travel the world in 2 months

How to plan a big trip whether you have 2 months or 2 years

Dec 23, 2021 • 5 min read

The world is your oyster, so pack your bags and go explore! © FredFroese / Getty

Given the range of possibilities, planning a dream trip of two months or more can be bewildering. Whether you’ve got two, six, 12 or 18 months to travel, prevent the journey from becoming a nightmare of forgotten visas, missed flights and inflexible itineraries with this handy guide, packed with potential routes and practical tips to help you make the most of your precious time.

If you have two months to travel…

Two months is enough time to explore one continent. That might mean traveling overland across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town (stopping to search for mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda and camp in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro ), or seeing South America ’s greatest hits, from Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines to the Galápagos Islands .

If you haven’t been to Europe , consider a grand tour of its great cities; excellent transport links everywhere from  Amsterdam to Zagreb , making the continent a perfect match for the less experienced traveler. Alternatively, if you're looking to escape the cold of winter at home, consider a trip to steamy  Southeast Asia , which is also a great choice for budget travelers.

Two months is also an ideal timeframe for a  North American road trip – rent a car and circle the states and eastern Canada in eight weeks.

How to plan a round-the-world trip

If you have six months to travel…

You can cross a couple of continents on an overland journey. Pioneered in the mid-1950s, the "hippie trail" is an iconic route that crosses Europe to the Middle East and continues to Nepal , India and the Far East. Conflict in the Middle East has made the trail more complicated than it used to be, but it’s still possible to cover most of the route safely.

Kick-off in London  or  Paris  and head towards Istanbul – tracing the same route as the famed Orient Express. Zigzagging your way to Turkey , you’ll take in the canals of Amsterdam, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Romania’s Bran Castle and much more. Invest in an  Interrail pass for a cheap and flexible all-in-one ticket that’ll help you happily hop trains across Europe.

The classic route splinters off after Istanbul , either heading north through Tehran and Lahore on to India and Nepal or to Syria, Jordan , Iran and Pakistan (a route that many governments advise against today because of safety concerns and political tensions). The route to Nepal can be done in a minimum of six to eight weeks. Once there, hike in the Himalayas, then drop down into India for another three to four weeks, visiting the legendary fortresses of Rajasthan , the Taj Mahal and holy Varanasi .

With this amount of time to travel, the urge to see it all can be strong. But half a year will pass surprisingly quickly and you’ll want to allow for spontaneity; you never know where new friends, new experiences and new hobbies might take you. It can be helpful to list your must-visit countries and cities, plus any activities or experiences you’re dying to try, and then use these as the building blocks of your trip, leaving your itchy feet room to roam as you go.

If you have a year to travel...

With a year at your disposal, you’ll be looking to plan a round-the-world (RTW) adventure . One way to tackle this would be to take a shorter route, like the aforementioned hippie trail, and do it slowly, padding the main itinerary with side trips. For example, from Istanbul you could fly to Egypt , see the Pyramids at Giza ; in India, you could circle through the south of the country, lounge on the beaches of Goa  or stay at an ashram.

Of course, not everyone wants to follow an existing trail. Many opt for an RTW plane ticket, which can be purchased for as little as $2000, allowing you to visit a half dozen or more places than a DIY trip might allow on a similar budget. If you schedule sufficient time between flights, you can book additional domestic flights to explore regions in greater depth. Alternatively, more spontaneous globetrotters may wish to book only their first flight and let the adventure dictate itself – personal preferences and comfort zones are all-important here.

The key is breaking it down into manageable chunks; you have the luxury of time, so slow down. Allocate at least a month to each destination and consider swapping carbon-heavy flights for an overland adventure combining more leisurely modes of transport. Divide your trip into quarters or seasons, and choose a theme for each, a bit like Eat, Pray, Love . You could let loose and party hard for a few months, spend another few volunteering on an organic farm, and a few more acquiring a new skill. Having achievable, fun goals helps to avoid feeling as if you've "wasted" a year.

Amid the flurry of planning, prep and passport stamps, remember to factor in downtime. Few people can sustain the initial all-action backpacker mode for a whole year, so pencil in a week here and there just to chill out – why not treat yourself to a slightly fancier private room or apartment? And remember to build in variety, mixing urban breaks with wild escapes to keep any boredom at bay.

If you have 18 months or more to travel…

With enough time to circumnavigate the world twice, two years is "quitting your job and hitting the road without an end destination in sight" territory. This calls for a  much slower pace – consider that some people spend up to a year exploring just one large country such as China, India or the United States .

As you migrate across the globe, make a new city your temporary hometown for a while – nothing gets you under the skin of a place more than living like a local. Settle in, study a language or (finances depending) volunteer; or take time off to paint, write or simply soak up a new locale. Constantly moving can be exhausting and after a while the sights tend to blur; getting to know one place really well can be just as, or more, rewarding than ticking 100 attractions off your bucket list.

You might also like:  Plan your next adventure with these expert tips from a Lonely Planet writer The joys of planning a trip a (very) long way in advance 10 destinations perfect for solo travel

This article was first published January 2019 and updated December 2021

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Destinations

Experiences.

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Plan Your Trip

Plan your rtw trip.

Finding the right round the world trip planner can be difficult. This is first and foremost because many such tools on the internet are only for planning (and, in some cases, booking) RTW flights. The truly difficult part of planning a trip around the world is deciding where to go, how long to stay and how to arrange your trip, so the content deficit (let alone how rare it is to find a quality world trip planner) is frustrating for many travelers.

The good news? Whether you want to travel all around the world, or simply want to visit multiple continents during a single trip, this guide covers all the bases you’ll need to hit as you plan your trip.

Of course, I’ll also touch on the particulars of buying a RTW ticket, including a somewhat contentious recommendation on my part. I’m about to share a great deal of information with you, but I promise: Planning a RTW trip is much, much easier than it looks.

Booking Round the World Flights

Many a round the world trip planner (which to say, any airline alliance website create for the purpose of selling flights) will tell you that booking a single RTW ticket is essential for a round the world trip. However, I don’t agree with this. In addition to the fact that having a single travel the world for a year itinerary (even a flexible one) can lock you in on a trip that will be anything but predictable, it’s often more cost effective to book individual segments, particularly if you have some miles or points to play with.

Let’s say, for example, that you live in the United States and want to fly around the world westward. After taking advantage of a rock-bottom one-way flight from the US to Japan or China , you can take advantage of low-cost flights as you explore Southeast Asia and Australia , then gradually make your way to Europe (and from there, Africa ), flying to South America before returning home, often for only a few hundred dollars per segment. A round-the-world ticket, on the other hand, which often only includes long-distance flights, can easily cost between $2,000-3,000. And that’s without the fees you’ll certainly have to pay to change it as your plans evolve.

How Long Does a Round the World Trip Take?

Whether or not you work with an around the world trip planner, you should keep in mind that as you plan a round the world trip, the issue of timing can be surprisingly far in the back of your mind, particularly if you’ll be traveling to regions of the world you’ve never visited. While two weeks traveling through Japan or Western Europe can allow you to cover a lot of ground, it’s woefully insufficient in places like India , Africa or even much of South America. In general, it’s safe to assume you’re probably underestimating how long you’ll need to devote to your trip.

Broadly speaking, I’d say the best round the world holidays last a minimum of six months, though I have personally taken epic trips in a shorter amount of time than that. On the other hand, I’d caution against traveling for longer than a year at a time, as being away from your “real life” for such a period can have other impacts on your well-being, ones you might not be able to anticipate right now.

How Much Does a Round the World Trip Cost?

Another deficiency of many a round the world trip planner (which is once again to say a flight booking tool) is that it provides only a piece of the cost puzzle—your round the world trip isn’t only going to cost a few thousand dollars. Generally speaking, the average cost of traveling anywhere in the world is between 50-150 USD per person, per day, which means that a conservative estimate for the cost of the ultimate around the world itinerary for a six-month trip (without your “big” flights) is between $9,000-27,000. Not cheap!

Of course, there are ways to decrease the cost of a travel around the world itinerary, whether you manage to find the cheapest round the world ticket, take advantage of opportunities for free or discounted stays (whether you couch surf or do some sort of volunteer program) or simply keep your dining out and shopping to a minimum. In general, however, I’d recommend over-estimating your budget than under-estimating it, if only so you don’t end up as a “begpacker.”

When to Take a Round the World Trip

When you travel around the world will depend upon where you want to go. While most of the sample round the world routes I’ll recommend in the next section are fairly evergreen, some destinations are better during certain months than others, and planning according to this can influence the rest of your travel trajectory.

For example, let’s assume you want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan , probably the world’s most famous seasonal spectacle. Whether you choose from my round the world trip ideas below or commission a custom 6 month travel itinerary, you’ll want to arrange the rest of your RTW trip to optimize the weather in all your destinations. You might head to Nepal after Japan, for instance, to trek when the country’s famous rhododendrons are blooming, or visit Australia and New Zealand before Japan to catch the tail end of warm weather Down Under.

Round the World Trip Ideas

The best of six continents.

Most round the world trip planners will want to see the “whole world” on their trips—all six inhabited continents, and potentially even Antarctica. Regardless of where your RTW travel originates, the general path you will follow is North America-Asia (Australia/New Zealand)-(Middle East/India) Europe (Africa)-South America-North America, or maybe in reverse depending upon where you start and what time of year you’re traveling.

In terms of a general flight path, this might look something like the following: Los Angeles-Vancouver- Tokyo – Bangkok – Sydney – Dubai – Paris -Cairo-Cape Town-London-Buenos Aires- Bogota -Houston. Needless to say there are countless variations, from a 6 month round the world trip to ones much longer!

Wonders of the World

Rather than taking a comprehensive approach (which can lead to a year or even longer on the road—again, not an option for the majority of travelers), you can start your world travel planner based on a finite list of world wonders, be it classic ones you find on an Asia trip planner like the Great Wall or ones you designate yourself, such as Barcelona ‘s Sagrada Familia church or Ethiopia’s “Door to Hell.”

Assuming you take a more classic route for your around the world itinerary, you might go about planning a round the world trip between wonders as follows. From Chicago to Beijing (for the Great Wall), then to Delhi (for the Taj Mahal), to Cairo (for the Pyramids ), to Athens (for the Acropolis), to London (for Stonehenge), to Rio de Janeiro (for Christ the Redeemer) to New York (for the Statue of Liberty). Again, this is highly customizable!

The Backpacker’s Trail

I’ve taken great pains within this round the world trip planner to be honest and sober about the cost of traveling around the world, but this is still a sort of trip that people on the backpacking spectrum can take. Specifically if you decide to string together affordable destinations like Southeast Asia, India, Eastern Europe, Andean South America and Central America.

For instance, if you’re seeking a cheap around the world itinerary, you might fly from Denver to Kuala Lumpur (via China, as Chinese airlines are the cheapest), then fly to Mumbai or Delhi for a month or two there. From there, head to Ukraine or Poland to begin a month or so backpacking Eastern Europe (I particularly like the Balkans ), before taking a flight (probably a multi-leg one) to Lima (where Peru and Bolivia await) or Cancun, from which can you head south to affordable Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Five-Star Frolic

On the other end up to the spectrum for a world trip itinerary, travelers without a set budget can enjoy a round the world business class (or even first class) romp that pulls out all the stops. Rather than focusing on a set range of destinations, you can plan your trip based on luxurious hotels and experiences, be it a Tanzania safari from the opulent Four Seasons Serengeti , sampling award-winning in-flight products and services from airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines or dining in foodie capitals like Tokyo and Paris.

If you’re planning a luxury round the world trip, it makes sense to enlist the help of a professional (me or someone else), since the price of such assistance (usually between $100-200 per week of travel) is minimal compared to the overall cost of such a RTW trip.

Other FAQ About RTW Travel

How many stops do you get on a round the world ticket.

Whether you’re planning a 6 month round the world trip or plan to stay on the road for years, I am a proponent of piecemeal booking of air travel, rather than committing yourself to a RTW ticket. Therefore, I consider the number of “stops” permitted on such a ticket to be superfluous.

How do I plan a trip around the world?

Unless you are a very experienced global traveler, I recommend against trying to plan a trip on your trip. Rather, work with a professional (such as Yours Truly) to arrange a travel the world for a year itinerary. Or for longer than a year, or shorter—you get the idea.

Are round the world tickets worth it?

No! As I’ve expressed many times during this round the world itinerary, I am not a fan of RTW plane tickets. They rarely cost less; booking and changing them requires a pedantic phone call—or rather phone calls, since you’ll have to call in every time you want to make a modification.

Round the World Trip Planning

The best round the world trips are the ones where you get out on the road and go where the wind takes you, but that’s not realistic for most people. Whether because of finite funds or a “real life” you need to get back to, round the world trips require more planning than you’d probably like, even if you’re generally an adventurous and spontaneous traveler.

“So,” you might be asking, “can you plan my round the world trip for me?” The answer is yes, though there are a couple caveats. Because of the length and breadth of most RTW trips, many travelers want a more skeletal version of my typical “Travel Coaching” itinerary, which is typical extremely detailed and includes day-by-day recommendations. As a result, my pricing for planning RTW itineraries differs from what I’ve published on my Travel Coaching page , so I’d advise emailing me directly with any inquiries.

The Bottom Line

No matter how extensive a round the world trip planner you’ve been seeking, I’m confident that mine has met your needs. For most travelers, it’s simply a matter of learning your RTW flight booking options, assessing the cost of your RTW trip and deciding upon destinations and routing. However, others might want to hire a world trip planner (or a least a skeleton of it, which puts in place a broad trajectory) on their behalf.

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Journey Across Horizons

Unleashing Boundless Discoveries Across the Globe

2 Month Trip Around the World | Your Ultimate Guide

Have you ever imagined yourself traveling around the world in sixty days? Setting out on a two-month global trip is an event of a lifetime that will leave you with a wealth of memories and experiences. Every step you take creates vivid memories, whether you’re in the busy streets of Tokyo or the tranquil landscapes of Kenya. The world becomes your canvas. A well-thought-out two-month trip around the globe can satisfy your wanderlust like never before, whether your goals are spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or just an amazing journey .

Table of Contents

Creating the Ideal Schedule

Creating an itinerary for a two-month global tour requires careful preparation and a strong spirit of adventure. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the world’s unique tapestry, it entails striking a careful balance between must-see locations and unusual treasures.

Accepting the Enchantment of Many Cultures

Discovering the cultural wonders of asia.

Asia provides a variety of customs, cuisines, and landscapes that are sure to create an enduring impression on your travels, from the technical wonders of Tokyo to the spiritual sanctuary of Bali.

Savoring the Timeless Charms of Europe

Europe is a refuge for culture vultures and travelers looking for a mix of traditional charm and contemporary pleasures, thanks to its rich history and architectural wonders.

Exposing the Marvels of Africa

For those looking for a close relationship with both nature and humanity, the vast and untamed regions of Africa, with their abundance of unique animals and cultural traditions, offer an enthralling mosaic.

Uncovering the Americas’ Vivacity

The Americas provide an exciting blend of landscapes, cultures, and adventures that satisfy any traveler’s needs thanks to their blend of urban vibrancy and natural grandeur.

How Much to Spend on an Epic Adventure

Setting out on an international journey requires a careful budget that strikes a balance between luxury and pragmatism. Budgeting sensibly can guarantee a rewarding trip without sacrificing experiences.

How to Pack Wisely for Any Climate

Packing light and wisely is essential while preparing for a fast-paced international trip because different continents have different climates and topographies.

Essential Travel Equipment

To guarantee comfort and ease, a few essential goods must travel with you on your voyage, ranging from durable backpacks to adaptable travel adapters.

Tips for Dressing in Different Climates

A thoughtful approach to clothing is necessary when navigating varied regions, allowing you to easily adjust to changing weather conditions without compromising comfort or style.

Keeping Safe and Well While Traveling

It is crucial to put your health and safety first when traveling in order to guarantee a seamless and uninterrupted discovery of the world’s wonders.

Health Precautions and Immunizations

Seeking advice from medical experts and obtaining the required vaccinations and preventative measures can protect you against health hazards that are common in many regions of the world.

Providing Travel Safety

A safe and easy trip can be ensured by putting sensible security measures into place and keeping an eye on local laws and traditions.

Embracing the Moments: Photography Advice

Capturing the essence of your travel in images demands technical mastery, artistic vision, and a profound appreciation for the moments that are being captured.

Preserving Moments via the Lens

When you become skilled at telling stories with photos, you can capture those ephemeral moments and turn them into enduring visual narratives.

Posting About Your Trip on social media

By using social media to its full potential, you may inspire and engage other travelers with your experiences while leaving a digital legacy of your journey and sharing them with a worldwide audience.

Developing a Worldview

Being immersed in many cultures helps you develop a global perspective, empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of human diversity.

Adjusting for Sensitivities to Culture

Encountering and adjusting to diverse cultural norms and sensitivities when traveling the world creates deep relationships and expands your knowledge of the complex tapestry of customs and beliefs that exist throughout the world.

Opportunities to finish a world tour in two months

Setting out on a round-the-world journey in less than two months may appear impossible at first, but it is achievable with careful preparation and a well-planned schedule. With the help of this grand excursion, there will be ample opportunity to see various cultures, see stunning scenery, and make lifelong memories. The idea of a two-month worldwide voyage can become an exciting reality by carefully planning the practicalities of the trip, picking important locations, and adopting an adaptable mindset. Reaching the goal of finishing this incredible voyage is possible if you have preparedness, determination, and an adventurous attitude.

Top Places to See the Whole World in Two Months

A two-month journey across the world is an exciting opportunity to fully immerse oneself in a diverse range of cultures and environments. In order to fully enjoy this incredible adventure, it is essential to plan an itinerary that includes a variety of locations, each providing a distinctive and life-changing experience. This is an extensive guide to some of the top places to visit if you have two months to do a round-the-world trip.

1. Japan’s Tokyo

Beginning the voyage in Tokyo enables a thorough examination of the contrast between antiquated customs and modern technologies. Tokyo, with its neon-lit streets and peaceful Shinto shrines, is a sensory extravaganza that perfectly captures the spirit of contemporary Japan.

2. Rome, Italy

Rome, the eternal city, entices with its breathtaking architecture, mouthwatering food, and ancient ruins. To truly appreciate the rich historical and cultural legacy of this amazing location, a trip to the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, and the Colosseum is a must.

3. Egypt’s Cairo,

Cairo, the home of the pyramids and pharaohs, provides a fascinating window into antiquity. A thorough grasp of Egypt’s fascinating history and architectural wonders can be gained by touring the Egyptian Museum, the Sphinx, and the Great Pyramid of Giza.

4. South Africa’s Cape Town

Any traveler from across the world should make time to visit Cape Town because of its breathtaking natural beauty, which includes Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. Savoring the famous wines of the area while embracing the lively local culture makes for an unforgettable and rewarding experience.

5. Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a dynamic metropolis that perfectly captures the spirit of Brazilian living.

Relish the sun at Copacabana Beach, hike up Sugarloaf Mountain for sweeping vistas, and take in the vibrant carnival and samba cultures of the city.

6. Sydney (Australia)

Traveling to Sydney gives you the chance to see the famous Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the gorgeous Sydney Harbour. For a really unique Australian experience, embrace the city’s laid-back vibe and indulge in its eclectic culinary scene.

7. China’s Beijing

A trip to Beijing provides an engrossing look at China’s swift modernization and rich past. Experience the vibrant energy of this busy city while marveling at the Great Wall of China, touring the Forbidden City, and enjoying real Chinese food.

8. Peru’s Machu Picchu

Nestled amidst the Andes Mountains, the historic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is a testimony to the inventiveness of past civilizations. A deep connection to the mystery and charm of Andean culture can be made by hiking the Inca Trail and touring the Sacred Valley.

9. France’s Paris

With famous sites like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower, a trip to the City of Light is sure to be charming and romantic. Savor the delectable food of Paris, take a leisurely stroll down the Seine, and succumb to the artistic and cultural charms of the city.

10. USA’s New York City

The trip comes to an end in the vibrant city of New York City, which offers a comprehensive introduction to American entertainment, art, and culture.

The spirit of America is well captured in New York City, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, Broadway productions to a wide variety of culinary delights.

Creating a trip schedule that incorporates these interesting and varied locations guarantees a world tour in less than two months, providing a life-changing and rewarding international travel experience that will never be forgotten by a travel enthusiast.

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Round the World How-To

Inside: the ultimate guide to planning a dream vacation around the world, from rtw tickets to choosing your bucket list itinerary..

Let’s face it, the pandemic was a punch to the gut for travel lovers around the world.

Never did I think I’d see a day when I couldn’t just bebop onto a transatlantic flight. Or just, say, leave my own home. But there we were.

When I (literally) dusted off my passport in early 2021, the thin layer of dust accumulated was borderline soul crushing.

But fear not dear globetrotters, the pandemic era is finally in the rear view mirror and international travel has rebounded with a heart-warming zeal!

So now what?

You’ve got some lost time to make up for, that’s what.

And there’s no better way to do it than with a life-changing, Bucket-List-crushing, dream vacation around the world .

Take my word for it…I’ve done 10 around the world trips, visiting more than 175 countries on all 7 continents along the way. And you can, too.

But I probably don’t need to waste my time selling you on the idea of a trip around the world. You found this site. I suspect you’re on board.

So let’s start with the basics.

What is a Round the World Trip?

Simply put, a Round the World (RTW) trip is a circumnavigation of the globe, either in an eastward or westward direction. Start in one city and continue east or west until you get back to it. That’s all there is to it!

Tip: West is best for combatting jetlag, while east saves time and hotel nights ($$) with overnight flights. (I’m cheap and usually short on time, I fly east. )

Read More: 8 Reasons to Stop Dreaming & Start Planning a Trip “Around the World in 30 Days “

Of course, while the concept of round the world travel is simple, the variables are far more complex.

For example, you may be wondering…

How many days do I need for a RTW trip?

What you’ve probably seen on YouTube and Instagram from round the world travelers is true.

Most quit their jobs, sell their possessions, and hit the road for a year or more with big dramatic flair. Of course, that kind of nomadic commitment is not for everyone.

And I’m living proof that there are other options.

My first 9 RTW trips were approximately 30 days each. The lone exception was RTW #10, my honeymoon , which clocked in at a pretty incredible 3 months.

I’ve also done 30-day trips focused on various regions of the world like Europe , Central America , Oceania , the Balkans , and the Himalayas (a great option if there’s a specific part of the world that interests you or you just hate jetlag).

For me, a month is the ideal amount of time to travel.

Long enough to truly disconnect and explore. Yet short enough that I’m unlikely to throw my carry-on (we’ll get to that) suitcase out the nearest train window because I’m tired of every single thing in it.

There’s no right answer to how long your round the world trip should take. I know someone who went around the world in 5 days (zero stars, do not recommend) and someone else who started 10 years ago and is still going strong.

So, two weeks, a month, or even 6 months to travel around the world? It’s totally up to you.

The bottom line: Take as much time as you can, anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months will do. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you never know if you’ll have the chance to do it again.

A trip around the world sounds amazing, but how do I get the time off?

When I wrote the first edition of The Grown-Up’s Guide to Globetrotting 11 years ago, this topic was a central focus and the largest hurdle to taking a career-friendly trip around the world. After all, most Americans are stuck with a measly 2 weeks of annual vacation leave (the horror!).

So, how do you travel the world without tanking your career?

Amazingly, on this front, the COVID-19 pandemic gifted us with one gleaming silver lining:

WORK. FROM. HOME.

Yes, even the stuffiest of Fortune 500 corporations have finally come around to the idea that work from home can (and does) work – with the right employee.

This revelation is especially thrilling to me as someone who has been working from home (combined with business travel) for more than 20 years.

In fact, my friends will tell you that my life mantra has always been:

If you can work from home, you can work from Rome. Jenny McIver Brocious

Or Paris. Or Bangkok. Or wherever floats your boat. You get the idea.

There’s a lot more to making this work successfully from exotic locales – time zone challenges, reliable internet, etc. (I go into that in detail in the book) – but I can assure you, it can be done. And it beats the pants off working from your dining room table.

The bottom line: You can use the WFH option to increase your available time for travel. Add days or weeks onto your trip or schedule a trip just to work from somewhere inspiring.

What’s on your Bucket List?

And now we come to the fun part. This is where the magic happens.

Where in the world do you want to go?

I speak from experience when I say that there are few things more thrilling than sitting down in front of a giant foldout map of the world and plotting out your dream vacation .

Maybe you already have a dozen exotic destinations in mind. Or maybe there are places in the world you never considered visiting because they always seemed too far away.

The beauty of going around the world is that the entire world becomes just a short flight away.

How many destinations should I choose?

The answer will directly correlate to how much time you plan to take. My month-long trips have ranged from an uber-ambitious 15 stops on Round the World #1 to a more relaxed pace with 8 stops on Round the World #2 .

Here’s a simple, 3-step plan to crafting your round the world itinerary:

• Make your wish list.
• Compare it to the number of days you have to travel.
• Adjust accordingly.

Critically evaluate how long you actually need to see each place on your wish list.

For some (like me), 2-3 days per destination can be a good rule of thumb. Devote more time to your “ Top 5 ” must-see destinations and maybe just spend one day exploring the city you only added to the itinerary because it was right there and you couldn’t just skip it (you laugh, but I guarantee a few of these stops will sneak their way onto your itinerary!).

Remember that a short-term round the world trip, however incredible, is not going to be an in-depth cultural experience at every stop. Think more Amazing Race and less Under the Tuscan Sun .

It IS, however, a terrific way to get a taste of new and exciting places and start building a new wish list for future trips.

Depending on your interest level, you may not need a week to see the Pyramids , I did it in an afternoon and it was magnificent. A full day at the Taj Mahal and a morning walk along the Great Wall of China were enough to fulfill my dream of seeing those world wonders.

But that’s me. And I’ve been told I can be a little, ah, overly-energetic when I travel. You do you.

Need some destination inspiration? Here are 30 of my favorite travel experiences around the world:

Around the World in 30 Extraordinary Travel Experiences

And here are the Top 50 places I think should be on every Bucket List:

50 Amazing Places for Your Travel Bucket List (2024)

Round the World Flights: The RTW Ticket (your new best friend)

I am fortunate that my years of excessive business travel have one nifty little side benefit, I have a crap ton of airline miles.

So when I discovered the magical world of “ Round the World airline tickets ” years ago, those Delta miles not only afforded me the opportunity to take that first RTW trip but to take it in first class with Delta’s Skyteam Alliance.

Sadly, the days of booking a RTW ticket with miles went the way of the dodo bird in 2015. I won’t lie to you, I wept openly when Delta first announced it (followed quickly by United and American).

But all is not lost if you’ve been hoarding miles like pandemic toilet paper. All major US airlines now allow one-way award booking. Meaning you can still use your miles to route yourself around the world, one one-way flight at a time!

And honestly, the old mileage RTW tickets were a deal but they were a BEAR to book and had zero flexibility. One-way award booking gives you a ton more flexibility plus the option to mix economy and business class legs (for longer flights) on your journey. This is a BIG perk.

Here are a few more tips for you “ Up in the Air ” business travelers out there with miles & points to burn:

How to Use Points & Miles to Redeem Your RTW Dream

No miles, no problem

Two of the three major airline alliances do still offer paid RTW ticket options. Delta’s Skyteam Alliance is the exception, they discontinued the RTW ticket option completely a few years ago. The airline alliance RTW tickets are not cheap and you’ll spend extra time connecting through hub cities but you can earn a ton of miles as you travel.

If that option interests you, start here:

• Oneworld – World Travel (American, Alaska)
• Star Alliance – Round the World (United)

The affordable RTW ticket…

If redeeming (or earning) miles isn’t your jam and you truly just want the most affordable way to see the world, skip the airline alliances and head straight to:

• Airtreks – This site is more service oriented, you enter a proposed itinerary and a travel planner will contact you to create the perfect customized itinerary.
• BootsnAll – This one is more DIY. You can create and book an itinerary yourself online.

Unlike the airline alliances, these two round the world airfare specialists utilize all airlines to create your dream itinerary. This will often yield both the best price and the most direct routing for your trip.

WARNING: Once you start playing around with the trip planners on these two sites, you may become addicted to the global possibilities.

Tip: You guessed it, I’ve covered all the ins and outs of booking RTW tickets in the book.

Hotels vs. Airbnb – Where to stay?

Once again business travel rewards can be handy when planning a round the world trip.

My Marriott and Hilton points have been offsetting the costs of my round the world trips for years. Not to mention affording me swank rooms at hotels and resorts that were WAY outside of my round the world budget, like these:

But if you don’t have points, not to worry! I am a firm believer that a quality, affordable hotel can always be found, even in the most expensive destinations. My go-to hotel site (when I’m not using points) is Booking.com .

Tip: If you’re not a member of any hotel frequent guest programs, sign up for all of them before you go. It’s free and you’ll earn points as you travel. Many also offer perks during your stay, just for being a member.

If you’re not a fan of chain hotels or if you’re going to be in one spot for more than 3 or 4 days, I’d highly recommend an apartment rental. They can be considerably cheaper than even the most economical hotel and having a kitchen can be a tremendous cost-saver as well. Not to mention it’s just fun to live more like a local!

One of my favorite apartment rental sites is Airbnb but I’ve also found that more and more apartment rentals are also listed on Booking.com (and the fees there are often cheaper than Airbnb). That said, I’ve booked with Airbnb all over the world (including the Tuscan villa we used for our wedding – below!) and never had a bad experience. If you haven’t yet rented through Airbnb, click here for my discount code. You’ll get $40 off your first rental and, when you book, I’ll get $20 off my next rental…that’s a win-win!

Who should I travel with on an around the world trip?

If you’re married, it would probably be rude to go without your spouse (try it at your own marital peril).

But if you’re single, this is a question that deserves serious consideration. If you’ve never traveled solo, your gut instinct may be to find a friend or family member to travel with.

But before you do that, consider this…

A solo trip around the world is perhaps the best gift you can ever give yourself, especially for women. It’s empowering, it’s safe and it just might be the best travel experience of your life.

Read More: Why Every Woman Should Travel the World Solo (at Least Once) & How to Stay Safe Doing It

No matter what you decide, choose carefully.

How to pack (carry on only!) for an around the world trip

Yes, you read that right. I just casually floated the idea of traveling around the world for a month or longer with nothing but a carry-on bag.

If you’re a guy, you were probably not at all alarmed by the previous paragraph and thought, “ Couple of t-shirts, some shorts, underwear, got it. ” You can scroll down to the next topic, this section is not about you.

Now, for my globetrotting ladies. I’m going to ask you to trust me on this one (we’ve known each other for 10 or 15 minutes now and I feel like you get me).

With so many flights involved in a RTW trip, carry-on is truly the only option.

Reuniting with a lost bag can quickly become a logistical nightmare when you’re changing cities every few days. (And I can assure you that no one at the lost baggage desk understands what “ RTW ticket ” means.)

If you don’t believe me you can read all about the one time I broke my own rule and ended up spending an entire day at baggage claim in Paris on Round the World #4 . (Actually, don’t. It’s mind-numbing reading and definitely not my best work.)

You can do this. You don’t need all the “ stuff ” you think you do!

(For the things you do need, here’s all the Stuff I Love most!)

I have traveled for as long as 3 months out of just a carry-on (and in case I forgot to mention it, I’m a girl!). I do freely admit, however, that I was over just about every item of clothing in that suitcase by the end. I also confess I checked a bag to Antarctica. Because Antarctica .

How do I do it? This excerpt from “ The Grown-Up’s Guide to Globetrotting ” is guaranteed to help you overcome your RTW packing challenges:

How to Travel Around the World with Just a Carry-On: A Girl’s Guide to Traveling Light

What else do I need to know for a RTW trip?

We’ve covered the big-ticket items – how long to travel, how many places to visit, with who, how to find RTW tickets, where to stay, and what to pack. So what’s left?

Well, a LOT actually. But hey, that’s where my book comes in (insert shameless plug here).

I’ll end with a hit list of other tips, tricks and things to consider when planning your once-in-a-lifetime (or maybe more!) round the world trip:

• Apps : For currency conversion, I like Oanda. And Google translate is also incredibly handy to have around.
• Thoroughly research entry requirements for ALL countries you plan to visit well in advance. Almost all visa applications can now be completed online.
• A good universal power adapter & converter is a must. More than one is a plus if you have lots of devices (and don’t we all these days?).
• Check with your doctor for any immunizations you may need for your destinations. I got the works before my first trip and haven’t had to worry about it since (other than the occasional prescription for malaria pills).
• Consider purchasing travel insurance, for a trip of this magnitude, it’s a must! Especially in the post-pandemic era. Here’s a good independent review of the benefits of travel insurance and the options available: 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned date of return because all countries have different requirements on this.

And finally…

Get the Book!

For more comprehensive advice on planning your route, booking RTW tickets and everything else you ever wanted to know about traveling around the world, get the ultimate resource guide to planning a RTW trip (without quitting your job!):

Round the World in 30 Days: The Grown-Up’s Guide to Globetrotting

Now get out there and start planning the around the world trip of your dreams!

As Phil Keoghan says at the start of every season of the Amazing Race,

“The world is waiting for you!”

6 Sensible (and Not-So-Sensible) Round-the-World Travel Itineraries

Recently I shared five planning tips for creating your ideal round-the-world travel itinerary. A reader suggested that a few sample itineraries might make useful reading, and the opportunity to play around with RTW routes for a better reason than purely my own amusement was too good to pass up.

Vagabondish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read our disclosure .

For the sake of simplicity, I’m going to start every route in New York. I don’t live there, but I bet more readers do than in my current hometown in Western Australia, and wherever you are, you’re more likely to be able to adapt a route going through the US to suit your own situation. I’m using my favorite RTW site TripPlanner for the price estimates.

So to start off, and following my own advice, let’s look at some routes that include what I would call “sensible” destinations.

A Varied Route: Not Just Beaches, But Not Too Much Cash

New York — Barcelona — Athens — Cairo — Dubai — Bangkok — Sydney — Auckland — San Francisco — New York

For just over $3,000, it’s possible to get a RTW ticket stopping at places as varied as Gaudi-haven Barcelona, historically soaked Cairo (I hadn’t thought of Athens, but it got thrown in by TripPlanner as a free stopover), the modern architectural marvel of Dubai, and a stop in Bangkok which you could turn into a beach sojourn in a quiet part of Thailand. Getting home again could see you explore parts of east coast Australia and New Zealand before soaking up the San Francisco Bay atmosphere.

If you’re looking for variety, think big. Nobody says you have to stop at the biggest or most well-known cities. Many standard routes would head to London or Frankfurt rather than Barcelona, but why not head straight to the cities that really interest you most?

A Not-Overdoing-It Route: Don’t Squeeze the Whole World In

New York — Moscow — Singapore — Tokyo — Honolulu — Vancouver — Seattle — New York

Too much variety can be too much of a good thing. This route’s cheapest variant comes out at around $2,500, and I picked it using a handful of cities that have really interested me of late. Singapore and Seattle were free extras thrown in by the system — places where these routes would make stopovers anyway — but Moscow, Tokyo, Honolulu and Vancouver make to me a fascinating and relaxing vacation which also doesn’t need to last more than a few weeks.

A Cheap Route: Cheap Fare, Cheap Living Costs

New York — Shanghai — Bangkok — Delhi — Amsterdam — New York

For just over $2,000, you can get around the world with a few stops in the cheaper parts of Asia and one of the slightly less expensive cities of Europe. If you spend most of your trip in China, Thailand and India, or other areas of south-east Asia where living and traveling expenses are relatively low, you’ll have enough cash to enjoy a European stopover like Amsterdam on your way home.

A Summer Route: Don’t Pack A Coat

New York — London — Vienna — Hong Kong — Bangkok — Singapore — Perth — Melbourne — Christchurch (NZ) — Auckland (NZ) — Los Angeles — New York

This gets trickier, and we’re talking about a longer trip, nine months or a year. Say we start in New York in April — that’s spring in the northern hemisphere. Head to Europe for the northern summer. As the seasons change, enjoy the eternal warmth of tropical Asia, then when the southern hemisphere summer begins in December, head to Australia and New Zealand for a few months. Summer all the way, and you’ll have really cut back on your clothes packing by avoiding cold weather. But for a relatively reasonable $3,500, you’ve really seen a lot of the world in your shorts and T-shirt.

A Quick Route: Around the World in Much Less Than 80 Days

New York — Paris — Dubai — Hong Kong — Los Angeles — New York

While this is not really my style of traveling, I still think that giving someone the chance to see some very different corners of the globe, even if it’s only for a short time, is better than staying at home. You get the romance of Europe typified in Paris, a stopover in Dubai and an easy Asian thrill in Hong Kong, starting from around $2,200. This is the kind of route you could fit into a two-week vacation. I’m not recommending it, but if you can’t get any more time off, then it’s a viable alternative.

An Eccentric Route: Writer’s Choice

New York — Miami — Lima — Mexico City — Los Angeles — Tahiti — Auckland — Sydney — Ho Chi Minh City — Singapore — Mumbai — Delhi — Moscow — Frankfurt — Madrid — Casablanca — London — New York

Like I said: go wild. This is the ultimate RTW route I’d take if money was no object (it comes in at around $5,000). I’ve still chosen it with relative care about which connections are sensible, so that I don’t spend half of a year away sitting at airports.

Lessons From Itinerary Planning

If you sit down to plan your own round the world itinerary, be prepared to spend a reasonable amount of time at it. Over the years, I’ve looked at so many different routes — and thank goodness that the marvels of the internet makes this easy to do without the help of travel agents, who would never be patient with all my questions and ideas — that I have a good idea of the various routes that exist the world over. As you practice, you’ll get the hang of it too, and soon work out that getting in and out of South America is tricky and usually expensive, whereas hopping around Asia is usually relatively cheap.

Of all the possible travel planning you can do, designing a round-the-world itinerary of flights is probably one of the most enjoyable. Open yourself up to the millions of possibilities that exist. Take your time to play and adjust your route to see what else you can squeeze out of it — a few dollars saved, or an exciting stopover added. Enjoy your RTW planning, and then make sure you tell us about it so we can share the excitement a bit too.

