Traveling around the world in one go is often less expensive than splitting up multiple trips. The secret is to plan carefully and buy your tickets in advance. It will cost less than the incredible experience of visiting many places in a short time and memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Here are some tips on how to travel around the world.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Arranging Travel
Step 1. Organize your trip in a single ticket for "Around the World"
This ticket price will be much cheaper than ordering a dozen tickets one way. The largest aviation alliances are Star Alliance and Oneworld. The Star Alliance was an even bigger alliance.
- Star Alliance has tickets based on how many kilometers you have traveled and offers several additional passes of 47,000, 55,000, 63,000 km. In comparison, with 47,000 km you can fly to 3 continents (excluding the United States), 55,000 you can fly to 4 continents, and 63,000 to 5 or 5 continents. The more km you buy, the more destinations you can go and vice versa. Each pass provides up to 15 stopovers or stops (one stop is considered 24 hours in one destination) and you can purchase first class, business or economy tickets. The Star Alliance also requires passengers to start and end their journey in the same country, but not necessarily in the same city. (There are also passes that are limited to certain geographic areas.)
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Oneworld offers two different types of passes: one based on segment, and the other based on mileage or distance traveled. Global Explorer is a more conventional Oneworld ticket based on mileage. There are three levels – 42,000, 47,000 or 63,000 km in economy class, there are also 55,000 km in business class and first class. Just like the Star Alliance which is based on the distance traveled, all kilometers are counted, including the segment over land.
Travel by air is generally the most expensive way. Use flight ticket comparison sites like Travelsupermarket, Skyscanner and Kayak or ticket agents like Travelocity, Expedia and Opodo. Pay close attention to the rules and limitations. Many "Around the World" tickets require you to walk in the same direction, for example from L. A to London to Moscow. You can't leave L. A. to Paris to London. Of course this requires more preparation
Step 2. Use the credit card's frequent-flyer mile offer
If you have a good credit record, sufficient savings, and are not afraid to use a credit card, you can earn thousands of miles to pay for your tickets.
There are thousands of offers you can use---most banks have some version of the credit card that airlines work with, such as the American Airlines Citi card. You have to spend some money at a time, but what you get can be huge -- tens of thousands of kilometers of flight. You need around 120,000 to get a round-the-world ticket
Step 3. Consider using alternative ways to go for a walk
For most people, frequent flyer miles are not a viable option. Because it requires a lot of thought and of course money. Luckily there are many cheaper options -- and they're more interesting and may give you a more memorable experience.
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For travel by train: In the US, you can travel by Amtrak train (if booked in advance, it can be adjusted to our budget). For non-EU citizens, traveling in Europe can use the Eurail pass; for EU citizens, using the Interrail pass is very advantageous. In Asia, the Trans-Siberian rail runs from Moscow to Beijing where you can connect with Shanghai then Tokyo.
- One Global Eurail pass costs around $500 and with it you can walk to 24 countries.
- From Moscow to Beijing by Siberian train (stops at Irkutsk and Ulaanbaatar) it costs around $2100 (approximately Rp. 25,000,000.00) for a 16-day trip. If buying tickets for more than one person and each additional person is one more, the ticket price will be slightly cheaper.
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For travel by bus: Greyhound is a bus that can be used for travel within the US. Traveling by bus in Europe can use Eurolines -- with it you can walk to over 50 cities. And Megabus actually operates on both lines but only between cities.
- All Greyhound buses are equipped with air conditioning, toilets, adjustable backrests complete with headrests, footrests and window film. In addition to stops by route, buses stop every few hours, and stops for meals are scheduled as close to normal meal times as possible.
- A ticket from Lille to London using the Eurolines bus is only about $36 one way. If you are only visiting a few cities, Eurail is a good alternative. Eurail also offers free baggage for two medium-sized bags.
- For boat/ferry trips: Cruises can be a cost-effective option if you take into account the money you save on accommodation and food. Cunard makes a transatlantic voyage; New York to Hamburg (feels like riding the Titanic!) which costs around $1400 (approximately Rp. 16.800.000, 00). TheCruisePeople compares the prices of sailing tickets, much the same as Kayak or any other airline ticketing website.
Step 4. Find out if you need to apply for a visa
You don't want to be stuck in Saigon, being yelled at by an English officer you can't understand telling you that you should go back to Hong Kong. In certain countries, you have to pay a lot of money to get a visa when you arrive in that country, of course it will be much better if you get there already pocketed a visa.
Length of stay and your nationality are equally important factors. For Westerners, it may seem easy to go wherever they want; but that's not always the case. Research your destination in advance -- as it can take up to several weeks to get your visa approved. And when you leave and re-enter a country, learn the process as well. You may need a different type of visa
Method 2 of 4: Finding Accommodation
Step 1. Search for hotels and hostels
Of course, if you have relatives or friends who live where you are visiting, you can stay at their place of residence. But if not, hostels and hotels are standard options. Some hostels can be suspicious, so you should research before going there.
Don't let one crappy hostel ruin your whole trip. There are some reputable hostel groups and you don't have to walk down a dark alley to find one. Hostelling International can be used as a reference for finding hostels and is almost the same as booking a 4-star hotel. If you want to share accommodation with people you don't know, you will save quite a lot. And you may meet fun people
Step 2. Consider using Couch Surf and Woofing services
While it may sound too good to be true, Couch surfing has many options and is a great form of travel. Couchsurfing.org can bring you together with people like you around the world.
