BY CLAY LARROY
If you're looking to
get away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart.
Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or
taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from
some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less
stressful. Take
time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will
thank yourself for it when you get back home. When
you want to plan a vacation contact me!
To most, a trip
around the world is a dream affordable only to those with ample money and time.
But around-the-world travel is a growing trend among people from all
backgrounds, professions and ages. With airfare costing as little as $1,300,
many travelers are turning their dreams into reality.
This guide will give
you an overview of the considerations you need to make before undertaking such
a grand and unique endeavor. Many rewards and frustrations can accompany an
around-the-world trip, and you will have a better idea if such a trip is for
you, while you learn about the advance planning needed to pull off your
elaborate, life-altering trip.
An ATW trip is
usually defined as one that persists in a single direction (East or West) and
stops on at least three continents before resulting in complete global
circumnavigation. Travel time is usually three months to one year, and can
include stops on every continent. Though extremely rewarding, an
around-the-world trip is not for everyone. Far from an extended stay at a
resort, a trip around the world does involve a similar commitment of time, but
also holds promises of real adventure.
If you are truly
considering a trip around the world, your flair for adventure will override the
logistical issues and risks. Doing your research before you take off is the key
to a successful ATW trip, and you can start with a knowledgeable travel
consultant who may assist you with developing your itinerary. The rewards?
Savor a new sense of freedom and the confidence of mastering travel that others
only dream of. The engaging stories you might share upon your return could
teach others tolerance and appreciation for other cultures, and in the best way
possible, make the world a smaller place.
Before you talk to a
travel consultant, develop a general idea of the time you have to travel and
the amount of money you wish to spend. Also consider the type of experience you
are seeking... are you interested in climbing mountains, hiking through
rainforests, or snorkeling over a coral reef? Would you rather meet locals over
coffee in cafés, or perhaps work on your tan? Which countries are on your
"must-see" list and which can you skip? The more you consider these
issues, the more efficient the planning process will be, and the quicker you
will be on your way.
Your first stop
should be a good travel agent experienced with tour operators or air
consolidators offering ATW trips. Because of the logistics of an ATW trip and
your significant investment in both time and money, it is important to have a practiced
set of eyes watching out for you. A good travel consultant will know which ATW
tour operators to use and which to avoid, and can assist in pulling together
less obvious components of the trip.
Most ATW tour
operators purchase bulk airfares from one or more airlines and sell them at
terrific discounts off of published fares, in addition to offering discounts at
hotels and other accommodations through negotiated rates. Air and hotel aside,
also identify and plan the activities and sightseeing you"d like to
experience along the way, but go to your travel consultant with an open mind.
No doubt you will discover many new possibilities for your trip as you plan.
Your travel route is
a large factor in the overall cost of your excursion. Around the world trips
can certainly be luxurious, but the budget-minded can be true world travelers
as well. If you are looking to save money, package deals (rather than
specialized itineraries) are your best bet. On average, packages cost from
$1,300 to $3,000, based on stops in airport hub cities - the more hub cities in
your route, the more money you will said, the price of your trip will increase
with each stop you make.
To further reduce
cost, you can spend more time in less expensive areas such as South America,
Africa and Asia. You can buy food at local markets instead of dining out, and
consider staying in a hostel, many of which offer private rooms and baths.
Using inexpensive local transportation will also give you an authentic view of
the country you are visiting. If you are a full-time student or senior citizen,
you could also be eligible for discounted airfare. In planning your trip,
incorporate overland travel by train, bus, car or ship as you make your way
around the world (however, always check with your agent to be sure that your
air connections will still be valid). Though not as efficient as flying,
overland travel lets you get to know a country more intimately and adds variety
to your itinerary. You will have the opportunity to interact with locals, who can
serve as wellsprings of information for what to see and do.
Your tour operator
will take climate and seasonal weather conditions, such as hurricanes, into
consideration as your route is planned. When a destination’s climate is
favorable, that’s typically its "high season," and tourism greatly
increases. If you wish to travel during high season, you should book your
flights well in advance and expect to pay more for airfare. However, if you are
looking to save money and/or be in the company of fewer tourists and are
willing to endure a chill or intense heat, you can take the
"shoulder" or "low season" options.
Most importantly,
relax. The road goes on forever. You are setting off on an adventure that most
only imagine.
REFERENCE SITES:
“The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure
into unknown lands.” – Sir Richard Burton
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