on Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise, spanning multiple continents, necessitates thorough planning, making specialist agents like Trailfinders, Travel Nation, or AirTreks valuable resources.
- Digital itinerary and booking management tools, such as Wanderlog and TripIt, can help organize a comprehensive travel itinerary, including flights, accommodation, and activities, offering an accessible offline solution.
- Sailing and cruising offer pre-planned itineraries, with some focusing on luxury and adventure, while cargo ship travel is an unconventional option for unique, slow voyages.
- Agencies or specialized tour operators can simplify complex itineraries, especially for around-the-world tickets, private jets, or specialized voyages like Antarctica expeditions or niche cruises.
- It's important to research dedicated guides and operators specialized in niche trips, like sailing or visiting remote destinations, for a thoroughly planned adventure.
- Considering your style, budget, and environmental impact, alternative travel options like trains or boats between destinations can be economical, scenic, and eco-friendly choices.
- With a diverse array of travel options available, from cargo ship voyages to private jet trips around the world, selecting the ideal adventure calls for careful research and strategic planning to ensure a customized, unforgettable journey.
