Around the World Travel Guide

12 Reasons Not to Travel the World: Debunking Myths of Long-Term Travel

13 Questions To Ask When Planning Your RTW Route

Once you decide to go, you are excited beyond belief and ready to start talking itinerary. Many people initially think that they will be able to go everywhere and see everything. But there are tons of factors to consider, and once you start digging into all the details, important decisions will have

14 RTW Airfare Tips

One of the most important decisions you'll make regarding your long-term trip is how to purchase your flights. Contrary to popular belief, there are a load of options to consider. Here are our top tips for learning about your options and making the best decision for your trip.

35 Long-Term Travel Budgeting Tips

Budgeting for long-term travel requires planning, discipline, and flexibility. These 35 tips cover saving before you go, spending wisely on the road, and stretching your money across months or years of travel.

49 "On the Road" Tips for Long-Term Travelers

Fifty tips distilled from years of traveler feedback highlight a theme: preparation prevents problems, flexibility handles surprises, and humans are more resilient than anticipated. The tips range from practical (book your first night accommodation in advance so you're not hotel hunting exhausted) to psychological (make friends early because solo travel is lonely) to financial (use ATMs not currency exchange). Most experienced travelers will tell you they ignored most tips, broke all the rules, and still did fine - the tips reduce stress but don't guarantee success. Reading 49 tips sounds excessive but they're essentially variations on: prepare reasonably, stay flexible, take care of your basics (sleep, food, hygiene), and engage with people.

5 Options for Working While Traveling

87 Packing Tips for Long-Term Travelers

Packing tips from experienced travelers boil down to: less than you think, quality over quantity, versatility over "just in case," and accepting that you'll buy things during travel. Eighty-seven is an arbitrary number but the point is actionable specifics: pack 7-10 shirts not 5-15, merino wool not cotton, 2 shoes not 6, underwear you can hand-wash daily. The goal is fitting everything in a 40-liter backpack maximum so you carry your home rather than dragging luggage. Reading 87 tips sounds overwhelming but they're mostly variations on themes: choose lightweight fabrics, limit quantity, embrace hand-washing, buy locally as needed.

ATW vs. RTW

Aaron Herbert – Round-the-World Traveler

Accommodation Options for Long-Term Travel

Accommodation: Hostels & Hotels

RTW travelers can choose from hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and alternative accommodation like Airbnb. Each option offers different trade-offs between cost, comfort, social interaction, and flexibility. The best choice depends on your travel style, budget, and how long you're staying in each location.

Adam Hale – Round-the-World Traveler

10 Non-Travel Resources To Help You Travel Better

Planning an RTW trip is a time consuming process, and travelers are always looking for ways to make their planning and traveling easier. Adam Seper offers ten tactics and resources that, while not specifically designed for long-term travelers, can help you stay organized and in touch while on the road.

10 Round the World Travel Myths Debunked

Excuses, excuses, excuses. When it comes to travel, particularly long term travel, everyone has an excuse for why they can’t do it. And many of these excuses are based on myths and faulty information. Adam Seper debunks these myths and gives you the real scoop on round the world travel.

10 Things You Should Know About Round The World Tickets

Putting together round the world tickets can leave even the experienced traveler on the verge of tears. Tom Shuttleworth tells us what we need to know before we start planning that trip of a lifetime.

10 Unspoiled Beaches For Your RTW Trip

How far are you willing to go to find a truly unspoiled beach? Greg Banecker offers ten out-of-the-way beaches that may take a bit more time and effort to reach, but which are totally worth the trip.

11 Budget European Destinations

We talk a lot about budget destinations for a long-term or RTW trip, and Europe always seems to get a raw deal. But if you’re planning an RTW trip, don’t automatically leave Europe off the list. Here are 11 cities in 5 countries where it’s still possible to travel inexpensively.

11 Reasons to Stop Dreaming and Start Planning Your Round the World Trip

What’s holding you back?

12 Reasons to Create a Travel Lifestyle

Travel can be a lifestyle, a genuine life routine. Vickie Lillo will show 12 reasons to travel and how you can start planning for that round-the-world adventure, even if you have to take it a few days at a time.

21 Reasons to Travel Around the World with Kids…From Those Who Have Done It

People often say that they want to travel while they’re young because once they have kids, it’ll be too late. Adam Seper talks to several families who are doing long-term travel with kids to find out just how false that misconception is and how rewarding it is to explore the world as a family.

