Planning Your Round the World Trip

Planning a RTW (round the world) trip is a time consuming process, and for the first time RTW traveler, it can seem overwhelming. Luckily we have plenty of resources for you. Click on Where Do I Begin? below to get started.

Be sure to check out the shorter version in FAQ form »

Where Do I Begin? Where should you go? How much money do you need? Find out where to begin when planning your RTW trip. Costs of RTW Travel Addressing how much a trip like this will cost and how to find out that important information. Saving Money For Your RTW Tips and ideas for saving money for your trip to get you on the road as soon as possible. Working on the Road Ever thought about working while traveling – teaching, bartending, or working at hostels can give you some extra money to extend that trip. Location Independent Professionals All there is to know about becoming a digital nomad and bringing your career on the road with you. RTW Airfare vs. Buy as You Go Find out all the information you need to know about airfare-the biggest expense for your RTW trip. Including pros and cons of RTW flights vs. buying as you travel. Overland Transport Everything you need to know about traveling overland, which will be your main method of getting around during your RTW. How Overland Travel Differs Between Regions Information about the differences in overland transport around the world, including a separate article for traveling overland in each region around the world. Accommodation: hotels/hostels/camping Hostels, hotels, camping, and all your accommodation options for your RTW trip. Health Information about eating well, being sick, prescriptions, birth control, and exercise while on the road. Immunizations What shots you need to get, how to decide which ones to get, and figuring out where to get them. Travel Insurance So much to consider – All you need to know about travel insurance and the various options you have.

Packing-How to Choose Clothes for a RTW Trip Packing for a RTW trip can be challenging – We’ll address things like backpacks, what type of clothes to bring, and where to find them.. Cameras, iPods & Other Gadgets Thoughts on travel gear to bring on your trip- iPods, cameras, and video cameras, plus tips on photo storage and other useful items. Laptops and Cell Phones Laptops, cell phones, Wi-Fi, and internet cafes. Laptop vs. iPad vs. Smart Phone vs. Au Natural Should you bring them all? One or the other? Thoughts on what electronics to bring to help with all your travel needs. Telling Family About your RTW Trip How do you prepare to tell family and friends? What do you say? How do you deal with the naysayers? What to do with Your Job If you hate your job, you quit. But what if you like what you do? What if you want to come back to your old job? What to do with your Stuff You probably have a lot of stuff – too much I’m sure. Find out what to do with everything while you’re gone. All Things Money Advice on dealing with bills, using travelers checks, debit and credit cards, cash, and keeping your valuables safe. Planning Your Route Some things about your route like seasons, holidays, expensive regions, visas, volunteering, guidebooks, and languages. On the Road Preparing for on the road issues that will crop up – travel burnout, homesickness, and loneliness. Coming home Preparing for coming home – a job, a place to stay, and what else you need to consider when planning a RTW trip. RTW Resources and Links Hostel booking sites, airfare, budgeting, homestays, and more – all the links you’ll need to plan your RTW trip.

Plan it here

In addition to the epic RTW travel guide above, there’s loads of resources to help you track down destination information, find answers to your travel questions, and book the tickets, accommodation, and other travel gear, transportation and other stuff you need for the road. It doesn’t matter if you’re leaving for 3 months or 3 years; use the planning resources and services below to help you get on your way:

• Round the world plane tickets:
  • Buy tickets before you go »
  • Buy international air tickets now & as you need more »
• Hostels: profiles, listings, online reservations »
• Europe & UK rail passes & tickets »
• Round the world trip & overseas medical protection »
• Resources & Answers » (travel message boards, FAQs, questions, myths of travel & more)
• Other Travelers
  • Advice »
  • Profiles from other RTW travelers »
• Destination Info
  • Cities you may want to visit & why »
  • BootsnAll Travel Articles – guides, stories & travelogues »
  • BootsnAll Travel Community »
• Write about your trip
  • Write a travel story. BootsnAll is always interested in hearing from travelers with a story to tell or travel advice to pass along. Learn more about what we’re looking for, and pitch us a travel article idea »
  • Send us your traveler bio. Travelers who are planning or who have done long-term travel send us profiles on themselves and their trips. They give tips and advice, and there’s no better way to encourage other travelers like yourself to travel the world, than to show them that you’re going too. Fill out a profile »

Next: RTW Master Checklist »