Round the world trips
Going around the world doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Six month long trips can cost as little as $6000.
Going on a trip around the world doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds. Images of millionaires and their fur-wrapped, diamond-wearing partners are simply Hollywood hype. Nowadays with prudent planning and a little savings, anyone can go on a world wide jaunt.
Australia or Zimbabwe
The old adage, you can’t get there from here, could have been finished by, unless you know where you’re going. Everyone wants to go to paradise; but, paradise is different to everyone. Tiki huts in the South Pacific, fragrant flower leis in Hawaii, ice capped mountains in Alaska, a gondola ride in Venice, which shall it be? Maybe all, and more. First order of business is deciding on a destination. Most air brokers offer standard itinerary packages, which include specific areas. These designed programs are slightly cheaper compared to customized trips and can be far less stressful to plan. Off the shoulderThere are several ways to keep ticket costs down.
- Travel during the off-season or the shoulder season.
- Travel in one direction only, for example: travel east to west.
- Link flights with land travel. Fly into Rome and drive through the Italian countryside, then fly out of Milan, for instance.
- Travel by bus, train or boat. It’s a good way to learn local customs and meet interesting people.
- Take advantage of round-the-world travel agents. Unlike some bargain Internet sites, which offer last minute deals, global agents get tickets when they are least expensive because they buy in volume and negotiate lower prices. This does mean a ticket must be purchased at least a month in advance, but who sets out to trek the world without a least a month’s planning?
- Choose less expensive destinations. A six month trip can cost well under $10,000, including airfare, if destinations like northern India, Thailand and many more, are selected.
- By the same token, if the trip is only for a month, choose centralized locations or westbound travel to reduce jet lag.
Protection is the best prevention
- Make sure all needed paperwork is in order. Obtaining a passport can sometimes take months. Check to see which destinations require Visas and outbound papers. Then make copies of everything.
- Take advantage of student or senior discounts. Don’t forget to read the small print for things such as medical, legal and travel assistance. Sometimes these things can make the difference in which company to choose.