How To Travel The World: Your Ultimate Guide To Global Exploration?

Embarking on a journey to travel the world might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s an achievable dream. At SIXT.VN, we’re dedicated to making your travel aspirations a reality by providing seamless travel solutions in Vietnam. From booking accommodations to arranging transportation, we handle the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories. Get ready to explore the world with confidence and ease. Whether you’re planning an extended vacation, a study abroad experience, or simply a series of adventurous explorations, understanding the crucial elements of your preparation will guarantee a smooth and safe travel experience.

1. Why Should You Trust SIXT.VN For Your World Travel Advice?

At SIXT.VN, we understand that world travel requires careful planning and insider knowledge. Our extensive experience in the travel industry, particularly in providing top-notch services for exploring Vietnam, makes us a reliable source for your global travel needs. According to research from the Tourism Authority of Vietnam, in 2023, Vietnam saw a significant increase in international visitors, highlighting the importance of having access to dependable local expertise when planning travels.

Here’s why you can count on us:

• Local Expertise: Our deep understanding of the Vietnamese travel market translates into valuable insights applicable to global travel. We know what it takes to navigate unfamiliar territories and cultures.
• Comprehensive Solutions: We offer a wide range of services, including travel consultation, airport transfers, hotel bookings, tour arrangements, and flight reservations, all tailored to meet your specific needs.
• Customer-Centric Approach: We focus on providing personalized assistance, ensuring your travel plans are seamless, stress-free, and perfectly aligned with your preferences.
• Reliability and Convenience: With SIXT.VN, you gain a partner committed to delivering trustworthy and efficient service, making us an ideal choice for both planning and support throughout your travels.
• Years of Experience: With years of experience, we offer top-notch travel services to ensure smooth and stress-free experiences for our clients.

2. What Are The Essential Steps For Planning A Trip Around The World?

2.1. Prioritize World Travel

Decide that world travel is a priority. If you have the wanderlust gene and are dreaming of travel but are on the fence about taking a trip, decide that you will do it. Set the intention and start viewing the world through the lens of, “How can I make world travel a reality for myself?” Opportunities and conversations you would have otherwise missed will filter into your life.

2.2. Evaluate Your Finances

Assess your savings and debt. Although you can travel the world for a lot less than you think—you can travel for an entire year for $20K for one person—you should still give your savings a hard look and use these tips for saving for travel to pad the trip fund.

Since you are working remotely the entire past 15+ years of travel, you can pay down debt during your first four years of travel; you just need to factor that into your trip budget. Finding a side hustle now, or remote work, will speed up your ability to travel the world.

2.3. Renew Your Passport

Renew your passport (or apply for one) right now. Your passport is your gateway to the world and there is no reason to put off applying for a passport until just before your trip—instead, prioritize this step so that it’s in process while you plan your world travels. And if your travels are a ways off, a passport is a good motivator to stay the course!

2.4. Declutter Your Belongings

Begin purging your belongings. If you’re giving up your home or apartment, it’s never too soon to start selling things you won’t need, and donating those things you don’t use. Getting rid of everything you own is a process, and you should undertake it alongside planning your world travels.

2.5. Set a Budget

Come up with a reasonable budget for your trip. Traveling in Africa was not as budget-friendly as you might have expected after having traveled extensively in Southeast Asia and Central America. For that reason, you’ll need to have a pretty clear picture of your main travel goals and destinations to set an accurate budget.

Take stock of how much money you’ll have saved for your world travels, and the length of time you’ll spend on the road. Factor in any payments you’ll need to maintain while away, like paying down debt or a mortgage. Calculate your daily average travel allowance by dividing your total budget (minus debt) by your days spent on the road. While it’s still possible in 2024 to travel the world for an average of $50 a day, that’s trickier to accomplish in a lot of countries, so you need to know where your daily average falls.

2.6. Brainstorm Destinations

Brainstorm the many places you could travel. Dream big when listing all of the places you’d like to visit—perhaps some locations were inspired by reading the best travel books out there, or others are bucket list locations you’ve always dreamed of seeing. Make your list broad but still the cream of the crop ideas.

2.7. Check Travel Costs

Assess the cost of visiting different countries. London is as fascinating to visit as you might imagine, but it’s also an easy city to visit as a smaller trip in the future. It’s pricey to add London to your world travels, but doable if it’s your dream. Now look at your list and note how much it costs to visit each of these places. Traveling in Southeast Asia, for example, has a far lower daily budget than traveling Scandinavia, for example. Assess if some of your destinations are grouped close together and would be better visited as a single trip, versus your around the world trip.