Love those suggestions! I spend many-a-bored moment at work working and reworking RTW itineraries on AirTreks.com. LOL. Good day dream tool, to be sure.

cool article. Because of the nature of RTW flights you can also fit in some really great destination that would otherwise cost a lot of money on single trips, like Svalbard and Easter Island.

Definitely agree with you there, Mark. And hopefully now and again we can turn some of those daydreams into reality. Which of course leads to a whole host of other places we want to visit and more dream itineraries and …

After visiting Southeast Asia, I would definitely recommend replacing Singapore with Bangkok for anyone looking for a cultural experience. Not to mention it is way cheaper. Also, you briefly mentioned that South America can be expensive. How much more should you plan on spending to get there? Technically you are going AROUND the world in those scenarios, but you’re skipping an entire continent. I’ve never been there, but it seems worth seeing. Was there any more motive behind skipping SA, or is it simply just the cost?

Hi Dave, That’s true, I only headed to South America in that very last itinerary (the “dream” one at around $5,000) and the only reason it didn’t feature in other itineraries is the cost. For me it’s more practical as a destination where you head there and back, rather than try to include it on a RTW, unless it’s a really long trip and time/money aren’t so much of an object. Don’t get me wrong, there are a million reasons to get to South America!

I have enjoyed reading your articles and postings about RTW travel. My wife and I, cafe owners on the east coast of the US are in our 40’s-50’s are are hoping to take a long (2-3 year) trip around the world which would take us to a large number of destinations. What we are trying to understand and figure out is this: if, for instance you wanted to go to Europe and see England, Ireland, Scotland and then Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Croatia, Greece and on to Turkey what do you do regarding flights? Do you fly from country to country and use trains/buses/cars to get around to places within the country? Do you fly into one place, rent a car or use trains, and travel to many spots before flying out of another country? How do you think of those issues? Do you establish a base or travel from place to place?

You best and cheapest travel method in Europe is over land, via train. I’d recommend flying into a major city and branching out from there…Ireland and England can be visited via boat. It’s really a matter of time vs money. Perhaps you have both?

I like the “eclectic” itenerary with a few exceptions/additions. Can you give me some advice regarding adding Tanzania/Serengeti, Bhutan, Turkey? How much time would you allow for the trip as a whole, or for your trip? What would be a reasonable expectation of total cost?

Great ideas! How does this route sound:

Boston – Rio de Janeiro – Marrakesh – Paris – London – Edinburgh – Amalfi Coast (or Cinque Terre) – Dubai – Varanasi – Hong Kong – Los Angeles – Boston

It comes in at around $4000, so I’d be saving up for a while. I’m planning on doing this sort of thing my whole life, where I save 15% of my salary each year for travel. So, is there anything on this list that I should save for later, rather than stay for 2-3 weeks (which I plan to do for the RTW)?

Changed: (Parentheses are for the number of days I’d spend there.) This one isn’t definite, yet.

Boston – Edinburgh(5) – London(3) – Paris(5) – Malta(10) – Marrakesh(7) – Dubai(10) – Hong Kong(10) – Los Angeles(5) – Rio de Janeiro(12) – Boston

This route comes in at $3796 to $5200 an it’ll take a little over 2 months to travel. It might be just me, but I don’t think there’s enough variety, since Marrakesh and Dubai are together; LA and Rio are together; and so are Edinburgh and London. Anything I should add/subtract? I travel for any purpose. It can be exciting and adventurous or relaxing.

I’m not really definite on Malta, because I wanna add some Italy, but Malta is the cheapest for travel and a lot of people say they prefer it to the Amalfi Coast and Capri. And then for Edinburgh, I’m not really into haunted castles, but it seems like a cool place other than that.

i don’t know about this – but i for one wanted to do – SA (5) – Brazil (4) – lima (6) – Rio (5) – and after that i get lost because i want to fit in Spain (5) – Greece (6) – Turkey (6) – Jordan (4) – Russia (8) – trans siberian train (5) – and then even worse is i want to do cambodia (5) and vietnam (5) about 65 days – you think its too far fetched or is it possible within these many days – i am also wondering how these RTW flights be possible.

About to retire at age 72, still workout every day, am planning on a one year vacation as follows: September -mid December: NYC-Panama City-Guayaquil- Galapagos-Lima-(Have already spent two years in South Pacific-Aus-NZ) South Africa (3 weeks including Safari)- Morrocco-Brussels. THEN RT Brussels-Florida for the winter and to see family. Mid- March back to Brussels- 2 months rail Europe- Turkey-Dubai-Mumbai-Chiang Mai-Myanmar- Seoul- Tokyo- Vancouver and home in July for rest of summer (Have already visited China 4 times and Indian Golden Triangle, Thailand, and Vietnam/Cambodia) Would appreciate thoughts from anyone who has bothered to read thru all this.

Peter, I noticed in reading your post that you wrote December, 2013, yet mentioned getting ready to travel September so my thoughts are that should be preparing to go in the next couple of months or so. Is that right.

Then you mention stopping in Florida for family. I was interested because I too am just sort of retiring (run a small sole agent travel business) and would like to keep my hand in travel through a web blog while moving around the world.

Will you be traveling alone and have you researched that or have you done much of solo traveling before. If you are expecting to stop by Florida sometime in the future, and will have started a RTW, I would love to chat with you more.

Possibly you could return and email to me at [email protected] and we could chat. Thanks, Saundra

Thanks for a comprehensive list of itineraries, my wife and I did a RTW trip 10 years ago with Russia and Egypt NYC Canada and so much more. We need do it again but with 2 little ladies from Perth WA! Need to include NZ, Disney land, LA? London, ooh maybe India and China? Better still we could pop over for a cuppa and discuss?

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How to plan the itinerary of your trip around the world?

Last Update: 08/04/2024 0 COMMENT

Planning a trip around the world itinerary is no mean feat… To tell the truth, we’d spent quite a few evenings discussing, researching, imagining, compromising, and uncorking a little bottle to keep us going… It has to be said that there are quite a few things to take into account when planning a long-term travel itinerary: desires, budget , climate, etc. But don’t panic, we’ll help you sort it all out!

Should I plan an itinerary around the world?

What should you consider when planning your trip around the world itinerary, how do you plan a trip around the world itinerary , final tips for traveling around the world, what are the cheapest countries to visit, some ideas and examples for round-the-world itineraries.

You are currently reading the third chapter of our free ebook How to travel the world , in which you will find all the necessary advice and preparations for your trip around the world!

In addition to the version on the blog , there is a PDF version to read it peacefully on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, or to print it 🙂.

This is perhaps the first question to ask, and as far as we’re concerned, there are two schools of thought:

• Are you going on a trip with no return date ? Then an itinerary is not essential, or perhaps just for the start of the trip when you cross your first countries.
• Do you have a limited amount of time in which to travel around the world (6 months or 1 year)? In that case, an itinerary is a good way to structure your trip.

Why plan a round-the-world itinerary?

Initially, we weren’t too keen on having an itinerary all mapped out before we left on our trip around the world… We wanted to leave room for the unexpected , for encounters, and keep as much flexibility as possible. Nevertheless, we decided to sketch out the route of our trip for the following reasons:

• Drawing up an itinerary forced us to put our ideas on the table , share our respective desires, and give our adventure a direction.
• It also forced us to find out about certain destinations and countries that interested us. For example, we started our trip in China, and I can guarantee that having information on local customs, transport and practical tips in our heads helped us a lot when we got there.
• Generally speaking, doing your homework when traveling in a country that’s not your own is simply a mark of respect for its inhabitants. It shows that we’ve taken an interest in local customs beforehand, and can help us avoid certain faux pas.
• As we opted for round-the-world tickets , we had to have at least a rough outline of our travel itinerary . It doesn’t have to be ultra-precise, as round-the-world tickets are quite flexible. However, you should at least know the direction of the trip and more or less the regions that interest you.

However, drawing up a round-the-world itinerary doesn’t mean drawing up a day-by-day plan for the coming year! It gives you an overall idea of where you want to go, at what season/time of year, the must-sees, what to avoid…

Our around-the-world itinerary changes

Keep in mind that nothing is set in stone, and you need to remain flexible . The key is to know that you can change your itinerary along the way , according to your wishes and the conditions. Even if you go off on your own, there will always be a time when you’ll have to worry about administrative and environmental issues. This can range from visas to weather conditions to budgeting (an unforeseen event?).

To tell you the truth, our itinerary around the world changed drastically during our round-the-world trip… We knew our adventure would start in China, and then continue in Taiwan for 4-5 months in Southeast Asia. The length of our stay and the order in which we planned to visit the countries in this part of Asia were radically altered during the trip. For example, we were supposed to stay 20 days in Vietnam, but ended up staying twice as long!

Also, we eliminated Australia from our plans and completely reversed the order of the South American countries. As we arrived 3 months later than planned on the American continent, our climate and itinerary logic was turned upside down and we had to adapt to optimize the seasons. So why bother planning an itinerary at all? In fact, having an initial roadmap served us well, as it forced us to think about these details in advance!

To take things a step further, we’ve gone into a little more depth on the subject in the article “How to make a success of your round-the-world trip” . In it, you’ll read about the importance of listening to yourself and remaining flexible during a long-term trip.

Do I need a return ticket?

When you say itinerary, you say return… Depending on your project, it may be worthwhile to buy a return plane ticket.

Example: you’re going away for 6 months, not a day longer (due to professional or other imperatives). In this case, it may be worth buying your plane ticket before you leave, as you’ll be returning home on that date, whatever the cost. We’ve devoted an entire article to round-the-world tickets if you’re interested!

There are several things to bear in mind when you start planning the itinerary of a round-the-world or long-term trip. Here’s a short, non-exhaustive list to get you started!

The duration of your trip

The length of your trip is a complex equation, depending mainly on your budget , your professional availability (sabbatical leave or not), and your desires . To give you an idea, most backpackers travel between 6 months and 1 year around the world. You can of course choose to travel for longer, but the budget automatically becomes more substantial.

How to travel longer?

However, it’s not necessarily proportional and still depends on your future choices. If you go away for longer , you also stay longer in one place. And that means significant savings , whether on transport or accommodation. Renting a studio (or other) over several weeks/months is cheaper than sleeping in hotels or guesthouses. We did this in Ecuador and Argentina, and thanks to this more “static” stay, we were able to extend our world tour by 6 months! The important thing is that we had the freedom and, above all, the desire to do it.

Another solution for traveling longer is to have a job that allows you to be mobile and work en route. In the chapter dedicated to budgeting, we’ve written a whole section on jobs that allow you to travel .

What is the optimum duration of a trip around the world?

After returning from our trip, we recommend that you take a minimum of 6 months to get the most out of your adventure. Why? Because that’s the minimum length of time you need to completely cut yourself off from your daily routine and visit several countries. The truth is, it’s hard to enjoy a country and its culture if you’re only there for 1 week 😉.

6 months is a good length of time if you’re planning to travel to a single continent or a specific region. A road trip to South America, a trip to Oceania, or a backpacking trip to Southeast Asia… In short, 6 months gives you plenty of time to explore!

On the other hand, if you want to travel around the world on several continents , then I’d advise you to plan more than 6 months’ travel . This allows you to change countries and continents several times, without having to race against the number of countries crossed.

Your expectations and desires when choosing countries

This step can be critical when you’re planning a round-the-world trip with at least two people, whether with friends or family. You’ll need to agree on the places to visit and the things to do, as each of you usually has very specific expectations.

Our advice: draw up an itinerary on your own (without cheating 😉). Then, once everyone has their own itinerary, pool them together and start negotiating! Ideally, each person should draw up a small list of their dream destinations (must-sees) and those they’d like to visit. Then it’s a bit like school: we keep score before making the final choice! One thing’s for sure: we’re going to have to make some concessions …

Fortunately for us, we were pretty much in agreement! Fabienne simply postponed her desire to discover South Africa. For obvious budgetary reasons, this was the most reasonable decision. And it’s only a postponement!

The “difficulty” of the countries

This is a very subjective point… With hindsight, it’s not really a criterion that concerns me anymore. I’ll mention it anyway, as it influenced my choice of countries when preparing the trip around the world itinerary.

Not all countries are created equal, and some may require a little more travel experience than others. Factors influencing the difficulty of a country include insecurity, extreme poverty, political instability, the status of women, climatic/environmental conditions, etc.

Take each country’s situation into account before making your decision. For example, we decided to start with Asia instead of South America. The reason? We felt more reassured by the idea of having a little more backpacker experience before discovering Latin America. What’s more, we’d have acquired a few good reflexes before venturing into certain countries “reputed to be more dangerous” . I use quotation marks deliberately, because of course, an incident can happen anywhere… Just because you’re in a country with a high crime rate doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up with a gun to your head – far from it!

In general, all it takes is a little common sense and a few basic precautions . If you’re interested in the subject, we’ve written a full article on travel risks and, more specifically, another on safety in South America .

Cost of living by country

Once again, money is an important factor when planning an itinerary for a round-the-world or long-term trip. For example, the average daily budget for travel to Laos is just 22 euros. To Australia? 57 euros. To the USA? 98 euros! As you can see, 1 year in Southeast Asia and South America won’t cost you the same as 1 year in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the USA or Europe.

Once again, it’s time to make some country choices. This is exactly why we decided (during the trip) to eliminate Australia from our final itinerary. Giving up 1 month in Australia allowed us to spend 2-3 more months in South America on the same budget!

For more information on costs per country, please consult our complete article on the round-the-world budget and all our articles devoted to travel budgets . At the bottom of the page, you’ll also find a list of the cheapest countries to travel to!

Climate and seasons

We all agree that travel includes a certain amount of adventure. But personally, if I could avoid arriving right in the middle of the rainy season in Asia, or when it’s -25°C in Mongolia, it would be better, wouldn’t it?

Of course, it’s possible to travel to a country even if it’s not the best season. It may even make the trip a little more pleasant: (often) fewer tourists and lower prices! But it’s worth planning your itinerary according to the wet and dry seasons.

To create our itinerary, we drew up a table showing the ideal seasons for each country . We took into account the average temperature and rainfall for the 12 months of the year. If we had to plan our round-the-world trip again, today we’d use our buddy Nico’s super tool, the a-contresens planner (soon in English!), which automatically generates a table of climates . But we’ll talk about the planner a little further down with an example.

Once again, making an itinerary doesn’t mean putting up barriers . To illustrate this, let’s go back to our initial planning. We actually stuck to it until we reached Taiwan. Then we realized that we didn’t want to travel that fast… So we arrived in Laos in mid-February instead of January, and in Indonesia in April instead of February! In the end, we landed in South America in May, starting with Patagonia. But the climate was already getting too hot for that time of year. So we changed our plans and flew to Quito, where we learned Spanish for 2 months ! In short, we ended our South American tour in January in Patagonia instead of August in Colombia!

The direction of your trip

If you opt for a round-the-world ticket , you’ll be obliged to choose a direction for your trip: either eastbound or westbound . With this type of ticket, you’ll only be able to cross the Atlantic and Pacific oceans once.

On the other hand, forget the idea of enjoying spring in Argentina, cherry blossom in Japan, surfing in Australia, smoking a cigar in Cuba, summering in Russia and then wintering in Asia with a stopover in Tahiti! We’re going to have to make some choices (again!).

Carbon footprint and slow travel

More and more people are taking these trips around the world: traveling around the world without flying , traveling slowly and more responsibly … This philosophy and this way of travel have a major influence on the itinerary.

Around the world without flying

It may seem impossible to travel around the world without taking a plane , especially when it comes to crossing oceans and seas. But some have done it! Making this choice pushes the travel experience even further.

Perhaps you’ve heard of Thor, a Dane who traveled around the globe in 10 years, without once flying? He crossed the globe and visited 195 countries, traveling by land and sea.

But others have succeeded in meeting this “challenge” within the “standard” duration of a round-the-world trip: Ed spent just 381 days across the world without flying.

If you’d like to find out more, take a look at Carbone 4’s FAQ , which deciphers all the preconceived ideas about aviation and the climate.

Slow travel

A year is both long and short. There’s no point in planning to visit 30 countries in such a short space of time! Visit less, but better .

A country the size of China covers 9.6 million km 2 . That’s roughly 17 times the size of France and 234 times the size of Switzerland… So do you really think you can visit China in 2 weeks ? It’s as if you had less than a day to visit France and wanted to know what there was to see at all costs… Impossible!

Between you and me, if you’re taking a year off , it’s probably not to race against the clock. So take it easy, plan a reasonable number of countries and make the most of it! So take it easy, plan a reasonable number of countries and enjoy! You’ll still have plenty of time to discover the rest of the world later in life. And who knows, maybe you’ll develop such a taste for travel that you’ll stay on the road for 10 years!

There’s no need to worry too much about visas ! You can easily apply for visas for most countries along the way. Remember that there are only a few countries that require a little more organization for this administrative side of your round-the-world trip. I’m thinking in particular of Russia and China.

We started our round-the-world trip itinerary in China because we wanted to stay there for between 2 and 3 months. In the end, that’s not such a long time when you consider the size of the country! But to get a 3-month visa, we had to apply from the Chinese embassy in Switzerland, and it wasn’t possible to get such a visa en route. So we applied for our visa from home before leaving for the first country on our trip.

Now that you know what you need to pay attention to, here’s our little method (which is, after all, very personal) for preparing a travel itinerary.

The inspiration phase

This is obviously the part we prefer when we’re in “sponge mode” . You look for information online, scour as many travel blogs as you can for inspiration and ideas, watch great videos, listen to travel podcasts, and so on. The idea is simply to come up with a list of things we dream of doing and places we absolutely want to discover.

Before our trip around the globe, we had a big map of the world in our living room. Whenever there was a country we had to see, we’d put a little pin on the map. That way, we always had the map in front of us and could better visualize distances and borders. And that’s how, over the weeks, we saw our project evolve and our itinerary take shape. The map is also a good way of pooling your desires if you’re traveling with several people, and of making compromises.

Integrating constraints with the planner

Once you’ve got your dream list, sort it out by taking into account the constraints we mentioned earlier. For this, we really recommend using the planner on the a-contresens blog , run by Nico and Aude.

Nicolas is a passionate traveler, but also a real geek. Having just returned from his first trip, he decided to create a tool to help future travelers plan their itinerary . The planner helps you integrate all the constraints into your itinerary around the world:

• budget : behind the planner lies a database containing thousands of travelers’ budgets. Using all this information, the tool estimates the average daily budget for each country. Once you enter your provisional itinerary into the tool, it will give you an approximate budget for your trip. Frankly, for our part, this approximation turned out to be very close to reality.
• climate : the planner integrates very precise information on climate and the best seasons to travel in each country. You’ll automatically get a great table that tells you if you’re in the right places at the right times!
• visas : you’ll also find helpful information on visas (for French nationals) in each country.
• and much more : safety information, recommended vaccines, important telephone numbers, internet, etc.

The site is very intuitive when it comes to planning your itinerary. You enter your dates, stages and routes, and in just a few clicks you’ve got your around-the-world itinerary!

Our itinerary around the world

Below you’ll find the map we created with the planner for our round-the-world trip. Let’s face it, it wasn’t quite as accurate before we left, and we corrected it on the way home to post it on our blog. Once you’ve clicked on it, you’ll notice the buttons at the bottom right of the map displaying the estimated budget for your trip around the world, as well as the climate map (which we took the trouble to make by hand!). Pretty cool, huh?

Today, it’s the best tool you can have for a clear and precise itinerary , whether you’re on a round-the-world trip or a long-term trip. The planner is already in its 3 rd version!

We came across the planner by chance in 2011. We were total fans and signed up straight away. We didn’t know it, but we were only the 2 nd to sign up. We used it throughout our trip, scrupulously entering our numbers. In 2015, we met Nicolas at a conference and since then, he’s become a very good friend who we see very regularly. Just goes to show that even great friendships can come out of budget planning!

Making an itinerary is good. Not sticking to it is even better!

Even if you’ve spent a lot of time planning your around-the-world trip’s itinerary, be flexible and don’t hesitate to change what’s planned according to what you meet and what you feel like doing at the time. A round-the-world trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity . You’re entirely free to do what you want when you want. Zero constraints! It would be stupid to miss out on a great experience just because it wasn’t on your original itinerary.

In our case, we changed practically all the dates of the flights included in our round-the-world ticket. We traveled longer in China, stayed almost 2 months in Vietnam, skipped Australia, and reversed the order of our trip to South America to take a 2-month Spanish course in Quito. None of this was planned, but it was what we wanted to do at the time !

Here’s the video of our 7 weeks in Vietnam! If you’ve read everything so far, your brain must be fried!

🎶 Money, money, money 🎶 ABBA sings it very well and I don’t need to hum it to you. As mentioned above, many travelers leave with a budget defined in advance ! As a result, money can be a bit of an issue, especially when it comes to choosing which countries to travel to!

When we planned the itinerary for our round-the-world trip, I dreamed of going to South Africa (I’m still dreaming about it, by the way) and seeing the Northern Lights in Norway (we did that after we got back!). For his part, Benoit wanted to discover Japan. And Tahiti was on our radar, not to mention Australia and New Zealand!

In the end, we didn’t visit any of the countries mentioned above! So no, we’re not weathervanes who change your mind as often as you change your underwear, but it’s the fruit of a logical reflection based on our round-the-world budget . That’s right! These are among the most expensive countries in the world!

Let’s be honest for 2 minutes. The world is a vast place, and there are plenty of cheap countries to visit on a trip around the world ! Not that these countries will ever be off our list! But it just made sense to put them aside when it came time to leave for 18 months on a limited budget.

So here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of the cheapest countries to travel to . We’ve based it solely on countries we’ve visited.

The cheapest countries to visit in Europe

• The Baltic States : Estonia , Lithuania and Latvia are the cheapest countries in which to travel. We spent 2 months there in winter, and it was a great experience.

• Greece : We love this country, especially the Cyclades ! Our last visit was in the middle of winter, outside the tourist season, which kept the budget down: 25 euros per day per person.
• Spain : Ah, tapas, sunshine and good wine! We’re big fans! Budget-wise, it depends a lot on the region, with the big cities being more expensive. On average, you should expect to pay around 35 euros per person per day. We spent 6 weeks in Menorca in autumn 2017 and the whole of winter 2018-19 in Tenerife .
• Croatia : We’ve never been there together: Benoit with friends and me with my best friend! We both have great memories! Budget: around 35 euros per day (partying 😉). In 2019, we went back (2 of us!) via Zagreb .

The cheapest countries to visit in Asia

• Laos : A superb country not to be missed! The budget for travel there is around 20 euros per person per day. Find out more about Laos here .
• Cambodia : A must for road trips in Southeast Asia. Cambodia too can be visited on a more than reasonable budget! Expect to pay around 20 euros per person per day.
• Vietnam : Our favorite country in Asia! We spent 2 months in the country instead of the 3 weeks we had planned, that’s for sure! For a trip to Vietnam , allow around 23 euros per person per day.
• Indonesia : Beautiful landscapes, wonderful people, divine cuisine! The budget for our trip to Indonesia was 22 euros per day, but it included plenty of activities: surfing lessons, volcano climbing, trekking, etc.
• Thailand : A bit of a place to go for backpackers, but also a wonderful country and people! Budget in Thailand : around 22 euros per day per person.
• China : Our first round-the-world trip and first culture shock. We loved it! Budget: around 22 euros per person per day, but this depends on the region. Find out more about a trip to China here .

The cheapest countries to visit in South America

• Bolivia : This is probably the cheapest country in South America ! During our visit, we had a budget of 21 euros per day per person, with plenty of activities!
• Peru : A sublime country offering many hiking possibilities! The average budget for Peru is around 25 euros per day per person. If, like us, you do a lot of trekking and sleep regularly in tents, then the budget can be reduced even further. For us, the budget for Peru was 20.7 euros per day per person.
• Ecuador : One of our favorite places in South America! We spent 3 months there during our trip, and it paid for itself! The average daily budget is around 25 euros per person per day (excluding the Galapagos).

You’ll notice that I’ve wholly omitted Oceania and Antarctica from the list. The only reason is that the cost of living on these continents is much higher, or the costs associated with getting there are astronomical!

I had intended to give you a few ideas and examples of around-the-world itineraries. In the end, I’d simply say let your desires guide you . In fact, there are almost as many itineraries as there are backpackers. There are no limits (except perhaps for certain war-torn countries) and I feel I’d be doing you a disservice by giving you ideas for more or less classic itineraries.

And while it may sound a bit cliché, more than the destinations you’ll discover, it’s the journey to get there that really counts, and the experiences you’ll make along the way.

If you want some sample itineraries, we suggest you use the a-contresens planner search engine below. It contains thousands of trips around the world itineraries, so you should be able to have a bit of fun!

Now, we hope you have a more or less clear idea of your around-the-world itinerary! For the rest of your trip preparations, we’re going to tackle a subject that divides backpackers a little, round-the-world tickets . Are you following?

• Leave everything and travel
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• Travel gear
• Checklist and schedule

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Ultimate Around the World Itinerary | 1 Year Around the World

By: Author Charles

Posted on August 25, 2023

In March of 2019, I quit my job, packed a couple of carry-on bags, and took a one-way flight to Auckland, New Zealand to begin my around the world itinerary.

Over the course of the next 375 days, I traveled to 20 countries and countless cities in 6 continents. I put together this post to walk you through the exact route, and how it all came together the way it did.

Whether, you are just interested in reading along, or you would like to put together an around the world itinerary for yourself, I hope this can inspire you!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Around the World Itinerary Overview

I knew from early on in my career that travel was a very important aspect of my life. I didn’t know at the time though, that I would have it in me to quit my safe corporate job of 6 years and travel for an extended period of time.

Instead of taking those few 10-day vacations and always looking forward to just taking that next trip, I thought a full year of solo travel would be the right move for me. I could visit places that would have taken years for me to get to, and challenge myself consistently along the way.

So, on March 13 2019, I hopped on a flight from JFK to LAX and then onwards to Auckland, New Zealand (essentially as far as one can get!). Over the course of the next 12 months, I got to experience some of the best travel moments of my life.

Whether it was meeting locals, exploring cities, hiking high into the mountains, trying new foods, engraining myself in new cultures, or hanging out with like-minded travelers. The one year of travel ended up being the best decision of my life, and one of the reasons, this site came to be .

Around the World Stats Days: 375  Countries: 20 Cities: ~100

2) Travel Considerations

As I planned the trip, there were a few “main” aspects that I was sure to plan the trip around. These included – weather, local holidays for & peak seasons, logistics, among a few other considerations.

Probably the most important aspect of the around the world itinerary, was making sure I was visiting countries during the best time of year from a weather standpoint .

I did not want to go through all of this, just to visit countries when it was rainy season or when I couldn’t take part of certain activities.

For example, I made sure to visit Nepal during November when the weather was at its clearest (but quite cold) and there was little risk of rain and clouds ruining the trekking views. I made my way to the Philippines at the tail end of the dry season and Costa Rica at the beginning of their dry season.

At the end of the day, it was all about being able to fully enjoy my time in each place on a day to day basis and not have constant days where the weather wouldn’t allow me to do anything.

With that said, the weather is unpredictable and you never know what it can bring (no matter how much you plan). There were certainly days I was completely rained out of doing anything, and times where I had to move things around last minute to circumvent the weather.

But by initially planning the trip to avoid poorer weather conditions, I feel as I was really able to get the most out of the journey.

Local Holidays & Seasons

Another thing that I considered is to avoid traveling to countries during the local’s national holidays . While dealing with tourists is one thing, dealing with a whole country traveling at the same time is another.

This isn’t across every country out there of course, but for some countries during these holiday times, many locals decide to travel for themselves.

This results in less availability for hotels and more expensive prices altogether . A couple that come to mind are Golden Week in Japan and Holy Week in the Philippines. 

I will caveat that with saying, sometimes it can be a great experience to take part of certain local celebrations if that is what is of interest to you.

In addition to holidays, I also tried to avoid peak season when most tourists are traveling to a certain destination .

Now, this is certainly not avoidable if traveling for a year, but it can help to steer clear of some places during those peak seasons.

Instead, I tried to visit places during shoulder seasons, as the weather is great but just less people are traveling to these places. At the end of the day it is just picking and choosing what works best.

The last main consideration when planning the trip was the logistics side of things. I just wanted to be sure that there was an easy way to get between city A and city B .

Whether that be a plane, boat, train or bus, I just didn’t want to put myself in the position where I would have to go drastically out of my way to continue on with the next city or country.

To the best of my abilities, I attempted to book direct flights when possible . I remember in the Philippines for example, there were not direct flights between certain islands or they were not operating every day of the week. I had to put the itinerary together so I was not wasting full days just to get between two islands. 

If I was renting a car, and I was taking a one way route through a country (such as Austria), I had to be certain that I could pick up and drop off the car in two separate locations without a hefty fee. 

With that said though, there were certainly times where I had to compromise with logistics. If I really wanted to travel somewhere but it would take days of traveling, I had to be fine with that. It all becomes a balance between everything .

Other Considerations

Also considered in the travel planning was the flexibility and having time to just unwind without anything planned. While I put together a list of countries and things I wanted to do in each country, I never had it written out to a tee.

I consistently moved things around as I went and sometimes did not even have a set date to leave a country I was in. Having that flexibility helped big time when things didn’t go 100% according to plan .

I also wanted to be sure that I had time to just rest and recover . For the majority of the trip I was out and about from morning until night. All of that traveling can take a toll on the body.

So, you will see times in the itinerary where I may have stayed longer than one may expect just to have time to do nothing and all.

When I combined the weather, holidays, and logistics, an itinerary began to form that I continuously worked on for months leading up to the trip.

→ Learn more: check out the planning a trip around the world and around the world cost guides for many more considerations when putting together an itinerary, as well as my around the world packing list

With that said though, there were some things that I had to plan around, making this around the world trip a bit more difficult to plan out than initially expected. See the next section for more on that…

3) What I Planned Around

Now, the around the world itinerary didn’t come without any hitches. There were a few things that came up which altered my initial travel planning.

Timing is never perfect to take a full year off from your friends and family. And there were certain events that I just had to come back for. Due to this, you will see a bit of interesting travel plans that the trip goes through.

» I spent October of 2019 back in the US as I had weddings to attend of close friends. Due to this I ended up staying the month back in the US before heading out again (and did get to visit NYC, Philadelphia and Chicago during my time back). Then again in December 2019, I came back again, but this time just for a quick weekend.

» On top of that, my trip was originally going to be closer to 15 months of travel. As we all know though, Covid started to ramp up in March of 2020. The end of my trip was a bit hectic trying to figure out where to go and what to do. But on March 20, 2020 I ended up taking one of the final flights out of South Africa before the world went into lockdown.

4) Around the World Itinerary Details

From start to finish the trip lasted 375 days with 329 days outside of the country. Over the course of those 375 days I visited 6 continents, 20 countries, and upwards of 100 cities. I ended up splitting out my trip in five phases:

Phase 1 : NZ/AU/Asia Phase 2 : Middle East / Europe Phase 3* : Nepal Phase 4 : Central and South America Phase 5 : Asia/Africa -> cut short

→ *I returned home before/after I traveled to Nepal

Below is the country by country route I took along with the number of days (including days to travel to them). Throughout the remainder of the post I will go into detail about where I decided to travel to in each country.

Country #1: New Zealand (29 days) Country #2: Japan (12 days) Country #3: South Korea (11 days) Country #4: Philippines (20 days) Country #5: Indonesia (30 days) Country #6: Australia (21 days) Country #7: Singapore (4 days) Country #8: Israel (17 days) Country #9: Jordan (4 days) Country #10: Austria (10 days) Country #11: Germany (6 days) Country #12: Slovenia (11 days) Country #13: Croatia (15 days) Country #14: Montenegro (10 days) Country #15: Nepal (26 days) Country #16: Belize (17 days) Country #17: Costa Rica (24 days) Country #18: Argentina (21 days) Country #19: Chile (11 days) Country #20: Sri Lanka (24 days)

Bonus : South Africa for 5 days until I had to take an emergency flight back home on my final day

Some of my travel plans would not necessarily look efficient on paper (Chile to Sri Lanka for example). However, given I did need to make some stops back in the US as I spoke about earlier, and with Covid ending the trip early, the trip doesn’t always make perfect sense without knowing the details.

You can see that I did spend quite a bit of time in many of these countries (24 days in Costa Rica). Like I said, when planning the trip, I did not want to rush myself in a country.

I wanted to truly enjoy all different aspects of where I was . I also wanted to be sure to have enough “rest” days, to just spend time to regroup and reset before continuing on.

You may find many itineraries out there that visit double the amount of countries in the same time period. But at the end of the day, each person has their own travel style and what they want to accomplish on a trip like this.

For me, it was seeing the world at my pace and really engraining myself in each country I visited.

5) Around the World Itinerary Map

Below is a map of each and every place I visited all along the year long journey. You not only can see the cities I visited, but you can also see nearly every attraction I got to visit along the way.

Feel free to zoom in for more details!

6) 1 Year Around the World Itinerary

With that all said, below is a breakdown of each country along with the main cities/attractions I got to enjoy along the way.

New Zealand (March 13 – April 10)

I started off the around the world itinerary by taking a one-way flight to Auckland, New Zealand and from there got to explore both the North Island and South Island of the country.

After spending a night in Auckland, I grabbed a rental car, and then began the journey from north to south. Along the way I was able to visit the following places:

• Auckland • Waitakere Ranges • Rotorua • Taupo • Tongariro Alpine Crossing • Wellington • Abel Tasman National Park • Punakaiki* • Wanaka • Te Anau • Queenstown • Mount Cook • Pukaki • Christchurch

* As I was making my way down the western coast of the South Island, a major storm caused mudslides and a collapsed bridge. I ended up missing out on Franz Josef and had to spend a day driving around the island to Wanaka. Always good to have the flexibility to change things on the fly!

Japan (April 11 – April 22)

From Christchurch, I hopped on a flight to Tokyo via Brisbane. After a full day of travel, I arrived to Tokyo, where started my 12 days through Japan .

Since this was my second time in Japan, I did not spend as long as I might have if it was my first time. While I certainly went to some of the same places from my initial trip, I did not go back to places like Kobe, Hiroshima , Miyajima and Osaka.

However, I did get to visit a bunch of new places as well, and took the following journey through Japan:

• Tokyo • Kamakura • Hakone • Takayama • Shirakawago • Kanazawa • Kyoto • Nara

South Korea (April 23 – May 3)

It was then off to South Korea as I flew directly from Osaka to Jeju Island. Over the course of the next 10 days or so, I visited three beautiful places in the country:

• Jeju Island (+ Mount Hallasan hike !) • Gyeongju • Seoul

Philippines (May 4 – May 23)

After a successful time around South Korea, it was then onto the Philippines. It was all about the beaches, water, and island life during this portion of the trip.

As the rainy season starts in June, I got there just in time to fully enjoy the experience. Besides a few nighttime rain showers, it was all clear to enjoy some time in the sun. I ended up spending time in 4 different islands for around 4-5 days each.

Logistics were important here as it can get quite tricky to travel around the country. With a combinations of boats and direct flights, I ended up visiting these places:

• Coron • El Nido • Bohol • Siargao

Indonesia (May 24 – June 22)

You are only allowed to visit Indonesia for 30 days without getting a longer term visa, so that is exactly what I decided to do. I spent a full month exploring the country visiting many places along the way .

While 30 days does sound like a long time, Indonesia is a massive country. I can honestly spend a year traveling around the country and still have things to do. But during my month there I started on the island of Java and then got to visit:

• Yogyakarta • Lumajang / East Java Waterfalls • Cemoro Lawang / Mount Bromo • Banyuwangi / Ijen Crater • Munduk • Ubud • Nusa Penida • Gili Trawangan • Mount Rinjani • Komodo National Park

From Komodo, it was then a quick flight back to Bali , where I headed off to Australia for the next portion of my trip.

Australia (June 23 – July 12)

Australia was one country, where it was a bit tougher to pick a time of year that worked weather wise for various cities around the country. I could have gone right after New Zealand but found some of the logistics a bit too difficult to manage.

Either way though, while I did not have the beach weather for Sydney, all else went great in the cities further up north. Below were the places I traveled to during my few weeks in Australia :

• Sydney • Blue Mountains • Whitsundays • Cairns / Great Barrier Reef • Port Douglas • Daintree Rainforest • Uluru / Kata Tjuta • Kings Canyon • Alice Springs / West MacDonnell Ranges

Singapore (July 13 – July 16)

From Alice Springs I took a flight over to Perth for a quick layover before heading off to Singapore. I decided to split Singapore into two parts.

The first couple days I would spend sightseeing all around the city. For the second two days, I opted for a bit of relaxing and treated myself to two nights at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

Overall, the four days in Singapore ended up great and got me ready for the next leg of my trip as I traveled all the way to Israel.

Israel & Jordan (July 17 – August 2)

When visiting Israel, I knew that I wanted to spend a few days in Jordan visiting a couple of the top sites.

So, I ended up traveling around Israel for 10 days, and then ended up in Eilat. From Eilat, I traveled into Jordan for 4 days and then re-entered Israel, where I spent another week.

While I could have figured out the logistics to be a bit more favorable, the three weeks between Israel and Jordan ended up something like this:

• Jerusalem • Ein Gedi / Masada • Dead Sea • Mitzpe Ramon • Eilat • Petra • Wadi Rum • Haifa* • Tel Aviv

* After visiting Jordan, I crossed back into Eilat, rented a car and drove all the way north to Haifa. I spent a few days exploring the northern coast and ended the trip in Tel Aviv for a few days of beach time.

Austria & Germany (August 8 – August 23)

After taking a flight from Tel Aviv to Vienna, I spent the next 2+ weeks driving my way through Austria and the Bavaria region of Germany. I spent time in cities and out in the mountains, while visiting several places along the way:

• Vienna • Hallstatt • Berchtesgaden • Garmisch Partenkirchen • Mayrhofen

This is also a time where the weather did not always go according to plan. It was nice to have some extra days here in order to wait out the couple days of poor weather and then get up into the mountains.

