Are your social media feeds increasingly making you dream of faraway destinations? Do you find yourself making plans for a trip that feels bigger than a few weeks' vacation? If that wanderlust keeps nagging, chances are a world trip has been on your mind for a while.
Planning a world trip isn't something you can just do on the side. It goes beyond a list of countries or a general idea. You'll have to deal with costs, routes, visas, vaccinations, insurance, and practical choices that will determine how relaxing or chaotic your trip ultimately will be.
In this complete manual you will read how to make a world trip plant in 10 clear steps. From choosing destinations and calculating your world trip costs to mapping out a feasible route and everything you need to arrange along the way, consider this article your starting point. It's not a checklist you have to work through in one go, but a clear guide that will help you work step by step towards a well-prepared world trip.
Step 1: Choose destinations for your world trip
Choosing destinations is often the first real step in planning a world trip, not only because it inspires, but especially because it forms the foundation for everything that follows. The countries you choose determine your world travel itinerary, how much time you need at each location, and what budget you'll ultimately need.
Most world trips begin with a long list of places you'd like to see someday. There's no right or wrong way to compile that list. Write down all the countries and regions that appeal to you, and only then consider how to turn them into a feasible trip. By thinking broadly first and eliminating them later, you'll naturally gain more focus.
Still lacking inspiration? It's helpful to review existing lists and itineraries. Think of destinations that are easy to combine, fit your budget, or suit the type of trip you have in mind. For example, this Top 10 with the cheapest countriesThese articles can help you put together your initial selection. For inspiration by continent, these bucket list overviews are a good starting point:
Also read: 20 Must Sees in South America | Food for your Bucket List
Also read: 24 Must Sees in Africa | The most beautiful places for your bucket list
Step 2: Calculate world travel costs and determine budget
A world trip starts not only with dreaming, but also with understanding the costs. The sooner you have a general idea of what your trip will cost, the more informed your choices can be. The route you choose, the number of countries you visit, and your travel style all significantly impact your budget.
So start gathering information early. Read travel blogs, browse travel guides, and compare prices for accommodations and transportation in the countries you plan to visit. This will gradually give you a realistic picture of the world travel costs you'll need to consider.
Also read: Top 10 | What are the cheapest countries for a world trip?
Calculate world travel costs per day and per country
A practical way to calculate world travel costs is to work with a daily budget per destination. Multiply this daily budget by the number of days you expect to stay in each location. By calculating this per country instead of a single general amount, you avoid surprises along the way.
When calculating your costs, consider accommodation, transportation, food and drinks, activities, visas, and any border crossing fees. Differences between countries can be significant, which is precisely why a detailed calculation is so important.
Determining a total budget around the world
Adding up all the costs per country will give you your total world travel budget. The total amount depends heavily on your travel style. Do you stay mainly in hostels or do you prefer hotels? Do you travel a lot by public transport or do you fly regularly? Be honest with yourself about this. More comfort and flexibility usually also mean higher costs. By thinking realistically about this beforehand, you'll avoid having to adjust or make concessions along the way.
Make a savings plan around the world
Once you have a clear picture of your world trip expenses and total budget, you can create a concrete savings plan. Figure out how much time you have until departure and determine how much you need to set aside each month to reach your goal.
This sometimes requires choices and adjustments in your spending, but there are also plenty of ways to save smarter or generate extra income. On our page about save up you will find a comprehensive step-by-step plan with practical tips to help you work towards your world trip.
The bunq card is the most widely accepted prepaid credit card in the world. It is a full-fledged Mastercard credit card Even offline terminals in airplanes and elsewhere work with this card (we've tested this extensively ourselves). You can also rent a car with this card without any problems.
Tip:: the 'elite' subscription includes full continuous travel insurance.
- No BKR check
- Dutch bank
- Problem-free car rental abroad
- ZeroFX (abroad saves about 2-3% per transaction!)
- Works with Google and Apple Pay
Step 3: Plan your world trip route
Now that you know which destinations appeal to you and have a general idea of your budget, it's time to create a feasible world trip itinerary. In this phase, you'll determine the order in which you'll travel and which countries make sense to combine. This also involves letting go of choices, as almost no one can fit all their desired destinations into a single world trip.
