How to Travel Around the World: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Adventure Dream a Reality

Travelling around the world is a dream shared by millions of travellers. But choosing an itinerary, setting a budget, booking flights, checking visa requirements and planning insurance can quickly make such a project seem overwhelming.

The good news? You don't need to be wealthy to travel around the world.

With a well-designed itinerary, some flexibility and a few smart travel strategies, it is possible to plan a long-term round-the-world trip on a manageable budget.

In this ultimate guide, discover how to plan your trip, how much a round-the-world journey can cost, which destinations to consider, how to move between continents and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Table of Contents

• Why travel around the world?
• How much does it cost to travel around the world?
• How much should you budget for a round-the-world trip?
• How long does it take to travel around the world?
• How do you plan a round-the-world itinerary?
• The best destinations for a round-the-world trip
• What is the best round-the-world itinerary?
• How do you travel between continents?
• When is the best time to travel around the world?
• What travel documents do you need?
• What should you pack for a round-the-world trip?
• How can you save money while travelling around the world?
• Mistakes to avoid
• How to finance a round-the-world trip
• FAQ
• Plan your round-the-world adventure with GetawayGo

Why travel around the world?

A round-the-world trip is much more than a list of destinations.

It is an opportunity to slow down, experience different cultures, step outside your comfort zone and discover places that you might never encounter on a traditional holiday.

Unlike a two-week vacation, a long-term trip allows you to travel more slowly.

Instead of spending two days in every city, you can stay for several weeks, use local transport and discover places beyond the traditional tourist routes.

The main benefits

• Discover several continents on one journey
• Travel at a slower pace
• Experience different cultures
• Work remotely while travelling
• Take long road trips
• Reduce your average daily travel costs
• Create a genuinely life-changing adventure

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How much does it cost to travel around the world?

There is no single price for a round-the-world trip.

Your total budget will mainly depend on:

• how long you travel;
• the countries you visit;
• your accommodation style;
• your level of comfort;
• the number of flights;
• local transportation;
• activities and excursions;
• your travel style.

A budget-conscious traveller could potentially complete a one-year round-the-world trip for around €15,000–€20,000 per person, while a more comfortable journey can easily exceed €30,000.

Estimated budgets

Travel style	Indicative monthly budget	12-month budget
Backpacker	€900–1,300	€10,800–15,600
Comfortable budget	€1,300–1,800	€15,600–21,600
Comfort	€1,800–2,500	€21,600–30,000
Premium	€2,500+	€30,000+

These are broad estimates and may not include every pre-trip expense.

You should also keep an emergency fund separate from your everyday travel budget.

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How much should you budget for a round-the-world trip?

A realistic budget should be divided into several categories.

1. Transportation

International flights can represent a significant portion of your budget.

But don't forget about:

• regional flights;
• trains;
• buses;
• ferries;
• airport transfers;
• rental cars.

Start by comparing available flights before finalising your itinerary.

2. Accommodation

Your budget will be very different if you stay in hostels compared with apartments or four-star hotels.

A useful strategy is to mix accommodation types.

For example:

hostel → apartment → hotel → hostel → local accommodation

This allows you to maintain a reasonable level of comfort without spending too much.

Compare available hotels for each destination before booking.

3. Food

Food costs vary dramatically around the world.

Southeast Asia, India, parts of Latin America and the Balkans can be extremely affordable when you eat locally.

Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand can require a much larger food budget.

4. Activities

Don't underestimate this category.

Diving, safaris, guided tours, trekking, water sports and excursions can quickly increase your total spending.

Set aside a specific activity budget instead of treating these expenses as unexpected costs.

5. Insurance and administrative costs

Also budget for:

• travel insurance;
• visas;
• required vaccinations;
• passport renewal if necessary;
• banking fees;
• travel equipment.

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How long does it take to travel around the world?

There is no fixed duration for a round-the-world trip.

It can last a few months or several years.

3–4 months

Ideal if you have a limited sabbatical or career break.

Focus on a few regions rather than trying to visit every continent.

6 months

Six months provides enough time to build a varied multi-continent itinerary.

You could combine:

Europe → Asia → Oceania → North or South America.

9–12 months

A year gives you enough time to slow down and spend several weeks in selected countries.

You can also include less accessible destinations without constantly rushing.

More than one year

At this point, travelling can become a lifestyle rather than a conventional holiday.

You could combine:

• remote work;
• volunteering;
• house sitting;
• slow travel;
• long-term stays.

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How do you plan a round-the-world itinerary?

One of the biggest mistakes is choosing destinations before checking the seasons.

