Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations, whether it’s by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane or ship.
It’s an experience that can be both exhilarating and scary, but it also offers many rewards. It’s a chance to see the world in a new way and learn about our commonalities, which can help us understand one another better.
Besides the obvious reasons, such as the joys of traveling to different cultures and the opportunity to get away from our daily lives for an extended period of time, there are some other benefits to taking trips abroad that can be especially significant for travellers who are undergoing transitions in their life.
In the case of a round-the-world trip, it’s an ideal time to reflect on your previous experiences and make plans for your future. Whether you’re about to move, start a family, or simply change your life direction, a world travel adventure can give you the motivation and clarity you need to take your next steps in life.
You’ll come out of your journey with an education that no school will ever give you, and with a more global perspective on the world than you would have otherwise been able to achieve without experiencing it yourself. This education comes from meeting people in a variety of countries and from learning about their culture, their history, and how they live their everyday lives.
The most important thing is to enjoy the journey, no matter how long it takes or how hard it may be at times. The world is a constantly changing place, and if you don’t let yourself be flexible enough to adapt to the unexpected then you will miss out on a lot of what makes traveling so exciting.
A big part of that is making sure you’re as healthy as possible while you’re away. It’s worth spending a few extra dollars to get your vaccinations in order before you leave so that you can avoid becoming ill.
This is especially relevant if you’re heading to countries with higher health risks, such as Asia and Africa. You might even be required to have your vaccinations before you can visit certain destinations.
It’s a great idea to book your accommodation and some of your activities in advance, such as tickets for attractions. This can save you time and money as well as ensure that you don’t miss out on the most important sights or spend too much of your time waiting in line for tickets.
As a rule of thumb, it’s best to book your flights and accommodation 4 – 6 months in advance for a round-the-world trip. This gives you plenty of time to secure the best available deals and avoid any potential last-minute surprises or price increases.
Similarly, it’s always worth buying a ticket for a bus or train early as you can often grab the best seats. This can be a real game-changer for getting to some of the most interesting places on your itinerary, and can mean the difference between spending hours in line or enjoying your trip to the fullest.