A key guideline when planning your world trip itinerary is simplicity. The fewer countries and fewer stops, the lower your costs and the more time you'll have at each location. Many travelers make the mistake of trying to visit too many countries in a short period. This makes your itinerary complex and often comes at the expense of peace and quiet and enjoyable travel.
Also read: World trip route in 5 steps | How do you make a plan?
Grouping destinations that are close together naturally creates a clearer overview. A large world map helps with this. Highlight all the countries on your list and see where logical clusters emerge and how you can travel from one region to another.
In addition, the climate plays a major role in planning your route. Seasons determine not only the weather but also the best direction and timing of travel. By taking this into account beforehand, you'll avoid encountering rainy seasons or extreme heat during your world trip.
Also read: Cheap world trip route example | Around the world for €1500
Step 4: Book flights, accommodations, and tours for your world trip
When planning a world trip, sooner or later you'll have to decide what to commit to and what to leave open. Booking everything in advance often feels too rigid, but you'll want to have some things sorted out before you depart. The trick is to find the right balance between certainty and flexibility.
For popular routes, long intercontinental flights, and unique experiences, booking well in advance is sometimes essential. Other times, it's best to leave things open so you can adapt to new plans along the way.
Book flights for your world trip
When traveling around the world, you usually only book essential flights in advance. Think of the major intercontinental routes, such as from Europe to Asia or from Asia to North AmericaThese form the central thread of your trip. Shorter flights or regional transfers can often be easily arranged en route. This gives you the freedom to stay longer in places you like or adjust your route if that suits you better.
- KLM.nl – Click here for all offers.
- Skyscanner.nl – Click here for all offers.
- Transavia.nl – Click here for all offers.
- TIX.nl – Click here for all offers.
- Qatar Airways.nl – Click here for all offers.
Booking your first flight is often the moment your world trip suddenly feels real. That one ticket solidifies your plans and makes the rest of your preparations a lot easier.
Also read: Skyscanner | How to save (a lot of) money on flights
Book accommodations for your world trip
After a long or intercontinental flight, it's nice to know where you'll be sleeping. For the first few nights in a new destination, it's wise to book accommodations in advance. Booking ahead can also significantly reduce stress during busy periods, holidays, or events. For the rest of your trip, you can often easily decide where to stay on the spot, especially if you have flexible travel plans.
- Booking.com- Click here for all offers.
- trivago.nl – Click here for all offers.
Pre-book tours and activities
Some experiences during a world trip are popular and have limited availability. Consider the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu of Spotting gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkFor these types of tours, it's wise to book six months or more in advance.
Are you sure there are activities you absolutely don't want to miss? Then book them in advance. This way, you'll avoid disappointment along the way and can keep the rest of your trip flexible with peace of mind.
Tours are best booked through Get Your GuideThey have a large global selection and are often more affordable than local providers or TripAdvisor.
Step 5: Arrange financial matters for your world trip
Once your world trip starts to take shape and the first tickets are booked, you have saved moneyIt's important to manage your finances properly. Thinking about this beforehand will prevent stress and financial problems down the road.
Make sure you spread your money across multiple accounts. Keep the majority in an account without direct card access, but one you can manage online. From there, you can transfer smaller amounts to an account or card you use daily. If your card is stolen or blocked, the damage will be limited.
Because it can be difficult to arrange new cards while traveling, it's wise to carry multiple payment methods. Consider a combination of debit cards and a (prepaid) credit card, so you always have an alternative.
Tip:: I have been using it myself for years BUNQ Travel Card / Prepaid Credit Card It's accepted worldwide and also allows you to rent cars. This makes this card a practical alternative to other options like Revolut or N26.
Knowing more? Then read: Which (prepaid) credit card is best to travel with? And why?
Also read: Withdrawing money and withdrawing money abroad | Everything you need to know
The bunq card is the most widely accepted prepaid credit card in the world. It is a full-fledged Mastercard credit card Even offline terminals in airplanes and elsewhere work with this card (we've tested this extensively ourselves). You can also rent a car with this card without any problems.