5 Trip Ideas Centered Around Europe

In April, we’ve been focusing on educating travelers about airfare options for your big trip, along with a focus on travel in Europe. There are lots of companies to shop for and purchase airfare for a trip. But Indie, BootsnAll’s multi-country flight finder, still remains the easiest tool to use to build, price, and book a multi-stop trip completely online, no matter how short or long that trip is. If you’re planning a big trip and Europe is at the center of it, check out the following five trip

5 Trip Ideas To Inspire Your Planning

You’ve decided to do it! You’re taking off on a RTW adventure. But the world is huge! How do you begin to decide where to go? Vickie Lillo is here to offer 5 ideas to plan your big trip around.

65 Links To Help You Travel Around the World

Thinking about a round-the-world or extended trip? We organized some of our favorite resources – from BootsnAll and some of our friends – to help inspire you and help you plan that big trip.

8 Iconic Journeys to Inspire Your Travels

RTW travel allows for much more time to tackle bigger journeys that just can’t be done in a shorter time frame. If you have always been fascinated by routes like the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Pan American highway, or the Silk Road, now is your chance to experience these iconic journeys.

8 Lessons to Learn From My Round the World Trip

A RTW trip is often the culmination of a lot of research, planning, and hard work. Adam Seper is here to make your preparations that much easier by offering 8 things he would have done differently if he had to do it over again.

8 Ways to Beat Long-Term Travel Burnout on a Budget

Burnout is inevitable during your RTW trip. Greg Banecker has eight tips for beating it when you can’t fit five nights at a luxury beach spa resort into your budget.

8 Ways to Cut Costs on Your RTW

When taking any trip – but particularly on a RTW trip – finding ways to cut costs means traveling longer. Adam Seper offers eight ways you can dramatically reduce your expenses while traveling long-term.

9 Great Destinations to Begin Your Round the World Trip

For first time RTW travelers, there’s so much to think about. Getting that first country on your itinerary is an exciting time, and many struggle with finding the best place to begin. Here are nine countries that make excellent first stops on your round the world adventure.

A Practical Guide to Planning a Short RTW

How much time do you have for a RTW trip? What do you have to consider in order to plan your adventure? Stacey Ebert has traveled on both a long and short RTW and shares her planning logistics for a short nine-week journey around the world.

A Unique Theme to your Round the World Trip

Hiking. Food. Drinks. Sports. People plan round the world trips around many different themes. Lavinia Patrusco is here to show a different and unique theme to a long-term trip.

Advice for Aussies Flying RTW

If you’re in Australia and want to depart from there for your round-the-world or multi-continental trip, it’s easy to find a good fare – as long as you’re willing to do some searching and some researching.

America on a Shoestring

When planning a RTW trip, the United States often gets ignored because of the high cost of travel. Cambell Klose is here to give you tips for traveling around the US on a budget.

Around the World Airfare Myth Busters

One of, if not the biggest expense of a long-term trip is the airfare, and the myths surrounding multi-stop (also referred to as RTW) airfare are just as many as long-term travel itself.

Best Round-The-World Travel Blogs

The internet is so full of travel blogs that some think it might explode soon, but there are definitely plenty of stand-outs out there. Here BootsnAll compiles our favorite sites dedicated to round-the-world travel.

Chasing Snow: Plan a Ski Trip Around the World

Winter is upon us, everyone is dreaming of tropical escapes. Why not take a left turn and plan a RTW trip around the best skiing this winter around the world. Heck, why stop with winter, ski right into summer by switching to the Southern Hemisphere. Bring on the powder!

Coming Home from a RTW Trip: Adjusting Your Expectations

Greg Banecker learns a few lessons on the road about readjusting his expectations when he finally returns home from his RTW trip.

Deciding Where to Go

Now that you’ve made the decision to go on a RTW trip, what’s next? The planning seems overwhelming at times, so that’s why Adam Seper is here to give you tips on how to choose your destinations and route.

Defining Change – Coming Home from a RTW Trip

Adjusting to life after an around the world trip can be stressful, especially when you have high expectations about how your life should change. Annie Shustrin shares her struggle in returning from a year long honeymoon and finding her place in Brooklyn, New York.

Diving Round The World

Avid scuba divers, plan your trip around the world on land and underwater. Jaclynn Seah recommends a route around the world that will take you to some amazing dive sites.

Everything You Need to Know About Au Pairing Your Way Around the World

Looking for an international travel option that won’t leave you broke? Jessica Hoolko walks you through everything you need to know about living and working abroad as an au pair.

Family Health and Safety on a RTW Trip

If you’re taking off on an adventure with your family, then health and safety are going to be two of your biggest concerns. Take some time and carefully think through your plans for keeping people healthy and safe on the road! Jenn Miller will walk you through the basics!

