How to prepare for your trip around the world?
iStock_000010061308Large-ConvertImageA trip around the world is prepared with care and requires a lot of thought. Indeed, many aspects must be planned and checked in detail.
Plan your journey and define your goals
The route of a world tour and its duration are conditioned by a number of parameters such as the budget, the time available for the trip, the physical condition and age of the traveler, the professional situation, etc. All these elements must be taken into account to determine the route, the number of stops and the total time of the trip. However, whatever the total time of the journey, the purpose of the trip and the constraints; it is necessary to plan as much as possible, before departure, the different stages of the adventure and the most suitable means of transport.
You also have to think carefully about the purpose of the trip : do I want to know the big cities or, on the contrary, the most distant corners of the countries I will be visiting? A little of both, perhaps?
For a surfer, for example, the goal might be to ride the best waves on the planet; for a lover of history and art, the objective could be to visit the most ancient sites of each country along the way, as well as the most important museums. In short, everyone is different and the trip must be adapted to everyone's desires. If you leave accompanied, it will also be necessary to take into account the wishes of each member of the group.
Think about the feasibility of the project
iStock_000001327022XSmall-ConvertImage (1)First, you have to make an estimate of the total cost of this world tour, including transport, accommodation, catering, transfers and various expenses such as: guides, entertainment, excursions, special equipment, etc It is also important to plan a reserve of money for the unexpected. It is obvious that the budget will vary according to the number of travelers, the duration of the trip, the countries crossed and the way of traveling . For information and according to our research, the average cost of such an adventure is €14,500 per person for a trip of 9 to 12 months.
In some cases, it is possible to have this type of trip financed , or at least partly, by a sponsor. The ideal solution is to be recruited by a publisher of guides or to ask for help from companies linked to the world of travel. But, to benefit from funding, you have to present a serious and well-thought-out project, as well as offer counterparties. Having a particular objective or an original theme for your world tour can make your case much more attractive to potential sponsors.
Sometimes to finance part of the trip, the "globetrotter" or "tourdumondiste" can work during his journey. It is quite possible for those who exercise an independent profession and who can do it through the web.
You also have to think about certain administrative tasks such as having your mail forwarded, canceling all unnecessary subscriptions (telephone, electricity, water, gas, etc.), or even terminating your lease and the corresponding fire and theft insurance. Making a “ checklist of steps to take before leaving ” is a very good idea so that you don’t forget anything. If you are unable to take all the necessary steps before your departure, you will need to find someone to whom these tasks can be delegated. This responsibility must be entrusted to a person who is aware of the importance of his mission and who is sufficiently available to carry it out.
It is also useful to seek the opinion of people who have already completed a trip around the world. A large number of blogs and forums allow you to talk to travelers who can give their recommendations, share good addresses or, quite simply, indicate the best sites in each country.
Health, prevention and travel insurance
iStock_000002090601XSmall-ConvertImage (1)Before departure, it is essential to find out if there are territories, appearing in your world tour, which require special health or safety precautions, as well as specific vaccines. The Travel Advice section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an excellent source of information.
Checking your vaccinations and going to see your doctor for a check-up before leaving are always good ideas.
With regard to insurance, the ideal is to find a good broker and inform him of the planned trip. It is best to turn to a company specializing in travel insurance. It is worth taking the time to compare different offers and read the contracts offered in full. Regarding coverage, a large number of points should be closely monitored, namely: reimbursement of medical expenses, assistance in the event of illness or injury, cancellation, early return, death, travel assistance , theft or destruction of luggage, civil liability and direct payment in the event of hospitalization or repatriation.
Note : we invite you to know the solution of ACS, Globe Partner: a round-the-world insurance , with an excellent quality-price ratio valid for stays abroad of up to 12 months.
Miscellaneous advice
The equipment and luggage to bring closely depend on the type and duration of the round-the-world trip. It is generally necessary to bring light clothing for hot countries, woolen clothes for cold countries, good walking shoes, a raincoat, a bathing suit, a cap, a toiletry bag, a first aid kit and a small travel pharmacy . Without forgetting the sleeping bag and various accessories such as a travel guide, a knife, a lighter, a camera or a video camera, a notebook and a pen to write down your impressions. Of course, this list is far from being exhaustive and must be supplemented according to the needs of each one. Note that it is sometimes cheaper and more practical to buy certain items on site.
Even being on the other side of the world, it is possible to stay in communication with loved ones thanks to the mobile phone. However, you must make sure that your mobile operator authorizes the call from all the countries covered. If you take a computer with you and find internet access, the traveler can use Skype to talk to those around you. Otherwise, cybercafés exist all over the world and you can always communicate by e-mail.
As for the visa, it is not compulsory for all countries, but to avoid any disappointment, it is important to inquire on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which has all the useful information. The passport must still be valid 6 months after the end of the trip to cross certain borders.
To save money and get to know the country you are visiting, it is advisable to take public transport during stopovers. This also allows you to become familiar with the habits of the inhabitants and to find good addresses, often less expensive.
Finally, in the case of group travel, it is very important to choose your travel companions carefully so that an adventure like this does not turn into a nightmare around the world because of incompatibility of characters or of habits.
Have a good trip !
PS Have you ever planned a world tour? Share your experiences with our readers in the comments of this article
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