Tip:: the 'elite' subscription includes full continuous travel insurance.
- No BKR check
- Dutch bank
- Problem-free car rental abroad
- ZeroFX (abroad saves about 2-3% per transaction!)
- Works with Google and Apple Pay
Step 6: Practical preparation for your world trip
Before you actually depart, there are a few practical matters you'll want to arrange. These preparations will ensure you avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way and embark on your world trip with peace of mind.
Health: vaccinations and medicines
Health is an important part of preparing for your world trip. Once your itinerary is generally finalized, it's wise to check which vaccinations and precautions are required for the countries you'll be visiting. Some vaccinations take time to become effective or require multiple shots.
If you're traveling through areas where malaria is prevalent or are taking medication, always seek personal advice from the Municipal Health Service (GGD) or a specialized travel clinic. They can provide tailored advice based on your route and travel duration.
If you're traveling through areas where malaria is prevalent or are taking medication, always seek personal advice from the Municipal Health Service (GGD) or a specialized travel clinic. They can provide tailored advice based on your route and travel duration.
Also read: Vaccinations for a World Trip | Everything you need to know
Also read: Travel and Malaria | Everything you need to know about malaria pills
Reisprik is the specialist for travel vaccinations and immunizations in the Netherlands. Our specialized vaccination nurses and doctors advise and vaccinate over thousands of travelers annually. Vaccinations obtained can be entered in an official vaccination passport (yellow booklet). In most cases, vaccinations are covered by health insurance – please contact your health insurer for more information.
- Low prices
- Often fully reimbursed
- Yellow booklet / passport
- Locations throughout the Netherlands
Arranging visa and validity of your passport
Without a valid passport and the correct visa, you won't be able to enter many countries. Dutch travelers often need to apply for a visa in advance, sometimes only from the Netherlands via an embassy.
Also, check the validity of your passport. In many countries, your passport must be valid for at least six months upon departure and contain sufficient blank pages for visas and stamps. Checking this carefully beforehand will prevent problems at the border.
Take out travel insurance
Good travel insurance isn't an afterthought, but an essential part of your preparation. Especially for a longer trip or world tour, you want to be well-insured for medical expenses, baggage, cancellations, and unexpected situations along the way.
Always check whether the insurance covers your world trip and take the time to read the terms and conditions carefully. Not every standard travel insurance policy offers sufficient coverage for long or consecutive trips.
Also read: Which travel insurance do you need for a trip around the world?
Whether you are looking for short-term or continuous travel insurance, FBTO is the best choice for people who travel regularly. The coverage for luggage, gadgets and medical expenses abroad is generally higher at FBTO than at comparable insurers.
The travel insurance can also be expanded with cancellation insurance.
Apply for an International Driving Permit
If you plan to rent a car or scooter while traveling, you'll need an International Driving Permit in many countries. Regulations vary by country, so check beforehand.
You can easily apply for an International Driving Permit through the ANWB. Note that there are different versions available, with a validity of one or two years, especially relevant for travel through Asia.
Arrange matters at home before departure
What many travelers underestimate are the practical matters you need to arrange at home before your departure. Think of renting out your home, canceling or automating subscriptions, fixed costs, and administrative obligations.
By starting this early, you'll avoid stress just before departure or during your trip. Make an overview of everything you need to arrange at home and work through it step by step.
Step 7: Packing for a world trip (packing list & tips)
Packing for a world trip isn't about taking as much as possible, but about choosing wisely. Consider the countries you're visiting, the climate, and the activities you're planning. This will determine what you'll need. Remember that you can buy almost anything along the way, and every kilo you bring will last you for months.
Pack light and smart
Traveling light starts with overview. packing cubes They help with this, because your clothes and belongings stay organized and you can quickly find what you need. They don't save weight, but they do create chaos. Choose lightweight options and give each category a designated place in your bag. Combine this with quick-drying clothing and work with layers instead of thick sweaters or heavy jackets. A few lightweight items that you can mix and match work better in practice than many separate pieces.
