Once you've finally made the decision to embark on that world trip, you might be entering the most difficult phase: choosing and planning a world itinerary. It's not really difficult, of course, but because there's so much choice, and every country has something beautiful to offer, it can be overwhelming. So, it's helpful to follow a few rules of thumb to ensure you stay on track. This article offers 5 tips that can help you with that. This way, you too can become a pro—a world trip You can plan your route completely yourself!
Also read: Plan a world trip in 10 steps | Full manual & step-by-step plan
1. What should not be missing from your world travel route?
This first step seems very easy, but you can easily lose sight of it. While orienting for a world travel route you come across so many countries that at some point you forget which country is really a 'must' to see. Suddenly they all become 'musts'. So go back to the moment when you were convinced that you wanted to travel the world. What country has you like this inspired† Of course, this can't just be country-related, it could also be your goal to volunteer or take a yoga retreat during your trip. Or maybe you really want Burning Man or it Holi festival in India to experience?
Moral of the story: make a choice for a top 5 of countries (depending on how long you plan to travel) that you really want to see and plan your world trip route based on this.
Also read: Top 10 | What are the cheapest countries for a world trip?
2. Check the climate
If you go to a certain country for a holiday or festivity, it is of course logical that you are bound to a certain period. In all other cases you can plan your period and then the real research begins.
Online
You can check the climate of any country online. Climateinfo.nl is a good website for that. When you go, try backpacking, not to travel during peak season. Reason 1: prices rise, so you'll definitely pay more for hostels and hotels. Reason 2: it's overflowing with tourists, and that suddenly makes some beautiful places much less enjoyable. Peak season is called peak season for a reason, of course, because that's the best time to travel. This often means the least rainfall and pleasant temperatures. That's what you're looking for on your world trip itinerary, right?! Therefore, I recommend going one month before or one month after peak season. Then you'll still travel in fantastic conditions, just a little bit better!
Offline
In addition to your online research, also ask fellow travelers who have already visited the country what their experience is in a specific month. Cause I've figured it out myself Sri Lanka traveled in August and September which is official rainy season, only I didn't see a drop of rain.
Tip:: Also find out if your preferred country is safe for backpackers. Read the blogs Security in Europe en Security in Africa to find out more.
3. Surrounding countries for your world travel route
Have you chosen, for example, Jordan as number 1 country? Then take a look at the surrounding countries. Backpacking through Israel and Palestine may not seem obvious, but it is very doable from Jordan and therefore does not cost you much travel time. Is Thailand your #1? Then look at other countries in the same continent and preferably even neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Laos , Malaysia of Cambodia† When you make a logical world travel route around your favorite country, this not only saves a lot of travel time, but it also makes your trip cheaper and more flexible. In addition, there is a good chance that you will meet fellow travelers who also travel on to neighboring countries and before you know it you will have a travel buddy in no time.
4. Plane, boat or bus? View all options!
Another major advantage of visiting neighboring countries is that you're not tied to air travel, which saves you a tremendous amount of money and eliminates the need for advance planning. In all the countries I've visited so far (and there are actually quite a few), you can book a bus ticket one day in advance, or sometimes even on the same day. tren or boat that takes you to your next destination. This way you can go from Bangkok take a bus or train to the capital in Cambodia and travel from Luangprabang into Laos by land to Hanoi in Viet Nam.
Also read: Find and book cheap airline tickets | 10x expert tips
You have to book a plane ticket a bit earlier (provided you want to pay an affordable price) and that makes you a lot less flexible. The lack of flexibility makes the real backpacking experience just a little less fun. Of course you can't avoid flights during your world travel route. But believe me, if the opportunity is there, opt for public transport. It is part of backpacking and in many cases these are experiences that you will not soon forget. And more importantly of course: you reduce your CO2 emissions as a backpacker. So win-win!
Also read: Skyscanner | How to save (a lot of) money on flights
5. Be flexible
Very cliché, but try not to plan too much. Planning your world trip route is of course a lot of fun and you will also spend a lot of hours on it. In particular, try to use this time to delve into the history, culture, traditions and customs of a country. In addition, do research beforehand on what you would like to see per country. I sometimes traveled too flexible myself, so that I missed some highlights in a country, because I simply had too little planned. The best way is to just book an outward flight, secure your first accommodation and have a list of what you absolutely do not want to miss. As for the rest: just go with the flow! This will ensure that your world travel route will be unforgettable and it will take you to places you may have never thought about!
Also read: How do you save for a trip around the world? † Saving in 12 steps | Instruction manual
