Investigate your best airfare options. Check with various airlines and travel agencies to find out which airline offers the best prices and service for international fares or around-the-world tickets. Know that some airlines have stricter rules and restrictions than others. Look for the ticket that gives you the most flexibility as well as the best price.
Estimate when you'll take your around-the-world trip. Make an itinerary to plan a trip around the world: decide which countries you want to visit and how much time you'll want to spend in each. Decide on cities and towns you want to visit. Figure out what activities you want to do (e.g., hiking, sightseeing or wine tasting).
Set a date and purchase your plane tickets or your around-the-world ticket. Check first with your travel agent or the airline and ask about package deals that include accommodations and other services (e.g., car rentals or tours). Know that some air ticket purchases may automatically include discounts for accommodations and other services.
Book accommodations. Confirm hotel or hostel reservations before leaving on your trip. Print out confirmation numbers or receipts-one set to leave at home and one set to take with you-to plan a trip around the world.
Know that you can also buy ahead of time inclusive train and bus tickets and passes that will allow you to travel around a country or continent on one ticket for one price. Book as much of your transportation as possible (before your trip), including rental cars, trains and buses.
Get a passport, if you need one, and all of the travel visas that you will need for your trip. Organize items you'll need to apply for your passport. Realize that processing your passport takes much longer. Plan months ahead.
Buy money belts or other security accessories you'll need during your trip to strap/clip on and hide your valuables under your clothes (such as your passport and money). Be prepared to take different credit cards and know that some places won't accept certain credit cards or traveler's checks.
Pack light. Leave a few special outfits behind-you'll be glad to be without the extra clothes while carrying your luggage during your trip. Mix and match clothes. Fit the majority of your stuff into one large backpack or duffle bag ideally. Make sure it's not too heavy since you may end up carrying luggage for long periods of time. Set aside stuff you'll need on hand to keep in one carry-on bag.
Leave most personal hygiene items at home since many hotels supply toiletries, or you can easily purchase them on-the-go. Exchange some money for foreign currency before leaving but not large amounts-you'll likely only need enough local currencies for cab fares and incidentals.
