Few travel dreams are as thrilling as packing your bags, locking your front door, and setting out to circle the entire planet. A round-the-world trip (RTW) is not just a long vacation — it’s an adventure that can change how you see the world and yourself forever.
But planning an RTW is a big deal. It’s not like booking a one-way ticket and hoping for the best (well, sometimes it is, but smart planning helps you avoid expensive mistakes). You need to think about visas, money, health, routes, flights, gear, travel insurance — and how to keep going when things get tough.
This ultimate guide breaks down everything you need to know to plan and enjoy a successful RTW trip, step by step.
Why Take a Round-the-World Trip?
✅ Freedom: Go where you want, when you want.
✅ Perspective: See how other people live, taste new foods, learn from new cultures.
✅ Bucket list: Cross off dream destinations in one journey.
✅ Personal growth: Learn resilience, budgeting, problem-solving — and discover what you really value.
✅ Stories for life: From jungle hikes to train rides through endless landscapes — your memories will be priceless.
1️⃣ Define Your Why — And Your Style
Before you start booking flights, ask: Why do you want to go around the world?
✅ Are you taking a gap year after school?
✅ A career break or sabbatical?
✅ Retiring early to see the world?
✅ Digital nomad plan?
Your “why” shapes your route, budget, and pace.
Style matters too:
✅ Fast and furious? Lots of countries, short stays.
✅ Slow and deep? Fewer stops, longer stays.
✅ Party backpacker? City to city, hostels, nightlife.
✅ Adventure-focused? Trekking, diving, climbing, wildlife.
2️⃣ Pick the Right Route
Most RTW trips follow a general pattern:
✅ West to East or East to West: Following seasons and flight routes.
✅ Big hubs: Major cities with good connections — London, Bangkok, Sydney, LA.
✅ Climate: Chase summer to pack lighter.
✅ Visas: Some countries require you to exit and re-enter — plan accordingly.
✅ Must-sees: Make a short list of absolute non-negotiables.
Popular RTW Itinerary Ideas
Classic Backpacker:
Europe ➜ Southeast Asia ➜ Australia/NZ ➜ South America ➜ Home
Adventure Route:
Iceland ➜ East Africa safaris ➜ Himalayas ➜ Southeast Asia diving ➜ New Zealand trekking
Cultural Deep Dive:
Middle East ➜ India ➜ Southeast Asia temples ➜ Japan ➜ Central America ➜ Europe’s old towns
3️⃣ Figure Out How Long You Can Go
✅ 3–6 months: Enough to see a lot, but not burn out.
✅ 6–12 months: Perfect for slow travel and budget-friendly stays.
✅ 1+ year: The ultimate — plan breaks or side gigs to keep it sustainable.
4️⃣ Decide on Your Budget
This is where many dreams crash. But RTW doesn’t have to be crazy expensive.
✅ Most budget RTW travelers spend $15,000–$25,000 for a year — depending on pace, comfort, and region.
✅ Southeast Asia, India, Central America: low cost per day.
✅ Australia, Japan, Europe: more expensive — plan short stays or working holidays.
✅ Flights: big chunk up front.
✅ Food, lodging, insurance, visas, gear, emergencies — budget it all.
✅ Track spending with apps like Trail Wallet.
5️⃣ Choose Flights: RTW Ticket vs DIY
✅ RTW Tickets: Sold by airline alliances (Star Alliance, OneWorld). One big ticket covering multiple flights. Pros: predictability, can be cheaper than booking separately. Cons: less flexibility.
✅ DIY Booking: Buy as you go. Use budget airlines, trains, buses, local deals. Ultimate freedom, but more work.
✅ Hybrid: Some long-haul flights booked, smaller hops bought on the road.
6️⃣ Sort Your Visas Early
✅ Schengen Europe: 90 days in 180 for non-EU visitors.
✅ Asia: Most allow 30–90 days, some need visas in advance (China, India, Russia).
✅ Africa: Visas vary a lot — research each country.
✅ Working holidays: Australia, New Zealand, Canada offer them for many ages.
✅ Always double-check entry/exit rules — onward tickets sometimes required.
7️⃣ Get the Right Travel Insurance
✅ Don’t skip this — medical bills abroad can ruin your trip.
✅ Make sure it covers the whole duration.
✅ Many standard plans max out at 90 days — get RTW-specific coverage (World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz).