Also look into how much it costs to live in a place as a digital nomad—you may want to spend three months or more enjoying one location as an expat before continuing your travels.

2.8. Decide On A Route

Pick a route around the world. Timing your world travels to local festivals can be a fun aspect of world travel. You’ll need to pick a direction you’ll travel from your home country, and then start slotting in the countries as you build your around the world itinerary. Aim for a balance of developed and developing countries so that you can meet your budgeting goals.

On your own yearlong world travels, consider cutting out Scandinavia early in your planning because of the cost, and because you knew you could easily visit that corner of the world on a future trip. Keep in destinations that are budget-friendly, and that will challenge you and create a more transformative trip.

2.9. Homeschooling

Plan your homeschooling journey if you’re traveling with kids. Learn from other families who have traveled for months and years with school-aged children on the various ways that you can homeschool, world school, and unschool during your trip.

2.10. Book Transportation

Book your transportation. Decide if you should buy a round-the-world ticket for your trip, or if you should instead use cheap one-way flights as you travel the world. And you can even travel the world without flying by using overland transportation like trains and boats. Some boat trips can be cushy, like a repositioning cruise, while others are more utilitarian, like booking passage on a cargo ship.

Once you’ve paid a fair bit of money toward your trip, you need travel insurance to protect your investment.

2.11. Select Your Gear

Pick out the right gear. From the shoes you pack to the purse you carry, everything is worth examining with a critical eye before you set off around the world. Long-term world travel is not like a weekend getaway, you need a balance of gear that you can afford, and gear that will hold up to the wear-and-tear of non-stop travel.

You should pick the right RTW backpack or luggage, and then buy select pieces of clothing and gear that will be most valuable to you on the trip you have planned. You don’t need to buy everything new, but you might need to invest in quality hiking shoes, sunny-weather gear for sun protection, and other things.

Here’s what to consider when packing for long-term travel, and also the best crossbody travel purse you’ve found. Also carry an ergonomic, portable travel system since you work from the road.

2.12. Prepare Personal Logistics

Make a plan now for handling your personal life while away. Start weeks and months before your departure date to plan how you will receive and process mail, and which travel debit cards will best hold up to the rigors of life on the road.

2.13. Get Vaccinated

Make sure all of your vaccines are up-to-date. Even if you’ve traveled extensively, your coverage for some vaccines may have expired—many last just five-to-ten years. Check your vaccine record, and assess if you need any odd-ball ones like Yellow Fever, based on your world travel route.

2.14. Be Health-Conscious

Understand how to stay healthy while you travel. Getting sick is inevitable for long-term travelers, either a common flu, or any of the more serious diarrheal illnesses could strike. Know how to not get sick on vacation, as well as what to do once you are. Carrying something like a SteriPen or LifeStraw can lower your changes of getting sick on your trip.

2.15. Apply For Visas

Apply for your visas. Depending on where you’re traveling, you’ll need to apply for a visa before you can legally enter the country. While many countries offer visa-on-arrival, a fair few others require that you apply either online or in person at an embassy.

2.16. Plan Specifics

Start planning your travel specifics. If you’re traveling the world for less than six weeks, you’ll probably need to do a fair bit of legwork planning the specifics before you leave—that means choosing the type of accommodation to use, and then booking it.

Contrary to what many believe, you actually need to plan a lot less if you’re traveling for many months. Always book just your first week in a new place if you have months at your disposal, unless you’re traveling during high season, when you need two-to-three weeks of bookings to avoid exorbitant prices.

Also look for social enterprises that you can incorporate into your trip, as well as volunteer opportunities, if you plan to stay in one spot for many months.

2.17. Know Common Challenges

Educate yourself on challenges faced by most world travelers. From learning how to stay safe to avoiding travel fatigue, you’re going to need some new knowledge that doesn’t always come up during short-term travels. Other issues many travelers face include overcoming loneliness—using a travel journal app that keeps you easily sharing and communicating with family can help.

2.18. Pack Smartly

Pack with intention and finesse. Packing for long-term travel is an art, and one that you’ll get better at the longer you’re on the road. To start, you should plan a versatile wardrobe that can take you through the majority of the places on your route—if you’re stopping to ski in one spot, but in sunny climes the rest of the time, you should just rent gear.

Consider using packing cubes, which are among the best ways to stay organized on the road. And you’ll need at least an RFID wallet to carry your passport, if not a money belt to keep it safe. Also pack a few bits-and-bobs that you consider your Travel MacGuyer gear.