Slovenia (August 24 – September 3)

From Mayrhofen, I took the quick drive to Innsbruck, dropped off my rental car and then took a train over to Ljubljana. I spent the next 10+ days driving around Slovenia and enjoying all different aspects of the country including:

• Ljubljana • Lake Bled • Bohinj • Bovec • Piran

Croatia (September 4 – September 18)

A quick train from Ljubljana to Zagreb and it was then time to explore Croatia for two weeks . I opted against renting a car here and just made my way around the country using busses and ferries. Along the way I got to visit:

• Zagreb • Plitvice National Park • Zadar • Krka National Park • Split • Hvar • Korcula • Mljet • Dubrovnik

Montenegro (September 19 – September 28)

Montenegro was the last country on the first portion of my trip around the world . I took a bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor and then rented a car for the next 10 days. During those days I made my way to a few different places:

• Kotor • Durmitor National Park • Lake Skadar • Sveti Stefan

My last night of the 200 th day of my trip was spent in the small coastal town of Sveti Stefan, where I got to enjoy one last sunset before making my way back to the US for the next month.

After heading to a couple of weddings and traveling to cities like NYC, Philadelphia and Chicago, I then made the round trip journey to Nepal. Here is where I took part of the Three Passes Trek + Everest Base Camp.

Nepal (November 11 – December 6)

Visiting the Himalayas had been a life dream of mine, and during this around the world trip, I finally got to experience some time there. I decided to go for the Three Passes Trek , which is essentially a longer version of the standard Everest Base Camp trek .

In addition to EBC, I got to head over the Kongma La , Cho La , and Renjo La passes, visit the Gokyo Lakes , and trek up peaks like Chukhung Ri and Gokyo Ri .

After three weeks of trekking, I had a few days of relaxing in Kathmandu before heading back for a quick weekend in NYC .

Belize (December 10 – 27)

It was then time to explore some of Central and South America, as I headed from New York down to Belize. During my time in Belize I spent several days scuba diving, visiting the inland of the country, and finishing up at the beach .

Technically I actually went to another country during the trip as I also did make the quick one night journey to Tikal in Guatemala. Overall, the trip to Belize (and Guatemala) looked like this:

• Ambergris Caye • Caye Caulker • San Ignacio • Tikal • Cockscomb Basin • Placencia

Costa Rica (December 28 – January 19)

It was then off to Costa Rica , where I got to spend 3+ weeks traveling to all different parts of the country.

It was a great mixture between volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, hiking, and beaches as I visited the following places:

• Poas / La Paz Waterfall Gardens • La Fortuna / Arenal • Monteverde • Manuel Antonio • Corcovado National Park • Uvita • Cerro Chirripo • San Jose*

*The plan was to visit the Caribbean coast for the final few days of the trip around Puerto Viejo. However, the weather had different plans. So, I decided to just spend a few days in San Jose, rest and recover there before heading off to Patagonia for the next month of hiking.

Argentina (January 20 – February 9)

While I did spend a day in Buenos Aires, the main aspect of this portion of the trip was to hike my way through Patagonia . While, I did visit during what is considered one of the best times of year to go from a weather perspective, I still knew the risk of the Patagonian weather.

One day can be nice and sunny, while the next day could be a complete snowstorm (yes even in their summer months!). I mean, I even had a day when it was sunny and snowing at the same time .

Knowing the unpredictability of the weather, I decided to always give myself extra days in each one of the places I visited . This way if the weather did not cooperate for a day or two, I still would be able to enjoy my time there.

And for the most part, that is exactly what happened. Half the time I was in El Chalten, the weather made hiking impossible. A couple days in El Calafate by the Perito Merino Glacier were completely clouded over. But since I planned to have more days than necessary, it all worked out pretty well in the end as I visited these regions:

• Ushuaia • El Calafate • El Chalten • Huemul Circuit

Chile (February 10 – February 20)

From El Chalten, I bussed back to El Calafate, and then took a bus ride over to Puerto Natales in Chile. From there began the O Circuit Trek in Torres Del Paine National Park (an extended version of the famous W Trek ) .

This was actually one portion of Patagonia, where I could not just add on more days for a weather buffer. Since I needed to book the accommodation in the park well in advance, I was locked into my days.

Although the weather was not perfect for some of the days on the trail, it was more than suitable for some trekking. Some top highlights included the Grey Glacier , French Valley , and Mirador Las Torres .

After 8 days of hiking the “O”, I made my way back to Puerto Natales and flew to Santiago to end my time in Chile.

Sri Lanka (February 21 – March 15)

It was then across the world to Sri Lanka , where I got to see the ins and outs of the country for the next three weeks. Yes, I know not the best flight plan, but I planned to spend the next several months in Asia/Africa. Along the way I got to experience a little bit of everything including:

• Colombo • Habarana • Polonnaruwa • Kandy • Dalhousie / Adam’s Peak • Nuwara Eliya • Ella • Yala & Udawalawe Safaris • Mirissa

And here is where things just started to get a bit crazy. We are talking March of 2020 as the world began to turn upside down. The remainder of my trip I was supposed to go to China (quickly got nixed), India, South Africa and Namibia.

I soon realized though, that traveling was no longer an option. After deciding to go to South Africa, I just lasted a few days in Cape Town, before taking one of the last flights out of the country back to the US. It wasn’t the way I wanted to end it, but I still did get to travel around the world for a year.

But now I have written a ton about the countries I visited before, during and after the trip around the world. I hope you find the itineraries and travel guides up on the site helpful!

If you have any questions or comments about any of it, just feel free to comment down below. Also be sure to check out some travel tips & tricks to help you better plan your next trip.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Monday 13th of November 2023

This is very helpful!, thanks so much for taking the time to put it together. Can you expand more on why you didn't go to Australia after NZ? Also, so it was fall when you went to NZ and winter for Australia, any regrets going when you did? thoughts? I've read travelling west, is the best way to do a RTW trip, so it's a given to start in NZ, but when to go to get less tourists but decent weather.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

This is all very inspiring and informative, as I’m considering doing the same. Question, how much did you spend your your entire trip?

Monday 7th of August 2023

Hi Mai - feel free to check out this overview I put together about the costs of traveling the world. Good luck with trip planning!

Monday 26th of June 2023

Hi, love your travel story. Have u visited china ever since u miss the last round? Do you plan to round china? I am looking for a company to go round china. I am 60 years old woman.

Hi Janet - I traveled a long while ago just to Shanghai and Beijing. I have yet to go back but would love to travel more around the country one day!

Friday 23rd of June 2023

Hi, this trip sounds amazing! myself and my husband would love to do this type of trip! How did you manage to sort all this out with transport etc? And how did you budget doing all the travel? How much would you need? Thanks. Katie

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Hi Katie - I just took everything one step at a time. The entire trip was not planned out from day one. While I knew of the overall route for the most part, I did not want to corner myself into making decisions too early. I would recommend writing out the countries that are most interested to you and then doing some research on what an overall route would look like. You can see what is possible and what may be too difficult or expensive to fit in.

As for budget, check out this around the world cost overview up on the site that will walk through it all.

Hope you have an amazing time!

Saturday 10th of June 2023

What was it like coming back to the US and finding work? I want to travel the world for a year or two but it would take me leaving my very stable/promising career.... Which scares me to death! My worry is that I would come home to the US and not be able to get the same type of job.

I also worry that a gap year (0r two) may look bad on a resume. Thoughts?

@hailey, from someone who used to work in Human Resources, the time you spend travelling is an education. Learning language, culture, customs, weather, geography, etc. As a candidate, you bring a lot to the table with this type of experience. It would be a completely different story, if you were just unemployed and laying on the couch for a year. Travel....you won't regret it at all!!!

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

@hailey, The current unemployment rate in the U.S is 3.7%. Anybody who wants a job can find one. As long as the gaps in your resume were doing something interesting and intellectually stimulating (like travelling) and were not spent doing something stupid (like in prison or in re-hab), you'll be fine.

Monday 12th of June 2023

Hi Hailey - everyone is different and I can't say for certain how hard/easy it will be able to come back and find work. I was able to do so within a few months but there are many factors at play such as industry, the economy, demand/supply, etc. I am an advocate of traveling as you can tell, and would recommend doing so if it is something very important to you. There are ways to fill up the gap in the resume - for me it was this site, for others it may volunteering, remote work, etc. It is certainly a tough decision, but hope you make the right one for yourself!! Good Luck!

PhilaTravelGirl

Flying by the seat of my points.

Live Life, Earn Points, Travel the World

Time to Experience the World

Go Off The Grid

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost - JRR Tolkien

Where Will You Wander This Year?

Discover the Magic and the Mystery

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Relax in the Vineyard

Appreciate Nature's Bounty

Around the World Travel – 2 Months, 3 trips, 16 flights, 43,000 miles- I’m exhausted

I knew it was wrong but I couldn’t stop myself, my body was craving chocolate at 9 a.m., so  there I was eating pretzel M&Ms with my breakfast. My body had no clue what time zone it was in and how long we were staying here as for almost two months, I was on a plane every few days and eating chocolate croissants for breakfast (I may have also been caught saying “yes” to wine before realizing it was 10am as the flight attendant gave me an early lunch, thankfully I am not craving wine for breakfast). The whirlwind travels even for me were challenging and exhausting. The past two weeks of detox (re-entry) into my life in Philly have been tough – the gym schedule, the healthy foods at the same time as organizing the work holiday party and office family luncheon.

Starting in late September, I made my way to Dublin via Boston for the TBEX conference using an British Airlines award ticket on Aer Lingus and Marriott hotel points to stay at the Westin Dublin . Less than two weeks later in October, I had a last minute trip to London for business meetings.  With just a week and a half home, I then started my trip to Australia in November on my crazy round the world business class award ticket . It didn’t seem too daunting, I’m a good traveler and for the most part, all long haul flights were in business class with the short flights in coach.  I can honestly say though that these past two months of travel (mostly in the rain) have left me exhausted.

The trips were a mix of good, bad and ugly but all quite memorable.  I met some amazing people, connected with long distance friends, made new friends, had incredible experiences, ate too much chocolate, didn’t drink enough local wine (or sparkling Shiraz), had way too much rain to contend with, got a bit depressed by it, wandered around, dealt with canceled flights, canceled tours, protests in Bangkok, sympathy strikes by one airline for another in Paris, spent a layover attempting to relax in the hotel spa, spent Thanksgiving in Paris and flew the Thai A380 plane (double decker) with the awe of a child.

Overview of the Whirlwind Travels in Two Months

There were 16 flights with 7 different airlines, flying approximately 43,000 miles ( see the map ). There were many lounges to enjoy along the way.

• Singapore Airlines Business Class Review
• Asiana Airlines Business Class Review
• Qantas Airlines
• Thai Airlines A380 Review
• USAirways (now American Airlines)
• British Airways First Class Review
• Aer Lingus Business Class Review

I flew over the Atlantic “the pond” 5 times.  I flew around the world – going to Australia via Asia and returning via Europe on a business class award ticket.  I checked into 11 hotels in 8 countries.  I stayed with a friend in Paris for Thanksgiving .  I redeemed points for business class flights and hotels and also earned points too.  I used a free two night stay at Sydney Pullman Hotel that I won on Twitter.  I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge at twilight.  I flew over the 12 Apostles (there are 8 now) on the Great Ocean Road .  I spent too much money (I’m afraid to add up the credit card bills).  I had to deal with canceled credit cards on the road due to fraud.  I stayed in an Art Gallery with a hotel or a Hotel with an Art Gallery in Hobart, Tasmania – 500 works of art throughout the hotel so not sure which gets top billing. My only souvenirs were an umbrella and chocolate truffles.

I spent my birthday with a view of the Sydney Opera House and the restaurant staff brought me chocolate cake with a candle (I wished the rains would stop – they didn’t).  I snapped a million photos (ok, not quite a million but about two thousand which given the rains, quite surprising).  I visited a very funky art museum called MONA that definitely makes you think and discuss “what is art” while all the time laughing at you.  There were locks bridges and street art in Dublin , Melbourne and Paris .   There were cookies called Tim Tams.   Qantas (in the age of DIY) put me to work as I learned to tag my own bag, weigh it and check it in (the baggage fiasco with Qantas is another story that cost me $120).  I didn’t wear any sandals or warm weather clothes I brought but was thankful to have cold weather gear with me that got a workout (my gym clothes however stayed in the bag).

Walking, Bike, Boat, Art Tours and Street Art Tours Around the World Travels

I walked for hours a day, all day long if I could (yes, even in the rain).  I paid too much money for a room service burger but added a glass of wine to the order to make it seem worth the delivery fee.  I did a drive by visit of the British Museum in the rain.  There were bike tours in Boston and a bike tour of Dublin .  Street Art tours in Melbourne and Paris. Photo tours in Dublin .  Boat tours in Tasmania.  I went to Tasmania (it’s part of Australia, not another country).

I saw kangaroos, koala and other animals at a sanctuary. I saw humpback whales (such a surprise!) and seals in Tasmania.  Despite being a wine drinker, I enjoyed The Guinness Storehouse tour and the Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience in Dublin.  There were Christmas Markets in Paris , Christmas trees in Sydney.  I strolled Manly Beach during my few hours of sun (it rained in Sydney )  I traveled by plane, train, automobile but also taxi, metro, tube, ferry, bike, bus, tram, trolley and of course, by foot. There were “special meals” on the plane, many movies watched, books read, various toiletry kits and a lot of time waiting in lounges.  There were the security pat downs in all airports/countries (I’m really skeptical of the whole “random’ beep if it happens each and every time).

I’m exhausted writing all of that and know I’m probably missing some things. Of course, at the end of the day, these are first world problems as they would say.  While I didn’t get to do all that I planned on these trips, I feel that I did all that I was meant to do and that’s good enough. So I’m grounded for a while as I recharge, build up points balances and catch up on posts as I look forward to the possibilities/destinations in the New Year (An overwater bungalow at a beach destination sounds just perfect to combat travel exhaustion).

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9 thoughts on “ Around the World Travel – 2 Months, 3 trips, 16 flights, 43,000 miles- I’m exhausted ”

Welcome home! Great post on how too much of a good thing can wear you out. Hope you can recharge over the holidays and then share all your great adventures.

Thanks Becky – that’s the plan – to relax (the vacation from my vacation sans the housekeeping and room service sadly 🙂 Happy Holidays to you!

I love this and it brings back so many awesome memories for me. Tim Tams, Thai protests, Atlantic Ocean hopping, koala bears, not enough local wine, and barely any souvenirs all sounds very familiar to me! Cheers to some exhausting travel and lets home for more (and a bit more sleep) in 2014

Looking forward to your posts to see how your RTW trip was. After Tbex and the RTW, am sure you both need sleep as well. Happy Holidays

All I can say is, you’re my hero. I’d be a recluse on a trip like that because I don’t speak unless I’m spoken to. I kinda rely on the kindness of strangers, then talk freely. You dealt with credit card fraud, and I dealt with *suspected* fraud by our bank because I hadn’t told them I’d be in Asia for a month so they froze our checking account. It was an unspeakable nightmare! I look forward to more details on your adventure, but meanwhile, Happy Holidays!

Peggy – Happy Holidays! I did turn reclusive after so many days of rain to be honest – As for the credit card companies, they are quite frustrating when you are home and until someone deals with it overseas, they don’t know the stress of it all – I don’t wish it on anyone, as you know, its a nightmare.

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A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2024)

Last updated on January 4, 2024 by Shannon

When I left on my first round the world trip, I asked veteran travelers a key question: How much does it cost to travel around the world ?

It was the single biggest factor impacting my trip length and destinations, and the number of things that impact a long-term travel budget are far different than a two-week European vacation.

Estimates varied wildly, and knowing where my own around the world trip would fall in that spectrum was a great unknown. I had no idea how long my travel savings , my freelance income , and travel blogging to would keep me on the road, so over that first year, I tracked every single dollar I spent while traveling.

Since that first around the world travel, I’ve spent more than a decade of traveling, and budgeting for short- and long-term around the world travel is my specialty. My upbringing was modest , yet I was still able to save the money to travel and work remotely for all 15+ years of my world travels.

Table of Contents

Breaking Down the Cost of World Travel

Let’s dive into a very detailed breakdown of what it costs to actually travel around the world for one-year trip —the hard costs associated with around the world travel, and the factors that most dramatically impact your travel budget.

I’ve included some notes on the impact of the Covid pandemic on costs that are likely here to stay—from the dramatic inflation hitting the U.S. and the UK to increased costs at hotels as many of them make permanent their increased sanitation measures.

How Much Does Traveling the World Cost?

Generally, $20,000 is the baseline cost for a trip around the world for one person for one year. This estimation falls in line with popular recommendations that budget travelers can spend an average of $50 a day on the road, and allows additional budget for flights and vaccines.

You’ll spend up to $30,000 for a budget trip that includes fewer hostels, and more upscale accommodation, transport, or food. Traveling as a couple or family does not directly double/triple/ etc the costs because lodging and transport are shared expenses.

As you’ll see in the detailed trip budgets below, world travel costs for mid-range to budget-luxury world travelers can run as much as $50,000—or much more!

My Personal Round the World Trip

On my first RTW trip, I traveled around the world for for 328 days (11 months) through 15 countries and I spent USD $17,985 .

Then I decided to keep traveling. I’ve been on the road since 2008, still “traveling” as of 2024, although from my home base in Barcelona, Spain .

In the years since I originally posted my cost breakdown for world travel, other backpackers have loved the precise and meticulous details of just how much I spent throughout a year of active world travel. And even with rising global food costs a decade later, people still travel on similar budgets —yes, so many elements impact travel costs that you can still travel the world for the same price as a trip 15 years ago (more on how that’s possible later).

Let’s dive into the good stuff. The following tables and charts further outline my around the world trip costs including the country-by-country expenses and budget.

Just want the cold hard costs? Navigate my Google spreadsheet by the countries listed at the bottom of my full World Travel Budget .

My Total Costs to Travel the World for a Year

My final costs of $17,985 for the nearly year of world travel completely include of everything from getting jabbed in the arm for my Yellow Fever vaccine to buying all of my pre-travel gear , my travel insurance , all of my plane flights , bus rides , camel safaris , and surfing lessons , and straight through to my first delicious sub back on home soil when I passed through Philly on my final layover.

What does that number not include?

Some personal choices upped the cost of my round the world trip: an external hard drive for photo storage, a new camera (old one was waterlogged in Australia ), and a rental car splurge in Ireland . My personal total, inclusive of all of that, was just under $19,000 … so it’s still a bargain considering I was on the road for nearly an entire year.

In the above category breakdowns, consider:

• Lodging includes all accommodation; I couchsurfed in a few countries and stayed with friends a couple of times.
• Food includes everything from three meals a day to snacks, and funding for my chocolate obsession.
• Entertainment covers going out on the town, sharing beers with friends—this will be much higher if you drink often. My budget was for drinking on average once a week.
• Activities includes my volunteer program in Nepal, and all tours, trips, and group adventures—everything from diving to ziplining to visiting temples and museums .
• Transportation excludes flights, but covers all intra-country transportation like buses, trains, taxis, and tuk-tuks.
• Misc is a catch-all and a large portion of costs there came from paying for fast internet—it was pricey to make sure I had a strong connection for my work. It also includes shipping things home, gifts, and toiletries along the way.
• Flights includes puddle-jumper little flights between countries in the same region—I did not use a RTW ticket, but instead booked along the way ( here’s why ).

Budget of Daily & Total Costs Per Country

Don’t forget to check out my well-loved Travel Planning Resources .

And consider using the blank, formatted spreadsheet to log your own RTW travel budget (this is a Google Spreadsheet, either save a copy of this to your own Google drive for editing, or download as an excel file!).

How Much Will Your Dream Trip Cost?

Finding a way to travel the world is a mental obstacle as much as a financial one. Every situation is different, but I believe that if you truly prioritize travel, then it’s possible to plan and execute an around the world trip. The problem is, there’s crappy information out there about how to make it happen—just as many bloggers don’t really share straight costs to travel the world. Many bloggers have shared posts with a handful of tips about how much they saved for their dream trip, but they don’t break down how they arrived at that final figure. You may read this information and see my budget, but it leaves you wondering if your own world travels would cost the same.

For that reason, I wrote two entire guides to address your current hurdle. One is about creating a realistic anticipated budget for your trip. The other is about saving for world travel.

How much will your dream trip cost? I wrote this guide to specifically answer the most common question I was emailed by readers: how much will a specific route/itinerary costs.

In it, I share comprehensive and thoroughly practical advice about understanding trip budgets and understanding your own style of travel.

The guide is a full treatise on how to estimate what your dream trip will cost and it includes case studies from other long-term travelers who tracked their trip budgets.

I spent ten years on the road, and nearly that long talking with with other travelers about how they budget for travel. Using the aggregate of their knowledge and experience, I’ve outlined a road-map to taking a long-term trip.

I wrote this guide to empower travelers and travel dreamers anywhere in the world with the tools to plan their trip. The guide breaks down average traveling costs for the world’s most traveled destinations, which you can use with the fully customizable Trip Budget Worksheet to create an accurate anticipated budget for your dream trip. Available on  Kindle, ePub, and PDF .

True wealth is having the freedom to do what you want with your life. Many travel dreamers get waylaid by the financial side of life.

If you’re new to personal finance, or lost about how to start saving for a big goal, this book distills hard-learned information into easily actionable steps specifically targeted at giving travel dreamers tools to become financially literate.

This book provides a thorough deep-dive into the principles of saving money, common obstacles, overcoming debt, and the tenets of strong personal finance. It offers a streamlined process to create substantial changes in your financial life.

If money is your primary obstacle to leaving on a long-term trip, this guide breaks down exactly the shifts you can make to change your financial situation.

Many travelers look at my adventures and experiences these past 12 years that I’ve traveled and they dream of also traveling through the cultures, stories, and conversations. This guide gives you the tools to move the needle from dreaming to doing. Available on Amazon Kindle  or as a PDF bundle with the budget book .

How to Decide on Your Final World Travel Budget?

Travel was my bootcamp for life. My around the world trip was the single best investment in both my personal growth and my career. Throughout life we are presented with a series of choices—each has the ability to help us create the life we dream of living. I am forever glad I chose to travel our beautiful world. ~ Shannon O’Donnell

Creating an accurate anticipated budget for your world tour is an important step—you certainly don’t want to plan for a year but run out of funds in month eight! Each person has different goals, a unique world trip itinerary , and differing travel styles. These factors can create significant differences in the total cost of a round the world trip.

Assess How Much You’ve Saved for World Travel

A round the world trip is not as expensive as you assume. Most anyone reading this post has the ability to save for travel if it’s a true priority. My family is quite poor and I put myself through college with merit-based scholarships. Instead of counting on help from family, I budgeted for the trip, and I traveled with the budget I had—not the one I wish I had.

Before leaving, I purged everything I owned and saved ruthlessly in the countdown months. When calculating if I could afford my trip around the world, I even accounted for my student-loan and medical credit debt repayments (because yes, I was actually in a fair bit of debt ). I took on side-hustles to sock away money. And then I worked on  freelance SEO remotely  for the entire year.

Compared to my life in LA, where $1,200+ went toward rent and bills each month, I used that same online income to travel the world, digging into my small savings for my travel gear and long-haul flights . I wasn’t sure how much my trip would cost when I left to travel, and the information just wasn’t out there like it is now.

Now you can play with your travel route and your travel style and come up with a tally in just a few hours for what your dream trip will cost. In fact, I believe so much that world travel is affordable that I wrote a budget guide and spreadsheet to help you price out your dream trip and have all the possible resources you need at your fingertips.

Decide Your Route & Speed Around the World

This is the single biggest indicator of how much world travel will cost. Slow overland travel lowers costs, and you can minimize the number of flights needed.

To save money, also consider visiting fewer places. Every travel dreamer over-packs their around the world route. You surely have a dream list, but unless you have unlimited funds, then you should scale back the number of regions/countries that you will visit.

When I first planned my trip, a long-term traveler advised me to cut five countries from my itinerary. Looking back now, I can’t even imagine where they would have fit! It’s my route and speed that allowed me to travel for under $20K.

Read: How to Plan an Around the World Itinerary in 8 Steps

Determine the Types of Countries You’ll Visit

If you add in developed countries like Europe, Japan, Australia, and the United States, your daily budget will double. Instead of spending $25 per day in SEA and India, you will average $75 to $100 per day in most developed countries.

For that reason, weight your trip in favor of developing regions of the world. Save Europe or the U.S. for a shorter trip later in life, and add a few off-beat locations to your planned route—these are most often the sleeper-favorites by the end of your RTW trip.

If You’ll Eat Local Food, Street Foods, & Shop in Markets

How you eat on your travels impacts your bottom line. Eat locally from mom and pop restaurants, and sample eats from street food stalls. Contrary to many assumptions from first glance, these locations are perfectly safe so long as you adhere to a few standard food safety practices.

Local food is a window into the culture, so dig deep and eat like the locals, asking the vendors questions and learning more about each country’s food peculiarities. Also, when traveling in Western countries, shop for groceries and prepare your own breakfast at the very least.

Read: How to Eat Street Food Without Getting Sick and buy the Food Traveler’s Handbook  to learn even more about safely enjoying street eats

Factoring Covid and the Pandemic into you Round the World Trip

The fact is, although wealthier and Western countries have moved on from the pandemic, this is not case in all countries. Vaccine iniquities and underdeveloped healthcare systems mean that many countries struggled for years.

If you’re planning world travels, be prepared increased costs to test or meet Covid requirements if another strain were to pop up during your travels. What might this look like:

• Some countries may suddenly re-close to travelers from certain countries.
• Some countries will continue to require proof of vaccination before entering (this may last for years given that proof of vaccination is already required for other illnesses, namely Yellow Fever).
• Travelers may be forced to quarantine, sometimes unexpectedly if you test positive, and this may take place in government-run hotels that cost quite a lot.
• Crossing land borders could be pricier than anticipated—for the three years of Covid, the land border between Belize and Mexico cost ~$225 to cross , and it usually costs about $20.
• Travel insurance companies are now mostly considering Covid endemic , but that can change as official travel warning levels change in your home country. Buy your travel insurance with care.

In short, assess the trip you have planned, and read up on Covid policies. Where you choose to travel should likely remain fluid once you set out so you can adapt on the road.

Note that budgets and guides give clear examples of how travelers can truly spend on average $50 per day on average to travel the world. And using the tips above, you can lower these figures even more, if needed.

You could likely travel with as little as US $12,000 per year if you stick to one region—overland for a year from Mexico to Argentina; or overland through China, Southeast Asia , and India.

The price of a budget trip jumps to US $25,000 to visit many regions rapidly. If you prefer mid-range accommodations, that might increase your expenses by $10,000; same goes if you’re prone to splurging on expensive extras like helicopter rides, diving, and adventure activities.

The bottom line : Understand your route, travel style, and goals before you can develop an accurate anticipated budget for travel.

Recommended Next Steps

It’s easy to see the numbers, be inspired for a bit and then never take action. If you’re actively planning your RTW—fantastic! My site and those of my friends contain every essential resource you need to plan world travel .

If you’re currently working, studying, or just dreaming of traveling, I have resources for you as well. And if you want a second look at those spreadsheets, visit my full RTW budget as a Google Document that will open in your browser.

Or head to the free blank spreadsheet to track your own expenses as you travel around the world . You can save an editable copy of these to your own Google Drive, or download for your own use.

Eight Steps of Planning a World Trip

• Save for Travel & Eliminate Debt
• Build a Realistic Trip Budget
• Plan Your Around the World Trip Itinerary
• Pick the Right Travel Insurance
• Pack for Long-Term World Travel
• Work Remotely While You Travel
• Stay Healthy on the Road
• Browse Free Destination Guides

Resources & Further Research

World travel budgets.

• ALA readers Jesse and Ally sent me their couples budget for a trip that ended in late 2019—they came in at $38.2K for two people for 342 days traveling through everywhere from South America (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina) to Southeast, South Asia, and even Japan. They didn’t sacrifice on fun RTW trip activities: They hiked Machu Picchu, toured the desert in Morocco, did scuba diving here and there, and more.
• A mid-range couples budget of shared expenses for a year came in just under $20K per person .
• A meticulously detailed couples backpackers budget came in at $36,532 (an even $50 a day).
• A solo male traveler for two years on the road averaged about $20K per year .
• A list of  travel budgets by region of the world .

Books to Read First

• How to Travel the World on $50 a Day .  Published by Penguin and now in its second edition, it shows you how to stick to a budget while you’re traveling. It’s an guide for travelers new to budgeting on the road and weighs heavily toward backpacker-style travel with basic tips and hacks to save money by using travel cards, points, etc.
• A few of my favorite travel books include: The Geography of Bliss , Wild , A Thousand Splendid Suns , The Great Railway Bazaar , and Behind the Beautiful Forevers .
• My two low-cost guides designed for world travelers include How to Save for Travel and How Much Will Your Dream RTW Trip Cost?

On-the-Road Travel Resources

• ALA Travel Guides share comprehensive information on what to know before you go in each new destination. 
• Grassroots Volunteering is ALA’s sister site, offering a database of responsible travel companies and volunteer experiences all over the world, as well as Responsible Travel Guides about how to use travel as a force for good.
• Cost of Living Guides show you how affordable it is might be to live outside your home country. You can sometimes elongate world travels by months or years by stopping in these affordable locations.

Working on the Road

• How to Start a Travel Blog : Record the highs and lows of your once in a lifetime trip. This no-nonsense page details the process and won’t upsell you on any courses you likely don’t need. Just basic facts of how to start your first blog, and maybe even make some money along the way.
• Finding Freelance Work for Digital Nomads . Since money is a huge factor for many travelers, this resource page thoroughly covers remote work—something I’ve been doing since 2005.

I truly believe that world travel is possible for most people. When and how is unique to each person, but by prioritizing and planning travel, you can make an around the world trip possible.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

391 thoughts on “A Little RTW Budget… How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World for a Year? (2024)”

Can you recommend a travel insurance provider?

I recommend IMG Global for most world travelers. Here’s my full rundown .

The best way to experience seamless travel through breathtaking landscapes is Gothenburg to Oslo train route.

Hi there, great article, thanks, very very helpful. I also do these things when travelling on a budget: 1. Try to find the fee-free and low-fee ATMs in a foreign country. 2. Get fee-free cards from home 3. Avoid withdrawing cash from credit cards as the cash advance fee is very high 4. Withdraw maximum amount ATM gives me 5. Book directly with hostels/hotels to avoid extra commissions

Do you offer personal help/training on this?

I don’t see how you can possibly only send that amount on accommodation. That works to only $8.50 a night. You’d have to be staying in some very skanky bed bug ridden dives for that amount.

The you clearly didn’t read everything. I couchsurfed, I had accommodation included in the fee for my volunteer experience in Nepal (so that month is not included in the accommodation line-item), and I also met many travelers early in my travels who hosted me later in my travels when I passed through Europe. Plus, shared dorms are pretty cheap outside of the US, Europe, Australia, Japan, and the like. Guesthouses truly do cost about $15 a night split between two if you travel with someone. Think a bit more creatively rather than trolling and you’ll get there. fwiw, I have never gotten bed bugs in 15+ years, so I’m doing something right, and I’ve met travelers who got them at 5-star resorts, so price isn’t always an indicator of cleanliness my friend, and you’d be wise to note that if you travel in developing countries.

This sounds about right. My partner and I travel half the year every year and I budget (In CAD which I’ll put today’s USD exhange rates for) 2200 CAD/1,650 USD a month for flights and accomodation (I know it’s weird to combine these, but I sold my partner on travelling by telling him that I could make all the flights and hotels add up to the same as our rent in Toronto, Canada and that’s stuck – so the more I spend on a flight, the cheaper I try to find accomodation for that month)

1400 CAD/1050 USD a month for food (a mix of groceries and eating out. Drinks we have with meals count in this category)

800 CAD/600 USD a month for activities (Going out for drinks counts in this category, as does public transit)

Bringing our total to 4400/month or $26,400 for dix months for two people. (3300 USD/month, 19800 USD) So if we did the whole year we’d be close to 39,000 USD.

That said I also usually spend another 500-600 on clothing because I love to shop – but I don’t consider that part of the travel budget.

Believe it or not – I actually spend more when I stay home in Toronto the other half of the year than I do while travelling. Food in Toronto, Canada is really expensive – as is alcohol – as is entertainment. Tho in fairness I do live on a boat on the Toronto Islands, but it works out to costing similar to rent for a two bedroom apartment downtown.

Anyways, thanks for sharing!

Very informative, Thanks for the share.

Came across your blog, I was wondering what current costs were. I travelled for a year in 2015 with about $9k, so today that would be a bit over $11k. I did a mix of hostels, nice hotels (usually thru mistake rates, or points), backpacking (ie camping), and some volunteering for room/board (I think 6 or 7 weeks total). Mix of cheap places like in parts of SEA and also expensive places like Japan, Pacific Islands, or Europe for instance. I didn’t include pre-travel purchases though for gear. Another perspective, anyway!

Great breakdown, thanks!

Thank you for sharing so much of your information! I am just starting to think about our retirement travel, which is still several years off. This information is so wonderful to review for those of us who have a dream of travelling throughout the world and are in the planning stages. I hope you are able to continue to follow your dreams.

Good luck with the planning—this past year has been a bad one for traveling in general, but a great one for planning and dreaming! Best of luck. :)

I have done a RTW twice in the pass, first time 4 months, second time 6 months, now at the ripe old age of nearly 60 years old woman alone I find myself planning on travelling threw South East Asia and beyond for a year or more, thanks for all the great info. It is so exciting to be doing this again, if it was not for my daugther here in UK, I would stay abroad for good, I will be teaching online so that helps with cost, and I always keep £1,000 aside for emergency at home in UK and abroad, you never know what may happen.

Now is the perfect time to start planning a trip, and dreaming about travel when the world reopens. Do you think you’ll do a longer RTW this time? My first one was 11 months, but after that I found the sweet spot was between 6-8 months to maximize the long plane flight over and time exploring on the ground, but still have enough energy and enthusiasm to really enjoy each place. SEA remains one of my favorite places in the world, so I hope you have an incredible time exploring it.

Would u please advise ir suggest 1st time where u went RTW

Wow, absolutely incredible. Thank you for sharing your story, Shannon! Going on a solo-RTW trip has been something I only could dream of, but after reading your posts and other similar posts, i’ve realized this is a realistic goal i can achieve. Super excited to begin planning my South America trip! Let the saving begin!

I am so glad to hear that this resonated! You can absolutely make a RTW trip happen when you’re motivated and able to save. Best of luck and let me know if there ever anything I can do to help once you start planning! :)

Marvelous work!. The blog is brilliantly written and provides all necessary information I really like this awesome post. Thanks for sharing this useful post.  I really enjoyed reading this blog. I like and appreciate your work. Keep up the good work.

Hey Shannon,

I love the blog! I definitely agree with seeing less countries in your first trip and staying longer is a huge one that can save you money. We just did Croatia in a month and tried to see the whole country. We wouldn’t say it was a mistake but definitely realized it’s maybe seeing less places but getting more out of each place!

Love the blog and enjoy your 10th year of being on the road!

Thanks Dom and Jo! So glad you guys also found it true that staying longer in one place can really help your budget’s bottom line! And to be fair to you though, a month is still a lot longer than many people spend exploring Croatia, so I am sure you have some incredible experiences under your belt from being there even that long. Happy travels. :)

These are great travel tips! Whenever we travel, I always make sure that we stick with our budget and one of the best things I’ve learned is not to be so touristy. We try local and live like local. I love these tips. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank you for this! I’m planning a year-long RTW trip with my husband and two daughters, who will be 9 and 10 when we depart. I know it’ll be life-changing! We’re skipping W. Europe to keep things inexpensive and to see places the children may not easily get to later in life. I’m wondering if, in your research, you came across information or calculated yourself how traveling as a family changes the math? Multiplying your number by four, even when looking at your specific country worksheets, doesn’t seem quite right, so any tips? Your total equals $219/day for a family of four for a year, and I’m not sure how much to reduce that by due to economies of family travel. I saw your Further Research section and will dig deeper there. I appreciate your thoughts, and again, thank you for giving me such a fabulous starting place. So grateful for the details and transparency!

Hi Stephanie! Thanks for you message, that’s a really great question and it doesn’t have an easy answer. It’s definitely not going to be multiplied by 4, because in many cases your accommodation will be doubly more expensive—that’s probably what I would anticipate. Not sure how keen your kids are to share a bed, but in some cases if you are getting places with two double beds, or even just two rooms, it’s likely double the cost. That will fluctuate depending on where you are. Airbnbs are a great idea, but depending on where you are you’ll likely be in guesthouses in rural Loas for example, not renting apartments, and that will average out the perhaps more than double you might pay for a nice 2br Airbnb in Bangkok, for example. But with things like pull out beds/couches in Airbnbs, and that you’ll be saving on breakfast costs when you’re using them, I think double’s a safe bet there.

Lots of places offer a discount for children on public transport (although when my niece was 11 she was much taller and more developed than the similarly Asian children so they gave me a hard time on the kids discount), and things like a taxi would cost the same were it just you and your hubby, or your kids too, so that’s not going to be times four for overland transport. Flights though, of course, are times four!

Big name activities again may offer a kids discount, but it’s not going to be much in the grand scheme—they may get discounts or into a few museums free, but for tours and such it’ll be times four.

Those are some thoughts off the top of my head! Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help as you start planning! :)

That’s amazing information!! With my wife we are planning to travel from January for over a year, we are a little bit concerned about the budget, we think we can together up to $45K AUD not sure if that will be enough. We are planning to use the site TrustedHousesitters as much as possible to save cost of Accomodation and the plan is to start in South Asia, moving to Europe and finally South America but I’m not sure if the money will be enough. Thank you for all the tips and reccomendations, would be possible to see Scott’s link as well? I’m quite interests to see his expenses around 4 different continents. Thanks in advance

Hi Camilo! Congrats on the upcoming trip, January will be here before you know it, and I definitely think that your planned trip is doable on 45K, but you’ll want to play with the amount of time you spend in each region. Longer time spent in Europe will eat into your budget, so make sure you play with your dailies and length of time in places like SEA, so you don’t run out too quickly in the middle in Europe!

Thank you Shannon for the quick replying. We are planning to spend at least 6 months in SEA and squeeze de budget to the maximum to have enough for 3 months in Europe, I know that will be the most expensive part of the trip. Shannon, any recommendations on insurance?

