RTW Travel Hacks to Make Your Trip Smoother, Cheaper and Better!
Planning a round the world trip? It’s one of the biggest, boldest, and most rewarding things you’ll ever do—but it also comes with a lot of planning. The sheer amount of decisions—where to go, how much to budget, which flights to book, and what to pack—can get overwhelming fast.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. With a few smart strategies, you can travel longer, stress less, and make the most of every stop on your route. These tips will help you save cash, avoid stress, and pack your adventure with unforgettable moments.
Need Help Planning Your RTW Adventure?
1. Determine Your Reasons for a Round-the-World Trip
Before you dive into the whirlwind of planning your world trip, take a moment to reflect on why you want to embark on this grand adventure. Is it the thrill of exploring new cultures, the desire to break free from your routine, or perhaps a quest for personal growth? Pinning down your motivations will help you craft a world itinerary that’s not just a checklist of destinations, but a journey that resonates with your soul.
2. Create a Bucket List for Your World Itinerary
Creating a bucket list for your around the world itinerary is like drafting a blueprint for your dream trip. Start by jotting down all the places that have been calling your name—whether it’s diving into the vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef or standing in awe of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Think about the cultures you want to immerse yourself in, the exotic foods you’re eager to taste, and the breathtaking landscapes you want to explore.
Use our Travel Wish List to start mapping out your journey.
3. Pick Key Destinations as Non-Negotiable Stops
Once you’ve got your list, it’s time to prioritise. Identify your non-negotiables—the key destinations and experiences that you simply can’t miss. Choose 2–3 absolute must-sees/dos for your around the world trip. They’ll shape your route. Maybe it’s witnessing the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, hiking the iconic Inca Trail, or mastering the art of Mexican cooking in a rustic kitchen. These highlights will shape your world trip itinerary, ensuring you hit all the right notes on your adventure.
Planning to travel independently? Check out our top destinations for backpackers for inspiration.
4. Fly into the Big Hubs with an RTW Ticket
Big hubs mean better connections and cheaper flights. Aim for: Bangkok (BKK) for Southeast Asia, Singapore (SIN) for Asia-Pacific, Los Angeles (LAX) for the Americas, Nairobi (NBO) for Africa, and Bogotá (BOG) for South America.
Bonus: hubs often have low-cost airlines for regional trips, making it easier to plan a travel itinerary that spans the entire world.
We can set you up with the best individual flights, or a Round-the-World ticket (only available for flights within select airline alliances) depending on what works best for your journey. Our advisors can work their magic for the best flights and prices!
5. Love the Long Layover
Long layovers = free mini-adventures! Plus, some airlines have epic stopover programs. For example:
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Qatar Airways: Tour Doha for cheap and enjoy amazing prices on hotel stays.
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Ethiopian Airlines: Explore Addis Ababa with a free hotel stay on qualifying layovers (no more sleeping on airport benches!).
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Air China: Discover Beijing with visa-free stopovers, and you'll get a free hotel for a night on qualifying bookings!
6. Budget Smart or Regret Later
RTW trip costs vary wildly, so make sure to consider all the details—£30/day in Vietnam vs. £100+/day in Australia. Use tools like BudgetYourTrip or NomadList to estimate expenses. Plan for big-ticket experiences and daily costs to avoid nasty surprises.
Check out our Round-the-World Trip Budget Planner for more money advice.
7. Lock in Big Experiences Early
Some things you really don't want to miss out on, so it's best to secure them early - especially on a trip around the world. Some bucket-list items are no-go for last-minute bookings. Just some examples:
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Machu Picchu Permits: Sell out months ahead.
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Mount Kilimanjaro Treks: Limited daily slots.
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Campervans in New Zealand: Early birds get the best prices.
8. Travel Lighter
A 45L backpack fits as carry-on with most airlines, meaning no fees and no lost luggage. Different climates? Don't bring any heavy winter gear, but pack some layers and buy anything else you need locally. Minimalism is your friend!
9. Know Your Entry Requirements
Visas can be tricky. Some countries require applications weeks ahead, and you often need to show proof of visa before boarding international flights. The best resource is the official government pages to avoid getting turned away and missing out on a great time! Head to the FCDO website for the latest travel advice.
10 Get Travel Insurance (Seriously, Don’t Be Cheap)
RTW travel = unpredictability. Medical emergencies, stolen gear, or flight cancellations can wreck your trip. We offer great travel insurance specifically designed for long trips—covering everything from adventure sports to lost luggage. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have it. Talk to us for more info!
11. Take Care of Your Health Before You Go
Health might not be the most glamorous part of planning a round-the-world trip, but it’s definitely one of the most crucial. Before you set off, schedule a traveller’s consultation with your doctor to discuss any health concerns and get up-to-date on necessary vaccinations. Trust us, you don’t want to be sidelined by a preventable illness when you could be exploring the wonders of the world.
And don’t skimp on travel insurance! A good policy will cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and those pesky delays. It’s your safety net for when the unexpected happens. Also, do your homework on the health requirements for each stop on your itinerary.
12. Avoid Traveller Burnout
RTW travel isn’t a sprint. Moving non-stop from city to city sounds exciting, but after a while, exhaustion sets in. Build in some downtime—spend a few days in one place without any plans, chill in a café, binge-watch a show, or just take it easy. Slower travel not only keeps you sane but also helps you experience a destination beyond the tourist checklist. Trust us—you’ll need the recharge.
