You don't have to bet with anyone, like the famous traveller Phileas Fogg in Verne's famous novel. What you have to do is to decide. Are you in or out? How do you motivate yourself to travel around the world? What all to consider? Can such a journey be done in 80 days?
We have some practical tips for you. Maybe they'll help you get a little further.
Why I should
Wondering why you should go on a round-the-world trip at all? If you're a travel and adventure contrarian, then you probably won't read this article. But if you have hidden or even recognized desires to explore the world, read on.
Someone will be led to travel around the world in 80 days by the aforementioned bet. Someone else's desire to change their current way of life. A desire to start doing things differently.
To step out of the stereotype, to step out of your own shadow. To do something you may never do again. It's said that sometimes in life, the journey itself is the goal, not the specific destination.
With an 80-day round-the-world trip, you get to know yourself, your limits, your strengths and weaknesses. You may begin to appreciate yourself more. If you take a partner with you, you'll get to know them too. And finally, the places you choose to visit will add variety to your life.
Because there are people just like you everywhere. Getting to know them better means making new friends and maybe even appreciating what you have more.
Eighty days is not a long time. Neither it's a 14-day vacation. It's a compromise between. Some people combine such a trip with their annual statutory leave and add an extra six to seven weeks of unpaid leave, in agreement with their boss.
Someone else might make a more drastic cut and quit their job. How you do it is entirely up to you. But you should know you want to do it.
It can be done
Can a round-the-world trip be done in 80 days? Simply put, it can. It all depends on what you want to experience. Do you prefer to visit a lot of destinations? Are you a fan of luxury and comfort? Then take a trip around the world with a specialist tour operator.
But if you're a fan of travelling on your own, without the stress and feeling that you have to be somewhere already, take the journey yourself.
Plan to visit just one place on each continent. Stay there for a while. Get to know the people there, visit what you can't find in the guidebooks. Treat yourself and feel the atmosphere of the place.
What not to forget
Although the idea is crucial to your trip, it is practical not to forget some things. We have 7 tips for you that you should definitely take into account.
- Depending on what you expect from your trip, decide in advance whether you're going alone or with a group of people. Each option has its pros and cons.
- To reduce travel costs, try to get cheap flights (for example, on kiwi.com or cheapoair.com). Alternatively, you can arrange free accommodation in exchange for work (see workaway.com and wwoofing.com for more information). Of course, you can also hitchhike or use any other free travel option.
- Don't forget couchsurfing. There is a huge community of travelers around the world who have already done your trip. Ask them for practical tips. It will help you a lot.
- Try to learn the local language. You probably won't get it perfect, but it will be a door wide open for your travel and your visit to that place. The locals will love you.
- Make sure you get the necessary visas, insurance and vaccinations against any diseases. Even the ancient King Solomon said: "The wise man sees danger and goes into hiding." What you can secure in advance, secure. He'll have more peace of mind.
- Even if most travelers have never encountered local dangerous animals, it's good to know at least something about them. Again, you can't pay anything for prevention.
- Keep an eye on your personal belongings. It may be an awkward phrase, but you'll find that it's absolutely crucial when traveling around the world.