Yes, that’s an important topic and I have a whole post about it here: https://alittleadrift.com/backpacker-travel-insurance-world-nomads/ It gets into when I use World Nomads, and when I’ve gone with IMG since I’ve used them both over the past eleven years!

My wife and I spent $33k for 12 months and kept a very detailed budget. We traveled in 4 continents and through 30+ countries. We have a detailed budget overview and I also built an excel tool that lets you track your own budget.

That’s a great budget. Your spreadsheet looks a lot like my own spreadsheet—including the former color scheme , layout of the final stats page, and more——but all without any attribution or acknowledgement of modification, so I’ve deleted the links to it here. If you’re keen to link to my post and share where you got the inspiration for your own spreadsheet, I am happy to add the links so others can view your trip totals. Glad you had a good trip, but attribution would have been appreciated since it’s evident you know how much work went into it.

Hi Shannon,

Thank you for sharing this information with all. I am quite impress with your traveling costs and need some advise. I am planning a trip to Eastern Europe and Africa, places like: Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Tunisia, Egypt and more. The current plan is for one year and maybe around 12 countries. Part of the plan is to move from one country to another using ground transportation, sleeping in hostels, buying food at the grocery store, and some activities could include hiking and maybe cooking classes. How much money do you think I need?

Hi Chicho, that’s a good question so I would recommend that you figure out your anticipated fixed costs like flights and visas and travel gear and insurance, and then estimate the daily costs in each of your planned countries. Once you research daily travel costs by country, it will actually help you decide where you should spend more time and less (some countries can cost more than you anticipate, while others might be far more affordable). Play with the numbers and days you’ll spend in each place, then you’ll have a good estimation of how much you’ll need to save!

Thank you for your valuable information! I will do more digging, my budget is not limited and time is open. I have this strong desire to travel because when I was 8 to 9 yrs old I traveled to Iceland, and Europe, visited 7 countries and lived in Spain on the beach in house we rented. Also lived in England and Germany. I long now to travel more then before because finally I can afford to do it. I am 66 and in excellent health. But I know there is no time to waist. Wait advice in planning can you offer? I do not want to waist money. But I want to maximize my enjoyment. I know I want to return to Spain. And my Spanish is now 95% or higher. I might consider renting houses as I travel. Maybe buying? Can you offer me your wisdom tailored to my situation. I am blessed that my dreams are coming into port. And my last days of life I want to broaden even more my appreciation of what I have. Thank you for your answer, ahead I await your attention. Jerry

Hi Gerald! Thanks for reaching out, it sounds like you have a great adventure on the horizon. For planning, I really recommend that you first pick a date and timeline for setting out and leaving—your planning will contract or expand to fit whatever time you give yourself. Then it becomes a question of getting the other things in order—health insurance on the road, your route, etc—all of that is harder than actually buying the ticket and making your dream a concrete reality on the horizon. And to that end, I think you should travel some to Spain, as well as any other places that call to you. It’s definitely easy to rent places for a few months, and that will allow you to start seeing the world and also learning what you want in a new homebase. Spain is a very different place, so come check it out before buying—it sounds like you are ready for a bit more freedom than a house would allow. If you decide on Europe, the long-term/retirement visa will take a bit of time (3 to 6 months or more), but can easily be done when/if you decide you want to settle there. :)

Gerald, I’ve been traveling for the past 3 years as a solo 70-year-old. I sold my house and have never looked back. Considering you are fluent in Spanish, you might think of doing a trip to those countries to our south. I just returned from a 5-month trip through Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. During those 5 months, I could count on two hands, the number of Americans I met along the way. For some reason, most Americans don’t think of traveling to South America. I speak very little Spanish but thoroughly enjoyed my trip with no problems. It would probably be much easier and more enjoyable for you. All three countries were very interesting and very safe. I never once felt for my safety. Speaking of budgeting, I spent approximately $2,100 per month, which included 13 separate flights. Also, I did look to see what a furnished apartment would cost while in Boquete Panama: $600 bucks will get you a very nice place in the cool tropical highlands.

What an amazing informative article about traveling and budget! Thank you!

It’s a great article. It has everything you need to travel around the if you the budgeted capital. It has a very detailed content including some images and links too. Thank you for posting this article. Happy posting.

It’s a great article, finally some honest data. But girl, please… I don’t want to be that person. But Amsterdam is not a country! It’s a city in the Netherlands. It’s such a shame that tourists think Amsterdam is a country own. There’s so much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam.

Hah, you are not the first to point that out, but I’m still going to leave it just like that. The Netherlands is the only country where I visited just one city, so I think it’s disingenuous to say it’s the budget for traveling the Netherlands when I only visited what is likely the most expensive place in the country. And then on the visuals side, it’s just too long to write Netherlands (Amsterdam)—it didn’t fit. So alas, I made a choice that I know frustrates the die-hard geography buffs. Happy travels :)

Good stuff to know. Thank you. Any chance you, or someone you know, has written a book on surviving in countries where you don’t speak the language? I would like to go to China or Brazil but I only know English.

Good question David! And one I know many travelers face. English is the best language to have in a foreign country, because it’s usually the default language of tourism. But, a big exception to that is China, where a large internal tourism industry makes it harder than some places to visit without any language. But there are work-arounds. I traveled through China using an app on my phone to help communicate, and I had essential phrases written down by a local (I am vegetarian, so I always had that on paper.

As for books, one you are absolutely going to want is a wordless, pointing book. This one and this one are good: https://amzn.to/2QqhO9J and https://www.amazon.com/Point-Travellers-Language-Original-Dictionary/dp/3980880273/ – One of these will get you a long ways in both of your planned travel locations (and are better than an app because they will never run out of battery).

Then, download the Google Translate app, which allows you to point your phone camera at text (on a menu or bus station sign) and it will translate the text into English. You can easily buy a SIM card when you arrive and pop it into an unlocked smartphone.

You could also hire a local guide. Even if you don’t use a tour/guide for the entire time, planning an English-language tour (everywhere will have these) will help you acclimate in the first few days. Urban Adventures offers great day tours, as does Context travel and some others. :)

Hope that helps!

Thank you for sharing these travel tips—some I have never read elsewhere. I love traveling too, and I am planning my budget now to figure out how I can travel the world.

Hi my daring thank you so much for your lovely article I read it word from word. I have never done a Euro trip and I was born in Aus. My partner is Serbian born in Croatia and he has a house in Knin (somewhere in the country). We want to go traveling around Europe for 1 year with 30,000 between us. He has a house in Croatia so will save money there. We want to rent a nice car and go around in style on a budget to all countries but the roads are not safe. What is your suggestion and how expensive is the flights between each country?

Hi Jen, thanks for stopping by, sounds like you have an incredible adventure you’re planning. Your budget will surely work, especially if you plan wisely how you spend that 30K (not sure if you are talking Euro or US, but both would work, though certainly more leeway if you are talking Euro). Most of the roads in Western Europe are quite safe to drive, and with the open EU borders it’s a great way to get around. Your budget will allow for $82 a day for the both of you. Although that is on the low side of a budget many would recommend, because you are traveling for longer you can aim for that as an average expense. So in Switzerland your rate will be far higher, but you can easily spend under that daily average in Portugal and Spain. So by watching where you visit and perhaps even doing a vacation rental somewhere for a month or two, you could really maximize your budget and experience a ton. If you are flying (I am really unsure why you said the roads are unsafe?), flights are very cheap… you can do a search on Skyscanner but if booked in advance flights in Europe can be as low as $20-$50 to hop between cities, with a max price usually of 150 one way, and I’ve only paid that when I am booking within a week or two of flying. There are also great train passes and such, which are affordable if you book ahead as well. Hope that helps! :)

absolutely great read! What do you reckon, would 50,000 USD be a good budget for 2ppl for a year around the world? No europe countries Mostly South Asia, souh America and some African & Middle estern Countries thrown in for good measure. We have friends in Aus so we would stay with them for two weeks or so… Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

That’s a pretty good budget in general, especially since it doesn’t include Europe! It’s enough in general, but also depends on how you consider your travel style and the speed once you are on the road. Transport and moving quickly ramps up costs, but if you are taking a slow pace as you go, $50K is definitely in the range of budget+, with some mid-range splurges on accommodation when you are in affordable places like South Asia and such. Africa and the Middle East might not be as cheap as you first think, so do some research on a per-country basis when you start planning your route! :)

In little over a month I will begin my last High school year, and I was thinking about doing a gap year before university and travel across southeast Asia. Which and how many countries would you recommend me visiting?

Hi Emma! What a wonderful opportunity you have ahead of you. With a gap year to fill, your best bet is to head out on the road with a rough idea of how you will start, but then leave the rest up to chance. You will meet so many people on the road as you travel, and within weeks and months you’ll have new friends you may want to join, or you may find a place you love so much you want to stay for a while longer. I have a few resources on the site for planning a route and what to consider. Head here: https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/#planning – for advice on what sort of things you should consider when picking a route. And then this page lists out my own route: https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/round-the-world-travel-route/

I hope that helps! SEA is a wonderful place to start travel—it’s a forgiving place for new travelers and there are heaps of other backpackers and traveling culture to help you get your feet under you. It’s also safe, the foods amazing, and the culture is incredible.

Shannon- Just wanted you to know that you have been an inspiration for me and thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us – it is invaluable! That said, I recently put in my notice at my job and leave May 10th for a year around the world ( which I hope to be able to extend longer :) ) I am so excited! Planning question for you- how far in advance did you plan ? I am in this limbo between not wanting to over plan and would like to keep some spontaneity in my travels but also want to make sure i have safe accommodation as a single girl traveling alone. Another added caveat for me is that I will be traveling with my pup so I have that added concern as the places I stay and the airlines I fly on must accept pets. Thanks in advance!

Thank you so much Steph, it makes my day to know my site has been helpful and inspiring as you plan your travels. I also know how tricky it is to find a balance in the planning. Your situation is trickier than many with the dog going alongside, as there will be some other hurdles depending on the country requirements. I know sometimes places require a standard microchipping, and then proof of entering from a rabies-free country, or things of that nature. I am thinking that you are going a bit slower and sticking to a few regions? Friends have been forced to kennel/quarantine their dogs for up to two weeks when entering some places, so it’s that type of information that you would really need to know far ahead of time. So the balance of over-planning would perhaps be that you extensively research pet requirements for each place on your route. Then, my advice for the rest is that you plan a place to stay your first week, making sure it’s pet friendly, and then figure out the rest as you go. I knew a rough route for my RTW trip, but past that, the actual nitty gritty details of what to see, it’s so much easier to plan those things as you travel. It not only makes it much less stressful in these last months before you leave, but it’s just easier and a lot more fun to ask locals and take advice on the ground. I hope that helps! I am sure you’ve found it, but there is a research portal with information for most countries ( http://www.pettravel.com/passportnew.cfm ) and that should help! Please report back on how it all goes! :)

$3,130.77 for a year of nomad lodging? I’m sure you ‘couch surfed’ a few times and stayed with lots of ‘friends’. ;)

Yes, I definitely did couch-surf some and I had a house-sitting gig in Amsterdam. I also paid for a volunteering program for a month, and the fee included housing (but in the calculations it’s in a different category). But I also chose places where my money went further. My cousin and I spent six weeks in India, where we were splitting the cost of a $12 private room each night. Same in Southeast Asia — I would often share with another backpacker and we could sleep for less than $10 each. When you figure I spent half my time in more affordable countries, it makes a bit more sense!

Hi Shannon, I love the spread sheet and have downloaded a copy for our own RTW trip which starts in 6 weeks! I just wanted to find out how to add more tabs across the bottom without losing the formulas? thank you!

Six weeks! That’s so soon! You can actually right-click the tabs at the bottom and click “Duplicate” – that will add one! Then, depending on how many you add, you will have to adjust the front page that auto-calculates. That’s a bit trickier, so if you add all the countries you need and share your Google Document with me then I can help you make sure it’s calculating correctly!

thank you Shannon :-) yes it’s coming round really quickly! So I’m not great with this technology stuff haha, I’ve added all the countries I need, how do I send this via Google? it’s just saved to my documents at the moment :-)

You can send me an email at [email protected] and attach it there! I will take a look! :)

Laura- I am heading out on an around the world just about the same time as you! I leave May 10th. How about you? Where are you headed?

I cannot tell you how incredibly lucky I feel I am to have found your website! The information you share with all of us is invaluable. I have read all that you have shared on all of the topics you have discussed in this post! I admire you so much! I will be travelling later this year and will want to talk to you.

Thank you Marg! I am so glad that you found it useful! So wonderful that you are traveling soon — don’t hesitate to let me know if I can help with anything. :)

I’ve edited a list resources for finding seasonal jobs – these have helped me get nearly every seasonal job I’ve had. Most of the jobs provide housing which is deducted from your wage. So you don’t need to worry about finding your own place to live, and food is often included as well. If you’re willing to work while you travel, it’s a really excellent way to see the world on a small budget.

http://jacquelineboss.com/2017/12/15/work-in-beautiful-locations-close-to-nature-resources-for-seasonal-jobs/

That’s a great article indeed! A really wise thing to do before going for a trip somewhere is to think over everything twice. Once bitten twice shy, you know. So, think over all the problems you might face up with. Make sure the accommodation you chose for your stay corresponds its actual price. Get in touch with the owner beforehand. Thank you again for this post. I wish next year everyone has a chance to have their own dream trips.

Great article!

After deciding that it was time and purchasing a really inexpensive one-way flight from FLL to Auckland, I have been reading and researching on what my next step should be. I think I have a plan (sort of, maybe, I don’t know AHHH), but would you be able to direct me to articles, boards or anything on what type of meet up opprutunities are out there. I am a 31 year old female and am doing this adventure solo. I don’t mind being solo, but I think it would be great to meet up with people who are also traveling for more then a vacation.

Hi Stephanie, congrats on the decision to just set out and travel! I know that can be such a scary leap. I can definitely help you find ways to meet other solo travelers, although you will definitely and absolutely meet them along the way as well. Especially if you are staying at low-cost and budget accommodation (like hostels) — it’s nearly impossible not to make new friends if you want to find people heading out on day trips and what not. For boards, there are some great FB groups where you could share your route and ask if others are looking to meet up along the way: – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesolofemaletravelernetwork/ – https://www.facebook.com/groups/solowomen/ – ww.facebook.com/groups/solowomentraveltribe/

Then there are forums and such. Nomadic Matt has a “travel companions” tread in his forums: http://forums.nomadicmatt.com/forum/39-travel-companions/ As does Lonely Planet Thorntree: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/categories/sell-swap-meet-up

I hope that helps get you started! :)

Hi Stephanie!

I am also going to do this around the world solo too! and I am 31 this year as well. I am thinking if I dont do now, when would I have the chance to do it? ;p

Is this a book? :D If not, pls make it one!!

Found it, never mind. :D :D xxx

So glad you found it! Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions as you read it. :)

Thank you very much for sharing!!!

I bet you had an amazing experience on that budget as well. It’s so doable at every level. Some people assume it’s hugely expensive, while others assume you have to stay at hostels. Looks like you guys had a wonderful trip without sacrificing comfort!

great and inspirational story and in fact it also provide the best and in depth knowledge about the Cost per day on different countries. Thanks and God bless you :)

So glad you found it helpful!

Hi Shannon, Thank you so much for all the time dedicated to your passion and thank you so much for sharing all of that with us. I will make a big use of your Google template, with my partner we plan to leave our lives here and start our passionate and adventurous journey to the unknown. I like the fact that you are ultra precise on everything, I keep your website as a reference. We have started a website and I will write blogs and articles on our journey, I will not forget to mention and link your pages; it’s just the beginning so if you have other advice and experience with blogging, digital marketing, …. I’ll be happy to take it on board.

Thanks again Shannon for everything, enjoy the ride! Marlene

I am so happy to hear that you plan to use the Google template! It’s still so handy on my own travels. As for the blog, it should be a passion project for you, something you love to build even if you never make money, and it should provide value that you can’t find elsewhere. Either a truly unique perspective on it all, information others aren’t sharing, or a niche that hasn’t yet been done. Find a voice and a story to tell and others will read. I wish you all the best luck! :)

Ma’am. I love all the detail you went into about saving for a RTW trip – something I’ve always wanted to do and am currently in the process of saving up for. I do have a question though (and I apologize for the ignorance – i just can’t seem to get an actual answer for anything). What are the visa requirements for just going on holiday to a different country? Will I be required to get a visa for every country I plan on visiting on this trip? I saw that you got an Indian visa, but no others were listed that I saw. Does it matter how long your there as to where or not you need a visa?

Wow… this has opened up my mind to what is possible… so really I just need to save the initial flights and a bit of a buffer for a month or so… and if I can get money by working online or something… I can then just continue to live in south east Asia or something for far less than where I live now (Australia). Just one question… how do you get the accommodation cheap? Like do you need to rent a place and sign a lease? Doesn’t it cost a lot more to live in a hotels for such a long time? or am I just use to Australian prices…?

So glad that it opened your mind to some more possibilities out there! As for rents, these are much different than the hotels you are thinking about, although even hotels are significantly cheaper than Australian hotel rates. Right now I am on a renting a bungalow for a week on the beaches of southern vietnam, 100 meters from the ocean, for $15 USD per night. Some monthly rents in Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and other places are in the $150-400 range per month. You’ll definitely want to have a read of these two cost of living posts I wrote for Thailand and Mexico: https://alittleadrift.com/cost-of-living-mexico/ and https://alittleadrift.com/living-costs-chiang-mai-thailand/

Wow, thank you so much. I’ll definitely check out these posts!

Hi Shannon! I plan to go on the road next April 2018, so I have one year and a half to save up money. I believe I can save up to 7000 euros (being pessimistic, because I think I could earn more) and I would like to travel for 3 to 6 months. I live in Europe, so I think I wouldn’t travel, and I have 3 plans, so to say: 1) A tour including Letonia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Rumania, Eslovenia, Viena. 2) A tour in Canada 3) A tour in Asia (I’d like to visit China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodja and Korea). How much do you think I should save to do so? Which tour do you think it’s the most-doable one?

Good question! All of your trip ideas sound incredible. For that €7,000, you will get the most for your money if you stay out of the Western countries. Your money won’t go as far in Canada, but even more than that, Canada is a trip that you may find yourself taking later in life when you have more money, kids, etc. It’s an easy destination to visit. You should look at picking a spot that really excites you and that also matches the adventurous spirit you have right now. My bet is on Southeast Asia since it’s very affordable and also a good spot for a first-time traveler since it’s very safe. Since you live in Europe, it’s dead simple for you to plan another trip in the future for the Baltics and Eastern Europe. I am going to send you a private email with some more thoughts! :)

I’ve heard some people travel for a year in the same continent for under $10,000 USD, South America, Central America, SEA… I hope I get my chance soon!

That is absolutely within the realm of possible if you are limiting the number of flights that you take. Flights are usually the biggest expense, with accommodation next. So if you can limit the flights, and then pick regions of of the world with affordable accommodation (definitely SEA and Central America… South America can be pricier in areas and in the activities). Best of luck plotting and planning those travels!

I just randomly came across this because as you mentioned, you get addicted to long-term travel…lol. I was trying to get some ideas for my 10k I’ll have saved up this year. But, wow! Seriously, 10k RTW is possible, I’m surprised that 5 yrs ago you didn’t think that. I spent 8k last year and went to 25 countries in Europe, Asia (South, Southeast, Central, and East/North), Middle East and Oceania. This year I’d probably concentrate on South America where I’ve not been yet, which should be even cheaper. I did things like a private 12 day tour in Mongolia, spent a month in Japan (usually expensive) etc. It’s definitely possible. I have friends who did this on even less, they hitchhiked and couch surfed most of the time (I only did this a couple times though I did get some accommodation/food free from some volunteer things I did. On the other hand I also stayed in 4-5 star hotels sometimes too.)

Hey Shannon, My name is Claire and I’m currently a junior in high school from Seattle, WA. I’ve have plans to take a gap year or two after graduation to travel throughout Europe. I would like to land in Barcelona, and take the Eurail throughout most of the other countries(Germany, Sweden, England, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, etc.) I’m aware of the Eurail system, so I will plan on buying a pass. I’m also aware that staying in hostels is probably the cheapest/easiest way to go. The problem is, it’s a very vague plan and I am not very familiar with coordinating plane trips, train rides, hostel stays, etc (Since this is will be my first solo traveling experience). Do you have any suggestions on how to make money while I’m traveling, the steps to take before I go, how to find affordable places to sleep at night (that are close by the Eurail stations), and advice you wish you knew before you started traveling? From your experience, do you think $30,000 is enough to travel with for a year(assuming I also make money along the way)? Thank you so much for your time, Claire.

Hi Claire, thanks for writing. I absolutely think that your gap year is doable and that you can certainly save the funds for that. An entire year in Europe would be hard because of the visa situation, and because it would be very pricey. You can backpack Europe for 90 days on a tourist visa, then you have to leave for 90 days. So with that in mind, you’ll be looking at other places you could work and travel. Have you thought about getting a work visa to a place like Australia? They are fairly easy to obtain straight out of school and many Europeans go there and work (picking fruit or waiting tables) and travel and save the funds that way to continue traveling. There should be good information about that online. I have a work and travel page here if you are keen to find a way to work online: https://alittleadrift.com/how-to-work-and-travel-rtw/

As for planning it all out, that’s the least of your worries. The planning part is more straightforward once you are on the road, but finding ways to work and save now is, perhaps, the most important part of your plan. That work and travel page should give you some ideas. I have a ton of planning resources on the site ( https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/ ), and the working page lists out a lot of other job boards and ideas, from teaching English to finding an online skill. Best of luck! You’ve totally got this. If you dream of travel, then you can make it a reality with focus and determination to save the funds and work toward that goal.

Im guessing this was a while back and prices of things have gone up quite a lot since then. I keep coming back to this page like I did for past 2 or 3 years..keeps me motivated when i’m gonna start mine…Thank You

Hi Mohammad! Suprisingly, it’s still possible to do a RTW trip for that same cost. Somethings have certainly gone up, but others have gone down. So it’s gotten significantly cheaper to travel in Australia, and I would save several hundred dollars a month if I was backpacking there now compared to being there in 2008 with the Aussie dollar was a much stronger global currency. Gas is also cheaper, meaning flights have gone down. So the cost of food in Thailand is about 50 cents more a meal, but that has been counteracted by other changes too. Take a look at this woman, she spent the same figure for a RTW in 2015 .

Good article, Thanks!

I love your honesty! This is going to help so many travellers. I can’t say I kept my totals to the penny, though, but maybe to the nearest pound.

To the nearest pound is still pretty fantastic. So many people dream of a trip and are surprised when they see the real costs broken down for them.

My business partners required DS-82 several days ago and used a website with lots of sample forms . If people require DS-82 too , here’s https://goo.gl/LqB8da .

Hi Shannon, I’m just starting grade nine, but I have a passion for travel and I’d love to do a solo RTW yearlong trip after going to university. My dream would be to leave right after finishing all my schooling, but I’m not sure if I’ll have enough of a travel fund by then. I’m very roughly planning on 2 months in Central and South America, 2 months in Africa, 4-5 months in the southeastern half of Asia (all the way from India to Thailand and up to China), 1 month in Australia/New Zealand, and 2-3 months in Europe. I’d be departing from and returning to Canada. I’d probably stay in hostels and guest houses most of the time, maybe couch surf in more expensive regions. I’m definitely considering working online while on the road, but I’d like a minimum of $15k before I go. Do you think it’s possible to save $15-20k in 4 years of high school plus 4 years of university? Or would you recommend finding a full time job for a couple years before the trip? Thanks, Kathryn

Hi Kathryn, it is so nice to receive your comment! I have no doubt that you can make it happen with that much time and since you are clearly planning now. Since I doubt you can formally work, I suggest you save a portion of your babysitting money or any work you can do in the summers — enjoy some of it but get a savings account and set aside a portion. Then, once you can work, if you spend your summers really working hard, then you can easily reach the 20K in the next eight years. It’s even easier if you have help by living with your parents or family in the summer, then you are saving costs on accommodation while you work between college years. I know that the summer after I graduated high school, I had a job waiting tables and I managed to save nearly all of that money ($4K). I used it to buy a car, but if you put even a portion away each summer, you will surely reach your goals. I encourage you to talk to your parents now, ask for their help in getting a savings account set up, and ask for them to help you prioritize your savings. It can be easy to spend money on the little things, especially with so many activities in high school that require expenses, so with their help you can perhaps really focus on saving a healthy portion of anything you earn. I definitely think you can make it happen with savings ready for when you graduate! Keep me posted, and don’t hesitate to email me if I can ever help as you are saving and dreaming and planning. :)

Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely consult my parents to set up a savings account for travel, and although you’re right that I can’t apply for a traditional job yet, I have a semi regular pay cleaning my grandparents house for them. Not too many babysitting jobs, since I live outside of a small town, but there are a few. I’m planning to apply for a part time job as soon as I can. Thanks so much for the positivity and support, and I’ll make sure to keep you posted! :D

Hey Shannon, so after looking at lots of RTW travel blogs and seeing how much Europe can raise the cost, and realizing just how much time I want to spend there, I think I might save that continent for a trip of its own farther down the road. The time I would’ve spent there will be spread throughout the other parts of the trip. How significantly would skipping Europe lower the total cost? Do you think $15k USD would be enough for the whole trip?

I think that is a great figure and plan. Europe will be there and surely you will make it back there in the future. 15K will go a long way toward backpacking all over. I am going to send you an email in a few days to something that I wrote — I think it will help you better play with the figures and potential budget!

Alright, thank you so much for your help! I’ll be patiently waiting. ????

Hi! Im just starting 10th grade, and i also dream of traveling the world!….just like you Im going to try solo backpacking. Maybe ill try for a year or two Im not sure right now…and since im homeschooled i have time have a job so i can save up money to go. Im trying to go as soon as I turn 18 and school finishes which is roughly in another 2 years… Im trying to save up at least $30-40k in the next two years and even though it sounds like a long shot I truly believe its possible. Im going to Greece and Italy next year as part of my school trip and so ill get to see what it would be like to travel alone. I have this huge map on my wall and Im trying to plan out where in the world i want to go. Making a travel route of sorts. Pinterest helps alot! I was thinking of renting an apartment (cheap) so I can just travel through out Europe and always have somewhere to come back too… Do you think its a good idea? i dunno… I have some money put away so I don’t necessarily have to save up but it would be great to challenge myself and get some experience in working. I want to work and travel in bars, restaurants, cafes, teaching etc… would i need a special visa for that or something? Do think i should go to college first? All in all my end game is to find a place in the world i truly love and live there forever! After that ill go to university and get a degree in nursing!

Thanks for writing! So sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I love that you are heading out on a solo trip. It’s wonderful that you are able to work now and save up the funds. As far as getting an apartment, that can definitely help save on costs in some parts of the world, but there are other considerations about getting a visa and such. In Europe, you can’t stay for longer than 90 days. Plus, it’s pretty pricey. Perhaps look into budget backpacking through Europe — you will meet a lot of others at the hostel. Then you could rent a place in Thailand, Mexico, or somewhere very budget that has a lot to explore.

And yes, working is a whole other thing. There are times that you can find under-the-table work waiting tables or you can often work in a hostel and earn your bed (this is very common). It’s best to save up the majority of the funds that you will need, and not count on finding work. That said, look at the work-visa for Australia — it’s very popular and you qualify for that one-year visa until you’re in your late 30s. This is hugely popular and lots of backpackers work the farms picking fruit and waiting tables in Oz, and then backpacking this region ( https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/americans-guide-working-holiday-visas ).

Lastly, it’s a tough call on going to college. I am very glad that I had my degree when I left long-term, it has allowed me to earn more money and stay on the road longer because I have a degree. It really depends on your situation. You could always backpack in huge chunks every summer throughout college and then go on a longer one- or two-year adventure. There is no wrong decision, and it comes down to your goals. There are travel nursing programs that could be an incredible fit for you, I recommend that you google these organizations that send nurses for several months to spots all over the world. I’ve met a few on the road and they seem like they have found a good dynamic to work-life-travel. (My friend Candy has a great blog about it: http://www.thegypsynurse.com ). Best of luck! Keep me posted if I can help with anything. :)

Hi I am chandan planning for a backpacker trip of 20 days in may/June 2017 please help which countries should I visit. I am planning to visit whole world on continent basis say one continent or two in a year. Would like to start with Europe. Since I am from India will need help on 1. Which country to start and end. Visa requirements.trip cost with minimum air travel. I like to feel the place I visit. And best places to stay.

Hi Chandan! So exciting that you have a good trip coming up. Europe is wonderful and will make for a fun way to start your years of exploring. As for starting and ending points, hub cities are the best. I recommend that you use Skyscanner to look for open-ended routes from the airport you will leave from and then you can just type in “europe.” This will allow you to find good rates into cities you might not have considered that have easy routes to and from India. Then look into Eurorail passes, the Global pass may be the best bet for the maximum way to move around and explore a lot of the countries on offer. Best of luck! It’s such a culturally rich area of the world to be exploring. :)

Hi just update me on the best and cheapest season. Which countries have good landscapes. I love them. Considering 20 days trip which countries do u think I should opt. BTW thanks for immediate reply and such an informative post.

I think you should look up the weather information for the countries you’d like to visit and you can chart a course through them in the right time of year for your ideal climate. There are warm parts of Europe even in the winter, or you could go north and ski. Up to you and will depend on what you are looking for! That type of information is not something I specialize in, but once you are planning the trip, I have a lot of gear resources and the such here: https://alittleadrift.com/rtw-travel/

Best of luck!

Thanks again..things are more clear now

Hey Shannon, your story was amazing and inspired me to travel for about 3 months… Would $12,000 suffice? ????

Hi Amanda! $12K is a good sum! It will surely get you three months of travel at almost any travel style too. Even if you have a mid-range budget, that will last more than three months in developing countries. If you are backpacking Europe, then it’s a good sum to really enjoy and have tasty food and nice lodging the entire time. :)

Thank you so much! I also started following you on FB, your page is amazing!! ????????. Also I was wondering how far $12K would take me in SEAsia (Time Wise)? ????

Well, if you are willing to travel as a budget traveler, then you could backpack around Southeast Asia for about $1,200. That is staying a low-cost guesthouses or hostels, and going with the backpacker vibe. If you decide to stop in one spot for a month or two, it can be much cheaper. You can temporarily “live” in Chiang Mai or Bangkok for as little as $600-$800 for a month. If you plan to stay in nicer places, it will just cost a bit more each month. The $1,200 is a guestimate though because it really depends on the countries you choose. Vietnam is very, very cheap to backpack, and you will spend less than that for a month backpacking there, but Myanmar can be pricier. I think $1,200 is a good backpacker average estimate if you are in SEA for 8 months or so. :)

Hi! Happy to see that your still responding on this blog post. I plan to pick up my things and just go very shortly. I currently travel on short trips every month in the US but I still crave more. There is just something about meeting new people, experiencing new things and just seeing the world that draws me in. I really think just finally deciding to go and experience such a once in a lifetime opportunity is what my soul needs.

The only problem is I literally have NO idea where to start. I read blog post after blog post but still can’t find a starting point, nor a travel path that will be the most cost efficient. I do have about $20k saved up so thats not the problem its just determining my path that continues to pull me back. Any help on what to do when in this situation?

Also, was wondering if you are still traveling? If so, where about may you be now? Do you expend your trips a bit longer then a month now a days. ?

Thank you for any help, Bianca

Hi Bianca! You have definitely reached the hardest step, which is saving up the funds. In terms of actually traveling and setting out, there are so many various options. There are a few key ideas that can help stretch a travel budget. If you stick to one region of the world, especially affordable areas of the world, then those funds can stretch to 18 months or even longer. You could slowly backpack around Asia for a very long time on a budget like that. Or even start in Central America and then head south until you reach the end of South America. This style of travel allows you to cut down on expensive plane flights, while also exploring neat cultures and countries, and also giving you the flexibility to stop for a few months in a spot if you end up loving it. All of these things would stretch the budget a good deal. I suggest that you start looking at what other travelers have spent in the countries that you are interested in. There are two levels — traveling daily rates accounts for things like touring and getting between cities. But cost of living breakdowns that some digital nomads post ( https://alittleadrift.com/cost-of-living/ ) will give you a good idea of what it will cost to go very slowly. I will send you an email with a few more ideas. As for me, I am currently in England, I was in Spain house sitting for two months, and now I am going to head to Australia for two months to visit a friend there. I go much slower now than I did on that first RTW trip.

Thanks so much for your quick reply ! I will respond more in email !

Does that 20k (ish) include air fare?

Yes indeed. $3,500 of that is flights. I didn’t book a RTW ticket, I booked as I traveled and it totaled out to just a portion of the total. If i had done fewer long-haul flights jumping continents it would have been lower on the flight expenses.

I used this post while planning my RTW trip! Thank you so much for your advice!

So can you just get a year off work like that or did you just leave your job

I wasn’t able to do either of those. I actually worked my online job while I traveled. I had the nearly fulltime work before I decided to travel, so I worked out a budget and figured out that I could travel on the money I made online. I explain that all a bit more here: https://alittleadrift.com/2012/06/how-to-travel-and-work-abroad/ and this page has some freelance ideas for how to build up an online income, which can help offset the costs of traveling: https://alittleadrift.com/how-to-work-and-travel-rtw/

I am so jealous of you.

Aloha! I read your article a few years ago and I’m re-reading it again. We seem to have inadvertently used your article as a blue print for our careers. Becoming care takers has afforded us with a nice way to travel and submerse ourselves in a local culture. Kudos to this articles longevity and relevance today. BTW – You were way ahead of the AirBnB curve!

Well it makes my day to hear you say that you found it relevant both a few years ago, and now too! And I am so happy to hear that you are traveling and immersing and cultures and on a life path you love. Happy travels! :)

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Road is Calling

How to Travel the World On a Budget For a Year With Only $10K For Two

If you are secretly thinking about how to travel the world on a budget and find the cheapest way to go places, this post will definitely come in handy! Really, you don’t need to have a lot of money to be able to travel. It is totally possible even if you are on a tight budget.

In fact, I want to show you how to travel the world for cheap when you have only $10K and want to spread it out for as long as possible.

I know, lately, things have been changing fast. At first the pandemic and now the Russian war in my own country influenced inflation and made prices soar.

It became more challenging and more expensive to travel. With only $10K (especially if you have this amount for the entire year), it is now a more difficult task to travel qualitatively than let’s say it was even a couple of years ago. Yet, it is still possible. And I’ll show you how.

There are a lot of tips from different people regarding how much money one should have in order to travel long-term and feel comfortable.

I have personally seen reports with such numbers as $20K and $30K per year and then I met someone who spent around $15K when traveling solo around the world.

Honestly, I don’t think that having $30K for one year of travel is something extraordinary. Even $20,000 is still enough money. If knowing how to spend it smartly, this amount can keep you going for way longer than just 12 months. And yes, even in this time when prices are up.

And now, you don’t need to stay in hostels all the time, camp, or sleep in trains or buses. Also, rice and noodles are not the only dishes you have to eat.

There are still many ways how to travel for cheap, eat delicious and healthy foods , drink coffee ,  swim in infinity pools, go to spa centers , sleep in castle hotels , and hike trails in stunning places.

Just a couple of years ago Mark and I also traveled the world with little money and managed to spend around $10K a year using all those tips and tricks that I mention below (I accumulated them over a long period of time). If you are interested to know where we went and what we did, you can read this post .

But the goal of this article is to show you that there are ways to travel cheap. To be more exact, there are still ways to travel with $10K a year. And more than that, this amount will cover expenses for two people.

So let’s talk about them below.

General Tips on How to Travel the World on a Budget

1. set a plan on where to go and how much time to spend in one place.

Knowing where to go and how much time to spend in each place will help you understand how much to budget. And once you have that budget you can stick to, you are able to relax and enjoy the process. I don’t think making a step-by-step agenda with precise activities makes much sense. 

But if you want to travel the world cheaply and not stress out on the road over things that you could have planned before, then decide for yourself which countries you’ll travel to and in what order.

Also, make an approximate plan of which cities, villages, and attractions you would like to cover and what to skip. Do some research and find out what is the cost of travel in those places. Make a plan for how to move between them. It is very important because last-minute decisions always cost more.

Flights between many countries within the same continent are usually cheap but not if you are waiting until the last day. Some types of transportation (like first-class or sleeper trains, and ferries) sell out quickly. Nice accommodation on a budget is usually also booked in advance.

Do not hope to go with the flow and book everything along the way. Better have a precise idea of where you’ll go and when especially if thinking of travelling on a budget in Europe. Also, don’t plan to visit 50 countries in 12 months. In that way, you’ll end up spending all the money on transportation and getting places instead of experiencing them, not to mention being jet-lagged and tired all the time.

From my experience, I can tell that going without a plan (even an approximate one) can cost a pretty penny later. Mark and I used to travel without an idea where to go and when, and then when trying to make a last-minute decision, prices for everything were so much higher that we had to overpay.

RELATED POST: QUITTING MY JOB TO TRAVEL THE WORLD. IS IT SMART ENOUGH?

2. Do Not Plan Travel More Than 2 Months in Advance

One of my favorite ways to travel cheap is not to plan a trip more than 2 months in advance, often even one month in advance. And the reason for that is that travel planning with too much time ahead of you often means higher prices.

Many airlines, hotels, and tour companies offer discounted prices to fill up their remaining inventory when the date of travel is close. By booking your travel arrangements closer to your departure day, you may be able to find some great deals that weren’t available when you first started planning.

In my experience, the best way to find cheap airline tickets for long distances is within the 3-6 weeks range. So if you want to fly somewhere in 2 months, it is better to start monitoring prices but not buying tickets just yet. Wait and see how better deals are going to pop up as some time passes and you have 4-5 weeks left before the travel date.

Although do not wait for too long as with less than 2 weeks time left before your departure, airfare prices are going to increase again.  

The same is with accommodation. Oftentimes owners of many boutique and small heritage hotels decrease prices of rentals during the off-season even if there are still a few weeks of time left before travel.

We booked many trips at the last minute, including a recent trip to Cordoba while moving from Malaga to Tenerife island. And by the way, the trip to Tenerife with flights and accommodation, which we planned 2 weeks before departure, turned out to be quite cheaper than if we had stayed in Malaga during the same duration.