Five Ground Rules For Traveling as a Couple on a Long Trip

Determined not to become another campfire story, and because the cost of divorce would probably eat into their already dwindling travel expenses,TW and his wife decided to come up with a few ground rules to stay together during their RTW trip.

Five Shoulder Seasons to Plan Your Trip Around

Shoulder seasons:those delightful wedges between high and low seasons that offer decent weather, smaller crowds and a healthy potential for deals on hotels and airfare. Shoulder seasons indicate a drop in tourism demand, but not in intrinsic value. Melanie Waldman offers up tips for booking shoulder season deals in five regions around the world.

Five of the World’s Most Expensive Countries

Round the world travelers know that visiting cheaper destinations can help you travel longer on a smaller budget. But what if one of your dream destinations just happens to be a pricey one? Adam Seper explores five of the world’s most expensive countries and explains how you can save money on your visit.

How to Add Volunteering to Your RTW Trip

Voluntourism is increasingly figuring high on the agendas of RTW travelers, but knowing where to start is another story. Should you sign up through an organization or go the independent route? Check out our top tips for incorporating voluntourism into your world travels and resources for figuring out how.

How to Build Your RTW Route

Planning your first (or third) RTW adventure can be hard. Feel free to customize this route for a short or long trip.

How to Make Money While Traveling

Are you planning a round the world trip, and looking for ways to earn money while you’re travelling? In this article Pamela suggests several different ways to earn an income and still see the world.

How to Plan a Round the World Trip Around Food

Finally, a RTW trip catered to the foodie. Stephanie Storke guides you through the gastronomic delights that await you in Buenos Aires, Florence, Paris, Istanbul, and Bangkok.

How to Plan an Eco-Friendly RTW Trip: 9 Destinations to Go Green

From bobbing along the Amazon in a hammock and exploring riverside villages by longboat, to volunteering with wildlife preservation groups or sleeping in an igloo village, these nine locations are top of the list for those planning an eco-friendly RTW trip.

How to Plan an Extended Trip in South America

Adam Seper takes us through the many reasons (budget, scenery, food) that South America is an ideal destination for an extended stay on your multi-stop or RTW trip, as well as the specifics of what to expect in Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile.

How to Plan an Extended Trip in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has long been a major stopping point for backpackers around the world.  Exotic destinations, beautiful beaches and mountains, bustling cities, fantastic food, friendly people, a well trodden tourist trail, and super cheap prices all contribute to one of the top regions in the world for traveling. If you are thinking about planning a trip around the classic Southeast Asian loop of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, Adam Seper is here to give you all the information you’ll need

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Traveling RTW

See the world without causing long-lasting damage to the environment.

How to Translate Around the World Travel Into Resume Gold

…You saved your money, quit your job, and traveled the world for a year. What now?

How to Travel Around the World for $40 Per Day

The mistake most make when dismissing the possibility of being able to go on a RTW trip is that it is simply too expensive. That is just not true. While you may not be able to travel to Western Europe or around the United States on a small budget, plenty of amazing regions around the world offer the chance to travel in relative comfort for rock bottom prices.

Is RTW Travel for Everyone? Consider Expat Life As an Alternative

Though many of us are intrigued by the concept of long-term travel, living out of a suitcase and on a budget without a place to call home just isn’t for everyone. Denise Pulis explores the reasons how becoming an expat can be a gateway to long-term travel at a slower pace.

Lessons from Around the World: 11 Skills to Learn on Your RTW Trip

RTW Travel means immersing yourself in true learning experiences. From SCUBA to archaeology, here are some skills to pick up as you go.

MBA vs. RTW – Questioning Traditional Education

Maybe it’s time we re-assess traditional education. Does RTW travel make for a good substitute for the traditional classroom?

Multi-Stop Airfare: How to Save Time and Money

Searching, pricing, and booking complex multi-stop international flights has historically been the most time consuming and frustrating part of planning a round the world trip. But what if I told you that you could do it all in less than 30 minutes?

Our #1 Tip for RTW Flight Planning

Choosing destinations and a flight path for a long-term trip can be migrane-inducing. We’re here to make long-term flight planning easier with our top tip.

Overplanning vs. Spontaneity

How much should I plan? How much should I leave open? Planning a long term, RTW trip can cause headaches for first-timers. Luckily Adam Seper is here to help you ask yourself the right questions to make planning that first RTW trip much easier.

Plan a Trip Around Medieval Castles

People plan trips around many activities: food, hiking, biking, extreme sports, and religious festivals, to name a few. Many people plan RTW travel around historical sites , a good way to understand the history of the places visited and and learn about bygone eras. Historical sites can mean many different things.

Planning a Realistic Travel Budget

Do you need to have a realistic travel budget, or can you just wing it? According to Pamela, creating a realistic travel budget is the key to making your round-the-world trip a success.

