Embarking on a round-the-world trip is the dream for many. It’s one of the most amazing things anyone can do, but there are a few pitfalls that must be avoided along the way, which is why we’ve put together a few useful tips for anyone who’s taking their first tentative steps to becoming a round-the-world traveller:
Do your homework
Before you embark on a round-the-world trip, it’s smart to do your homework. From looking up visa requirements and immigration lawyers in every place you plan to visit to finding out more about local customs and areas to avoid, the more you know the happier and safer your travels will be.
Let your bank know
The last thing you want is for your credit or debit cards to be cut off because your bank is worried about there being multiple purchases all over the world. So, before you head off, let your bank and any credit card issuers know of your plans.
Pack light
Packing as few items as you can get by with is a smart move. The last thing you want is to be lugging a huge weight from Bali to Barcelona or Italy to Iceland, and doing so would cost you a fortune on the airlines anyway. When it comes to world travel, a capsule wardrobe is your best friend.
Rember your vaccines
If you’re travelling off to various exotic locations, you’re going to want to get all of the necessary vaccinations so you can enjoy your holiday without getting seriously sick. Make a list of the countries you’ll be visiting and your doctor should be able to tell you which vaccinations you’ll require.
Get travel insurance
You should never travel outside of your own country without a decent travel insurance policy, and this is even more important when you’re going to be jetting off all over the world. Often, backpacker packages are the best policies to take out because they are based on extensive round the world travel, so you’ll be covered wherever you are, but be sure to shop around and check the small print before you take out a policy.
Photocopy everything
Photocopy all of your important documents such as passports, visa documents and plane tickets before you head off so that should things go wrong and you end up losing the originals, it will be much easier to sort things out and get back off on your way again.
Try new things
The whole point of taking a rebound the world trip is to broaden your horizons, to see and do new things and have experiences you’ve never had before. The best way to do this is by stepping out of your comfort zone more, whether that means travelling outside tourist areas (you really should so this) staying with locals instead of at a hotel or sampling the local extreme sports scene. The more new experiences you have, the more you will get out of your travels.
Most of all, just take the time to enjoy it!