✅ Adventure sports? Make sure they’re covered!
8️⃣ Handle Money Smartly
✅ Open a no-foreign-fee card.
✅ Use ATM cards with low or no fees.
✅ Have backup cards — one in your bag, one hidden.
✅ Carry emergency USD or EUR.
✅ Use apps to track spending.
✅ Tell your bank you’re traveling.
9️⃣ Store Your Stuff (and Tie Up Loose Ends)
✅ Sell or store your things — do you really need to pay for storage for a year?
✅ Cancel subscriptions.
✅ Arrange for mail forwarding.
✅ Power of attorney for urgent paperwork.
✅ Digital copies of documents in cloud storage.
🔟 Pack Light, Pack Right
✅ Backpack: 40–60L is plenty.
✅ Carry-on friendly if you can.
✅ Versatile clothes: layers, quick-dry, mix-and-match.
✅ Good walking shoes + sandals.
✅ Packing cubes = life saver.
✅ Small lock for dorms/trains.
✅ Universal adapter.
✅ First aid kit + basics.
✅ Reusable bottle and bags.
✅ Minimal toiletries — buy as you go.
1️⃣1️⃣ Stay Connected Safely
✅ Local SIMs are cheapest for data.
✅ eSIMs for multi-country ease.
✅ Use a VPN for secure connections.
✅ Cloud backups for photos/docs.
✅ Offline maps and language apps.
1️⃣2️⃣ Work or Volunteer
✅ Digital nomads: plan Wi-Fi zones, co-working spaces.
✅ Volunteer: WWOOF, Workaway, farm stays — exchange work for food and bed.
✅ Teaching English: Good way to extend funds.
✅ Seasonal gigs: Hostels, bars, ski resorts.
1️⃣3️⃣ Staying Healthy
✅ Vaccinations: Yellow fever, typhoid, rabies — depends on route.
✅ First aid kit: basics + any prescriptions.
✅ Drink safe water.
✅ Travel insurance for medical emergencies.
✅ Get enough rest — long trips can wear you out.
1️⃣4️⃣ Solo or With Someone?
✅ Solo: ultimate freedom.
✅ Couple: share costs, but compromise.
✅ Group: plan for breaks — too much time together strains friendships.
1️⃣5️⃣ Stay Flexible
✅ Plans WILL change — that’s part of the magic.
✅ Weather shifts, borders close, new friends invite you elsewhere.
✅ Leave room in your budget and mindset to say yes.
1️⃣6️⃣ Sustainable RTW Tips
✅ Fly less, stay longer.
✅ Eat local, buy local.
✅ Refill water bottles, skip single-use plastics.
✅ Choose ethical tours — no animal exploitation.
✅ Support local communities.
1️⃣7️⃣ Real RTW Stories
Anna, 29:
“I spent 11 months circling the globe: Europe ➜ India ➜ Southeast Asia ➜ Australia ➜ South America ➜ home. I couchsurfed, taught English, stayed with new friends. I came back with less money but more life than I ever dreamed.”
Marcus, 45:
“I took a 6-month sabbatical. My wife and I road-tripped New Zealand, trekked Patagonia, explored temples in Cambodia. Now we travel a month every year — that trip changed our priorities forever.”
Priya, 24:
“I started with a RTW ticket but ended up winging it. I made friends, got jobs on farms, learned to dive in Thailand. I left shy and came back bold.”
1️⃣8️⃣ RTW Packing Checklist
✅ Backpack (40–60L)
✅ Daypack
✅ Passport + visas + copies
✅ Debit/credit cards, backup cash
✅ Travel insurance
✅ Phone + chargers + adapter
✅ Laptop/tablet (if working)
✅ Clothing layers
✅ Walking shoes + sandals
✅ Rain jacket
✅ First aid kit
✅ Toiletries
✅ Small lock
✅ Reusable water bottle, tote bag
✅ Offline maps, guidebook
✅ Notebook/journal
Final Words: The World Awaits
A round-the-world trip isn’t just a long holiday — it’s an investment in yourself, your worldview, your memories.
You’ll lose things. Miss trains. Get lost. But you’ll also laugh at the rain in a new city, share meals with strangers who become friends, and come home changed in the best way possible.
So plan well, pack light, stay flexible — and trust that the world is full of kind strangers and endless wonder.
Your adventure of a lifetime is waiting. ✈️🌍✨