3. Get a Travel Credit Card Before You Leave

If you want to travel smart and cheap, get a travel credit card, preferably one with cash rewards. It will save you money on every purchase.

With a travel card, you don’t need to pay a foreign transaction fee. Also, what we found important is that when you pay in a foreign country with a credit card, the exchange rate set by the bank is always higher than the rate in exchange kiosks. So, in this way, you will be saving money too.

But besides savings, you can earn points on all transactions and later deposit them into the account as cash value and apply towards travel.

More and more places around the world accept credit cards, even small market stalls, so you won’t need to withdraw money on every occasion.

As for the card to choose, see what banks in your country offer. If you are from the US, from my experience I can recommend the Bank of America travel rewards card , Chase Sapphire Preferred , and Capital One Venture (although the last two have a yearly fee).

4. Choose to Travel Slowly to Be Able to Save

By traveling slowly I mean choosing one city in a new country where you’ll base for at least a month. Better if you make a base there for a few months. Especially in this time, with the corona, it provides more security to have a long-term base. In this case, you’ll be able to rent accommodation on a monthly basis, cook at home, get to know how locals live, and travel within that region. All of it will cost you way less than constant travels from one place to another. 

Traveling full-time can get really exhausting and also it takes more resources. Traveling slowly helps to remain positive and energetic . 

If you look at budget-friendly destinations, you’ll see that renting a nice but pretty basic room costs between $10-$15 a night. If you multiply by 30 days, it will add up to $300 minimum. But honestly, you cannot count on that. In one destination it may cost $10 while in other $20.

On the contrary, in the same destination, the entire apartment costs between $250-$350 a month. It includes a kitchen that in turn helps to cook at home from time to time and save on food.

With slow travel, you do not necessarily see less. You actually get to experience more, just in one country.

We have been living in slow travel for almost 4 years now. During this time we were based in many cities and traveled qualitatively around many countries. If you are curious to learn what are those places (that I believe are fantastic destinations for budget travelers to live while traveling slowly), check my other posts:

• 15 Countries to Live in Europe With $1000 Per Month For Two
• Life in Istanbul, Turkey – What’s It Like? Tips For Foreigners & Digital Nomads
• Moving to Turkey – Is Turkey a Good Country?  
• Life in Tbilisi, Georgia – Will You Enjoy It?
• How is Life in Ukraine For a Foreigner – What to Know & Expect
• Life in Kuala Lumpur – What to Expect?
• Living in Vietnam Under $1000 For Two – Amazing Country For Budget Travelers

5. Travel There Where You Don’t Need a Visa 

Most likely, if you are reading this post, you haven’t traveled much yet. Maybe you’ve seen a few places but I bet there are many more left for you to discover. And if I have to guess, you want to go everywhere.

So, my advice to everyone who is on a shoestring budget but wants to travel the world for a year (or more) – try to start with those destinations where you don’t need to pay for a visa or where at least a visa is cheap.

Different passports have different levels of power, I get that. Still, a lot of those passports enable their holders to travel to some destinations visa-free. Check where you need to apply for a visa or where you can just obtain an ETA and calculate how much it will cost.

Visa expenses in total can end up being a few hundreds of dollars. For someone on a tight budget that’s actually a lot of money. So if you are flexible about where to travel to, start with those destinations where crossing the border is free. Or at least where the cost of a visa is cheap. 

Mark and I personally use iVisa website to check if we need visas for every country we go to. It is a very helpful resource where all information is updated regularly.

6. Plan to Travel to Prime Destinations During the Off Season

Traveling to expensive destinations during the off-season may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually be a great way to save money while still enjoying all that the destination has to offer.

During the off-season, no matter where you go, prices for flights, accommodation, and activities usually drop. But with expensive destinations that’s not the only benefit.

Oftentimes, many expensive destinations during the low season besides lower prices also offer milder weather that is more comfortable for outdoor activities. For example, in destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean, the off-season means lower humidity and fewer storms which is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches or go hiking. 

In southern Spain like Andalusia for example, off-season (meaning winter) is a perfect time to escape cold and enjoy winter sun on a budget.

One of the reasons how Mark and I managed to travel all over Spain and even live in one of the northern towns and then live in Malaga was because we mainly traveled there in winter and found cheap accommodation for a long term while it was still cheap. 

7. Choose to Travel to Cheap Countries 

I am sure you could somehow figure that this one was going to make the list. If you want to make sure your saved money will last you longer, choose to travel to cheaper destinations . Each continent has its own cheap countries. And Southeast Asia is not the only place. 

In North America, for instance, Mexico is pretty cheap. Look into Campeche, Merida, Guanajuato, Puerto Escondida, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara if you want to save money. Although it is also very possible to travel to Cancun on a budget together with Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

In Europe, look into the Balkans (all countries in this region are very cheap,) Eastern Europe, and some parts of Spain . We lived in Montenegro and spent the same amount of money there as we did in Bali . Bosnia and Herzegovina was even cheaper.

Ukraine, my home country, is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for winter and for summer where to live comfortably but with very little money. Let’s just wait for the war to end and you can add Ukraine again to the places where to travel on the cheap. Even Istanbul in Turkey , where we used to live and return often, offers a lot of options for budget travelers. 

With Southeast Asia, you need to know where to go because some places can be more pricey than others. Singapore is obviously the most expensive, Taiwan is not that cheap and some parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Bali can also surprise with prices. 

If you haven’t opened my post about the cheapest countries to live in Europe , do it now. I included all the countries where you can live with €1000 per month. Even if there is no plan to live in any of them, it’ll give you an idea of how cheap/expensive they are for travel.

8. Pack Everything You Need Before You Leave

Chances are you won’t be taking a lot of stuff when leaving to travel. Still, pack your bags wisely.

While you are still working and having an income stream, buy everything you may need for your voyage ahead of time. Glasses, sunblocks, a bathing suit, sandals, sneakers, towels, medicine, and even a hair muss if you need one. Do not plan to buy those necessities later. In a new country, you may not know right away where the best places to shop are or the same items can be more expensive.

Plus additionally, if you don’t pack all you need, it will mean you’ll buy it ina new destination in this way adding more weight to your bags. And extra luggage nowadays is quite expensive.

Many airlines charge additional fees for checked luggage or overweight bags. By packing everything you need in a carry-on bag, you can avoid these fees and save money.

However, it is not really about money only. Running around in a new place may steal your time.

9. Change Your Habits to Save More Money 

If you want to travel the world on a budget, you need to make some changes to your lifestyle.

We all have our own habits and small things that make us happy. For me, some of those things I love are a bowl of smoothie almost every single day, something sweet, and jogging. For Mark, that’s always a cup of coffee, workout, and beer. When we were living in America, we paid for all those things around $200 each month.

When we started to travel, we realized that we couldn’t have smoothies all the time (this type of food is pretty expensive everywhere in cafes), buy coffee on a daily basis (which our bodies don’t need anyway) and we couldn’t pay for a gym. So we made a lot of changes. No, we didn’t quit them but we changed the routine.

Instead of paying for a gym, we always follow home workouts, jog, and exercise outside when the weather is warm. For example, now while living in Istanbul , we are renting an apartment near the park and seaside. The only time we paid for a gym was during our long stay in Ukraine .

For smoothies and coffee, we decided to purchase a portable coffee maker and a compact travel blender that we pack in our suitcases for many trips. 

While I will never try to tell anyone to stop exercising and eating healthy, I will definitely encourage you to realize where you are overspending. Most likely you are spending more on long-held habits. Are you a smoker? Drinker? Coffee, fast food, soda addict? All of this will be taking a good chunk of money out of your monthly budget.

If you want to learn cheap ways to travel, cut your spending, and quit bad habits because they may be costing you more than anything else. 

10. Go Only There, Where Flights Are Cheap

Another thing that will help to travel the world for a year on a budget is to plan to go to those destinations where flights are cheap. I like to use an ‘Explore’ option with google to see which connections the city of interest has and which of them are the cheapest. 

There are a lot of countries that interest me and where I want to go. But when picking the next base for us with Mark, I always search for tickets first. The cheapest and most convenient flight always wins.

Before planning your itinerary, first of all, learn how to find cheap deals . Make a list of countries you want to visit and then start looking at which country is cheaper to fly to. Sometimes distance doesn’t matter. You may find a better deal to fly from the U.S. to Europe than to Costa Rica or even Mexico.

A few years ago, while being in Ukraine , we found the cheapest ticket to Chiang Mai and this is why we ended up there. But on the way, we had a fantastic 24 hours long layover in Doha , Qatar which let us visit a new country for cheap.

Play with different airfare search sites (we always compare on Expedia and Google Flights ), use some luxury travel hacks, make sure to check prices from Tuesday to Thursday (especially at night), look for connecting flights, and compare prices.

I recommend buying tickets for at least the first two months of your travels. The rest you can buy along the way.

Practical Tips on How to Travel the World for Cheap

11. find complimentary accommodation.

Complimentary accommodation does not always come as free. Sometimes you may need to do some work in exchange but it is worth it so much.

Getting this type of accommodation is good if you plan to travel to prime destinations such as Western Europe, Scandinavia , Australia, New Zealand, United States , Canada, etc.

With these countries, you can always house-sit , volunteer, camp for free or little money, couchsurf , or work in exchange for food and a place to sleep. Most of these opportunities, especially international housesitting , will cover your room and board and sometimes provide a car.

Before Mark and I left America we spent 3 months traveling from the West Coast of the U.S. through Vancouver and then to Banff National Park and then all the way to Vermont, staying in free accommodation. This is how we ended up paying less than $1500 for all that time. I talk more about what we did and where we stayed in this post on work in exchange for accommodation and food . Give it a read.

But briefly, here are resources to use to find complimentary accommodation:

• Housesitting – this website has the biggest number of hosts
• Couchsurfing – this is the largest resource with free accommodation 
• WWOOF & Peace Corps – a big number of community projects while staying with local hosts or in volunteer housing
• HomeExchange or Love Home Swap – the most popular websites for swapping your home with someone else’s in another part of the world
• BeWelcome – a non-profit hospitality exchange platform that connects travelers with local hosts who are willing to offer free accommodation
• Warm Showers – a platform that connects cyclists (if you travel by bike) with hosts who offer free accommodation, shower facilities, and sometimes meals
• University Living – great resource for summer travel for students that allows you to find a room for rent in university dorms around the world at a reduced rate. This can be a great option if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind sharing a bathroom or living space with other travelers

12. Or Choose to Stay With Locals

Another option for cheap accommodation is to stay with locals. Besides the money, it also provides an excellent opportunity to immerse in a new culture, get to know how people in that country live and experience something different than a hostel or even Airbnb.

Our favorite websites for short and long-term stays with locals are:

– Homestay – rent a room in someone’s home and let the host help you learn about local life 

– Servas – a hospitality exchange network, similar to Couchsurfing but with a mandatory yearly fee and stricter sign-up. It helps to connect travelers with local hosts who are willing to provide free accommodation in exchange for cultural exchange and friendship.

– HelpX – one of my favorite platforms that connects B&Bs, farms, hostels, homeowners with volunteers. With the help of this site, you can do all types of jobs in exchange for free housing and food. From volunteering in a hostel to helping to look after a luxury home, this site has it all!

– Agoda – this website has quite a few pretty awesome guest houses in Asia. 

– Trustroots – another website similar to Couchsurfing. But here, you are able to find a host based on the same interests as you have. 

13. Also… Stay in Monasteries 

We accidentally learned about this option on our road trip from Bucharest to Brasov . And we almost stayed overnight in a beautiful Caraiman Monastery , perched on a hill overlooking the mountains.

While walking on its beautiful grounds, we noticed a message on a door saying that there were rooms available for rent. The price per night was less than €10.

Later, I decided to do some research and found out quite a few monasteries around the world where both male and female travelers can stay. That’s an amazing opportunity to save money on accommodation and experience something truly unique!

For a long time, religious institutions have been receiving pilgrims. And this opportunity stayed with us to this day. However, don’t expect much. Usually, monasteries offer overnight stays with very ascetic conditions – only a bed, a table, and very simple dinners. You may also need to visit a religious service.

But, stays are very quiet and peaceful and you need to be in bed by a certain time. So, it won’t work to get there late at night from the nearest bar.

Some monasteries have a fixed rate per night, like hotels, but others will be grateful for a symbolic charity contribution. To find out more details, see this article . 

To find a monastery or temple for the night, check these sites:

– Monasterystays – monastery stays in Italy, Austria, and Slovenia

– Goodnightandgodbless – mainly monastery and church stays in Europe 

– Templestays – stays in Korea 

14. Look for New Apartments on Airbnb

Honestly, I am not a big fan of Airbnb anymore. I used to be in the past when it has just come to the market and was relatively new to everyone. But after a while, after traveling for a bit and staying in various Airbnbs on three continents Mark and I noticed how much Airbnb changed for the worse. Lately, we started to use VRBO in those destinations where it is available.

Through Airbnb, many times we paid a lot of money for a place that was dirty and not the same as in pictures, some owners didn’t seem to try hard to provide the best service, sometimes Airbnb team didn’t care, other times we had issues with the apartment and nothing was done to fix it. Overall, we started to notice one pattern – prices for apartments are constantly unreasonably increasing but the level of service and quality gradually goes down.

Another thing that caught our eye is the fact that many Airbnbs are owned by real estate agencies, not locals as Airbnb promotes. And in turn, it creates a totally different experience.  

So, our trust got undermined.  Still, I recommend this concept in a few cases. One of them is when you travel long-term and need an apartment for a minimum of 28 days. To save money, when we book a flat for that much time (or more) we always go with new apartments only . 

The reason for that is an additional discount from Airbnb. Usually, when the owner signs up and is willing to rent out his home, Airbnb always suggests giving a discount to the first 3 people who book his property. Besides a regular long-stay discount, they are supposed to provide an extra one. Many times this discount is between 30% and 50%. 

If you look at some destinations, you will be surprised to find some amazing deals. For instance, when we were recently looking for homes in Norway , the average price was around $2000-$3000 per month but a new apartment that recently popped up on Airbnb cost around $800 in a good location in the Tromso area.

So if you are on a very tight budget but want to travel the world for cheap, always look for new airbnbs and book one as soon as you like it.

15. Look For Farm Stays 

Would you like another hack on how to travel the world on a low budget? Then choose to live on a farm.

No, I am not talking about WWOOFing or workaway .

I mean a farm stay without a need to work. There are quite a few farms in some countries that offer accommodation. You can stay on a farm you like, learn how it works (for example, see how the cow is milked), and enjoy outdoor activities.

The conditions of such a stay vary. It can be an ordinary tent or a luxuriously furnished apartment. Of course, the luxury cottage for a budget traveler will cost a lot. But, there are also cheaper options.

On average though, a modestly furnished room with amenities on a farm will cost around the same as a budget hotel in the same country.

You can find farm stays to save money on the following sites:

– Farmstay – farm stays in England, Scotland, and Ireland 

– Downunderfarmstays – farms in Australia 

– Traveletti – farms in Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Greece, Portugal, France, Spain, and Italy to help you travel Europe on a budget. Their service is unavailable at this time due to covid but keep it in mind for the future. 

– Farmstayus – farm stays for budget travel in the USA 

– Farmstaycampingaustralia – stays in Australia

16. Or Look For a Home On Spot in a New Country

If you plan to stay in one place for as minimum as a month and haven’t found anything decent and affordable on Airbnb yet, do not panic. I recommend booking accommodation for the first 3-4 nights and once you get to your destination, start looking around among locals. Or, join local Facebook groups.

We always follow this strategy and always have success in finding something. This is how we found lovely and rather cheap apartments in Vietnam,  in Thailand, and in Bali . In Montenegro and Turkey, we found beautiful flats  through the Facebook group.

So do not worry if the choice of flats online is not ample. In many countries, you’ll find it quickly enough.

17. Rent a Car If Traveling in Europe

Yes, exactly, if you are wondering how to travel in Europe on a low budget, rent a car. It is a smart move that is going to help you save money and see more. And I’ll explain how. 

If you start searching for deals and try to book in advance, you can rent a car for as little as $20-$25 per week (sometimes per month!) There are endless offers from various rental companies that offer fantastic deals in different parts of the European continent.

We rented a car in Valencia for $28 for 10 days in late November, in Bucharest (Romania) for $25 for the entire month (which we canceled due to a change of plans,) and later we paid $85 per month, $45 per week in Sarajevo , $30 for 2 weeks in Milan and more.

Renting a car in Tbilisi and Montenegro was way more expensive but for the most part, renting a car in Europe was pretty cheap. Recently we rented a car in Turkey for as little as $8 per day.

If traveling solo , hiring a car may actually cost you more but for two people it is a perfect opportunity to save money on transportation. Buses and trains are not that cheap as companies try to promote and you may end up spending more for two people on one round trip between cities than on a car rental and gas for the entire week (which also allows you to be flexible.)

With this strategy though, you have to visit Europe during the offseason and also target to visit cheaper destinations. During the high tourist season, prices are so high, that you will end up spending much, much more.

18. Eat/Drink/Shop Smartly

Food costs always come second after accommodation costs and can take a lot out of your budget. To be able to travel the world not spending much, try to cook at home more, especially if you are traveling in Western World countries.

Eating out in Southeast Asia , surprisingly, is cheaper than when you cook at home, but only if you choose street food. Trips to restaurants and cafes add up and can cost a fortune. South America and Eastern Europe are very affordable in this sense too.

We always cook when we travel. Our daily food expense until this day in the year 2024 is between $15-$20, depending on the destination. This cost always covers meat or fish products, lots of veggies, fruits, smoothies, coffee, tea, and occasional eating out and desserts. There is never a moment when we say “no” to ourselves when it comes to food, and we always eat local food.

I honestly don’t understand how some people manage to eat only rice or vegetables in order to cut costs. Doing it they lose so much. Trying local foods is part of the experience, please, spend some money on local food. Also, you need to stay healthy and watch your diet by eating healthy whole foods. There is no way for your body to be healthy if consuming rice or vegetables only.

Another note is about alcohol and coffee. You would need to cut on those to save money too.

19. Be Selective When It Comes to Attractions And Entertainment

I know, when you travel you want to have fun and do as many activities as you physically can. But don’t be in a hurry. Price for those attractions matters.

Physically you can’t do everything anyway, but choosing one activity over another does not mean you don’t get to know the country. Each destination has plenty of free or cheap things to do, so there is a lot to choose from. Avoid attractions oriented solely on tourists, even in poor countries they cost a fortune. Choose those activities that locals choose for themselves too.

For certain destinations, like Cambodia , for instance, you still want to budget money to be able to do some sightseeing. Angkor Wat entrance ticket for 3 days costs $62, but it is well worth it.

Visiting ancient Pergamon in Turkey was also worth every penny, like many other sites we went to. Yet, every country has also hundreds of activities or places that don’t cost any money. Take advantage of that and have a fabulous time! 

Traveling the world for 10 thousand dollars a year is not a difficult task to do if you carefully plan your trip. I do advise though to put aside at least an extra $$$, just in case if there is a day when you need it. If you can have more, it’s even better. Having “emergency money” always makes you feel more confident even if you don’t make use of it.

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

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18 Comments

Oh, I love such articles! We spent way more during our yearlong honeymoon even though we still stayed within “bacpacker’s budget” – but I’m always thrilled to see how little money you actually need to see the world! 🙂 And about slow travel – yep, it’s actually the best, we realized that as well. You may “see” less, but you surely experience more!

Thanks for sharing your experience, Sandra!

Thanks so much for the helpful information. Dying for this to be over so we can get our location-independent selves out there. All the best.

So true! Hopefully this madness will be over soon! Stay safe wherever you are, Sharon!

Wow, so many tips! This is so encouraging because the financial aspect is probably what keeps most of us from traveling the world.

Such a great inspirational post! We are actually on our job-free year and were travelling around quite a lot. Since we´re stuck back home but still wish to continue our trips once the borders reopen this tips will come in very useful! We´ll have to definitely cut down our budget, happy to see it is actually possible 🙂

I am glad to hear Katja you find this post helpful!

Thank you for sharing such amazing tips with us, as I am about to visit Iceland soon so these tips will be sure of great help to me as well to all others who would be traveling along with me as I am sharing this amazing post with them as well.

Some of the tips are really technical and makes good sense to count these things before any trip plan like credit cards, deals info and especially visa free destinations. Both of them sounds good. However nice tips to keep in mind.Thank you!

I am glad to hear, Majid, you found them helpful!

I’m thrilled to have stumbled upon such an informative and interesting article. I am in the midst of what some might call a spontaneous adventure; planning my first euro trip and I couldn’t be more nervously excited about it. I’m traveling solo, and I’m curious about how long it took you and your husband to plan your trip? Thanks again you’ve already been so helpful.

Hi Samuel, thank you for your lovely comment, I am glad to hear this post came in handy! To be honest, it didn’t take a lot of time for us to plan our trip. I think it was around 4 months. We made a decision in February and then in the end of May we hit the road. Maybe the reason for that was a fact that we didn’t really own much. It was easy to let things go and leave.

The most time consuming thing was to give my car back to the bank. Mark sold his car quickly but my car depreciated a lot, so I decided to give it back to the bank. And that took around two weeks of my time. Other than that, everything else was pretty easy, probably because we were not tied to one place in a long-term.

This is a wonderful guide! Thanks for sharing all the resources and great tips for budget travelling. At 15, I think you confused Bratislava with Bucharest, as you wrote Romania next to it. I’m sure it was completely unintentional and that’s ok. I’m Romanian and it caught my eye.

Omg, I really did! Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Iulia, I don’t know what I have been thinking about 🙂

I’ve always liked traveling, the idea of seeing the world fascinated me, but I’ve never been able to make a very long trip, it’s always a few days never more q 1 week, but with these methods I’ll be able to enjoy my travels much more and go further away thank you so much.

My pleasure and I am very glad to hear you found this post helpful!

Loved your article. Nicely done and written. This post will be very helpful to your readers

It’s true that the biggest expense is actual traveling, by staying longer in location and getting familiar with surrounding will save you a lot of money (and time) 🙂

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How Our 6 Month Round The World Trip Changed Our Lives (+ Tips!)

Considering a 6 month round the world trip soon? We’ve been there!

I originally published this blog post in early 2016, on the cusp of starting what we then believed to be a 6 month RTW adventure that would see us backpacking parts of Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America.

Fast forward 7 years, and it turns out that 6 months of backpacking the world turned into a full-time travel lifestyle that has spanned more than 50 countries and counting, entirely reshaping our lives along the way.

Our travels have truly been beyond our wildest dreams.

The decision to go backpacking for 6 months eventually led to us camping in the Sahara , learning to scuba dive in Thailand , climbing a volcano in Guatemala , traveling overland from Mexico City to Bocas del Toro, Panama, visiting most European countries, road-tripping on several continents, and spending a month or more basing ourselves in cities as diverse as Rome , Istanbul , and Cape Town .

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Eventually, we spent a year living in Lisbon, Portugal, and racked up enough long trips to Italy that we can say we’ve spent a year each there, too.

Oh, and we added our dog Ranger to our pack, and who also travels with us now!

For posterity (and, okay, primarily for my own nostalgia), I’ve saved our original post announcing our intention to go backpacking here, complete with all of the excitement, nerves, and anticipation that bleeds through it.

Toward the end of this post, though, I’ll share a little more about where we are now–as well as a few important things we would have done differently when planning a RTW trip if we knew in 2016 what we know now.

Table of Contents

Our Original 6 Month RTW Trip Announcement

What actually happened on our 6 month round the world trip, what we would have done differently, planning a trip.

I have written and deleted and rewritten the opening paragraph of this post at least a dozen times.

It appears that the words just aren’t going to come out right on this subject, but I am so ready to have them out there that I’m just going to have to settle for adequate ones.

Jeremy and I are leaving in May for a 6 month round the world trip.

In the internet world, this is not a big deal.

In our world, it is an enormous upheaval of our entire lives and everything that we thought they would be at this point, and it is an epic adventure.

In mid-2015, we found ourselves growing more and more discontent: with our jobs, with the beautiful house we had bought less than a year before, with our city, with the entire 8-to-5, double-income, double-commute, spend-the-weekend-recovering-from-the-work-week-while-also-squeezing-in-all-your-chores life.

We had already discussed and decided that we would work toward early financial independence from biweekly paychecks (I know, this trip is not exactly moving that goal forward, but hey–we’re not perfect).

Still, though: that was a long, long way away.

Several (for now theoretical) kids away. A lot of gray hairs away. And way, way too many congested commutes away.

We needed out. We needed gone. We needed a whole new lifestyle.

We needed (and yes, this is hopefully the corniest line I’ll ever type), an escape clause from the contract we had apparently signed after college graduation with suburban, corporate America.

From there, we started to discuss seriously: if we were going to redesign our lives, what would they look like?

Kids were a major theme for the future, but we knew that wasn’t a path we were in a hurry for.

Downsizing was a big one: what in the world were we thinking, buying a 2600 square foot house on a tiny lot that made us feel like we were drowning in space inside and claustrophobic outside?

Seriously, that decision now feels utterly insane.

Moving away from San Antonio was also a repeated idea–when we moved there right after Jeremy graduated college, we agreed to give it two years.

We love the food (breakfast tacos, TexMex, and kolaches are all pieces of heaven), but the city feel and heavy traffic was not for us.

2023 Update: turns out we absolutely adore cities, the bigger and more complex the better (spoiler: we very happily moved to New York City of all places). We just don’t like commuting in cities or living in car-dependent neighborhoods!

On top of that, of course, was our big, seemingly unattainable dream: travel.

Long term travel , the kind with a one-way plane ticket and plenty of time to wander as we please.

The type of travel that came with a loose itinerary, and the ability to make plans and decisions along the way.

Adding all this up, we cobbled together the vague idea of a plan: since we knew we wanted to leave San Antonio , we would sell our house.

Assuming that went well, we would take advantage of this transition period and leave on a round the world trip for 6 months.

After wrapping that up, we would return home and decide on our next chapter.

Moving back to our hometown is on the shortlist, but frankly, we’re a little gun-shy about making hardline predictions about our future at the moment.

After all of the discussing and what-iffing, the doing… well, the doing went exceptionally fast. Our house was under contract less than 2 months after putting it on the market.

Our first few destinations ( Spain , Italy , Morocco ) are outlined, with plane tickets purchased and some accommodation arranged.

I have triple and quadruple-checked our budget, and we are squeezing every last penny we can into it while also holding our breaths and hoping the money lasts as long as we hope that it does.

Now, we prepare, prepare, prepare–and wait (oh, okay, and go on an awesome 2 week road trip to Savannah , Charleston , and Atlantic Beach, North Carolina ). 

It took less than a month for our carefully-organized (read: obsessively overplanned) 6 month backpacking itinerary to veer wildly off course.

Years later, I can still remember the decision like it was yesterday.

Rather than double-back from the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco to Fez, where a pre-paid Ryanair flight was ready to whisk us off to… Milan ? Venice ? (I honestly can’t remember which), we decided to extend our stay in Chefchaouen once.

And then twice.

After almost 2 weeks in Morocco and nearly a month of traveling at a breakneck pace, we were already exhausted.

The prospect of the long, hot, bumpy bus ride back was just too unappealing for words.

Instead, we stuck around Chefchaouen for a while, and then headed to Tangier and hopped a ferry back to Spain, where we promptly fell in love with both the town of Tarifa and the joy of traveling spontaneously.

And, sure, yes, we lost one of our debit cards in Tarifa, only took about 10 photos of our entire week-long stay there, and one of my clearest memories of our stay is rejoicing upon finding an Old El Paso taco kit in the grocery store (our homesickness for TexMex never went away).

Importantly, though, the electrifying feeling of freedom and opportunity also sunk in during our time in southern Spain.

Here’s what our 6 month RTW trip ended up looking like:

6 Month Around the World Trip Itinerary

Spain ( Madrid , Toledo , Tarifa), Italy ( Bolzano , Lucca , Florence , Volterra , Pisa, Monterosso al Mare ), Morocco ( Marrakech , Erg Chebbi, Tinghir, Air Benhaddou, Fez, Chefchaouen).

Spain (Tarifa, Seville ), Italy ( Milan , Trieste), Slovenia ( Piran , Mojstrana, Triglav National Park, Bled, Lake Bohinj, Ljubljana), Croatia ( Split )

Croatia (Split, Hvar , Dubrovnik ), Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Mostar , Sarajevo ), Thailand ( Bangkok , Koh Tao )

Thailand (Bangkok, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai ), Laos (Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane ), Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Koh Rong )

Cambodia (Koh Rong, Siem Reap )… and then the USA.

Yep, after all that careful planning, we ended up not only making it to South America in our first six months of travel (that actually wouldn’t end up happening until early 2018, when we spent a month in Colombia ), but we also took a break before six months was even up.

As it turns out, planning that far into the future wasn’t our strong suit–and still isn’t.

We ended up spending a couple of months at home with family, and then a few days after Thanksgiving, boarding a flight to Mexico City that would end up turning into our six-month adventure of backpacking overland from Mexico City to Bocas del Toro, Panama –which just about brought us to the one-year mark of full-time travel.

After Our First Year of Full-Time Travel…

How we pulled off the next six years and counting is mostly a story for another day (hint: travel blogging is a big part of it, and is now our sole income source).

But, we ended up staying fully nomadic until mid-2020 when the global crisis finally caused us to (temporarily) hang up our bags.

At that point, we headed back to the Lone Star State and spent a year rebuilding our business while based in Austin (2020-2021), and then moved to Lisbon, Portugal for a bit over a year (2021-2022).

As of 2023, we are happily based in NYC (for now?) and continue to travel far and wide in our pursuit of living our personal versions of a deeply fulfilling life.

Overall, we are beyond thrilled with how our decision to go backpacking for 6 months turned out, even and possibly especially because we never could have predicted it!

That being said, we were still fairly novice travelers when we kicked off our RTW trip, and we certainly made plenty of mistakes along the way ( getting scammed in Marrakech is one memorable one).

Looking back, here’s what I would tell our ambitious, mid-twenties selves before they got started traveling the world.

Don’t plan too far in advance.

It took less than a month for our carefully-planned 6 month travel itinerary to fly out the window.

Today, we wouldn’t recommend putting money down on anything more than a couple of weeks in advance, unless it’s a bucket list experience that you’re planning your trip around, like a festival.

Be open to changing your itinerary.

Did we end up not getting around to a lot of things we planned to do on our RTW trip?

Most definitely–for example, we still haven’t been to Malaysia, Ecuador, or Vietnam!

Instead, we ended up with a lot of unforgettable experiences that never even occurred to us before we started traveling, such as scuba diving in Mozambique and chasing waterfalls in Chiapas .

Get rid of more than you think you should.

When we initially sold our house and got rid of most of our belongings, we absolutely did not get rid of enough.

Objectively, we didn’t keep a ton, but going through the boxes years later, it’s laughable what we thought we needed.

At this point, we’ve actually gotten rid of (almost) everything and furnished places from scratch 3 times (not including our pre-travel lives), and each time the “to keep” pile gets smaller.

If you’re planning an open-ended trip, especially if you’re paying for storage, keep only what is nostalgic or entirely practical.

Take more photos than you think.

During the last 7 years, photography has gone from something we use to remember our trips by to a component of our business, and as such we have an absurd amount of photos… but often not the ones we would like.

Take photos of scenery, yes, but make sure to put yourself in some of them, too.

Even if you don’t like how you look at the time, the years have a way of softening edges and turning a photo you were critical of yourself in into a priceless snapshot of your happiness at the time.

I also wish we had more photos of temporal things like bustling markets, restaurant meals, and dogs and people we met along the way.

Those photos don’t seem as valuable at the time, but they tend to grow in sentimental value with the years in a way that standard scenery photos don’t.

Buy a few souvenirs.

Because of the very nature of backpacking the world for six months, we bought shockingly few souvenirs during our first year abroad.

While we still consider ourselves minimalists and don’t necessarily recommend buying things in every destination, I wish we had a few more physical items to remember our adventures by.

We have exactly two surviving souvenirs from our first year: a carved elephant from Thailand and a vase from Nicaragua.

Were they impractical to carry? Yes. But we deeply cherish them both.

Say yes more than no.

Just a couple of months into our 6 month round the world trip, we visited Krka National Park in Croatia.

At the time, you could swim in the waterfalls there–but we were tired from a long day of travels and didn’t like the idea of riding the bus back to Split damp, so we passed.

Fast forward several years, and you can no longer swim in the falls.

I wish we would have said yes.

Most travelers who stick with it long enough have an anecdote or two like that–and the bottom line is, with the exception of incredibly dangerous things, people regret saying no a lot longer than they regret saying yes.

Pack less than you think.

Oh, how we agonized over our packing list!

From clothes to travel gear, we spent weeks checking and double-checking what we needed, trying to anticipate what we would want or wear, and making sure we wouldn’t run out of anything.

Honestly, we should’ve spent about 10% of the energy on it than we did.

It simply does not matter nearly as much as many travelers, us included, think it does before they set off.

The exceptions?

Prescription medication, and high-quality essentials that might be a pain or expensive to source abroad (like your backpack, camera, or hiking boots).

When it comes to things like t-shirts, drugstore shampoo, or flip-flops, though, you’ll find them for sale just about everywhere relevant.

Keep a journal.

I absolutely adore it and desperately wish I had kept a travel journal of some kind during that first 6 month round the world trip.

At the time, I thought blogging would be more than enough writing, but sharing RTW travel advice, or even stories, is simply not the same as notes you keep only for yourself.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

8 thoughts on “How Our 6 Month Round The World Trip Changed Our Lives (+ Tips!)”

Best wishes for an awesome trip! I’ve done my traveling slowly, too, but in chunks – unlike you, I wasn’t smart enough to realize how badly I needed to see the world before I had three kids! Lucky for them, they got dragged around on a bunch of those trips, and now they have the itch themselves. Not sure if your RTW trip will take you places I have or haven’t been, but I look forward to seeing where you go.

Thank you! We are so excited–less than a week to go until departure now!

I think it’s awesome that your kids have had a chance to travel extensively too–we sure hope to do the same, but they certainly throw a huge wrench into things like 6 month adventures.

Happy travels!

So excited to find your blog!! I’ve always dreamed of traveling & so regret not doing what you guys did– taking months, even years, to see the world before kife, work, chires, marriage, kids made it seem so daubting & impractical. I had the bug early & at least was able to spend 3 months livong in Oaxaca Mexico before grad school started. Anyway—NOW way latter, separated, in my early 50’s and still raising my 14 year old son, I’m trying to make a plan–if it’s possible, for he & I to do some traveling. I am permanently disabled from my career so recieve a modest but stable check. Every month. Our plan of moving accross country in a couple years could be the time to put what little we keep in storage & go. He may finish school early at 16 or finish doing alternative on- line school. What are some of your best ideas to save money traveli g through Europe? Wether we do months at a time or 3 or 4 week trios then return….any udeas would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thank you so much, Ann! So glad you have found our site inspiring.

For our best Europe travel tips, including on budgeting, I recommend looking here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/europe-travel-tips/

If you search “budget” or “trip cost” in our search bar, you’ll also find write-ups on budgeting in several destinations in Europe, including Slovenia, Croatia, Ireland, and Italy.

Hope you and your son have a chance to hit the road soon!

Do you have a blog post about your dos and donts for packing for a trip like this?!

I actually don’t! It’s on my list of things to write eventually, but my biggest advice is not to stress too much about it and to budget a bit for some clothes/accessories along the way (I still have very fond memories of my elephant romper from Thailand!)

If you search “Central America Packing List” on our website, I wrote that list during our nomadic backpacking days and it’s pretty close to what we carried for the first couple of years. We also have some general Europe packing lists that cover the bases on some of our favorite travel gear that comes with us everywhere (our current favorite anti-theft daybag, etc.)

Love your blog! My husband and I are planning to tour the world soon! Would love to connect with you on this! Thanks

That’s so exciting! We’re always happy to answer a few questions for travelers as they plan. 🙂 Good luck with your adventures!!

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Our Round the World Itinerary: 11 countries in 12 months!

This post might contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.

This is the last blog that we’re posting before departing on our yearlong holiday! We’ve therefore decided to share our round the world itinerary with you. We’ll be visiting (at least) eleven countries on three continents in the twelve months that we’re planning to be on the road.

1. New Zealand

Our first stop is New Zealand! We are really looking forward to visiting this country all the way on the other side of the planet. Geert even expects this to be the highlight of our trip, so hopefully all other countries after it won’t disappoint!

Since New Zealand is the first destination in our round the world itinerary, it’s the country we’ve put the most research in so far. We’re going to visit both the North Island and the South Island in a total of five weeks.

We’re starting in Auckland, but won’t be staying there for a long time. You don’t visit New Zealand for its cities, so we’ll be leaving for the countryside immediately. After touring the Bay of Islands , the Coromandel peninsula and the center of the North Island , we’ll be taking the ferry from Wellington to Picton. In the South Island we’ll be making a counterclockwise tour, ending in Christchurch.

For our New Zealand itinerary, we’re most looking forward to swimming with dolphins , visiting glow worm caves, seeing the Lord of the Rings movie set, whale watching and hiking on a glacier.

We’ve rented a camper van, so we’ll be camping for five weeks. Something Geert is looking forward to, but might be a bit challenging for me, haha!

2. Thailand

From Christchurch we’ll be flying into Bangkok , where we’ll meet up with our friend Dorien, for three weeks of sunshine, beaches and relaxation in the south of Thailand. We’ll fly out to Krabi and travel back to Bangkok overland, visiting Khao Sok National Park , Koh Tao and Hua Hin on the way.

After dropping Dorien off in Bangkok, we’ll continue on north towards Chiang Mai. We’re planning to spend another three weeks discovering the North of Thailand , making it a total of six weeks in Thailand.

Our highlights for Thailand are the Khao Sok jungle tour, driving the Mae Hong Son loop and learning how to dive.

Next up in our round the world itinerary is Laos. We’ll take the two-day slow boat journey from Chiang Khong across the border to Luang Prabang. From Luang Prabang we’ll travel down south in about three weeks, all the way to the 4000 Islands region.