2.19. Travel Mindfully

Know how to get the most out of traveling the world. Many people seek transformational travel experiences, but don’t know how to make that happen. A lot of what you seek comes from deep cultural immersion—it’s about visiting the iconic, touristy spots, but then going deeper under the skin of a place through things like cooking class, using local transportation, eating the street food alongside locals, and more.

2.20. Navigate Like A Pro

Navigate like a pro while you travel. It’s easier than ever to use an e-SIM to have data on your phone the moment you land, or most places in the world offer cheap SIM cards packed with enough data to access your travel apps and get you where you need to go.

Consider using services like WhatsApp (the traveler Gold Standard) and Google Voice to stay up-to-date with those back home, and with new travel friends. You’ll also need a VPN—this is a must for not only accessing Netflix US, but also to access your bank and some services that use IP blocking.

3. What Are The Key Considerations For Budgeting A Round-The-World Trip?

Budgeting for a round-the-world trip requires careful planning and realistic expectations. Here’s what to consider:

• Destination Costs: Research the average daily expenses in each country you plan to visit. Southeast Asia and South America are generally more budget-friendly than Europe or North America. According to a 2023 report by Budget Your Trip, Southeast Asia averages around $30-$50 per day, while Europe can range from $80-$150 per day.
• Transportation: Factor in the cost of flights, trains, buses, and other modes of transportation. Round-the-world tickets can be cost-effective, but it’s essential to compare them with individual flight bookings to ensure the best deal.
• Accommodation: Consider a mix of accommodation options, such as hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels, to keep costs down. Websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com offer a range of affordable choices.
• Activities and Tours: Set a budget for activities and tours, prioritizing experiences that are most important to you. Look for free activities and local events to reduce expenses.
• Food: Eating local cuisine is not only a great way to experience a culture but also a budget-friendly option. Avoid touristy restaurants and opt for street food and local markets.
• Visas and Vaccinations: Research visa requirements and vaccination costs for each country. Some visas can be expensive, so factor these costs into your budget.
• Travel Insurance: Invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen items. World Nomads and SafetyWing are popular choices for long-term travelers.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Allocate funds for unexpected expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and local transportation. It’s always wise to have a buffer for emergencies.
• Daily Allowance: Calculate your daily spending allowance based on your total budget and the length of your trip. Track your expenses to ensure you stay within your budget.

4. How Can You Find Affordable Accommodation While Traveling?

Finding affordable accommodation is crucial for stretching your budget while traveling the world. Here are some strategies:

• Hostels: Hostels are a popular choice for budget travelers, offering dormitory-style rooms and communal facilities. They’re also a great way to meet other travelers. Hostelworld is a useful platform for finding hostels worldwide.
• Guesthouses and Budget Hotels: In many countries, guesthouses and budget hotels offer clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. Booking.com and Agoda are good resources for finding these options.
• Airbnb: Consider renting an apartment or room through Airbnb. This can be more cost-effective than hotels, especially for longer stays. Look for discounts on weekly or monthly rentals.
• Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with locals who offer free accommodation. It’s a great way to save money and experience local culture.
• House Sitting: House sitting involves taking care of someone’s home while they’re away, often in exchange for free accommodation. TrustedHousesitters is a popular platform for finding house-sitting opportunities.
• Volunteering: Many volunteer organizations offer free accommodation in exchange for work. Websites like Workaway and HelpX list volunteer opportunities around the world.
• Off-Season Travel: Traveling during the off-season can result in lower accommodation prices. Additionally, popular tourist destinations are less crowded during this time, providing a more comfortable experience.
• Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for longer stays. Many hotels and guesthouses are willing to offer discounts if you ask.

5. How Can You Stay Safe And Healthy During Your Travels?

Staying safe and healthy while traveling the world requires proactive measures and awareness. Here are some essential tips:

• Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
• Vaccinations: Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations and health precautions for your destinations. The CDC and WHO websites provide up-to-date health information.
• Food and Water Safety: Be cautious about food and water, especially in developing countries. Drink bottled or purified water, and avoid street food from vendors with questionable hygiene practices.
• Personal Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Keep your valuables secure and be wary of scams and pickpockets.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local embassies and consulates, and share it with family or friends.
• Health Kit: Carry a basic medical kit with essentials like pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any prescription medications you need.
• Sun Protection: Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Insect Repellent: Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local news and events, and be aware of any potential risks or threats in your destinations.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

6. What Are The Best Ways To Immerse Yourself In Local Cultures?

Immersing yourself in local cultures can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here’s how to do it:

