Choose the destinations for your trip around the globe, including specific cities, regions and countries. Choose countries you have always dreamed of visiting, or those that feature your favorite pastime, such as hiking or kayaking. Consider the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar in other countries, to see where your money will go the farthest. Visit the State Department's website to find out about travel warnings to certain countries or regions.
Apply for your U.S. passport and any tourist visas you may need for the countries you plan to visit. Note that you must apply for some tourist visas three or more months in advance.
Create a budget for your adventure. The farther the distance that you plan to travel, the greater the cost of your trip. Consider the costs of your passport and visas when making a trip budget. Add in the price of hotels, hostels or camping, as well as food and sightseeing expenses. Transportation costs will include airfare, taxis, trains, buses and other local transportation, such as boats, subways and rickshaws. Include other expenses, such as guide books, Internet cafe fees, international health insurance and souvenirs.
Begin purchasing airline tickets as early as possible. Compare flight costs for different times of the year to determine the best prices for your global itinerary.
Make hotel, hostel or camping reservations as early as you can. Read lodging reviews on travel websites such as TripAdvisor for suggestions on where to stay in different countries. Reserve your room online, or call the hotel directly to make your reservation. Consider leaving some of your lodging unscheduled in order to discover new, local pensions or undiscovered hotels.