Start with the weather.

Ask yourself:

Where will the weather be good?

When should I go?

How can I reach my next destination?

Only then should you build your route.

Think about geographical flow

Instead of:

France → Japan → Australia → Thailand → Peru → Canada

you could create a route that follows the seasons and makes better use of regional connections.

For example:

France → Southeast Asia → Japan → Australia → New Zealand → South America → North America → Europe

There is no single perfect itinerary.

The best route is the one that minimises unnecessary backtracking while giving you enough time to actually experience each destination.

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The best destinations for a round-the-world trip

🌏 Asia

Asia is particularly attractive for travellers on a budget.

Consider:

• Thailand;
• Vietnam;
• Cambodia;
• Laos;
• Indonesia;
• Malaysia;
• the Philippines;
• Japan;
• South Korea.

Costs can vary significantly from one country to another, so compare destinations rather than treating Asia as a single budget category.

🌎 Latin America

Latin America is ideal for travellers looking for a combination of culture, nature and adventure.

Consider:

• Mexico;
• Colombia;
• Peru;
• Bolivia;
• Argentina;
• Chile;
• Brazil;
• Costa Rica.

🌍 Europe

Even on a round-the-world itinerary, Europe can be a great starting or finishing point.

The Balkans are particularly interesting for travellers looking to keep costs down.

🌊 Oceania

Australia and New Zealand are among the more expensive stops on a round-the-world trip.

However, camping, self-catering and road trips can significantly reduce costs.

🌍 Africa

Africa can add extraordinary experiences to a global itinerary.

Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia and Egypt all offer very different travel experiences.

Costs vary considerably depending on the country and activities involved.

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What is the best round-the-world itinerary?

Here's an example of a 12-month itinerary:

Stop	Destination	Suggested duration
1	Thailand	4 weeks
2	Vietnam	4 weeks
3	Indonesia	4 weeks
4	Japan	3 weeks
5	Australia	5 weeks
6	New Zealand	4 weeks
7	Chile	3 weeks
8	Argentina	4 weeks
9	Peru	3 weeks
10	Colombia	4 weeks
11	Mexico	4 weeks
12	Return to Europe	—

This is only an example.

Your itinerary should be adapted to your budget, travel style, weather conditions, entry requirements and personal interests.

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How do you travel between continents?

There are several ways to organise a round-the-world journey.

One-way flights

One-way tickets offer maximum flexibility.

You can decide where to go next as your journey develops.

Multi-city flights

Multi-city bookings can be useful if your itinerary is already well defined.

They allow you to book several international segments while avoiding unnecessary returns to your original airport.

Regional flights

Once you're on a continent, regional airlines and low-cost carriers can make travelling between countries relatively affordable.

Ground transportation

Don't overlook trains and buses.

A long-distance train or bus journey can sometimes be cheaper than flying while giving you the opportunity to see more of a country.

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When is the best time to travel around the world?

There is no perfect month for the entire planet.

The smartest approach is to build your itinerary around the seasons.

Region	Generally favourable periods
Southeast Asia	November–February
Japan	Spring / autumn
Australia	September–November or March–May
New Zealand	December–March
South America	Varies by region
Central America	December–April
Europe	May–September
Southern Africa	May–October

These are broad guidelines. Weather conditions can vary considerably between countries and even between regions within the same country.

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What travel documents do you need?

Before leaving, check the entry requirements for every destination on your itinerary.

Passport

Make sure your passport remains valid for the required period.

Some countries require several months of passport validity beyond your entry date.

Visas

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination.

Always check the official requirements before travelling.

Travel insurance

For a multi-month journey, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Check whether your policy covers:

• medical expenses;
• emergency evacuation;
• repatriation;
• baggage;
• personal liability;
• sports and adventure activities;
• long-term travel.

Driving licence

If you are planning a road trip, check whether you need an international driving permit.

You can also compare rental cars before your trip.

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What should you pack for a round-the-world trip?

One of the smartest decisions you can make is to travel light.

You don't need to carry everything you own.

The essentials

• versatile clothing;
• comfortable shoes;
• lightweight jacket;
• toiletries;
• universal travel adapter;
• power bank;
• laptop or tablet if needed;
• digital copies of important documents;
• basic first-aid kit;
• small padlock;
• comfortable backpack.

The three-season rule

If your itinerary covers several climates, don't pack six months' worth of clothing.

Bring a few warm layers and buy or rent anything you need temporarily.

Laundry services are also widely available around the world.

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How can you save money while travelling around the world?

Travel slowly

Paradoxically, travelling more slowly can be cheaper.