• Learn the Language: Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in showing respect and facilitating interactions.
• Eat Local Food: Try local dishes and street food to experience the flavors and culinary traditions of the region.
• Use Local Transportation: Opt for local transportation like buses, trains, and tuk-tuks to travel like a local and gain insights into daily life.
• Attend Local Events: Participate in local festivals, markets, and cultural events to immerse yourself in the community.
• Stay with Locals: Consider staying with locals through platforms like Airbnb or Couchsurfing to learn about their customs and traditions firsthand.
• Take Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare local dishes by taking cooking classes. This is a fun and interactive way to understand the local cuisine.
• Visit Local Markets: Explore local markets to discover unique products, interact with vendors, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
• Dress Appropriately: Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
• Respect Local Customs: Be aware of local customs and etiquette, and avoid behaviors that may be considered offensive.
• Engage with Locals: Strike up conversations with locals, ask questions, and show genuine interest in their lives and culture.

7. What Travel Apps Can Make Your Trip Easier?

Travel apps can significantly streamline your journey. Some useful options include:

• Google Maps: For navigation and discovering local attractions.
• XE Currency Converter: To manage finances with up-to-date exchange rates.
• Google Translate: To communicate across language barriers.
• WhatsApp: For free messaging and calls using Wi-Fi.
• TripAdvisor: To find reviews and recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
• Skyscanner: To search for affordable flights.
• Booking.com: For booking accommodations.
• Airbnb: For finding unique lodging options.
• PackPoint: For creating personalized packing lists.
• Citymapper: For navigating public transport in major cities.

8. How To Manage Communication With Family And Friends While Traveling?

Maintaining communication with loved ones while traveling is crucial for staying connected and sharing your experiences. Here’s how to manage it:

• WhatsApp: Use WhatsApp for free messaging, voice calls, and video calls over Wi-Fi.
• Skype: Skype is another popular option for international calls and video chats.
• Social Media: Share your travel adventures on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Email: Send regular email updates to family and friends.
• Travel Blog: Create a travel blog to document your experiences and share them with a wider audience.
• Google Voice: Use Google Voice to make affordable international calls and send text messages.
• Local SIM Card: Purchase a local SIM card to get a local phone number and affordable data rates.
• Wi-Fi Hotspots: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots at cafes, hotels, and public spaces.
• Set a Schedule: Set a regular communication schedule to ensure you stay in touch with loved ones.

9. What Are Some Common Challenges Faced By Long-Term Travelers And How To Overcome Them?

Long-term travel can present unique challenges. Here’s how to tackle them:

• Loneliness: Combat loneliness by joining local groups, attending social events, and connecting with other travelers.
• Culture Shock: Adjusting to new cultures can be overwhelming. Be patient, open-minded, and willing to learn.
• Travel Fatigue: Prevent travel fatigue by getting enough rest, eating healthy, and taking breaks from travel.
• Budgeting: Stick to your budget by tracking your expenses, finding affordable accommodation, and eating local food.
• Homesickness: Combat homesickness by staying connected with loved ones, creating a routine, and focusing on the positive aspects of your trip.
• Visa Issues: Be aware of visa requirements and apply for visas well in advance.
• Health Problems: Prevent health problems by getting necessary vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and being cautious about food and water.
• Language Barriers: Overcome language barriers by learning basic phrases, using translation apps, and being patient and understanding.

10. How Can SIXT.VN Help You Plan Your World Trip?

SIXT.VN is your ideal partner for planning a world trip, offering comprehensive services to make your journey seamless and enjoyable:

• Personalized Travel Consultation: Our travel experts provide personalized consultations to help you plan your itinerary, budget, and activities.
• Accommodation Booking: We offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, tailored to your preferences and budget.
• Transportation Arrangements: We assist with booking flights, trains, buses, and rental cars, ensuring smooth and convenient transportation throughout your trip.
• Tour Packages: We offer customized tour packages to help you explore popular destinations and hidden gems.
• Visa Assistance: We provide guidance and support with visa applications, ensuring you meet all requirements.
• Travel Insurance: We offer comprehensive travel insurance plans to protect you from unexpected events.
• 24/7 Support: Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns during your trip.

With SIXT.VN, planning your world trip becomes a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories.

Ready to start your adventure? Contact SIXT.VN today to plan your dream world trip. Visit our website at SIXT.VN or call our hotline/WhatsApp at +84 986 244 358. Our address is 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources and services offered by SIXT.VN, you can plan and execute an unforgettable journey around the world.