How to Plan a Trip Around the World

Travelling around the world is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience that many of us dream about doing at some point in our lives.

But before you set off, a little bit of planning can go a long way in ensuring your trip is everything you dream of. 

Set your Goals, Budget and Know How to Manage your Finances

First, think about what kind of experience you’re after from your trip.

Do you want to dive into different cultures, go on an adventure, or just take it easy? 

Once you’ve got a sense of what you want, it’s time to look at your budget; depending on where you want to go or stay and how advanced you want it to be, you should roughly calculate with around 20,000-35,000£ per person per year.

Developed countries like here in Europe, Oceania or the US will have higher costs than countries in Asia, Africa or South America – so your requirements will shift depending on the locations you choose, but it’s a good start.

And it’s always good to leave some wiggle room.

Inform yourself beforehand about safe ways to manage your money, like travel credit cards or banking apps.

When exchanging currencies, try using a trusted trading platform to get a good rate.

Investing in stocks is also an excellent way to make some money on the side – not too bad of an idea if you’re travelling for a very long period or wanting to boost your budget a bit more.

Research your Destinations and Itineraries Beforehand

Look into different countries and regions that fit your budget and interests – not to steal your excitement, but to know what you’ll face.

Think about things like the weather, visas, and how easy it is to get around when choosing where to go. 

Though European passports are quite powerful, you’ll still need to check the visa requirements for each country you want to enter well ahead of time.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned end of trip and investigate whether you’ll need any extras like health certificates or vaccines.

Do not skimp on travel insurance either, as without it you could incur large unforeseen costs in the event of illness or injury.

Keep your itinerary flexible so you can explore and enjoy the unexpected, too.

It’s great to have a general plan but trust us when we say that the spontaneous adventures might just become the most treasured.

Know your Style of Travel and Book Accordingly

Some of us enjoy entering a new place and take whatever fate hands us.

Others very much rely on a fixed timetable and booked in advance accommodations and flights.

Know which direction you lean into more and prepare accordingly. 

If you book ahead, you can usually save a bit of money – but the same can be said for last-minute flight and hotel deals, especially when you consider budget options like hostels or homestays.

Research the top attractions, cultural events, and outdoor adventures in each place you’re visiting.

You might want to book some activities in advance, especially if you’re travelling during a busy season. 

It’s a lot of effort but putting enough time and resources into your planning is definitely going to be worth it.

Going with the flow is going to be a huge part of your experience, but being reliably connected thanks to a local SIM card or having packed the correct amount and types of clothing will only strengthen the journey, and you’ll thank your past self more than once.

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