There aren’t any specific highlights in Laos on our rond the world itinerary. What we’re most looking forward to is getting off the tourist trail and enjoying the laid back atmosphere of the Laotian countryside . We’ll probably pass through Vang Vieng, Savannakhet and Pakse on our way south.

4. Cambodia

There was never any question of whether Cambodia should be part of our round the world itinerary. How could you not visit Angkor Wat when you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia?

Visiting Cambodia is also a good opportunity to learn about this country’s horrible history under the reign of the Red Khmer. Something we know surprisingly little about, considering how recently this all played out.

It’s probably also nice to get back to the coast and relax at the beach after spending two months in the Asian inlands.

Vietnam is one of the countries that I’m looking forward to most on our round the world itinerary. The many interesting places to visit, beautiful nature and delicious food; I can’t wait!

The cosy atmosphere in Hoi An, the stunning nature around Ninh Binh , the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, the rice terraces around Sapa ; there are almost too many highlights to list here!

Since we’re coming from Cambodia, we’ll be crossing Vietnam from south to north. Our final stop in Southeast Asia will probably be Hanoi. Next, it’s on to South America!

6. Colombia

After being on the move for five months, we’ve chosen Colombia as the country to settle down for a couple of weeks. We’ll be taking some much needed Spanish classes, so we’ll get around easier in South America.

Many backpackers consider Colombia to be the highlight of their South America itinerary, because of the beautiful nature and friendly locals. My mother will also be visiting us here, which is a definite plus!

We haven’t really done much research on Ecuador yet. It’s sandwiched between two of the countries that we’re really looking forward to (Colombia and Peru), but isn’t a destination that you hear many people about.

The only thing we definitely want to do is visit the Galapagos Islands. Although crazy expensive, we don’t want to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience, while we’re so close by!

Next, it’s on to Peru, land of the Inca’s. Of course we’ll be visiting Machu Picchu while we’re there. However, we still need to decide on whether we’ll be walking the full Inca trail or opting for the less intensive two-day trek.

Besides visiting Machu Picchu, we’re also looking forward to taking a tour of the Amazon jungle and visiting the Nazca lines and Colca Canyon. Geert’s parents will be joining us in Cusco to spend a week together in the Sacred Valley.

After saying goodbye to Geert’s parents, we’ll be crossing the border to Bolivia at Lake Titicaca. This is another country that we’ve read many great things about from other bloggers.

Even though it’s the poorest country in South America, it’s packed full of amazing culture and nature waiting to be discovered. Especially the Salar de Uyuni should be an amazing place, that is a definite must on any round the world itinerary!

After Bolivia, we’ve got a lot of distance to cover in order to reach Patagonia, the final destination of our round the world itinerary. We’ll be following the Andes mountains south, passing the Atacama Desert, Valparaiso and Puerto Montt on the way.

We’re not really sure what to expect of Chile, as we’ve heard both very positive as well as very negative stories about it. It’s a destination with a much more European vibe, which might or might not be a good thing after being away from Europe for such a long time!

Once we reach Patagonia, we’re planning on spending some time at the Torres del Paine National Park to marvel at the mountains, lakes and glaciers.

11. Argentina

As the Patagonia region spans across both Chile and Argentina, there are also some places in Argentina on our round the world itinerary. Most notably El Chaltén and Perito Moreno. Our final stop will be Ushuaia, the most southern city in the world.

What’s next?

We should reach “the end of the world” around New Year, meaning there’ll be about two months left before we return home to The Netherlands.

What we’re going to do in those two months, we don’t know yet. But we like the feeling of having some time at the end of our plans that we can fill in later. For sure, we will add some new places on our bucket list as we travel!

Not tired of reading yet?

In case you missed it, you can check out some of our previous posts to find out why we decided to travel the world and how we’ve prepared for long term travel .

Pin it for later!

Hi, my name is Sandra and I’m half of the traveling couple that makes up Bus stops & Flip-flops. I’m finally living the dream by traveling the world with my husband Geert. My other hobbies are eating good food, dancing and sleeping in. Did you enjoy reading my blog post? I’d love it if you leave a comment!

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| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Europe , Bucket list travel , Homepage popular · January 12, 2023

The ultimate 2 month Europe itinerary

This 2 month Europe itinerary is the perfect route to spend two months in Europe by train. For each destination I’ve included train details on how to get there, train costs, seat reservation fees for rail pass holders, things to do, places to eat and where to stay.

Planning a two month Europe itinerary? I’ve taken my actual Europe rail itinerary from my recent Europe adventure, made it much cleaner and easier, and typed it up into a super detailed, easy-to-read 2 month Europe itinerary that you can easily replicate for your own trip.

From iconic European cities like Paris, London and Rome to the stunning Italian coast, fairytale cities like Bruges, some of the most scenic train journeys in the world and some world-class culinary gems thrown in for good measure, this 2 month Europe train itinerary will show you a diverse selection of the continent’s highlights.

You could copy and paste this entire itinerary and save yourself weeks of planning, or just use it as a starting point to see where some of the easiest train routes go and then tailor it to fit your timeframe, budget and travel preferences.

So without further ado, let’s dive into this epic Europe train itinerary and get started on planning your European adventure!

How to use this 2 month Europe itinerary

This two month Europe itinerary is based on my own exact two month Eurail trip, but it’s been fixed up to make much more sense and save time and money.

You can see my exact Eurail itinerary here , but I had to fit my plans around a conference in London, various hotel collaborations on set dates, Christmas markets and some train strikes, so I wouldn’t recommend copying my actual route. Instead you can use this two month itinerary to get ideas for places to visit and how to get between them.

If you’re lucky enough to have even longer in Europe, I also have a super comprehensive three month Europe itinerary that is pretty much all you need to plan your Europe route! It has a core itinerary with the major highlights and then a bunch of add on itineraries that you can easily slot in depending on your preferred travel pace, budget and interests,

Do I need a Eurail pass for this trip?

You should consider purchasing a Eurail Pass (or Interrail Pass if you’re an EU citizen) for this Europe train itinerary, because it could save you a tonne of money (and stress!).

If you know your exact travel dates you can check the train prices for each route (you can do this on a website like RailEurope.com or with the specific train company directly) to calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it . If you’ve got your route fully confirmed 2-3 months before your trip then it might be better to buy all your tickets outright.

If you’re not sure of dates yet/want to keep things flexible then for this particularly itinerary a Eurail Pass is definitely recommended.

What’s the best Eurail Pass for this two month Europe itinerary?

I travelled Europe for two months with a ’15 travel days in 2 months’ Eurail Global Pass . If you go with this pass you’ll need to look at your route and try to figure out what 15 travel days will be most expensive, and use your Eurail travel days for these. There’s no point in using one of 15 travel days for a short €15 train journey between Tirano and Milan.

If you want to visit even more places, travel for another month, or just want the maximum flexibility then you could consider a consecutive Eurail Global Pass for two months or three months. These passes are much more expensive than the limited travel day passes, but they give you total freedom to wake up and catch a train wherever you want without worrying about calculating if a travel day is worth it.

Note: The Interrail Global Pass and Eurail Global Pass are basically the same, except for some specific requirements for leaving/entering your home country. When I say ‘Eurail Global Pass’ this can be interchanged with ‘Interrail Global Pass’ if you’re an EU citizen.

What are seat reservations?

When you travel with a Eurail or Interrail Pass, the pass covers your train ticket but for some trains you still need to pay for seat reservations. Many trains in Europe don’t require reservations, but for high speed trains, particularly busy routes, long-haul international trains and overnight trains you probably will need to pay for a reservation.

Seat reservation costs can vary drastically, ranging from €5 to €12 for the vast majority of reservation-required trains, but can be from €25 to €48 for high speed international trains like the Eurostar.

Seat reservations for most trains can be made on the Eurail website, they charge an fee of €2 per reservation which I have built into the price (e.g. when I say €12 reservation this is actually a €10 reservation with a €2 fee). If you can’t book them on the Eurail website (the Eurostar is an example), the Eurail website will send you through to the correct link or will tell you that you need to call the train company or visit a ticket office in person.

You can sometimes book reservations directly through local rail companies like DB (Germany) or OBB (Austria) and avoid the Eurail fee, but for ease of research I’ve taken the prices from the Eurail reservation search tool and therefore included that €2 fee in all the prices in this post.

What does this two month Europe itinerary include?

This Europe train itinerary includes many of Europe’s iconic must-do cities, as well as some lesser-visited regions and towns, plus some options for easy day trips or stopovers.

There are many, many more places to see in Europe of course, but for this itinerary I’ve focused on creating a simple train route that’s easy to follow without too many complicated train journeys or drawn out travel days.

There are also a bunch of simple alternative routes at the bottom of the blog, including places you could skip and places you could add on depending on your interests and priorities.

Please note that my ‘how long to stay’ recommendation is an absolute minimum length of stay to see the top sights, but every city has much, much more to explore if you have the time.

Where should I start this Europe train itinerary?

You could start this trip anywhere, it’s pretty much a loop so it’d be possible to start in London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome or any other major airline hub city.

What if I have more time?

You’re in luck! I’ve just published an extremely comprehensive three month Europe itinerary that gives you a core itinerary, and then has a bunch of optional add ons and detours to tailor it for your preferences.

Two month Europe itinerary summary

Europe train itinerary map.

I’ve tried to colour code the destinations in rainbow colours so you can get an idea of the order you’d be travelling in.

Europe train itinerary summary

Again, the days listed here are recommended minimum length of stay. This itinerary is currently 49-61 days long based on the recommended minimum stays so you’ve got a bit of leeway to add on a day in a few extra spots, or to add a new stop altogether.

• London (4 days)
• Paris (4 days)
• Barcelona (3 days)
• Lyon (2 days)
• Zermatt (2-3 days)
• St Moritz (1-2 days)
• Tirano (1 day)
• Milan (2-3 days)
• Cinque Terre (1-2 days)
• Florence via Pisa (2-3 days)
• Rome (4 days)
• Bologna (1 day)
• Venice (3-4 days)
• The Dolomites (3-4 days)
• Salzburg/Innsbruck (2 days)
• Vienna (2-3 days)
• Bratislava (1 day)
• Budapest (2-3 days)
• Prague (2-3 days)
• Berlin (3 days)
• Amsterdam (3-4 days)
• Bruges (1-2 days)

The ultimate 2 month Europe itinerary by train

How to get to London

If you’re starting your two month Europe trip in London, you can fly into one of a number of airports.

Heathrow is the main long-haul airport for most full service major airlines, and to get from Heathrow to Central London it’s an easy Tube trip on the Piccadilly Line or the Elizabeth Line.

Gatwick is the second-busiest airport and is a common arrival point for budget airlines and also some short-haul Europe flights of full service airlines, and is connected to London city by train that runs consistently throughout the day.

There’s also London City Airport (used mostly for short-haul Europe flights from full service airlines), London Stansted (budget airlines like RyanAir and Easyjet) and London (also budget airlines).

How long to stay: As long as you can. Stay for four days at a minimum, but you could stay for weeks and still only see a fraction of what the city has to offer.

About London

London is one of those iconic cities that you probably already know loads about from TV shows and movies, but once you’re there in person you’ll see that there’s much more to the city than Big Ben, Platform 9 3/4 and William’s house from Notting Hill.

I lived in London for two years on a working holiday visa a few years ago and I count it as my second home, so believe me when I say that London is truly whatever you want it to be.

If you want to do the classic tourist route you can visit palaces, museums and skyscrapers by day, and finish the evening with a West End show.

If you prefer seeing a city by exploring their cuisine, London’s full of foodie experiences to keep you satisfied, from world-class markets (Borough is my fave) to Michelin-starred restaurants to budget-friendly cheap eats if you don’t mind getting off the beaten track.

And if you’re up for something a bit different, there are loads of unique things to do in London to surprise and delight you and your travel buddies. Spend a night hopping between funky cocktail bars and speakeasys, roam around some of the city’s expansive parks, get amongst some of the city’s incredible events or see the skyline from a jetboat tour along the Thames.

Things to do in London

• See the obvious attractions, like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Natural History Museum, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral. All attractions are easily reached by public transport but if you’d prefer a simple door-to-door bus then consider the hop-on hop-off bus , or look at the Go City London Pass which gives you discounted entry to major attractions as well as the hop-on hop-off bus.
• Eat your way around Borough Market, don’t miss divine apple crumble from Humble Crumble
• Shop for vintage goodies at Portobello Market, Old Spitalfields Market or Brick Lane Market
• See a show on the West End (I love & Juliet , Hamilton, the Book of Mormon, Wicked, and the Lion King )
• See a darker side of London with this highly-rated Jack the Ripper walking tour
• Taste the best food around London with a food tour! Try this cheese walking tour , this Secret London Food Tour or this East End food tour
• Take a day trip from London. You could spend a day at Warner Bros. Studios (a.k.a. Harry Potter world!), see a bunch of Downton Abbey filming locations , or tick off Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor in a single tour
• See the best view of the city from up the Shard, without having to pay for a ticket. You can simply book a table at Aqua or Hutong’s if you want a meal, or try popping up for just a drink or two in the middle of the day. Don’t miss the bathrooms, now that’s a true loo with a view!
• Another great view is up the Skygarden, it’s free entry but you need to book in advance. You can book tickets her e.
• Treat yourself to a fancy afternoon tea. Head to the Savoy for a quintessential London high tea experience, go to Sketch for the most Instagrammable high tea in town, or tick off a city tour and afternoon tea in one with Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea bus tour .

Where to stay in London

Budget | London’s not known for being an affordable city but there are some hostels that can keep your accommodation prices down. Check out Urbany Hostel , Wombat’s Hostel , Selina Camden or Hostel One are all good options, or Kip Hotel is great if all you want a private room but don’t need much space.

Mid-range | To get the best bang for your buck in London you’ll need to stay slightly out of the city, but public transport is super well connected so with these options you’ll find it easy to get to the major tourist sights. The Fox & Goose Hotel in Ealing, Spread Eagle in Wandsworth, Rose & Crown Hotel in Wimbledon and Half Moon in Southwark are all brilliantly-rated mid-range options, or the Z Hotels in Holborn , Trafalgar and The Strand are all well-rated too.

Luxury | There are loads of luxury hotels in London for a fancy stay, but some of the best-rated ones are Hotel 41 , Pan Pacific London , Claridge’s , Ham Yard and the Ritz .

Self-contained | My go-to for a self-contained stay in London is Room2 Chiswick Hometel , a gorgeous boutique aparthotel that offers funky studios with kitchenettes as well as access to a gym, laundry facilities and a café/cocktail bar with plenty of work-friendly spaces. They’re also the world’s first fully net zero hotel which is super cool!

A quick note about airport hotels

If you’ve left planning your Europe trip a bit late and aren’t able to find a seat on the Eurostar to Paris, you might need to fly instead. In London you’ll find that many of the cheaper flights depart before 9am, meaning you might need to leave your hotel at a horrendous hour to reach whichever airport you’re flying out of. To save the early morning stress I often opt for an airport hotel, choosing a cheap early morning fare with an airport hotel booking often ends up cheaper than flying out on an expensive midday flight anyway!

I love BLOC Gatwick if you’re flying from LGW, they have good value cosy rooms with comfy beds literally right next to the departure gate. And if you’re flying from Heathrow, my top pick is the newly-refurbished Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4 , which has super spacious rooms, a brilliant buffet breakfast and a short six-minute walk down a covered walkway to get to Terminal 4.

How to get from London to Paris: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare de Lyon, super quick and easy.

Train prices: If you book a few months in advance or during a sale you can find tickets from €45 one way, but there are only a select number of tickets available at that price before it rises. Last minute tickets or tickets for peak times can be as expensive as €150-€175.

Seat reservations with rail passes: A Eurail Pass is great for the Eurostar because you only pay for the seat reservation which is €32 for a Standard seat (with a 2nd class Eurail Pass) or €40 for a Standard Premier seat (with a 1st class Eurail Pass).

How long to stay: 4 days

Paris is one of Europe’s most hotly-debated tourist destinations, it seems as though you either absolutely love it or totally hate it! I’m in the ‘love’ camp, and I’ll always tack a quick Paris visit onto any European adventure.

I think the issue with Paris is that people have these dreamy, romantic expectations of the city after seeing it in movies and TV shows, and then the reality of hectic crowds, abrupt locals, smelly metro corridors and scammy tourist traps ruin these expectations leaving a bit of a sour taste in the their mouths. But, just like any main city, the best Paris has to offer is beyond the iconic tourist sights.

Paris boasts one of the world’s best café cultures, where pastries are freshly-baked, coffee is piping hot and people-watching is a daily event. And if sitting at a sidewalk table isn’t your thing, there are plenty of inner city parks to take your fresh croissant or baguette and cheese to for a DIY picnic.

Throw in a bunch of renowned museums and galleries, Instagrammable photo spots all over the city, easy day trips to palaces, castles and gardens, an alluring cabaret scene and stunning architecture everywhere you look, and you might just join me in the Paris fan club!

Things to do in Paris

• Practice your French! It’s true that the locals aren’t super friendly when you speak English to them and expect them to respond, but can you blame them? A little ‘bonjour’, ‘s’il vous plaît’, ‘parlez vous anglais?’ and ‘merci’ will go a long way. (That’s ‘hello’, ‘please’, ‘do you speak English?’ and ‘thank you’, by the way!)
• See a cabaret show, Paris is home to loads of incredible cabaret performances, ranging from risqué and raunchy through to quirky and even family-friendly. I recently saw Paradis Latin which blew me away, the dialogue and songs were part-French, part-English, the costumes were stunning and the atmosphere was so vibrant and fun.
• Grab a baguette and some cheese and have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, in the Jardin des Tuileries or at Places des Vosges
• Visit the Galeries Lafayette department store to see the famous stained-glass dome
• Learn about some of the most famous artworks in the world at the city’s museums. There’s the Louvre , Musée Picasso , Musée d’Orsay , Musée Rodin and many, many more.
• Indulge in some sugary treats, like macarons from Pierre Hermé, the famous hot chocolate (more like chocolate soup!) from Angelina’s or a pain au chocolat from Du Pain et des Idées
• Try your hand at making your own French dessert with a macaron cooking class, there’s a good value 1.5 hour option at Galeries Lafayette , or a more intensive 2.5 hour option at a cooking school
• See a side to the city many don’t even know exists with a tour through the Catacombs , an underground network of tunnels that hold the remains of six million people after being moved from overflowing cemeteries in the 18th century
• Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur
• Wander through the narrow cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter, and stick around in the evening if you’re keen to experience the neighbourhood’s buzzing nightlife
• Explore the charming Marais district, my favourite part of Paris. Incredible design stores, trendy clothing shops and the city’s best Middle Eastern eatery, l’as du fallafel
• Take a day trip out of the city to the opulent Palace of Versailles , the castles of the Loire Valley , the gardens of Giverny or the rollercoasters of Disneyland Paris

Where to stay in Paris

Budget | On my most recent trip I stayed at JO&JOE Paris Nation , which has a fridge and microwave as well as pod-style dorm rooms and private rooms, from my research it’s the best hostel in Paris that offers cooking facilities. I’ve also stayed at People Nation which has brilliant pod-style rooms right next to a metro station, but unfortunately doesn’t have a kitchen or even a fridge (not ideal for travellers on a budget as eating out in Paris isn’t exactly cheap). Generator Paris is another well-rated hostel but also doesn’t allow any outside food to be brought in, and budget-friendly Enjoy Hostel does have a kitchen but is lacking in other areas like comfort and space.

Mid-range | Hotel Paradis is my go-to for a mid-range boutique stay, they have simple but beautiful interiors, comfy beds and some top floor rooms can see the top half of the Eiffel Tower for cheeeeap. I also love Laz’ Hotel Spa for something a bit fancier without being crazy expensive, and some other decent options are Hôtel de Roubaix , B Montmartre and Babel Belleville .

Luxury | Treat yourself to a luxury stay in Paris at Manolita Paris , Maison Villeroy , La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa , Bulgari Hotel Paris or Cheval Blanc Paris .

Self-contained | If you want somewhere with kitchen facilities then I adored my time at Edgar Suites Montmartre , they are an aparthotel just around the corner from the stairs to the Sacre Coeur. Spacious, stylish and ideally located! Other top-rated self-contained options are Goralska Résidences Hôtel , Les Jardins Du Luxembourg Hotel , CADET Residence or PEPPER & PAPER Apartments .

Bonus: Where to stay at Paris Disneyland

Budget | Eklo Hotels is an awesome option for Disneyland visitors on a budget, with rooms ranging from single to double to family to group dorm rooms. There’s also a fridge and microwave for guests to use, as well as a restaurant and bar serving up diner-style food and drinks.

Luxury | Hotel L’Elysée Val D’Europe is my top pick for a luxurious, comfortable stay near Disney. They’ve got huge rooms complete with giant beds, desks and bath tubs, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to and from Disney throughout the day.

How to get to Barcelona from Paris: There’s a direct train that runs twice a day (three times in summer) and takes 6h 31m.

Seat reservations for rail pass holders: The seat reservation for this high speed train is expensive, I paid €48 for a 1st class seat and the 2nd class reservation was €36.

Train prices: But the train ticket would’ve cost me €228 without a Eurail Pass when I booked a week before the trip (€188 for 2nd class) so the pass saved me loads of money. Looking at prices now for 2.5 months ahead of time the prices are between €119 and €144 for 2nd class, so this is an expensive route to buy outright.

How long to stay: 3 days

Barcelona is a fabulously vibrant city that offers beaches, nightlife, gastronomy, culture and history all within easy access to each other, which is ideal if you’re only here for a short visit.

By day you could catch some sun rays from a deckchair in the sand, marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces or try some local delicacies from Mercado de La Boqueria. By night you could sip sangria while taste testing tapas (or trying some of the city’s best paella), enjoy some late night shopping down Las Ramblas or hit the cocktail bars or nightclubs.

Things to do in Barcelona

• Visit the still-incomplete jewel in Barcelona’s tourism crown, La Sagrada Familia, which is one of the city’s Gaudí masterpieces, currently in its 141st year since construction began in 1882. The basilica is certainly a showstopper even from afar, unlike any other church in the world, but you’ve got to go inside and see the stained-glass windows and unique ceiling design. Avoid long queues by booking your ticket and visit time in advance , or skip the line entirely with this guided tour and entry ticket combo .
• Another iconic Gaudí stamp on the city is Park Güell , an enchanting park sitting above Barcelona with incredible views, fairytale-esque gardens and a house where Gaudí himself lived with his family, which is now a museum dedicated to him
• And a third Gaudí tourist hot spot is Casa Batlló, a.k.a. the ‘House of Bones’ thanks to its skeletal look. You can enjoy the unique façade from the street for free, or you can buy an entry ticket to learn more about Gaudí and his creative process.
• Shop til you drop down La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard boasting flagship stores, quirky street performers and vibey cafes and restaurants
• While you’re wandering down La Rambla, don’t miss the entrance to the famous La Boqueria market, where you’ll find a wide range of food from fresh juices to sweet pastries to cured meats and ocean-to-market seafood
• Catch some sun, hit the surf and feel the sand between your toes along the city’s 4.5km coastline
• Experience Spanish culture through cuisine by having a daily tapas session. I loved Ciutat Comtal and some other top-rated eateries are Tapeo, Sensi Bistro and Cerveseria Catalana
• Walk through the beautiful Ciutadella Park

Where to stay in Barcelona

Budget | Yeah Barcelona , Hostel One Ramblas , Born Barcelona and Fabrizzios Terrace Hostel are all top-rated budget-friendly options

Mid-range | For something mid-range check out Forget Me Not , Musik Boutique Hotel , Occidental Barcelona 1929 and Hotel Jazz (which has a rooftop pool!)

Luxury | ME Barcelona , Hotel El Palace , Hotel Boutique Mirlo , Monument Hotel and The One Barcelona GL are some of the best-rated luxury hotels in Barcelona

Self-contained | If you want self-catering facilities, some good options are Deco Apartments , El Alma de las Ramblas , Eco Boutique Hotel and Suites Avenue

How to get to Lyon from Barcelona: A 5h 17m train journey with one change in Montpellier with mandatory reservations on both trains, €36/€50 for the first train (2nd class/1st class) and €12 for the second train (both classes the same price).

Train prices: This route typically costs between €70-€120 for a ticket so check the price for your travel dates to see if a Eurail Pass would be worth it. There’s also a direct coach from Barcelona to Lyon with FlixBus for €28.99 but this takes nine hours.

How long to stay: 2 days

A lesser-known city compared to many on this two month Europe itinerary, Lyon takes the culinary crown as France’s best foodie city. With 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, gastronomic events throughout the year, flagship restaurants from world-famous chefs and easy access to some of France’s best produce and meat, it’s an absolute must-visit for any food-minded traveller.

Things to do in Lyon

• My absolute top recommendation for Lyon (and for any foodie city) is to do a food tour, it’s hands down the best way to learn about the city’s culinary history and taste a bunch of local specialties while you’re at it. Some highly-rated ones are this 4 hour Vieux Lyon food tour , this Secret Food Tour and this Vegan Croix-Rousse food tour if you’re plant-based.
• Snag a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Restaurant Paul Bocuse is perhaps the most famous, named after Lyon-based gastronomic legend Paul Bocuse and boasting two Michelin stars. You can see all the Michelin-starred Lyon restaurants here , book in advance if you’re visiting on a weekend or during summer.
• Wander through the cobbled alleyways and ‘traboules’ (secret passageways) of Vieux Lyon, the city’s old quarters
• See the city efficiently (time-wise and energy-wise!) with a Pedicab tour , a Segway tour or an electric bike tour
• Take a walk through the indoor and outdoor gardens at Parc de la Tête d’Or
• Catch the funicular (or walk if you don’t mind breaking a sweat) up to Fourvière Hill to see the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Théatre Gallo-Romain and incredible views of the city

Where to stay in Lyon

Budget | Centre Jean Bosco , Félix Dort , MEININGER Lyon and Hotel Elysée offer brilliant value for money

Mid-range | Hôtel de l’Abbaye , Hotel De Verdun 1882 , Hôtel Edmond W and Le Phénix Hôtel

Luxury | InterContinental Lyon , Villa Maïa , Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa or Hotel & Spa Le Pavillon if you’d like somewhere luxurious slightly out of the city

Self-contained | Le Cocon on Dine , Urban Cocoon Gite and MOHOM all offer kitchen facilities

Don’t stay at | I stayed at ResidHotel in a tiny studio apartment, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It was far too expensive for the size and quality of the place, and it was disgustingly dirty, with food remains stuck on ‘clean’ dishes, dust everywhere, sticky stuff on the kitchen bench and desk. Avoid!

How to get to Zermatt from Lyon: A few different options, but the easiest/cheapest is a three train journey that takes between 5h 36m and 6h 36m depending on the connections, with no seat reservations needed (which means it’s totally free if you use a Eurail pass). Most journeys will have a regional train from Lyon to Geneva (1h 57m), a switch in Geneva, then a train to either Visp (2h 13m) or to Brig (2h 1m), then a switch to your final train to Zermatt (1h 10m from Visp, 1h 22m from Brig).

Train prices: Prices seem to sit at around €80-100 for outright tickets even when booking a couple of months in advance

How long to stay: 2-3 days

Have you ever wondered what mountain you see on the Toberlone packet? It’s the Matterhorn, an iconic peak in the Swiss canton of Valais, and the charming ski town of Zermatt provides a front row ticket to it.

Zermatt is best-known as a winter hub for active adventurers who want to hit the slopes of world-class ski resorts, but it’s still well worth a visit in the warmer months too, with hikes, alpine train rides, paragliding, scenic flights and more on offer.

Things to do in Zermatt

• Ski or snowboard if you’re visiting during winter, then get amongst the epic apres-ski scene afterwards
• Take the Gornergrat Bahn mountain railway to the top of Gornergrat for the best view of the Matterhorn
• Do a walk when you’re up at Gornergrat. I got off at the top station and walked the 2km to Riffelsee Lake, a lake with an incredible reflection of the Matterhorn, before heading slightly up hill (short but very steep 5 min walk) to Rotenboden station to catch the train down.
• You could also continue 2.3km to the next station, Riffelberg, or skip the first walk, get off at Rotenboden and just do the second. During winter these trails are snowy so the first walk (Gornergrat to Rotenboden) is accessible to snow-shoers only, but the second walk (Rotenboden to Riffelberg) is accessible to both snow-shoers and normal winter hikers.
• Float amongst the peaks with a paragliding flight
• Take the world’s highest cable car, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Europe’s highest mountain station at 3,883m above sea level, where you’ll be able to spot 38 mountain peaks in Switzerland, France and Italy
• Try some fondue, a quintessential Swiss alpine culinary experience. My hotel (the stunning Hotel ZERMAMA ) had in-room fondue sets where guests could order the ingredients from the restaurant and then DIY their own fondue dinner in the comfort of their room or from their balcony, So dreamy!

Where to stay in Zermatt

Budget | Zermatt Youth Hostel is the cheapest place in town and has great reviews, or ALPINA Budget Rooms , Hotel Alphubel and Le Petit Charme-Inn are also rated over 8/10 on booking.com

Mid-range | Chesa Valese , SchlossHotel Zermatt , Unique Hotel Post and Schallers Tannenhof offer great value for the mid-range budget

Luxury | I am obsessed with where I stayed and cannot recommend it highly enough, it’s called Hotel ZERMAMA and it’s one of the best places I’ve ever stayed for sure. It’s a 4* luxury design and lifestyle hotel with stunning interiors, lots of thoughtful extras (yoga mat, resistance bands, big faux-fur winter coat for cold nights on the balcony) and little details that take your stay to the next level. I stayed in a suite which was absolutely divine but they also offer single rooms for solo travellers which I love (no need to pay for extra space you don’t need), as well as a range of other rooms to suit different budgets.

Self-contained | Studio MIA , Alpenblick Superior and Piccolo Fiamma all have options with a kitchen/kitchenette

How to get to St Moritz from Zermatt: By catching one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe (and the world!), the Glacier Express, which is an 8 hour direct train with panoramic windows and some of the best views I’ve ever seen in my life. You can save 152CHF (2nd class) or 268CHF (1st class) on your Glacier Express journey using a Eurail, Interrail or Swiss Travel Pass, you can find out how in my Glacier Express travel guide .

Seat reservations: 39CHF during low season (mid-Dec to mid-May), 49CHF during high season (mid-May to mid-Oct)

You can also replicate the same journey by using regional trains which don’t require seat reservations, so they’re free with a rail pass or still relatively cheap compared to the Glacier Express if you’re buying outright. You’ll need to take five trains in total but all the changes are simple and at small stations: Zermatt to Visp, Visp to Andermatt, Andermatt to Disentis/Muster, Disentis/Muster to Reichenau-Tamins, and Reichenau-Tamins to St Moritz.

How long to stay: 1-2 days

St Moritz is the birthplace of winter tourism in Europe, with luxury hotels, fancy ski resorts and gourmet restaurants playing host to the rich and famous since 1864. It also serves as the stopover between the Glacier Express train and another Switzerland panoramic train, the Bernina Express.

Things to do in St Moritz

• Walk around Lake St Moritz, an easy 4.4km walk past lakefront hotels and restaurants, through some short forest sections and with stunning views the whole way round
• Catch the funicular up to Corviglia (2486m) for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, or go slightly higher with the cable car up to Piz Nair at 3,057m
• There are plenty of other hikes on offer in and around the area, from easy family-friendly trails to more challenging alpine treks and even seasonal wildflower tracks
• Channel Cool Runnings and get your heart racing with a bobsled run down the Olympia Bob Run , the oldest run in the world. It’s not cheap, at 269CHF per person, but you’ll never forget the thrill of speeding down a natural ice track at up to 135km/h, feeling forces of 4G and coming to a halt after 75 seconds of adrenaline.

Where to stay in St Moritz

Unique | I spent two nights at one of the most unique accommodation spots in the world, a historic observatory with mountain views, a turning mechanism and a cog-wheel window for stargazing. The observatory is located at Randolin’s Berghotel and also gives you access to the hotel’s beautiful spa and wellness area. One for the bucket list for sure, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Budget | St Moritz Youth Hostel or Hostel by Randolin’s are the cheapest accommodation options with decent reviews

Mid-range | Aside from the epic observatory, Randolin’s Berghotel also has mid-budget hotel rooms that offer a comfortable stay, great facilities and incredible views for an affordable price. You could also look at Hotel Piz , Chesa Languard or Boutique Hotel Cervus .

Luxury | Suvretta House is an iconic St Moritz luxury hotel, Kulm Hotel has incredible reviews, and Carlton Hotel is one of the Leading Hotels of the World

Optional stop: Tirano

How to get to Tirano from St Moritz: By catching the Bernina Express, another panoramic train with huge windows and insane views. A Eurail pass makes this one much more affordable too!

Seat reservations: From 20CHF to 26CHF depending on time of year

Train prices: 32CHF 2nd class or 56CHF 1st class, not including the seat reservation fee

How long to stay: Overnight

Tirano is a sleepy alpine village located in Northern Italy just across the Swiss border, and it’s the end point of the Bernina Express train.

I’ve noted it an an optional stop in this two month Europe itinerary because there isn’t a huge amount to do there as a tourist, however it’s a charming Italian town that’s much more calm and low key than the next few stops on this trip, so if you want a bit of a break then it’s a great spot to spend a night or two.

If you have extra time and you enjoy skiing in winter or cycling in summer then you might want to stay longer, it’s a great area for outdoor adventures!

Things to do in Tirano

• See the Basilica of the Madonna di Tirano, a 16th century Renaissance-inspired church dedicated to Mary after she appeared to a local man asking for a shrine in 1504 (as local legend goes)
• Enjoy some Valtellinese cuisine, I loved Parravicini Restaurant but some other top-rated ones are Posteria Del Rosso and Merizzi
• For a classic pizza dinner, head to L’Hostaria Ristorante
• Try some local wines at the wineries on the hills surrounding Tirano
• Ski in winter or explore by e-bike in summer

Where to stay in Tirano

Budget | Hotel La Rotonda , Albergo Gusmeroli and B&B Antica Residenza Centro Storico are all cheap and well-rated

Mid-range | I stayed at Ostello del Castello , a great value guesthouse just a short walk from town and one of my favourite places I stayed in Europe. Basic but spacious and comfortable rooms, superb hospitality, and a rooftop terrace ideal for catching some rays while overlooking the town on a sunny day.

Self-contained | Casa Dolce Casa , Old Town Apartments and Holiday House Viola all have kitchen facilities

How to get to Milan from Tirano: An easy 2h 28m direct train

Train price: Tickets are just €12 so not worth using a travel day on a rail pass (but if you have an unlimited travel pass this train is included and doesn’t require seat reservations)

Milan isn’t as popular on the Italy tourist route as Florence, Rome and Venice, but if you can fit a couple of days in Milan into your Europe itinerary you will find plenty to see, do and eat. It also serves as an easy hub for rail travel, with connections to cities in Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria and more.

Things to do in Milan

• See the Duomo di Milano , one of the largest cathedrals in the world and the most iconic landmark of the city. Book a skip-the-line ticket to save time, you can choose a cathedral and rooftop ticket (optional audio guide add on) or you can get a cheaper ticket to the rooftop terraces only (no church) .
• Right next to the Duomo you’ll find Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a glass-covered arcade packed with luxury clothing stores. Go for sunrise to see it quiet, it fills up by around 9am and will be busy the entire day.
• Take a guided tour of the Teatro alla Scala and learn all about the theatre’s history and past performers
• Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church that hosts da Vinci’s Last Supper. Tickets book up well in advance through the official website, so if you miss out then you’ll need to book a skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour .
• Architecture nerds won’t want to miss the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
• And football fans might want to visit the museum at San Siro Stadium, or better yet, do a guided tour
• Enjoy an evening of aperitivo in the vibrant Navigli district
• This one sounds strange but hear me out, you have to visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery near the Duomo! It’s the fanciest Starbucks I’ve ever seen, complete with an authentic Italian menu, cocktails like espresso martinis and Aperol Spritz’, and for digital nomads it’s one of the only cafes in the city that offers unlimited free WiFi

For more things to do in Milan, check out my two day Milan itinerary

Where to stay in Milan

Budget | I stayed at Ostello Bello Grande , part of an Italian hostel chain with top-rated hostels in a bunch of major cities. The hostel is a one minute walk from Milano Centrale which is ideal for rail travellers, it has a beautiful rooftop with great views across the city, and there are loads of events to make friends.

Mid-range |   Rosso Segnale Milano ,  Milano Dreams  and  B&B La Terrazza di Barbara  are my top mid-range picks, all rated above 9.5/10 on  booking.com

Luxury |  INTOMilan Aparthotel  is a brilliant option for affordable luxury,  ODSweet Duomo Milano  is a brand new ultra-Instagrammable hotel, or  Hotel Indigo Milan  is a classic

For a view of the Duomo  | For the classic balcony/window shot of the beautiful cathedral, check out  Duomo Cathedral View  (aptly named!) or  Unique Duomo Luxury Property

Cinque Terre

How to get to Cinque Terre from Milan: Direct train from Milan to La Spezia (3h 10m-3h 30m), then short trains to the villages.

Train price: The train to La Spezia is pretty cheap (€10-€25 depending on how far in advance you book), then you can take trains between the five villages with a €7.50 train card between March 24 and November 6. If you visit outside of these dates then that’s the off season and trains between the villages are free.

Seat reservations: Depends on the route, some don’t require reservations, some require €5 reservations and some require €12 reservations

The Cinque Terre was one of the first truly ‘Instagram-famous’ destinations when social media really started taking off, and the colourful seaside villages have been appearing on our feeds all through European summers ever since.

If you only have a day for the Cinque Terre then you’ll be able to see all the villages by using the train, but if you’d like to explore each village more in-depth, try some of the hikes between the villages or add on a boat trip along the coast then two or three days would be better.

Keep in mind that the Cinque Terre gets extremely busy from May through to September/October (July/August are slightly less busy because of the summer heat), and chances are you’ll be jostling for photo spots, waiting for restaurants and dealing with loads of people on the hiking trails. This isn’t to put you off visiting, it’s just to ensure you know what to expect so you aren’t disappointed!