If you want to stay longer, consider Woofing. You may have to work on an organic farm for about a few weeks in exchange for lodging and a few meals. You can practice your skills and get a touch of local culture more than staying in a hotel, which only costs you the contents of a mini bar
Step 3. Keeping the house or house sitting. Even better than Couch surfing, house sitting lets you stay free somewhere just to feed the cat. The biggest sites about house sitting are HouseCarers.com and MindMyHouse.com. On many house sitting sites, for an initial fee only, you can register (and don't forget to make yourself look good) and meet people who are looking for someone they can trust to look after their home.
Of course, more people want to look after the house than people who are looking for a housekeeper. Make sure you do your research to create an attractive profile of yourself. Think of it like a job interview where you compete against thousands of other people. Make yourself different from others as best you can
Method 3 of 4: Planning Your Trip
Step 1. Pack your luggage as light as possible
If you don't plan on taking away a personal assistant who will help you along the way and carry your 12 suitcases, it's a good idea to pack as light as possible. There are times (or two or even three) when you inevitably have to carry your own suitcase or bag everywhere. It could be between check out and check in around a few hours or even the whole day when your hotel reservation is lost or your flight is delayed.
In addition to a few pairs of clothes, bring reading materials, toiletries, small electronics. Make sure you bring an international power adapter. You'll be so grateful you took it with you when you're stuck in Phnom Penh with a computer running out of battery, and need to book your next trip
Step 2. Prepare a budget
Depending on where you are going, how long you are there and whether the country is a first, second or third world country, you need to have an appropriate budget. There are always unforeseen expenses, so prepare some money as an "emergency" expense.
Of course, a visit to a first world country costs the most money (Europe, Canada, USA, Japan). Second world countries are more difficult to define, but are usually fairly well established (Mexico, Eastern Europe, China, Egypt). Third world countries are usually the cheapest but most difficult to live in (most of Africa, Bolivia, Peru, Southeast Asia)
Step 3. Think security
Traveling around the world can be dangerous if you let it. Take precautions to avoid scams and things like that.
- Notify your bank. Some banks can be too responsible and will close your credit card for suspicious activity. To avoid this, call them to inform you of your detailed itinerary. Don't forget to let me know when you get back.
- Don't carry your valuables in a bag that can be easily pulled or cut without you knowing. Buy a waist bag or small bag that can be worn attached to your body. Put your money, credit card and passport in it.
Method 4 of 4: Frugal and Easy Lifestyle
Step 1. Shop for your daily necessities
Cooking yourself will save your budget compared to eating out all the time. Walking in Europe doesn't have to be as expensive as people say.
Living like a local will be more satisfying than walking around like a tourist. Go to supermarkets, bakeries and regular shops for a local vibe. Not only do you save money, you also get experiences you wouldn't get at home and see things you've never seen before
Step 2. Research again
If you have a small budget, don't worry. You can do things very cheaply or even for free. Most cities have lively art or theater exhibitions with lots of options for you.
- Time Out is a site that lists things to do or see in some of the world's major cities. If you visit these cities you can see Time Out so that your trip is lively.
- Travel guidebooks may be good -- but they can also be misleading. What happens when a guidebook includes a secret place but no one has ever been to it? "Everyone will start coming there." Use this book as a general guide, but don't trust it completely.
- Ask the locals. Who knows a place better than the locals? If you are staying in a hotel or hostel, ask the staff. If you're staying at a place from Couchsurfing, sometimes the hosts will help show you. If you're worried about language, look around you. Where would people gather a lot?
Step 3. Keep in touch with family or friends
For safety reasons, every day find an internet cafe and email your parents and friends, so they know where you are in case of an emergency.
- It's not hard to make cheap calls if you live in an area long enough. It could be that you just need to change your phone's SIM card.
- Bring your laptop only when you are at work or really need it. Otherwise you will be troubled and will only worry about your laptop being stolen.
Step 4. Enjoy your trip to the fullest
You are about to enter a journey that will change your life. Let your life change. Meet new friends, do things you've never done before and learn from them. This trip could be an opportunity for you.
- Go with the flow. If you meet a group of Colombians looking for a 6th person to go airsurfing, don't turn them down. If 100 people are queuing for a comedy club, join them. Spontaneity can do the best.
- Stop eating with forks and spoons, and burgers. Maybe you need to push yourself, but give it a try! Step into the backpacker area and find the cafe full of people smoking, drinking and playing foreign card games and order a tray of prawns being grilled in front of you. Not only will you return with photos and souvenirs, but an unforgettable memory for a lifetime.
Tips
- Have international health insurance ready, so no matter where you are, you will get medical assistance or evacuation if needed.
- Realize that you don't need to bring all your utensils, including the dishwasher. Bring only essential equipment. Think about how to save money. Buy a backpack, exercise and off you go. This is a once in a lifetime experience and you don't need sleep, you just need your own heart and soul. Trust the people who will provide you with local food and a great place to stay. Now go and enjoy your trip!
- Prepare the currency you will use during the trip and plan the trip in advance. While traveler's checks are fairly safe, they are difficult to cash in small countries. You can also look for ATMs, and get local money.
Warning
- Make sure you get all the important vaccinations for your trip (eg yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid).
- Check the travel announcements from the Department of State to avoid risk areas in the country you are planning to visit.
- If you choose a host who is a family, contact them by Skype or phone them in advance. It is very important to make sure that they can be trusted. View guest and host records.