Pre-Planning RTW Travel Safety Considerations

By now, you are probably so sick of hearing the reasons why you shouldn’t travel. “You need to concentrate on your career…

RTW Travel Themes: 9 Epic Quests to Inspire Your Trip

One of the first and biggest challenges that long-term trip planners face is trying to decide where to go. From cycling the Pan American highway to visiting all the countries of the former Soviet Union, here are a few ideas to get you started.

RTW – Don’t Waste Your Time

RTW means “Return To Work”! That’s all it’s about, do the ‘trip’ then get back to your life! Graham Phoenix looks at why you should travel.

Ready, Set, Sell, Fundraise!

Traveling long-term can take a toll on your wallet. Isabel Eva Bohrer shares how fundraising and selling your belongings can help you take your long-awaited RTW trip.

Renting on Your Round the World Trip

Ditch the hostels, hotels, and guesthouses. Save money on trips of any length by renting at rates as low as $30 a night.

Round the World Family Budget Planning

Starting to work out your budget for a family RTW journey? Start here! Jenn Miller talks costs and variables. Seven real traveling families share their budget numbers to help get you started!

Round the World Travel Budgets: 11 Real Trips to Learn from

We talked in depth to 11 around the world travelers and got the real numbers of "what it costs". Enjoy.

Round the World Travel – Not Just a One-Time Thing

Tired of listening to the world tell you you’re too grown up to put your life on hold to travel? Stacey Ebert shares her story of why ’round the world travel doesn’t have to be a ‘one-time’ thing.

Round the World in Retirement

Your story does not end when you retire – in many ways, it’s just beginning. Plan a RTW Retirement.

Should You Add “Unsafe” Destinations to Your RTW Trip?

Jo Fitzsimons shares her tips for making an informed decision on whether to visit or steer clear from problem areas.

Should You Start a Travel Blog for Your Round the World Trip?

You read travel blogs in anticipation of your next big trip. You’ve thought of starting one of your own, but don’t know where to begin. Adam Seper fills you in on the pros and cons of blogging, plus gives some helpful hints on whether or not you can turn this whole venture into a business.

Should You Travel Long-Term?

A RTW trip is an experience that will forever change your life, but it isn’t for everyone. Adam Seper offers 8 questions to ask yourself to determine if long term, RTW travel is for you.

Six Risks to Take That Will Improve Your Travels (And Your Life)

RTW travel is the best time to reinvent yourself and become more adventurous. Some risks are worth taking!

Spiritual Retreats on an Around the World Trip

Traveling long-term comes with challenges, which is why you may want to think about a retreat during your round the world trip. Isabel Eva Bohrer tells you how to rejuvenate through various retreats.

Ten Mistakes to Avoid on Your Around the World Trip

Here are some personal gaffs that could quite easily have been avoided had Helen heeded warnings, followed advice, and planned just a little bit better . Yes, that’s right; they’ve all been tried and tested, so better just take Helen’s word for it, rather than stumble into the same pitfalls yourself.

The Definitive Report on Around the World Airfare – Fall 2014 Update

BootsnAll released the Around the World Airfare Report this week. Sean Keener, CEO of the BootsnAll Travel Network breaks down the what and why of this report. Why should you care?

The Real Cost of Traveling the World Like Rolf Potts

Many dream of traveling the world but dismiss it as impossible. Adam Seper is here to go over the nitty-gritty budgeting details of a trip around the world.

Traveling Long-Term: 8 Excuses to Stop Making

The idea of a round the world trip can be scary, and it’s easy to find reasons to discourage yourself from facing those fears. But for every reason why you don’t think you can take your dream trip, Adam Seper shows you why, and how, you can.

Traveling with a Purpose

Newsflash: Not everyone to takes off to travel around the world for six months, or a year, or six years, is selfish. Not everyone is just trying to get a break from their reality so that they can play instead of work. Not all travelers are out to check off just the landmarks and hit every full moon party they can in between. Jenn Miller discusses how some of us travel with purpose.

Why Planning a Multi-Stop Trip Shouldn’t Be Difficult

Planning a round the world trip can often be more difficult than taking the leap of faith to actually do it, especially when it comes to fights. With the advent of Indie, BootsnAll’s new multi-country flight finder, planning just got a whole lot easier.

Why the Best of Hawaii Lies Beyond Oahu

Many RTW tickets offer the chance to stop in Hawaii and see the islands that many people only ever dream of visiting. However, most of the best sights that Hawaii has to offer lie beyond Hawaii. Having visited the four largest islands, Jo Fitzsimons explains why you should explore Hawaii beyond Oahu.