Things to do in the Cinque Terre

• Visit each of the five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso
• Take a dip at Monterosso al Mare, the only sandy beach in the Cinque Terre, and home to those famous orange and green striped umbrellas
• Explore the coast by foot with one of the many hikes between the villages. The Blue Trail is the most popular track, it used to connect all five villages but was damaged by a landslide in 2012 and the route is now limited to the Monterosso – Vernazza – Corniglia sections which are 7.6km long in total. The famous Via dell’Amore (the Path of Love) from Riomaggiore to Manarola is closed until at least May 2024.
• See the coast from the water, particularly amazing in the afternoon as the sun starts to set and the colourful houses seem even more vibrant than usual. You could do this 1.5 hour kayak tour, a 3 hour kayak + snorkel tour or a full day boat tour.
• Eat lunch at Nessun Dorma, the Cinque Terre’s most well-known restaurant with stunning views overlooking Manarola. The line is always long but you can skip it by downloading the Nessun Dorma app and saving your spot while making your way there.
• Try Pesto Genovese, one of Liguria’s best-known culinary specialties

Where to stay in the Cinque Terre

Staying in the villages themselves can be quite pricey (understandably) but gives you better access to the area outside of peak day tripper hours, but for more affordable accommodation I’d recommend staying in La Spezia and then travelling to the villages during the day.

Budget | Ostello Tramonti , La Cesarina or Casa Macaia in La Spezia, or La Rosa dei Venti in Monterosso if you want to be amongst the villages

Mid-range | La Casa dei Treni Affittacamere in La Spezia, A cà da Alba Rooms in Monterosso or AMARE IL MARE Affittacamere in Corniglia

Luxury | Grand Hotel Portovenere or La Spezia by the FIrst

Day trips to Cinque Terre

If you don’t have time to spend a night in the Cinque Terre, you can join organised tours from both Milan and Florence .

Florence via Pisa

How to get to Florence from Cinque Terre: There are regional trains running constantly throughout the day to get from La Spezia to Florence, most of which have a short change in Pisa and the total travel time ranges from 1h 32m to 2h 36m.

Train prices: Tickets are cheap, typically between €14.40 and €18.80 so it wouldn’t be worth using a travel day on your rail pass.

It’s super easy to stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower on your way from the Cinque Terre to Florence, there’s luggage storage available at the station (most European stations have this option, usually €5-10 per large locker for a half day) so you can pay to store your suitcases and then walk 20 minutes from the station to the tower.

With Renaissance architecture to marvel at around every corner, fresco-filled churches to visit, and a seemingly endless list of sculptures, paintings and other masterpieces to admire, Florence has enough to satisfy even the most cultured travellers.

If the idea of gallery after gallery bores you then don’t stress, the city also boasts some of the country’s best restaurants, a fantastic shopping scene and easy access to the Tuscan countryside.

Things to do in Florence

• See the most iconic of all of Florence’s beautiful buildings, the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore. Lines are always long but you can buy skip-the-line tickets with a guided tour , or this Duomo complex ticket includes access to climb the dome itself
• Say hello to perhaps the most famous statue in all of Europe, Michelangelo’s David, at the Accademia Gallery
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery , home to one of the most impressive collections of Renaissance artwork, including masterpieces from da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Raphael, to name a few
• Try a sandwich from the original All’Antico Vinaio, the most-reviewed sandwich shop in the world with a 4.6/5 rating from more than 31,000 reviews. It’s worth the wait in line, I promise!
• See the city through Leonardo da Vinci’s eyes with a da Vinci-themed walking tour
• Window shop at the jewelry stores along the Ponte Vecchio
• Buy a genuine leather belt or bag from the artisan leather workshops in and around Piazza Santa Croce
• Visit the Basilica of the Santa Maria Novella and see art from Giotto, Masaccio, Filippo Brunelleschi and more
• Try your hand at making your own Italian dishes with a cooking class, I did this top-rated cooking class and central market tour on my last visit to Florence and now I’m obsessed with making pasta from scratch
• Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo or Basilica di San Miniato

Where to stay in Florence

Budget | I stayed at YellowSquare Florence , a fantastic social hostel with brilliant facilities including a full kitchen, a rooftop bar with swimming pool, co-working areas and even a recording studio! I had a private room which had a desk (ideal as I was slammed with work) but the dorm rooms look super nice too.

Mid-range | For a mid-range budget consider Morandi alla Crocetta , 3110 ArtHotel , Room Mate Luca , Solo Experience Hotel and Residence Leopoldo

Luxury | For a fancy stay check out Villa Cora , Relais Santa Croce , Four Seasons Firenze or The Place Firenze

Self-contained | Some top-rated options with kitchens/kitchenettes are Urban Retreat , Oro Nero Florence , Geppi’s Apartment and Donati Luxury Tower Suites

How to get to Rome from Florence: High-speed direct trains take around 1h 30m

Train prices: These trains range from €14.90 to €50 depending on how far in advance you book

Seat reservations: High speed trains require seat reservations (€12). There are slower regional trains that don’t require reservations, these take around 3h 30m.

Ahhh Roma, the Eternal City that’s packed to the brim with rich culture, fascinating history, mouthwatering cuisine and a thriving nightlife and entertainment scene. Rome is one of those places where you’ll discover something new and interesting around every corner, so set aside a decent chunk of time to explore if you can.

Things to do in Rome

• Say ciao to the Pope with a visit to the Vatican, its museums, and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Once again, the lines will be long so a skip-the-line ticket is the best idea if you want to make the most of your time.
• See the Colosseum. Controversial opinion perhaps but I don’t think going inside the Colosseum is a must-do, I personally have only seen it from the outside on my three visits to Rome and I’m not enough of a history buff to be willing to brave the crowds. If you do want to go inside, get a skip-the-line ticket or book a guided tour to get the full experience.
• Marvel at the view from Altare della Patria. This is my all-time favourite ‘hidden gem’ of Rome and something that flies under the radar, it’s a rooftop terrace with the most incredible views across the city and its landmarks. You can catch the elevator to the terrace for only €7 (no need to book online through a travel agent or experience provider, these tickets are basically exactly the same but cost three or four times the price!), or if you’re on a tight budget you can access the terrace for free via stairs inside the monument.
• Eat and drink in the trendy Trastevere neighbourhood, which is full of cheap and cheerful trattorias, a bustling nightlife scene and funky shops. My go-to Trastevere meal is always Donkey Punch, a quirky rock’n’roll-themed sandwich bar with craft beers on offer too.
• Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck
• Live out your Lizzie McGuire Movie dreams with a Vespa tour
• Find the Aventine Keyhole and see the perfectly-framed view of St Peter’s dome

Where to stay in Rome

Budget | YellowSquare Rome , the RomeHello and Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo are all top-rated budget options

Mid-range | The Point Suites , Relais Roma Vaticano, Hotel Balilla , Hotel Margherita and At Forty-One

Luxury | Maalot Roma , Umlita 36 , Fendi Private Suites , Baglioni Hotel Regina , Hotel Vilòn and the St Regis

Self-contained | Residenza Roma Imperiale , Trastavere 2.0 , My Bed Vatican Museum and Colosseo Accommodation Room Guest House

Optional: Bologna

How to get to Bologna from Rome: Bologna is an easy stop between Rome and Venice, it’s just over two hours from Rome (€12 seat reservation) and then it’s between 1h 20m and 2h 10m to get from Bologna to Venice (€12 seat reservation for the high speed train, no reservation needed for the slower regional trains). You can store your bags in secure lockers at Bologna train station while you’re exploring the city.

How long to stay: A day trip is sufficient

I’ve put Bologna as ‘optional’ because many first-time Europe travellers may not have even heard of it, but if you enjoy Italian food it is absolutely a must-do. Bologna is the gastronomic capital of Italy, which is saying something in a country that is renowned for its cuisine!

Bologna has many, many eateries serving up local specialties, from cured meats and cheeses to traditional pasta to creamy gelato. I’d looove to stay for a week and just try a new dish every meal, but if you are pressed for time then a day trip with a food tour is how I’d recommend seeing Bologna during this two month Europe itinerary.

Things to do in Bologna

• A food tour is by far the best way to experience Bologna, especially if you’re limited to a day trip. I went on a food tour with Mattia from Delicious Bologna , his tours have a perfect 5/5 rating on Google from more than 220 reviews. The tour was one of the best food tours I’ve ever been on, it had the perfect mix of food, history and culture, each dish was divine, and I came away knowing so much more about Italian cuisine and produce which then helped me try new foods during the rest of my time in Italy. I genuinely can’t rave about this tour enough, it was a highlight of my two months in Europe.
• Stand under the leaning towers of Bologna, one of them even leans more than Pisa!
• If you’re visiting in summer, Bologna holds a cool summer festival that has free outdoor movies playing at Piazza Maggiore
• See the bizarre two-tone façade of the San Petronio church, which isn’t an unusual design but actually stands unfinished since 1479

How to get to Venice from Bologna: A short, cheap train ride, 1h 20m for high speed trains or around 2h for regional trains

How long to stay: 3-4 days

Venice is another love-hate destination, and it is perhaps the European city that has been most affected by overtourism in the past few decades. The floating city has no way to grow, so the ever-increasing number of tourists end up pushing locals out of their homes to make way more hotels and B&Bs, cruise passengers and day trippers try to cram the entire island into a six hour itinerary, and we all end up with massive lines, unhappy Venetians and frustrated travellers.

And while it may seem counterintuitive, one of the ways to combat overtourism is to stay longer in a destination. This means you aren’t under as much time pressure to see and do everything in a day, you can avoid peak times at the major tourist sights, and you can get a much more authentic experience enjoying slow walks and long meals compared to a hectic day trip.

I recommend at least three or four days in Venice to give yourself time to truly enjoy the city, keeping in mind that from 10am to 4pm you might want to avoid the major landmarks as they’ll be packed with fellow tourists.

Things to do in Venice

• Take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal. Gondola rides have a standardised price of €80 during the day or €100 after 7pm for a 30 minute tour, and boats can fit up to six people. If you’re travelling solo and don’t want to splurge on a private gondola tour then you can book a shared gondola ride online for around €30 , or you could ask around at your hotel/hostel to see if there are any other solo travellers who might want to share the cost.
• Walk over the iconic Rialto Bridge
• See the magnificent paintings that adorn the walls and ceiling of Doge’s Palace , as well as the 12th/13th century gold mosaics inside St Mark’s Basilica
• Have a go at creating your own glass souvenir with a private lesson from a master artisan , this experience is only €60 which is incredibly cheap for such an authentic local experience
• Catch a vaporetto (water bus) to Burano, famous for its colourful houses, and Murano, famous for its glass workshops and galleries
• Experience the city’s gastronomy with this food tour which includes 15 food tastings!
• Visit Acqua Altadi Venezia, the floating bookshop for a cool photo spot

Where to stay in Venice

Budget | Unfortunately my go-to Venice hostel (Wombats Cenice Mestre) shut down due to Covid, but Generator Venice (7.9/10) and Ostello S. Fosca (8.4/10) are the top-rated hostels on booking.com, otherwise there’s cheap private rooms at Hotel dalla Mora , Locanda Silva and Hotel La Residenza

Mid-range | Check out Scalon del Doge , CàPatron , La Veneziana Boutique and Relais Venezia

Luxury | Hotel Metropole Venezia , Ca’di Dio , Palazzo Nani Venice and the absolutely incredible Gritti Palace for something super special

Self-contained | Cà Sant’Angelo , Hotel Rialto and Ai Patrizi di Venezia have options with kitchen facilities

The Dolomites

How to get to the Dolomites from Venice: An easy train journey with one change in Verona, the trip takes anywhere from 2h 45m to 3h 45m depending on the transfer time.

Seat reservations: Some journeys are with regional trains that don’t require reservations for rail pass holders, some have just the initial Venice to Verona train as requiring €12 reservations, some require reservations on both trains so €24 total.

The Dolomites are a mountain range in Northern Italy, and they’re home to some of the most picturesque landscapes you’ll find in the whole of Europe.

In the warmer months the Dolomites are a hub for hikers, bikers and climbers, with plenty of trails for adventurers of all ages and fitness levels. In winter the Dolomites Superski region boasts 15 ski resorts, more than 1200km of slopes and plenty of bars and restaurants to continue the fun after a day on the mountains.

In the Dolomites it’s easiest to explore by car as the public transport isn’t super well connected, and wait times can cut into your short stay. Car rental can be quite cheap, there were deals for €25 per day when I was there in October, but in peak season it would be best to book ahead if you can.

Keep in mind that non-European drivers need an international drivers license in Italy, your own country license won’t cut it. Rental companies might let you hire a car without one but if you’re involved in any accidents (not unlikely in Italy!) you won’t be covered by insurance without an international license, and if you’re pulled over for any reason then chances are you’ll get stung with a hefty fine.

Things to do in the Dolomites

• Go to Lago di Braies for sunrise, pure magic (though chances are you’ll be there with many photographers)
• Head to Lago di Carezza for picture-perfect reflections of the mountains, I’m sure this place is busy during peak season but I visited at sunset at the end of October and had the whole place to myself
• Spend a day at Alpe di Siusi, the largest alpine plateau in Europe. You can take the Mont Seuc cable car from Ortisei, then walk two hours to the other side and take the Seiser Alm cable car back to the the Valley Station, where you can catch a short bus back to Ortisei.
• Experience the unique South Tyrolean cuisine, which incorporates Italian, German and Austrian ingredients and cooking techniques
• Try some of the best pasta in the world at Pastalab in Bolzano, their menu changes daily with seasonal specialties and honestly my mouth is watering while typing this. Don’t miss it.
• Explore the hiking trails of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, some notable options are the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint and the Rifugio Auronzo loop
• Another must-do hike is the Seceda ridgeline, if you can hack a super early wake up then arriving here for sunrise will be well worth it
• If you’re up for a physical and mental challenge, consider a via ferrata, a climbing track that has iron rungs attached to the rock as well as a steel cable that climbers connect to with carabiners. My first via ferrata was the Wildwire waterfall climb in Wanaka, New Zealand and I absolutely loved it, so a Dolomites via ferrata is very high on my list for my next visit.

Where to stay in the Dolomites

There are so many different villages in the Dolomites and it would take hours to give you recommendations for different budgets for each village so I won’t do that.

Bolzano is the capital city of South Tyrol and is the gateway to the Dolomites, you can stay here and do day trips by bus or car, or you could arrive here by train and then catch local transport to one of the villages in the Dolomites, like Ortisei in Val Gardena, Colfosco or Corvara in Alta Badia, or Villabassa or Braies in Upper Puster Valley.

Where I stayed | I stayed at the LOOM Hotel in Bolzano which was super unique, it’s actually a living showroom for an interior design company who wanted to showcase what they could offer hotels around the world, and their rooms double as accommodation for travellers. Such an incredible idea for sustainable tourism and the rooms are truly something else!

Salzburg or Innsbruck

How to get from the Dolomites to Salzburg: Either a direct train or a journey with one or two stops, reservations dependent on the journey you choose

How long to stay: 2 days (accounting for a day trip at the one you aren’t staying in)

Though Salzburg’s main drawcard are its connections to music (as in ‘The Sound of’, as well as Mozart), it’s also well worth a visit to get into a more relaxed pace of tourism after the chaos of Italy. Explore the historic old town, get the best view from Festung Hohensalzburg, see the sheer opulence of grand palaces and search for the city’s most delicious schnitzel and strudel.

Innsbruck has a more modern vibe, not in the architecture but in the energy of the city, the gastronomy, and particularly in the apres-ski scene.

For your two month Europe itinerary you could choose one to stay the night in and one to stop at for a day trip on your way between the Dolomites and the next stop of Vienna.

Things to do in Salzburg

• Book a Sound of Music tour to see the city from Maria’s eyes
• Catch the funicular up to Fortress Hohensalzburg for the best view of the city, then walk down the path to get back to the Old Town
• If you’re interested in medieval history, you can buy a ticket to the exhibits at the Fortress and learn more about the building’s past
• Walk through the magnificent halls and gardens of Schloss Mirabell, a 1606 palace, or see the fairytale-esque summer palace, Schloss Hellbrunn where you can find the iconic Sound of Music gazebo
• Enjoy the symphonies of Mozart with a variety of Mozart-related activities, from visiting Mozart’s birthplace (now a museum), to watching a Mozart concert at Mirabell Palace , to a Life of Mozart walking tour around the city
• Take a day trip to the Eagle’s Nest , Hitler’s vacation home in the Bavarian Alps, one of the few Third Reich buildings that remains in its original state today, complete with a marble fireplace gifted to Hitler by Mussolini. If dark tourism isn’t your thing, it’s worth going just for the sweeping views of the valley below.
• Watch the daily organ performance at the spectacular Salzburg Cathedral

Things to do in Innsbruck

• Stroll through the winding streets of the Altstadt (Old Town), where you can see vibrant facades, ornate doorways and classic Tyrolese architecture
• Climb up the City Tower if you’re visiting on a clear day, you can see right over the Old Town colourful buildings and out to the mountains that surround the city
• Spot the grandiose Golden Roof, a Gothic viewing box built in 1496 with gilded copper tiles giving it a metallic shine
• Catch the Hungerburgbahn funicular up to Nordkette, the closest mountain to Innsbruck that offers scenic viewpoints and restaurants
• Find the city’s best schnitzel, I rate Altstadt-Schmankerl as a top contender!

Where to stay in Salzburg

Budget | I stayed at MEININGER Salzburg , a hotel/hostel hybrid with dorm rooms, private rooms, guest kitchen, laundry facilities, hotel bar and bikes for rent. Slightly out of the city but right next to a bus stop, a great budget option. Other cheap options are YoHo Youth Hostel , Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus and The Keep Eco Rooms .

Mid-range | Gästehaus im Priesterseminar Salzburg , Hotel Max 70 , B&B Villa Verde and Boutiquehotel am Dom

Luxury | Hotel Bristol , Goldgasse , Hotel Goldener Hirsch and Hotel Sacher Salzburg

Self-contained | Villa Leopoldskron , Villa Maxglen , Mozart’s Garden Villa and Villa Salzburg

Where to stay in Innsbruck

Budget | Montagu Hostel , MEININGER Innsbruck Zentrum and Pension Stoi

Mid-range | Hotel Neue Post , Hotel Mondschein , Nala Individuellhotel and Faktorei

Luxury | Hotel Maximilian , the PENZ Hotel , aDLERS Hotel Innsbruck and Altstadthotel Weißes Kreuz

Self-contained | Kaiser Max Design Apartments , Apartment Mischa , Quartier 99 and Prada Elf Apartment

How to get to Vienna from Salzburg or Innsbruck: Direct train from Salzburg (2h 25m-2h 55m depending on the train) or direct train from Innsbruck (4h 20m-4h 50m) with an optional stop in Salzburg for a day trip.

Seat reservations: Seat reservations generally aren’t required in Austria but Austrian inter-city tickets are typically quite cheap so check the ticket price before using a Eurail travel day to make sure it’s worth it.

Vienna is brimming with culture, from extravagant coffee houses (with equally extravagant desserts), to countless museums and galleries, to architecture that is mostly Baroque but also spans the Gothic, Renaissance and Rococo styles.

Vienna is what you make of it, my favourite kind of city. Foodies can fill their time with food tours, sweet treats and traditional fare, travellers with an interest in history are spoilt for choice with heritage buildings and world-class museums dotted all over the city, and photographers will love the opportunities provided by Vienna’s unique architecture and fascinating interiors.

Things to do in Vienna

• See the city with a free walking tour, by far the best way to get your bearings
• Relax with a coffee and a sweet treat at one of the famous coffee houses, Café Central and Café Landtmann are two of the most famous ones, but there are many, many more to discover
• Take a 2.5 hour food tour through the bustling Naschmarkt to learn about Vienna’s culinary specialties, or try a longer four hour food tour through the city which includes a coffee house, the market, a bakery and a chocolate shop. Yum!
• Learn about one of the first famous solo female travellers, Empress Sisi. She was the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary but hated the rules and regulations that came with her royal titles, so she fled her responsibilities and travelled solo whenever she got the chance.
• Ride the rollercoasters at Prater themepark
• Visit the breathtaking State Hall at Austria’s National Library
• Try a käsekrainer from a würstelstand, one of the best cheap eats in the city
• Have a schnitzel dinner, you’ll find it on pretty much every restaurant menu but the best-rated ones in the city are Figlmüller, Gasthaus Kopp, Schnitzelwirt or Restaurant Pürstner
• Head up St Stephen’s Cathedral for sunset from the rooftop

I’ve got a detailed Vienna travel guide if you want more info on things to do in Vienna

Where to stay in Vienna

Budget | Vienna is home to one of the best hostels in Europe, JO&JOE Vienna . This place truly has everything you could wish for in a hostel; guest kitchens, onsite restaurant, laundry facilities, a rooftop with epic views, funky dorms with privacy blinds, spacious private rooms, loads of fun events, a big screen for movies and sports games, work-friendly spaces and more. Phew!

Mid-range | Boutiquehotel Das Tyrol , Rioca Vienna Posto 2 , Superbude Prater and ARTIST Boutique Hotel

Luxury | Rosewood Vienna , The Leo Grand , Hotel Sans Souci and Hotel Sacher

Self-contained | Karl und Anton Boutique Apartments , Oliver Apartments and URBM Rise

Day trip to Bratislava

How to get to Bratislava from Vienna: RegioJet and FlixBus have buses from as low as €4 which take between 40m and 1h 20m depending on the time of day, or if you’re totally set on train travel you can get a direct train from €10 which takes an hour

Slovakia’s capital city is an easy day trip option from Vienna, with a vibrant old town that you can explore with 5-6 hours on the ground. If you’ve got a day to spare during your time in Vienna then a Bratislava trip lets you see a new country and experience a city with fascinating history.

Things to do in Bratislava

• Take a short but steep walk up to Bratislava Castle for the best view in town
• See the Blue Church (actual name St Elizabeth’s Church), an Art Noveau church that looks like it’s straight out of The Smurfs. Its opening hours are random and changeable, currently it’s open from 6.30-7.30am Monday to Saturday, 7.30am-12pm Sunday (for services I presume), and 5.30-7pm seven days a week. It’s worth going inside if your timing is right, the interior is a mix of baby blue and yellow with intricate details if you look closely.
• Enjoy prices being a little cheaper than the other parts of Europe you’ve seen so far!
• Get a cheap lunch at Funki Punki Pancakes, my go-to eatery in Bratislava. They’ve got a brilliant menu of crepes (both sweet and savoury) with prices sitting between €2.20 and €3.50 each.
• Wander through the Old Town past bright buildings, medieval streets, quirky statues and trendy boutiques

How to get to Budapest from Vienna: There are a few trains that run direct from Bratislava to Budapest but most of them go via Vienna anyway, so I’d recommend heading back to Vienna to pick up your luggage and going to Budapest from there.

Vienna to Budapest is an easy direct train that takes around 2h 41m, no rail pass reservations needed for most routes but tickets can be as cheap as €9 if you book in advance, check the price to buy outright before using a travel day on your rail pass.

Budapest is a fascinating city with a magnetic energy that attracts party-goers, history buffs, budget travellers and culture vultures alike, with things to fill the itineraries of every type of tourist.

You can see the major sights with two to three full days but if you have extra time and want to stay longer, you certainly won’t get bored.

One thing to note is that while Budapest has always been known as one of the best value destinations in Europe, Hungary is currently dealing with a cost of living crisis with inflation sitting at 22.5% in November according to WorldData , and the inflation rate for food in particular was 47.1% compared to the previous year. It was noticeably more expensive during my visit in December 2022 compared to my previous trip in 2019, so don’t be shocked if things don’t turn out to be as cheap as you initially expected.

Things to do in Budapest

• Watch the sunrise from Fisherman’s Bastion, where you’ll find the most incredible view of the city and the Danube
• While you’re up there, explore Buda Castle and the museums and galleries inside it
• See the city from the river with a Danube cruise
• Head to the Great Market Hall to buy some local meats, cheeses and produce
• Have a drink (or five) at Budapest’s iconic ruin bars
• Grab some street food from Karavan, a permanent food stall market near the ruin bars
• Relax and rejuvenate at the thermal baths , Széchenyi Baths and Gellért Baths are the most popular ones
• Learn about the city’s tumultuous past with a walking tour through the Jewish Quarter
• Visit my favourite bakery in the city, Aran, and try their famous cinnamon bun

Where to stay in Budapest

Budget | I recently stayed at Flow Spaces which offers light and bright private rooms and dorm rooms, kitchen facilities and a dedicated workspace, the perfect option for digital nomads. I had a private room and loved it, I’d happily stay here for an extended period of time. I’ve also stayed at the quirky Das Nest Hostel which was ideal for a trip with friends, and other top-rated options are Hive Party Hostel  and  Hostel One .

Mid-range |   Dob Twenty Rooms ,  LILIOM Apartment  and  OktoHome Suite  are all great value apartment options, or for a mid-range hotel look at  Global Suites Budapest  or  B&B Hotel Budapest City .

Luxury |  For something sophisticated, consider staying at  Alice Hotel ,  Hotel Memories Old Town  or  Hotel Moments Budapest .

Ultra luxury |  If you’re celebrating something special in Budapest or just feel like treating yourself, you can’t go past the opulent  Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest  or  Matild Palace .

How to get to Prague from Budapest: Direct or one stop trains (stop in Vienna or Brno usually) that take between 7-8 hours.

Seat reservations: Some routes don’t require seat reservations, some require them at a cost of €6 so quite cheap.

Train prices: Outright tickets can cost as little as €18 for early or late trains when booking in advance, but could be as expensive as €110 for last minute bookings or popular times, so check prices before you decide to use a Eurail travel day.

Prague is another one of Europe’s top value cities with rich history, vibrant culture and striking architecture to offer.

While Prague didn’t totally evade bombings during WWII, it was significantly less affected than many other European cities so its historical monuments are mostly undamaged and sit in close proximity to one another, making it easy to explore on foot.

It’s also got an absolutely pumping nightlife scene, thanks to great beer, multi-storey nightclubs, and cheap flights from London making it a top choice for British lad stag dos.

Things to do in Prague

• Visit the Old Town Square, one of the most impressive in all of Europe. It dates back to the 12th century and is home to the Astronomical Clock, the Old Town Hall and the Church of Mother of God before Týn
• Stand below the Astronomical Clock on the hour between 9am and 9pm to see the procession of the 12 Apostles appear in the windows
• Climb the Old Town Hall tower to the observation deck to see Old Town Square from above
• Learn about the city’s political history with this top-rated communism and bunker tour
• Visit Prague Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the world, occupying more than 70,000sqm. You could stroll through the Royal Garden, see the treasures inside St Vitus Cathedral, walk past colourful buildings down the charming Golden Lane and enjoy great views of the city before heading back to Old Town via Charles Bridge.
• Walking over Charles Bridge is a quintessential Prague experience in itself, the cobblestoned pedestrian bridge provides a great view of the castle on the hill as well as being able to see Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture on the other side of the river
• Do a day tour to the Sedlec Ossuary , a.k.a. the Bone Church
• For something a little unique, walk down the river to reach the Dancing House, designed by Czech architect Vlado Milunić and the legendary Frank Gehry
• Try local brews with a historic pub tour
• Get amongst the buzzing nightlife with the legendary pub crawl

Where to stay in Prague

Budget | I stayed at Brix Hostel which was a social hotel, great for meeting people but not so great for digital nomads who need a quiet place to work. Other top-rated cheap accommodation options are Hostel Little Quarter , Sophie’s Hostel , Giotto Apartments , Hostel One Miru and Prague Dream Hostel .

Mid-range | Revelton Studios Prague , Hotel Residence Agnes , Hotel CUBE Prague , Allure Hotel Prague and Unitas Hotel

Luxury | The Julius , Four Seasons , The Grand Mark , Alchymist Grand Hotel and Hotel Republika

Self-contained | Mooo by the Castle , Hotel Diana and Malostranska Residence have options with kitchens/kitchenettes

How to get to Berlin from Prague: Direct trains run multiple times a day and take around 4h 15m

Seat reservations: No reservations required but you might want to book one (€8) during busy periods to ensure you get a seat

Train prices: They range drastically depending on the route, from €18.90 booking in advance to €90.60 for last minute tickets

Berlin is an essential destination for any Europe itinerary, it’s one of the best cities to learn about the atrocities that Europe suffered during WWII, the rise of communism in Eastern Europe and the subsequent reunification of Germany after many years of Berlin being split in two.

You’ve got the obvious landmarks, from museums to memorials to historical buildings that have been rebuilt and restored since bombs rained down on the city in WWII, but Berlin is also a unique melting pot of cultures, with a captivating arts and entertainment scene, superb culinary experiences and nightlife that rivals anywhere else in Europe.

Things to do in Berlin

• Any visit to Berlin would be incomplete without a city tour of some kind, to understand Berlin’s history throughout the 20th century. Some top-rated ones are this small group Third Reich & Cold War walking tour , this 75 minute Trabi safari , and this Hidden Backyards walking tour .
• Iconic landmarks to see include Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, Berlin Cathedral and the Berlin Wall Memorial
• Stroll along the East Side Gallery, the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall which is now an open-air gallery with politically-charged street art
• Take a hop-on hop-off bus around the city to tick off the big sights quickly and easily
• Head up to TV Tower for the best view of the city
• Visit the museums, there are plenty to choose from!
• Delve into Berlin’s gastronomic delights with a top-rated secret food tour
• Experience the legendary clubbing scene with a night out on the town

Where to stay in Berlin

Budget | Pfefferbett Hostel , BIG MAMA Berlin , Kiez Hostel , New Hostel and ArtHotel Connection (a hetero-friendly LGBT+ hotel)

Mid-range | Wil7 Boutique Hotel , Casa Camper , Hotel Indigo , Wilmina Hotel and Hotel Q!

Luxury | Hotel Zoo Berlin , Hotel Adlon Kempinski , Hotel Luc and Regent Berlin

Self-contained | The Weinert Suites , Gorki Apartments and Wilde Aparthotels

How to get to Amsterdam from Berlin: Direct trains available a few times a day taking around 6h 15m-6h 30m, or one stop options with a short transfer in Hannover taking a similar amount of time.

Seat reservations: Seat reservations aren’t required for rail pass holders but busy routes recommend reservations (€8) to guarantee a seat

Train prices: From €37.90 if you book in advance to €161 for some routes last minute

Amsterdam is easily one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, with narrow houses reflecting in the canals, markets overflowing with vibrant flowers, and stylish locals peddling around town making for brilliant street photography opportunities.

Like Venice, Amsterdam also suffers massively from overtourism and you’ll find that the city’s landmarks can get extremely busy, particularly during summer and on weekends. With three or four full days you’ll have time to see many of the major sights without needing to be rushed off your feet, but I’d recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets where possible just to avoid queues that eat into your adventure time.

Things to do in Amsterdam

• Rent a bike and explore like a local, just be aware of all the rules so you don’t become a hazard
• Shop til you drop for vintage clothes, quirky souvenirs and stylish homewares. Amsterdam’s home and design stores in particular are beyond impressive and it hurts my soul to walk past them without being able to buy things. One day in the far future when I buy a house I’ll be coming straight to Amsterdam to stock up on knick-knacks to decorate my home.
• Hit the museums, some noteworthy ones are the Rijksmuseum for a deep dive into Dutch history and art, the Van Gogh Museum for Van Gogh masterpieces as well as works from his contemporaries, and the Moco Museum for more modern (read: Instagrammable) art
• If you’re a beer drinker, head to the Heineken Experience, an interactive self-guided tour through the beer behemoth’s former factory
• Visit Anne Frank’s house, now a biographical museum about Anne and her family
• Take a boat ride down the canal, there are plenty of cruise options ranging from budget-friendly tours to booze cruises to fancy dinner cruises
• Explore the Red Light District and get amongst Amsterdam’s infamous nightlife
• Experience Amsterdam’s growing brunch scene, I recommend Little Collins, Box Sociaal and the Lobby

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Budget | On my most recent trip I stayed at MEININGER Amstel which was ideal, a hotel/hostel hybrid with comfy rooms, a full kitchen and a great location next to Amstel train station, ideal for rail travellers. Another great budget option is Hostelle , a ladies-only hostel which is perfect for first-time solo female travellers.

Mid-range | Outside Inn , Met Hotel , Villa Yburg ,and XO Hotels Couture

Luxury | Waldorf Astoria , Hotel TwentySeven , the Dylan , Conservatorium and De L’Europe

Self-contained | Treehouse Inn , Cityden BoLo , Social Hub and Hotel2Stay

How to get from Amsterdam to Bruges: A two-train journey with a change in Brussels (could stop for a day trip if you want)

Seat reservations: Seat reservations are usually required on the first train at a cost of €22, but there are some no-reservation options a few times a day that take closer to four hours

Train prices: From around €65 to €120 depending on when you book

The final stop in this epic 2 month Europe itinerary is Bruges, a fairytale town that’s photogenic from all angles.

It’s small and compact, easily explored by bike, by foot or by canal cruise, so it’s the ideal way to wrap up a very busy couple of months.

Things to do in Bruges

• Wake up early to enjoy the sleepy town as its quietest. Even cafes typically don’t open until 9am! Use this time to wander around and visit the best photo spots without the crowds.
• Walk more than 350 steps to the top of the Belfry to see the view
• Take a canal cruise
• Visit the Choco-Story Chocolate museum, do a chocolate walking tour or try your hand at making your own Belgian chocolate
• Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a 12th century Romanesque church which houses a vial containing cloth stained by the actual blood of Christ (allegedly)
• Head to Sanseveria Bagelsalon, my favourite eatery in Bruges! They serve up amazing fully loaded bagels with fillings like peanut butter/banana/Speculoos, melted brie/bacon/walnuts/apple (my go-to) and raclette cheese/fried onions/gherkins
• Grab an outdoor table at one of the restaurants in the Market Square (Markt) to enjoy some moules frites with a view of the beautiful buildings that line the square

Where to stay in Bruges

Budget | There aren’t many well-rated hostels in Bruges but some good options are Snuffel Youth Hostel , Hostel Lybeer and St Christopher’s Bauhaus

Mid-range | B&B Valant , La Clé Brugge , Guesthouse Mirabel and Maison Amodio

Luxury | Dukes’ Palace , Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage and Dukes’ Arches

Self-contained | Maison Fred Luxury Suites , Old Bruges B&B , Aragon Apartments and Apartments Ridderspoor

Back to London

To get from Bruges to London you can catch the train to Brussels (1h) and then change to the Eurostar (around 2h).

I’d recommend spending a few hours in Brussels to see the main sights on the way, there’s plenty of luggage storage at Brussels station so you can explore without your suitcases.

Wander around the Grand Place, see the Royal Palace of Brussels, or visit one/some of the museums if you have time. And if you’re hungry, I’d highly, highly recommend heading to Tonton Garby near the Grand Place, an incredible sandwich shop with 4.8/5 on Google from more than 1600 reviews. There’s no menu, they’ll ask you questions about what flavours you like and they’ll make a bespoke sandwich perfectly suited to your tastes. Worth the wait!

If you’re flying into London rather than taking the train and you land late, consider spending a night at the airport to have a good night’s sleep and then start your London trip feeling fresh the next day. If you’re flying into Gatwick I highly recommend Bloc Hotel , they have brilliantly cosy rooms available just a minute’s walk from the arrivals section, or for Heathrow I love love love the Hilton Heathrow T4 , it has a covered walkway to Terminal 4 plus shuttles to other terminals, incredible eco-friendly design and a fantastic sustainability-focused restaurant.

Alternative cities/routes you could add or switch out

Add christmas markets if you’re travelling in november/december.

Europe’s Christmas markets start popping up from around mid-November, so if you’re braving the chilly weather and wanting to see some festive events then you’ll want to plan your itinerary around these. I’ll be putting together a Christmas market rail itinerary shortly, but in the meantime some additional places worth adding to your list are:

• Strasbourg and Colmar in France
• Dusseldorf and Cologne in western Germany
• Frankfurt in central(ish?) Germany
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Nuremberg in southern(ish?) Germany

Skip some of Italy

This itinerary has a lot of Italy because a) it’s probably my favourite country in Europe and b) it’s really well connected by train so easy to tick off a bunch of places without spending too long on transport.

If you’re not super keen to spend two weeks in Italy then you could limit the Italian portion of this trip to just Rome and Venice for example, and have more time for other destinations.

Skip Barcelona

Barcelona is a bit out of the way on this itinerary, with a long trip from Paris (6h 30m) and fairly trip to Lyon (5h 20m), both of which have expensive seat reservations if you’re travelling with a rail pass.

You could save yourself some travel time by skipping Barcelona and just going from Paris to Lyon direct, which is only two hours on a high speed train and reservations are only €12, so you’d save a significant chunk of money too,

Skip Switzerland to keep it cheap

Switzerland is definitely the most expensive country on this itinerary, so if you’re on a really tight budget then you could consider skipping it to have extra time in places like Prague, Budapest or add on Warsaw or Krakow in Poland instead.

If you’re travelling with a rail pass then I’d highly recommend doing at least the Bernina Express in Switzerland because you get a huge discount on the usual price. You could even just spend some time in Tirano and do the Bernina Express return trip, so you can see the scenery without needing to splurge on Switzerland accommodation.

Add on more of Germany plus Copenhagen

If you were reducing your time in other countries, there might be space for you to add on some other German cities like Munich and Hamburg, and Copenhagen is an easy 4h 45m direct journey from Hamburg. From Copenhagen you could easily do a quick trip across the Swedish border to Malmö, just 24 minutes by public transport.

Add on some of Poland

A cheaper add on option (if you didn’t mind long travel days) would be Poland, you could visit both Krakow and Warsaw with direct train or bus routes running from Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin.

Poland is super cheap so if you’re wanting the best bang for your buck this could be a great place to visit. And if you’ve got more time, you could replicate my two week Poland itinerary and slot that into your Europe trip between Prague and Berlin.

Add on more of Spain and Portugal

The reason I haven’t included much of Spain and Portugal is because if you’re using a rail pass, seat reservations must be made at the ticket offices in the country once you’re there, or with Deutsche Bahn (Germany’s railway company) at an office or over the phone. This type of admin is quite tricky for first time rail pass travellers so if you’re really keen to see this part of Europe, I’d recommend doing a lot of research on the Eurail community forum to make sure you know what you’re doing.