Staying three weeks in one destination reduces transportation costs and may allow you to negotiate better accommodation rates.

Use local transportation

Buses, trains and public transport are often significantly cheaper than private transfers.

Eat locally

Restaurants popular with locals are generally more affordable than restaurants located in tourist hotspots.

Compare accommodation

Don't automatically book the first result.

Compare neighbourhoods, accommodation types and cancellation policies.

Rent a car only when you need one

A car can be essential in some destinations but unnecessary in others.

Compare the cost of rental cars with public transportation before booking.

Look for free experiences

Hiking trails, beaches, markets, historic neighbourhoods, parks and viewpoints can provide some of the best travel experiences without costing anything.

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The biggest mistakes to avoid

Trying to visit too many countries

A round-the-world trip isn't a race.

Visiting 30 countries in six months may be far less rewarding than experiencing 10 countries in depth.

Booking everything in advance

Keep some flexibility.

You may fall in love with a destination and want to stay much longer than originally planned.

Underestimating travel time

A 500-kilometre journey can sometimes take an entire day.

Always look at the actual door-to-door travel time.

Not having an emergency fund

Keep an emergency reserve separate from your everyday travel budget.

Forgetting banking fees

International withdrawals and card payments can generate additional charges.

Check your bank's international conditions before leaving.

Failing to check entry requirements

Visa, passport and entry rules can change.

Always verify official requirements before travelling.

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Example budget for a one-year round-the-world trip

Here's an example of a mid-range annual budget:

Category	Indicative annual budget
International and regional flights	€3,500
Accommodation	€6,000
Food	€4,000
Local transportation	€1,500
Activities	€2,000
Insurance and administration	€800
Miscellaneous / emergencies	€1,500
Total	€19,300

This is only an indicative example.

A backpacker staying mainly in hostels and travelling through affordable countries could spend considerably less.

On the other hand, expensive activities, premium accommodation and destinations such as Australia, New Zealand and parts of Western Europe can quickly increase your budget.

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How to finance a round-the-world trip

Funding a long-term trip is often one of the biggest challenges.

Several strategies can help.

Save before leaving

Set a financial target and automate your monthly savings.

Work while travelling

Remote work allows some travellers to extend their journey while maintaining an income.

Travel slowly

A slower travel pace reduces transportation expenses.

Alternate expensive and affordable countries

For example, you could spend several weeks in Japan before moving on to a more affordable destination in Southeast Asia.

This can help balance your overall budget.

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FAQ

How much does a one-year round-the-world trip cost?

A budget of €15,000–€20,000 per person can be a reasonable starting point for a budget-conscious to mid-range traveller. However, the actual cost can be considerably lower or higher depending on destinations and travel style.

How long does it take to travel around the world?

There is no ideal duration. Three or four months can be enough for a multi-continent adventure, while a full year gives you much more time to travel slowly and explore destinations in depth.

What is the best itinerary for travelling around the world?

The best itinerary depends on your budget, the seasons, your interests and available flight connections. Building your route around the weather is usually smarter than simply connecting the world's most famous destinations.

Can you travel around the world with €10,000?

It is possible under certain conditions, but it requires an extremely budget-conscious approach, careful destination selection, affordable accommodation and extensive use of local transportation. A shorter trip may also be necessary.

Are round-the-world tickets cheaper?

Not necessarily. Multi-city or round-the-world tickets can be useful for a fixed itinerary, but one-way flights and regional tickets may provide greater flexibility and sometimes better prices.

Should you book all your hotels before leaving?

No. For a long trip, keeping some flexibility can be more useful. Book popular destinations in advance and leave room to adapt the rest of your itinerary as you travel.

Can you travel around the world without flying?

Yes, but the journey becomes considerably longer and more complicated. Trains, buses, ferries and ships can reduce the number of flights, although some intercontinental routes are extremely difficult without air travel.

What backpack should you use for a round-the-world trip?

A comfortable, reasonably sized backpack is generally more practical than a large suitcase. Your ideal capacity depends on your climate range, travel style and preferred transportation.

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Plan your round-the-world adventure with GetawayGo

Your round-the-world adventure begins long before you board your first flight.

Start by defining your budget, travel duration and priority destinations, then build your itinerary around the seasons and the most efficient connections.

GetawayGo can help you compare the different components of your journey:

• ✈️ Compare flights
• 🏨 Find a hotel
• 🚗 Compare rental cars
• 🌍 Explore trips and holidays

A round-the-world trip isn't just a journey to plan. It's an adventure to build. Choose your first destination, make the first booking, and let the world take you from there.