Things you can't do without when traveling the world
Besides clothing, there are a number of essentials that almost every world traveler Take with you and what you absolutely don't want to be without while traveling. These are items you use daily or are difficult to replace while traveling:
- Create a world plug and possibly a small power strip
- Camera and accessories such as extra batteries and memory cards
- Power Bank for long travel days
- Quick-drying towel
- A small daypack for day trips
- Basic first aid and personal medication
Step 8: On the road during your world trip
A world trip involves a lot of travel. Flights, long bus rides, night trains, and boat trips are all part of the experience. The better you prepare for these, the more relaxing your journey will be. Traveling takes energy, so it's important to manage your time and rest wisely.
Taking a rest during long travel days
Long travel days are inevitable when traveling the world. Use these moments not only to get from A to B, but also to rest. Good sleep and recovery make a huge difference in how you feel at your destination.
Practical aids like an eye mask, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones can help you sleep better during flights or overnight travel. It also helps to consciously plan flights or journeys for times when sleep is easier.
Also read: Five expert tips for a good night's sleep on the plane
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Make smart use of apps on the go
Your smartphone is one of your most important tools while traveling. From navigation and transportation to accommodations and activities, everything comes together in one device. By pre-installing the right apps, you'll save time and frustration on the road.
- Google Maps en Maps.me for navigation
- Rome2Rio for planning routes and transportation
- Booking.com, Hotels.com en Airbnb for accommodations
- Skyscanner for flights
- Get Your Guide for tours and activities
- AllTrails en Komoot for walks
- CityMapper for cities
- MeetUp to easily meet people
Make sure you can use important apps offline, for example by downloading maps or routes in advance.
Stay flexible on the road
Not everything goes as planned on a world trip, and that's precisely part of the adventure. Delays, changed routes, or unexpected stops are all part of the experience. By allowing some flexibility in your planning and not predetermining everything, you can more easily capitalize on new opportunities and experiences along the way.
Step 9: Stay healthy during your world trip
A world trip is intense. New impressions, long travel days, cultural differences, and unpredictability demand more from you than a regular vacation. Therefore, it's important to take good care of yourself not only physically but also mentally. It's normal to feel overwhelmed occasionally while traveling. By consciously taking breaks and adjusting your expectations, you can prevent minor setbacks from impacting your travel enjoyment.
Also read: Getting sick during your trip? † 7 tips to avoid that
Give yourself time to adjust
After arriving at a new destination, you're often tired and less alert. Give yourself time to acclimatize before jumping to conclusions about a place. By keeping your pace slow in the first few days, you'll often experience destinations more positively and mindfully.
Accept that not everything goes as planned
On a world trip, rarely does everything go according to plan. Delays, changed routes, or minor setbacks are all part of life. By not clinging to these too tightly and remaining flexible, you'll have more energy for the experiences that truly matter.
Stay in the moment
Don't try to plan everything or anticipate everything. Letting go and enjoying the moment often creates the most valuable memories. Trusting the course of your journey makes your world trip mentally lighter and more enjoyable.
Step 10: Returning after your world trip
After a long journey around the world, coming home often feels strange. You're back in familiar surroundings, while you yourself have been transformed by everything you've experienced. Take the time to settle in and process your experiences.
Stay active after returning home
It's tempting to fall silent after returning, but staying active helps ease the transition. Find distractions, make plans with others, and keep moving. This helps you regain your rhythm and structure.
Set new goals
A world trip often puts things into perspective. Maybe you want to travel again, or maybe you want to make different choices in your work or life. Setting new goals helps you stay focused and motivated. This could be something big, like another trip, or something small you can work towards.
Also read: 10 reasons why traveling is good for your career and future
More about world travel
A world trip rarely begins with a clear plan. It usually starts with daydreaming. With images that linger and places that haunt you. Spotting orcas along the coast of Canada, immediately 4x4 through the desert van Namibia driving, seeing wildlife during a safari and roadtrip in South Africa of sailing on the Mekong River in the green, quiet Laos .
Op Wereldreizigers.nl We help you turn those first dreams into real plans step by step. On our overview page You'll find all the articles related to world travel, from world travel routes and costs to practical preparation.
Do you now feel like dreaming more? Then dive into your favorite continents Or visit our website and get inspired. When you're ready to start planning, we'll help you along the way.
