Ultimate Guide to World Travel: Tips and Resources

How to Travel the World

Do you want to travel the world? There is finally light at the end of the tunnel and the world is opening up to tourism again. With people getting used to remote work, many are looking for new destinations to work from as borders begin to open.

Now is a great time to start planning your trip around the world. It took us several years and extensive research to take the leap into full-time travel. Although the world isn’t quite ready yet, initiating your planning now could see you on a plane by the end of this year or early 2022.

From determining your budget to creating your itinerary, we offer resources and guidance to help you on your journey around the globe.

Want to Travel the World?

We’ve been in your shoes. The passion for worldwide travel ignited in us back in 2000 after a memorable trip to Thailand. It took three additional years of planning before our first extended journey commenced. During that time, Toronto was grappling with SARS, and our careers in the film industry felt uncertain, prompting our decision to make a change. Little did we realize, travel would evolve into our vocation, making it one of the best years of our lives. To assist you in your planning, we have ample information to share.

Planning for World Travel – Quick Links

To get started, consider budgeting, choosing your destinations, and packing effectively. These resources will provide valuable insights for your world travel adventure.

Save Money for World Travel

Finding extra funds for your travels is achievable if you dedicate yourself. If traveling is a priority for you, numerous strategies exist to uncover deals and finance your adventures.

Consider selling excess items, trimming unnecessary expenses, cancelling expensive streaming subscriptions, or seeking inexpensive activities instead of costly hobbies.

Choose Cheap Hobbies

When we began our journey, we embraced the outdoors, participated in camping, kayaking, and mountain biking, which were low-cost but adventurous pursuits. This focus not only honed our skills but also saved us money, making it easier to fund our travels. Rather than splurging on lavish vacations, we diverted savings towards travel while still enjoying our adventures at home.

Travel the World on a Budget

Exploring affordable options significantly extends your budget on the road, enabling you to get the most from your resources.

We share key travel tips that helped us minimize costs. With a little creativity, employing travel hacks can lead to cheaper flights, rewards, and even luxury experiences on a budget.

Travel Credit Cards and Rewards

No matter your financial situation, avenues exist to facilitate travel. A practical choice is to leverage travel rewards cards. An early mistake we made during our travel preparations was overlooking the benefits of a rewards credit card, which can yield significant savings.

• Enroll in rewards cards for instant bonuses. American Express, for instance, offers 50,000 bonus points upon registration.
• Utilize these cards for everyday purchases to accumulate points, ensuring to clear your balance each month to avoid debt.
• Research what points can be redeemed for; American Express allows point transfers to various airline programs.
• Our key advice is to stay loyal to a specific rewards program for swifter point accumulation towards flights and accommodations.

Choose Cheap Destinations

To keep costs down, seek out affordable destinations. You can enjoy luxurious amenities in budget-friendly locations. Accommodations in Southeast Asia, for example, can be stunning, while pricier options in Western locales may disappoint.

If you’re contemplating how to travel the world economically, prioritize destinations known for lower living costs over pricier alternatives.

For Example:

While overwater bungalows in the Maldives are enticing, affordable guesthouses in Vietnam or Cambodia stretch your funds further while keeping expenses manageable.

Travel Cheap and Even Travel for Free

Exploring creative options can yield free accommodations, depending on your level of comfort.

Platforms like Couchsurfing, housesitting, and farm-staying are effective paths for budget travelers. By combining these methods with part-time travel work, you could effectively travel for free, and like us, even save for retirement.

Travel Jobs

If financial limitations hinder your travel dreams, consider exploring opportunities that allow you to get paid while traveling. Here are some options to consider:

• Teach English abroad if you possess a degree—this can be a lucrative means of support while navigating new cultures.
• Online English Teaching for those seeking flexible, location-independent jobs.
• Working at resorts provides various roles from bartending to entertaining.
• Teaching scuba diving with proper certification opens doors in areas abundant with water.
• Tour Leader positions are available with companies like GoAhead Tours or Intrepid Travel.
• Cruise Lines offer diverse work from entertainment to support staff.
• Casinо Dealer roles need no visa and can be a fun way to earn abroad.
• Travel Photographer & Blogger positions allow you to intertwine your passion for photography with travel experiences.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World?

The expense of traveling the globe varies based on numerous factors, including your travel style, destination choices, and itinerary.

• Your budget
• Are you traveling solo?
• Family travel?
• Couples planning?

Surprisingly, the costs can be lower than expected. Understanding expenses are crucial, as activities range significantly from scenic days on beaches in Vietnam to thrilling excursions like climbing Everest, which can be quite expensive.

If you’re in the planning phase, Budget Your Trip serves as a helpful reference for country-specific budget planning.

Ways to Keep Living Expenses Low

Save on Food

Dining out can quickly deplete your travel budget. Seeking out bustling local restaurants can lead to delightful new experiences without breaking the bank. Opt for accommodations with kitchen facilities to prepare simple meals, which can add up to sizeable savings.

Hire Local Guides

Instead of booking tours in advance, hire local guides upon arrival. This method often results in authentic experiences at lower costs.

Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours

Many cities offer free walking tours, a perfect way to familiarize yourself with the area while keeping costs down. A small tip is customary to reward the guide.

Travel Slow

Frequent travel tends to accumulate costs quickly. Slow travel involves immersing yourself deeper in each location, improving both budgetary control and overall travel experiences.

Modes of Transportation

When arranging transportation, thorough research is necessary for cost-effective decisions.

Utilizing overnight transport can save on accommodation fees while simultaneously providing an adventurous experience.

Types of Accommodation

Consider all accommodation types, from Airbnb to hostels, for budget-friendly alternatives. Camping can be a rewarding experience and usually provides excellent amenities at lower costs.

Packing and Paperwork

Preparing for an extended journey necessitates planning. If you’re looking for packing resources, here are a few recommendations:

Choosing Luggage for RTW Travel

Choose practical luggage types to simplify your travel. Avoid overpacking to enhance your mobility, especially on uneven terrain or in crowded public transport.

What Type of Traveler Are You?

Your travel style will impact your packing decisions. If you plan to stay in a single location for an extended period, a suitcase could suffice, but frequent travelers should consider a backpack for ease of movement.

Documents for Travel

For extended itineraries, ensure all essential documents are prepared. Awareness of visa requirements, passport validity, and any necessary vaccines is crucial.

Vacccines

COVID vaccines may become necessary, along with other vaccinations mandated in various regions.

Passports and Visas

A valid passport should possess a minimum six-month buffer before expiration, while being informed about visa requirements for your destinations is paramount.

Travel Insurance

Investment in travel insurance is increasingly essential. You’ll benefit from substantial coverage should medical emergencies arise during your travels. Comprehensive understanding of your plan ensures clear protection during your journey.

Travel Apps

Smartphones are invaluable tools for planning and booking travel. Purchasing local SIM cards upon arrival offers significant advantages for long-term travelers.

Booking your flights

We advocate for booking one leg at a time rather than committing to fixed itineraries, allowing flexibility and spontaneity on your travels.

City and Rail Passes

City passes offer economical ways to access attractions in new cities, ensuring you maximize your visits within your budget.

Travel Tips for On the Road

Safety and well-being during your travels should be a top priority. Being informed about potential scams, health precautions, and other travel safety tips is essential.

So, are you ready to travel around the world? Instead of becoming distressed over current travel limitations, harness this time to plan for your exciting future. Most around-the-world trips require extensive planning, making your preparation timely and advantageous. What are you waiting for? Start planning today, and soon you’ll be ready to take on the world! Happy travels.