In Spain you could go from Barcelona to Valencia, Alicante, Granada, Seville and then Madrid, before scooting over to Portugal and heading down the coast from Porto to Lisbon to Faro.

Add on some islands

Did you know that Eurail passes also give you discounts on some ferries from Italy to Greece and through the Greek Islands? If you’re keen to enjoy paradise islands then you could travel by train to Bari in Italy, then catch the ferry to Corfu, Igoumenitsa or Patras and continue your Greece island hopping from there.

2 month Europe train itinerary FAQs

Should i train or fly in europe.

While Europe does have loads of low cost airlines with crazy cheap flights, flying comes with additional costs like transfers to the airport, wasted time in security lines and of course the impact on the environment, not to mention huge prices for add ons like a check in suitcase or seat selection.

Trains are much more straightforward, often leave from the central city or nearby, you get to enjoy the scenery, and it’s easier to stretch your legs if you’ve got a long journey.

If you need to get from one side of Europe to the other then consider flying, or if you need to get between small cities without great train connections then a flight might be easier, but for simple journeys between two major European city hubs then a train is by far the easier option.

Is a Eurail pass worth it?

It really depends. A Eurail Pass is worth it if the cost of the pass + seat reservations is less than the cost of the train tickets if you bought them outright.

I answer this question in much more detail in my Eurail budget breakdown but here’s a quick summary.

If you already have a good idea of your itinerary (or if you want to follow this one) then I’d recommend typing up all the journeys you want to take and searching them on Rail Europe to see what the price would be if you booked them outright. Then check on the Eurail website for the same journeys to find out the seat reservation cost, add this to the price of the pass you’d need, and you’ll figure out which one is better value.

If you’re spending time in Switzerland and want to take the Glacier Express , Bernina Express or any other scenic trains then the Eurail Pass is definitely worth it, you’ll save loads on these trains alone.

If you don’t know your itinerary yet (and you’re travelling soon), or if you want to keep flexible and be able to decide on your route only a few days in advance then a Eurail Pass is almost certainly worth it, it lets you avoid expensive last minute tickets.

Is Europe safe for solo female travellers?

Specific safety tips will depend on the country but yes, overall Europe is absolutely safe for solo female travellers and I’ve never felt unsafe on all my solo travels in Europe.

Things to be aware of as a solo female traveller (or as any traveller!) are:

• Wear crossbody bags with your wallet in a zipped pocket
• Use a luggage cable to lock your suitcases to the luggage racks on trains
• Always have comprehensive travel insurance with both medical and luggage cover, I use Cover-More New Zealand travel insurance
• If you’re having a night out, always keep an eye on your drink and avoid getting too drunk as it can make you an easy target
• Stay in female-only dorms and night-train cabins
• Get a European SIM card that gives you data so you’re always able to access the internet, maps and transport/taxi apps

And that wraps up this huuuuge 2 month Europe itinerary! I hope this has helped you map out your own two month Europe itinerary, or at least has given you some useful destinations tips for your Europe train itinerary no matter how long you’ll be travelling.

If you have any questions or need any help with your Europe train itinerary then please let me know in the comments or flick me a message on Instagram.

MORE EUROPE TRAIN ITINERARIES:

• The perfect three month Europe itinerary without flying
• A Europe Christmas market itinerary by train
• How to spend 1, 2 or 3 weeks in Northern Italy & Switzerland
• How to spend 3 weeks in Scandinavia
• The perfect 10 day itinerary for Switzerland
• How to spend 2 weeks in Poland

MORE EUROPE TRAIN TRAVEL GUIDES:

• How to use a Eurail Pass
• Is a Eurail Pass worth it?

MORE EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION:

• The most beautiful train rides in Europe
• 27 Europe holiday ideas to inspire you
• The ultimate Italy bucket list
• 33 beautiful places to visit in Switzerland

MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong. Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it , or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator. Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com , they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button. Activities 🗽 I use GetYourGuide , Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around. Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company , but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage). Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases , one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff. Camera gear 📸 These days many of my photos and all of my videos are with my iPhone 15 Pro Max , my main camera is a Lumix G9 but I have a secondary camera (my old one) that’s a Lumix GX85 , I use a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10 . I do all my writing and editing on my HP Spectre x360 , it’s super lightweight and perfect for travel.

You’ll Also Love

May 10, 2023 at 5:25 pm

Some of the accommodation is expensive how much money do u need for this frip

May 11, 2023 at 11:28 am

I’ve included budget accommodation in each of the cities for that reason, so you can pick and choose what accommodation and activities will fit into your budget.

If you’re happy staying in dorm rooms and cooking most of your own meals then in Western Europe you could probably budget €70-80 per day, Eastern Europe will be cheaper at €40-50 per day. If you want to stay in hotel rooms and enjoy a meal out once or twice a day then it really depends on which country/city as Switzerland is more expensive than Spain, and Paris is more expensive than Lyon for example, but as an average amount I’d say €100-130 per day for Western Europe or €70-80 for Eastern Europe. That’s if you’re sharing a hotel room with a partner or a friend, it would be a bit more if you’re travelling solo. Hope that helps!

August 5, 2023 at 6:55 pm

I found this very helpful and detailed—both important. I did have a question on how one might condense this into a two to three week trip. I think my job will not allow me to take more than three weeks maximum off for vacation. But, I’m very enticed to see as much as we can in such a short time frame. I almost considered just modifying your schedule and cutting locations that are not “essential”. Thanks for your thoughts/consideration.

August 9, 2023 at 9:08 pm

With three weeks you could do a smaller route, and it would be particularly helpful if you can fly into one place and out another so you aren’t wasting days getting back to your original destination. You could fly into London and then do Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Vienna for example! It really depends on what you’re interested in and what destinations are your essential stops.

September 13, 2023 at 1:08 pm

How much stuff did you pack? Backpack? Suitcase?

September 14, 2023 at 2:33 am

I travel for 9-10 months of the year and have loads of camera gear so I use a suitcase 🙂

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Over 20 Bucket List Itineraries for 2 Months in Europe

Europe is a wonderful continent to explore and offers a wide variety of experiences. From beautiful mountain views, to amazing historical architecture, picture-perfect beaches and a variety of unique cultures Europe has something for everyone. So what if you have a little extra time to explore – where should you go? Enjoy our snap shot for places to visit when you have 2 months to explore.

This article is big, need to save it and come back later? If so … pin one of these:

2 Months through Central Europe

Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg – 2 month itinerary

Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg make for an exciting two month itinerary. With its vibrant cities, stunning countryside, fascinating history and diverse culture, this trio of countries is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore Europe.

Start your trip in Bavaria in Germany for a few weeks by exploring the country’s many highlights. Spend 2-3 days in Munich exploring the old town gems like Marienplatz, Residenz, Odeonsplatz, and the City Hall. 

Then enjoy a Romantic road, check off Neuschwanstein Castle, and Fussen. 

After a few days there, stop in Nuremberg and visit its historic landmarks and churches. Continue on to Frankfurt for some shopping and explore the city’s world-famous Rhine River walkway. When you’re finished taking in the sights and sounds of Germany, hop over to Belgium for a few days. 

There are lots of places to visit in Belgium , and you can keep Brussels as a base to explore more of the country and beyond. Spend a few days exploring Brussels and its highlights like the Grand Palace, Comic Street and the Atomium. 

Visit the picturesque canals of Bruges and be sure to sample some Belgium’s famous chocolates while you’re there! Add stops in charming cities like Antwerp, Ghent and Waterloo for a well rounded experience in Belgium. 

You can also cycle through the Ardennes Forest if you like an adventure add-on to your trip! Next, make your way to Luxembourg. You can visit the Vianden Castle, one of Europe’s best-preserved mediaeval castles. 

Make sure to wander the cobblestoned streets of Luxembourg City and check out some of its unique monuments such as the Casemates. 

End your two month adventure with an unforgettable visit to the Moselle Valley in eastern Luxembourg. Take in the breathtaking views of vineyard covered hills and sample some of the best German wines in this beautiful region before returning home.

By Stephanie from Bey Of Travel

Fitz5 additional notes: I would consider adding a week in Cologne (and visit or stay at Pantasia Land ) with side stops to Hiedelberg and Strasbourg or finish the trip in Strasbourg. Trier and Koblenz are other German cities worth a stop. Hiedelberg, Stasbourg, Trier, & Koblenz can all make wonderful day trips from a longer stay in Frankfort.

An additional extension may be made by adding Amsterdam (or Utrecht). You can also start your trip in either Zurich Switzerland or Vienna Austria. The majority of these routes are well served by trains but you may want an occasional car rental to explore outside the cities.

Summary of 2 Months through Central Europe

Munich -> Frankfurt -> Cologne -> Brussels -> Bruges -> Luxemburg 1-2 weeks each stop or

or Munich (2 weeks for day trips) -> Frankfurt (2 weeks for day trips) -> Cologne (3 days) -> Brussels (1 week) -> Bruges (1 week) -> Luxemburg (3 days) -> Strasbourg (3 days)

or Munich (1 weeks for day trips) -> Frankfurt (2 weeks for day trips) -> Cologne (3 days) -> Brussels (1 week) -> Bruges (1 week) -> Luxemburg (3 days) -> Strasbourg (3 days)

or Vienna or Zurich (1 week) -> Munich (5 days) -> Frankfort (3 days) -> Cologne (3 days) -> Amsterdam (or Utrecht) (1 week) -> Bruges (4 days) -> Brussels (3 days) -> Luxembourg (3 days) -> Strasbourg (3 days)

You could also start in Vienna and Fly out of Zurich.

Fitz5 Central Europe Itinerary

We took a similar tour to visit some of our higher wish list cities in Europe Fall of 2023.

Our Itinerary was

Oslo (4 days) -> Flam (3 days) -> Oslo (1 day) -> Paris (1 week) -> Bruges (3 days) -> Utrecht (1 week) -> Berlin (3 days)

Our Original Itinerary was

Berlin (2 days) -> Prague, via train (5 days) -> Vienna via train (5 days) -> Zurich (5 days) -> Paris (1 week) -> Bruges (5 days) -> Utrecht (1 week) -> Berlin (3 days)

Europe by Bus

One of the best budget-friendly ways to explore western Europe is by using its extensive coach service. FlixBus operates in Germany, Switzerland and France, connecting cities like Hamburg and Berlin to Munich and Nuremberg, then spanning across to Basel and Zurich in Switzerland, and voyaging into a number of other French cities like Strasbourg and Paris. 

Begin your two-month itinerary right in the north of Germany (you could even pop into Denmark if you’d like!). The city of Hamburg has lots of urban attractions, including catching a concert at Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and learning about local history at the Museum for Hamburg History. 

Take a bus (3 hours) to Berlin, Germany’s buzzing capital. While Berlin comes alive in the summer, it’s also ideal as a winter city break – there’s always something going on here! Highlights include its many museums (the DDR Museum is a particular favorite), seeing the Berliner Dom and strolling through the Tiergarten. It’s a buzzing, pulsating city and there’s always a lot going on!

Take a bus further south, stopping in cities along the way before reaching Munich, the capital of Bavaria. While this city’s most popular during Oktoberfest, it’s beautiful around the year, with Marienplatz being at its centre. 

Cross over into Switzerland, visiting major cities like Bern and Zurich. You could even do some side trips to beautiful destinations like Interlaken or the vast mountain of Matterhorn! 

In France, check out the Medieval city of Strasbourg – famous for its Christmas market but wonderful in the summer months too. It’s only 3 hours on Flixbus from Basel in Switzerland. Then, head to La Belle Paris, France’s capital and one of the most romantic cities in the world. From here, you can take a bus down to the Spanish border, seeing cities like Bordeaux or Toulouse, or spend some time seeing the D-Day beaches and ancient sites of Normandy in Northern France. 

By Claire from Europe in Winter

Fitz5 additional notes: This is a well rounded trip that could be extended at the end with some visits along the French Riviera or by starting in Copenhagen. You could also start in Belgium and add Amsterdam (or Utrecht) – but I’m not able to say if the additions would be serviced by the same bus.

2 Months in Europe via Flixbus Summary

Hamburg -> Berlin -> Munich -> Zurich -> Bern -> Strasbourg -> Paris -> Normandy -> Bordeaux -> Toulouse

Germany & Poland

A captivating two-month journey through the historic cities and enchanting landscapes of Germany and Poland can be amazing, done by utilizing both car and rail transportation. You’ll have the flexibility to explore each destination at your leisure while taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way.

Begin your adventure in Cologne, Germany, where the iconic Cologne Cathedral dominates the city skyline. After exploring the city’s rich history, board a train to Wiesbaden, a charming spa town in the Rhine River Valley. Take your time to stroll through the elegant streets, and be sure to visit the opulent Kurhaus and the impressive Biebrich Palace, where green open space is abundant next to the Rhine River

From Wiesbaden, rent a car and drive along the scenic Rhine River Valley, stopping to admire the picturesque towns, vineyards, and historic castles that dot the landscape. Continue south to Munich, the vibrant capital of Bavaria, where you can experience traditional German charm, visit the Nymphenburg Palace, and enjoy a stein of beer at the Hofbräuhaus.

Next, head north to Nuremberg, delving into the city’s medieval history at the Kaiserburg Castle and exploring the Old Town. 

Afterward, make your way to Berlin, Germany’s bustling capital city. Immerse yourself in history at the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie, then indulge in the city’s vibrant arts scene by visiting the East Side Gallery or attending a performance at the Berlin Philharmonic.

Cross the border into Poland and begin exploring in Wrocław, a city known for its picturesque market square and charming gnomes scattered throughout the town. From Wrocław, continue to Kraków, a city steeped in history and culture. Visit the Royal Wawel Castle, explore the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and head to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp .

Next, you can go south to Zakopane, a beautiful mountain resort nestled in the Tatra Mountains. There you can enjoy hiking, skiing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views. Then, make your way north to Warsaw, Poland’s capital city and explore the restored Old Town, learn about the city’s turbulent history at the Warsaw Uprising Museum, and relax in the Łazienki Park.

Continue northeast to Białystok, where you can visit the Bialowieza National Park nearby. Finally, end your journey in the coastal cities of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. Marvel at Gdańsk’s colorful architecture, relax on Sopot’s sandy beaches, and visit the famous Gdańsk Shipyard, which played a significant role in the fall of communism in Poland.

This two-month itinerary offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, creating an unforgettable European adventure through Germany and Poland.

From Travels in Poland

Fitz5 Additions: This trip could also be done by starting in Zurich ->Munich -> Nuremburg -> Wiesbaden -> Cologne then Berlin or if you’re flight lands in Paris … -> Brussels -> Cologne or take the overnight train from Paris to Zurich to start.

Germany and Poland 2 month Itinerary Summary

Cologne -> Wiesbaden -> Munich -> Nuremburg -> Berlin -> Wroclaw -> Zakopane -> Bialystok -> Gdansk

Exploring Brittany in France

A camping trip in Brittany, France, is an ideal way to explore this beautiful region, with its picturesque countryside, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. 

It is best to get around France by car to still have the flexibility to stop and go whenever you feel like it. However, France also has decent train and long-distance bus connections, allowing you to explore the main parts of Brittany by public transport.

Week 1-2: Start your journey in Rennes, the capital of Brittany, and explore its historic old town, lively markets, and vibrant cultural scene. From here, head to the north coast and spend a few days in the charming seaside town of Saint-Malo. Stroll along the historic forts, visit the local aquarium, and indulge in some delicious seafood and other local specialties from Brittany .

Week 3-4: Next, travel to the Pink Granite Coast, a scenic stretch of coastline known for its unique rock formations. Stay in one of the campsites near Perros-Guirec and take a boat trip to see the stunning cliffs and islands of the nearby Sept-Îles. Boat trips may only be possible during the summer as the sea can get quite rough in this part of France.

Week 5-6: From there, drive south to the Gulf of Morbihan, a beautiful inland sea dotted with islands and surrounded by lush green countryside. Base yourself in the town of Vannes and take day trips to explore the islands of Île-aux-Moines and Île d’Arz.

Week 7-8: For the final leg of your trip, head to the southern coast and explore the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of Quiberon Peninsula. Stay in a campsite near the town of Quiberon and take a day trip to the nearby Belle-Île-en-Mer, a beautiful island with stunning beaches and scenic coastal trails.

Victoria from Guide your Travel

Brittany Itinerary for 2 months

Rennes -> Saint-Malo -> Perros-Guirec -> Vannes -> Quiberon

2 Month Itineraries for the UK & Ireland

60 Days in the UK and Ireland

Travelling through the four countries which make up the United Kingdom and the island of Ireland provides for a great mix of cosmopolitan cities, pretty villages, countryside and historic castles and sites. Even if you have two months you will have to pick and choose where to go.

London is a great place to start and end your trip since it has good flight connections to all over the world. You can easily spend a week in London and it is a good base for daytrips to Oxford and Stonehenge.

From London decide whether you want to travel by train to the Roman city of York and the University town of Durham. Or for a more rural experience visit the Peak District and Lake District. Both areas can be visited by bus but it is better to have a car.

Continuing north across to Scotland make Edinburgh your first stop. After spending a couple of days exploring the castles and museums, get the train to Glasgow. To explore the highlands and Scottish islands having a car is the most convenient but it is also possible to do it by bus – it just takes a bit more planning. One of the places with a very remote feel which is also fairly easy to get to through a combination of train and ferry is the  Isle of Vatersay  and Barra.

Back on the mainland make your way to Cairnryan, south of Glasgow, for the ferry to Northern Ireland. Visit the Titantic shipyard in Belfast before travelling to Derry by bus for a better understanding of the troubled recent history of this part of the UK.

The next stop is Dublin with its bars and the Guinness brewery tour. Either use it as a base for daytrips to the Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry or travel further south to Cork before getting the ferry across to Wales. Stop by the beaches in Pembrokeshire and Gower by bus before travelling back to London from Swansea by train. If you haven’t used your full 2 months yet stop by Bath and the pretty villages in the Cotswold on the way.

Contribution and photo by Scotland Less Explored

2 Months in the UK & Ireland Itinerary

London -> York -> Edinburgh -> Glasgow -> Cairnryan -> Belfast -> Derry -> Cliffs of Moher -> Ring of Kerry -> Dublin

Alternative Itineraries for the UK (England, Scotland) and Ireland

There are many ways to spend an amazing 2 months in the UK. We’ve taken 2 extended trips to the area the first we spent 3 weeks in Killorglin Ireland near Killarney with 3 weeks in the Ancient East near Hook Head Peninsula and The Copper Coast.

Our second trip was focused on exploring Scotland and looked like this:

London -> Carlisle overnight -> Castle South of Glasgow (5 nights) -> Stirling Area (3 nights) -> Highlands (3 weeks) -> Skye (3 nights) -> South Uist (1 week) -> Fort William (overnight) -> Carlisle (overnight) -> Canal Boat (5 days) -> Oxford (3 days) -> London (3 days)

Other 2 month Itineraries for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales

Here are some other ideas for 60 day Itineraries for the UK including England, Scotland & Ireland. This below itinerary has a lot packed into a small amount of time. I’ve listed the minimum amount of time I would stay at each spot. I’ve also crammed it with several unique experiences. However, it’s really a lot for one trip so you may want to drop several of these recommendations.

Ireland arrive in Dublin (3 days) -> Waterford (4 days) explore the Copper Coast, Kilkenny, New Ross and Hook Head -> Kinsale (2 days) -> Killarney (5 days) explore the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula -> Galway (1 night) ->

Northern Ireland : Derry (2 nights) -> Giants Causeway -> Belfast (3 days) ->

Scotland: Ferry to Cairnryan -> add in a cool castle stay here (3 days) -> Glasgow -> flight to Barra Island on the Outer Hebrides (2 days) this unique plane lands on a beach … or take a ferry from Oban -> Bus & Ferries to Stornoway (2 days) … this may be pretty tricky and need some extra research or plan for an additional overnight along the way -> Ullapool (1 night) -> Skye (3 nights) -> Inverness (2 nights) Loch Ness & Cullodem Moor …. I would take a longer break somewhere in this area just to rest and take in some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery (or maybe take the ferry from North Uist to Skye for a shorter route skipping to Ft. William) -> Aviemore (2 days) -> Fort William (3 days) day trips to Glencoe, Neptune’s Staircase, Ben Nevis and Glenfinnan Viaduct-> Edinburgh (3 days) day trips to see the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies ->

England: Train to London or drive with a stop in York -> In England consider visits to Oxford, Cotswolds, taking a canal boat, or visiting the coast.

2 Month Itineraries for Northern Europe

Traveling to Northern Europe and Scandinavia is a journey that promises breathtaking landscapes, captivating cultures, and an unforgettable experience. The region is comprised of six countries – Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Estonia – each with its unique charm and allure. A 2 month trip would allow you to spend 10 days in each country. Or make some shorter breaks and others longer. Northern Europe is generally well supplied by trains and despite the difficult terrain, most cities are generally easy to navigate but other areas can be very remote.

This Itinerary starts in Estonia. Estonia, with its medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and charming cafes, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The capital city of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe.

From Estonia, take the ferry to Helsinki. Helsinki is a modern city set against a stunning backdrop of the sea and green parks. The city’s architecture is a mix of Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, and modern styles. It’s easy to get around on foot, taking in the city’s vibrant culture, museums, and markets. Getting outside of the city you will find why Finland is considered the land of a thousand lakes, with an abundance of pristine wilderness and wildlife.

From Helsinki take a flight to Lapland. Lapland is a large geographical area including Sweden, Norway and Finland and is located on the cusp of the Artic Circle. Lapland is known for Christmas Activities, Artic Landscapes, Northern Lights and Midnight Sun. This is the area where you may sleep in an ice hotel or rent an igloo with views of the Northern Lights. Go dogsledding or meet reindeer. Flights depart from Helsinki. Another option is to take the an overnight train from Helsinki (the Santa Clause Express) or a train from Stockholm. Or take the train up and take the next flight to Copenhagen for the next stops.

Copenhagen Denmark, is the epitome of Scandinavian chic, with its clean and minimalist design and architecture. The capital city of Copenhagen is a must-see destination with its colorful buildings, bustling waterfront, and world-class museums. Denmark is also know for Hygge which is basically a word for coziness that leads to the feeling of being content. Copenhagen is a wonderful choice for an extended stop and makes a fabulous choice for a place to rest. We spent a month in Copenhagen in 2017 and it’s one of our favorite cities. From Copenhagen, take a train to Sweden.

Sweden is a country of contrasts, with modern cities, idyllic countryside, and a rich cultural heritage. The capital city of Stockholm is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant nightlife, and world-renowned museums. Next stop – Norway.

Traveling to Norway promises an awe-inspiring experience with its dramatic fjords, towering mountains, dramatic coastlines and cascading waterfalls. Oslo is our first stop in Norway. Oslo is a very walkable city with many wonderful museums. After a few days in Oslo take the train to Flam for 2-3 days then Bergan. This train is considered by many to be the most scenic in the word. If you have more time to explore, consider a trip North to Tromso for a good chance to see the Northern lights – it will be a flight or a very long train ride. From Bergan take a flight to Iceland (likely with a layover in Oslo or Copenhagen).

In Iceland you’ll find a land of contrasts, from glaciers and volcanic landscapes to hot springs and geysers. Iceland is an outdoor enthusiast paradise. Consider taking a few days to make a loop around the island or just stay near Reykjavik to relax in the hot springs.

Northern Europe and Scandinavia are a traveler’s dream, offering a blend of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unique experiences. Each of the six countries has something special to offer, making it a region that deserves to be explored and appreciated.

Contributed by Fitz 5 on the Go

Northern Europe and Scandinavia 2 month Itinerary

Tallinn (5 days) -> Helsinki (5 days) -> Overnight Train to Lapland (4 days) -> Flight to Copenhagen (2 weeks) -> Train to Stockholm (5 days) -> Train to Oslo (5 days) -> Train to Flam (3 days) -> Train to Bergen (4 days) -> Flight to Iceland (10 days).

Map below does not exactly fit the itinerary due to flights

2 Months in Scandinavia and the Arctic Circle

Adventure travelers can spend two months in Europe exploring the northernmost regions of Europe above the Arctic Circle. This itinerary is perfect for those who love to hike, explore the outdoors, and generally take it slow as they move from one location to another. You’ll have time to really soak in the culture and natural beauty, without the hustle and bustle of large cities or overwhelming metropolises. 

Start your journey in Finland, where you can cheaply fly into Rovaniemi. Then, make your way to Sweden, where you can explore the areas of Kiruna and Abisko. Next, head to Norway, where you can experience the far-north municipalities of Narvik and Tromso. To end your trip, take a flight to Svalbard, the world’s northernmost settlement that is continually inhabited. 

This trip will require some slow travel, using various forms of transport. Some of these cities and areas are connected by trains, which are easy to use and convenient when available. Other times, you’ll probably need to take a series or busses or even fly to get between destinations. Try to be as flexible and patient as possible when traveling between these countries, and don’t be afraid to spend a night in a border town if it makes sense for your itinerary. 

Be sure to spend at least part of a week in Abisko, Sweden, located in Lapland. You can stay at the government-run STF Abisko Turiststation , a hostel and hotel near Lake Torneträsk. From the Turiststation, you can watch the northern lights during the winter and enjoy plenty of cross country skiing and snowshoeing. During the summer months, the area is perfect for hiking and backpacking. 

When you get into Norway, spend at least a few days exploring Tromso, the unofficial capital of the Arctic Circle. From there, spend a few days on the beautiful island of Senja, where the water is covered in “frozen smoke” during the winter.

Contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere

2 Month Itineraries for the Mediterranean

2 Months in Portugal

Portugal is a unique little country to spend a couple of months getting to know in-depth. From the sunkissed Algarve coast to the charming cities of Lisbon, Porto, and Braga in the north. Start in Faro in central Algarve, explore the eastern cities of Tavira and Olhao which are lesser visited together with the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park. Take a boat tour to explore the barrier islands that protect this fragile bird habitat and go for a dip in the ocean from one of the golden beaches.

Continue toward the west, stop by Albufeira where you can try water sports like parasailing, kayaking, and snorkeling. Next, head to Benagil Cave and Carvoeiro where you find some of the most unique rock formations on the coast at Algar Seco. Other stops worth taking are Vilamoura, Portimao, and Alvor. On the far west, spend a few days in Lagos where you can walk from beach to beach, kayak, or go scuba diving. Some of the  best boat tours in Lagos  take you to the mesmerizing Ponta da Piedade and Sagres. Driving north towards Lisbon, stop by Évora to see the bone chapel and the Roman Ruins. Spend a few days in Lisbon before exploring the coast on the way to Porto. Must-see places include Cascais, Sintra’s fairytale castles, Ericeira, Nazaré for its big wave surf competition in the winter, and Aveiro for its canals. Porto deserves at least a week to see all the highlights and take in the energetic vibe with talented buskers on every corner. You can then drive through the Douro Valley a couple of days to taste the delightful wines before going up to one of the prettiest cities in Portugal, Braga.

Contributed by Linn Haglund of Amused by Algarve

2 Months in Andalusia Spain

Andalusia Spain is an amazing area to spend some time to explore. There are beautiful coastal towns, white washed villages, lovely food and a relaxed way of life. We spend 6 weeks in the Andalusia area in 2017 and share some of our tips here as well as fabulous options for Itineraries when visiting Andalusia Spain.

A basic 2 month Itinerary for Andalusia Spain may include:

Start in Lisbon (3 days) -> Lagos Portugal (5 days) -> Seville (5 days) -> Cordoba ( 5 days) -> Grenada (5 days) -> Ronda or another lovely white walled city like Olvera (5 days) -> Estepona or choose a city on the Costa de Sol (5 days) -> Gibraltar (2 days) -> Day trip to Morocco or stay overnight -> Cadiz (3 days)

90 Days in the French Riviera and Northern Italy

Craving a relaxing yet unforgettable travel experience through the South of France and into Northern Italy? This 2-month itinerary allows you to visit bustling cities, such as Toulouse and Milan, as well as picturesque coastal towns, like Cannes and Nice, while taking advantage of France and Italy’s convenient internal transportation network!

To start things off, begin your adventure in Toulouse. This city is commonly referred to as “the pink city” due to the pinkish hue of the bricks that many of the buildings are made out of. After spending some time here, ride the train to Montpellier and enjoy the city’s beautiful architecture, winding streets, and energetic atmosphere.

From Montpellier, ride the train for a couple of hours to Marseille, the second most populous city in France. This city is filled with medieval architecture and offers plenty of delicious food! Afterward, it’s a 2.5-hour train ride to Cannes, which is most well-known for hosting the Cannes International Film Festival and home to some of France’s most beautiful beaches.

Next, take a short train ride to the chic coastal town of Nice. Here, you’ll be able to explore the Old Town with its quaint cafes or relax at one of its many beaches. From Nice, you can either do  a quick excursion to Monaco  or opt to immerse yourself in the land of the rich and famous for a few days!

After that, ride the train to Turin, which has an abundance of churches, theaters, and gardens to keep you entertained for weeks! Finally, cap off your two-month trip in Milan. The city offers a great selection of art galleries, endless high-end shopping opportunities, and of course, a chance to see the iconic Duomo in all its glory!

So, if looking for the ultimate experience, consider traveling through the south of France and Northern Italy region.

Contributed by Kristin of  Global Travel Escapades

2 Months in Italy

Italy is an excellent place to visit any time of year, and navigating your way from the North to the South in a car is by far the best way to see the authentic Italian countryside. The only warning is that some major cities, such as Rome, only allow you to drive or park in the city with a permit. No need to worry; this won’t interrupt your trip because most hotels have a shuttle service to run to and from the city centre. 

Start in Milan, where you will take a week to see the major sites before heading to the Lake Como region. You can stay the week in Como or treat yourself to pensione or air bnb’s in one of the little towns up the coast towards Menaggio. After your time in this part of Italy, you will drive to Verona, where you will the week exploring one of the most romantic cities in Italy (from here you can explore the Dolomites).

Next, you are off to Venice, where you will park your car at the carpark, catch a ferry to your accommodation, and spend a week walking around the most magical part of Northern Italy before getting in the car and moving onto Florence for the week. 

Your next week will be spent in Rome before heading to Naples and the Amalfi coast before heading to Southern Italy. Finally, your last two weeks will be driving through Calabria (staying one night or two in this regent is highly recommended) and onto Taormina, Sicily, where you can sit back and relax and enjoy the last of your European vacation. 

Paula from Truly Expat

Other Options for 2 Months in Italy

Italy is a country that is filled with wonder, beauty, and culture. It is a place that offers something for everyone and every interest. If you are planning a trip to Italy, then this 2-month itinerary will help you to explore the highlights of this country. From the romantic canals of Venice to the stunning views of Lake Como, there are so many places to visit and things to do in Italy that you will be spoiled for choice.

You can follow this 2-month itinerary by train or by car if flexibility is important.

Starting from Venice, you can explore the city’s beautiful architecture and marvel at the intricate canal network that makes it unique. Rialto, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, but also mask painting and learning how to row a gondola are some of  the best things to do in Venice with kids . 

From there, head to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, where you can indulge in some serious shopping and explore the city’s many museums and art galleries. Lake Como and Lake Garda are both breathtakingly beautiful, with clear blue waters and stunning views.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city that is filled with art, culture, and history. The city is home to some of the most important and iconic works of art in the world, including Michelangelo’s David. Cinque Terre, a string of five picturesque fishing villages along the Italian Riviera, is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and hiking.

Rome, the Eternal City, is a city that needs no introduction. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, there are so many iconic landmarks and attractions to see in Rome that you could spend weeks here and still not see everything. Pompeii, the ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, is a fascinating archaeological site that gives us a glimpse into life in ancient Rome.

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that is famous for its picturesque towns, beautiful beaches, and turquoise waters. Enjoy a limoncello in Amalfi and swim in Positano when exploring the Amalfi coast.

Matera, a city in southern Italy, is known for its ancient cave dwellings that were inhabited by humans for thousands of years. Puglia, a region in southern Italy, is known for its stunning coastline, beautiful countryside, and delicious food.

Finally, you can visit San Marino, a tiny independent state that is located within Italy. This beautiful country is known for its stunning views, medieval architecture, and rich history. After exploring San Marino, you can make your way back to Venice, where you can end your trip with a gondola ride through the canals.

Thanks to World Wild Schooling

Road trip from Barcelona to Alicante by car

A road trip from Barcelona to Alicante is an excellent way to explore the beautiful Spanish Mediterranean coast. While the train reaches many cities and towns along the way, this itinerary is best done by car.

Start in Barcelona as it is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a bustling atmosphere. Visit the famous Park Güell and Sagrada Familia, as well as other world-renowned sights, legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí.

Don’t bother about Barcelona’s urban beaches though, as they are man-made and far less interesting than all the beaches and coves you’ll have the opportunity to explore as you travel south.

Several places you should include in your itinerary are Tarragona, a city known for its Roman amphitheater and impressive aqueduct; Peñiscola, one of the most charming towns in Spain and a Games of Thrones filming location; and Alcossebre, a completely off the tourist map that has a wonderful camping popular with the locals.

Castellon de la Plana should also be part of your itinerary. This is one of most underrated provincial capitals in Spain, but it actually came a long way in recent year and you should not miss it. Up next, check out Sagunto, a historic city with a beautiful castle and an ancient Roman theater.

Valencia is the second largest city on this itinerary and you should definitely spend a few days here. There are so many  things to do in Valencia  regardless of the season, but the one attraction you cannot not miss is the City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning complex of modern buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava.

From Valencia, head to Denia, a coastal town with a rich history and beautiful beaches. Then visit Calpe to admire its iconic rock formation and stunning coastline.

Finally, arrive in Alicante, a city known for its impressive castle, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.

By Valencia Revealed

2 Months in Eastern Europe

60 days from prague to budapest.

If you want a mix of backpacker-friendly destinations with some splurges along the way, consider a two month trip from Prague down to Budapest, with lots of fun stops along the way.

Spend a week and a half in Prague, known for its fairytale Old Town. The city is also famed for its thriving nightlife scene and its affordability—beer is usually considerably cheaper than water! Carve out time for day trips outside of the city, like to Sedlec Ossuary or Cesky Krumlov.

Jump on a bus to Nuremberg, Germany, which will take a little over three hours from Prague. The town is famous for its Nuremberg Castle and museums, many of which document the terrifying rise and fall of the Nazi party. For something a bit lighter, the town is famous for its magical Christmas markets if you’re visiting in December.  Four days is the perfect amount of time to spend here.

Next up—head south to Munich via a one hour train. Plan to spend a week here, taking in the city’s old town, its famous bierhalls, and museums. It’s also an excellent launch pad for shorter day trips around Bavaria, like Neuschwanstein Castle or the chilling former concentration camp of Dachau.  Of course, if you’re visiting in September, stop at Oktoberfest!

Take a two and a half hour bus ride to Salzburg, your home for the next five days. Here, you can learn about its most famous resident, Mozart, and even go on a Sound of Music tour. Make sure to take a daytrip to the charming city of Hallstatt in the Austrian Alps. There’s so many things to do in Hallstatt , from paddling out on the beautiful Lake Hallstatt to exploring its charming Old Town.

A three hour train ride will take you to Vienna, where you’ll stay for the next week and a half. Vienna is largely considered to be the culture capital of Europe and between its plentiful museums and incredible performing arts scene, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

End your trip by heading to Budapest, via a three hour bus ride. While the stops in Austria and Germany will be more on the pricey side, Budapest is incredibly affordable, with an amazing food and drink scene and so much history. Spend the rest of your time here, exploring its museums, enjoying its many thermal baths, and admiring the incredible architecture.

Contribution from Uprooted Traveler

Slovakia, Hungary and Austria

A road trip through Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria is a unique and varied experience. Start in Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital city. Most people visit  Bratislava in one day  but you should give the underrated city at least a few days. Continue across the border to Vienna and spend a few days in the city exploring all the opulent palaces and beautiful architecture. From there, drive to Hallstatt to spend a few days and hike in the area before crossing the border to Hungary where you will be exploring the north of the country. Budapest deserves at least a week to get a good grasp of the enchanting old streets, visit a few of the thermal baths, and see the tourist attractions, while smaller places like Zsentendre, can easily be explored in a day. Among the highlights in northern Hungary, you find places like Eger with its spectacular thermal baths, and Miskolc, famed for its Cave thermal bath, but also a great base for exploring the Bükk Mountains with its caves, waterfalls, lakes, and hiking routes. In the summer and fall, you can take Lillaüred tourist train through the incredible landscape. Cross the border to Kosice in Slovakia, also a city that deserves a few days, as does Presov. Drive to the High Tatras National Park where you easily can spend a couple of weeks hiking and exploring the incredible nature. Poprad or Velky Slavkov are great places to base yourself, but you need to drive to get to hiking routes and natural attractions. Among the most beautiful hikes, you find the hike to the Green Lake, Zelene Pleso. Finally, back towards Bratislava to round off your road trip. Nice stops on the way are Liptovsky Mikulas which sits by a picturesque lake, Zilina, Trencin, Nitra, and Trnava.

Contributed by Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers

2 Months to Explore Romania, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic

Exploring Romania, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic over two months is a great idea. You will travel at a slow pace discovering the best the countryside of these countries has to offer.

This trip will start in Bucharest, which you will explore for a few days. Moving north, through the Prahova Valley, you will explore the famous Romanian Castles in Transylvania: Bran and Peles. Here you will also have the chance to take the cable car up the mountains and do a little bit of hiking on the Bucegi plateau. Next, you will travel through the medieval cities of Brasov, Sibiu, and Deva, heading towards the border with Hungary. You will stop in Szeged, to enjoy the beautiful city and the thermal waters, before heading to Budapest where you will spend the next few days.

From Budapest, you will travel towards Austria, stopping in Vienna. Next, you will head over to Salzburg, travelling on the Romantic Road of Austria and stopping in Hallstatt and St Gilgen. From here you will drive briefly through Germany, passing through the beautiful Regensburg, before heading into the Czech Republic, to Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne. You will spend a good few days here, in the spa towns of the Czech Republic, relaxing.

Then, you will drive to Prague, which you will explore for another few days. The end of these two months through Central Europe will take you to Olomouc, one of the most beautiful, underrated city in the Czech Republic. This trip will end with  one day in Brno , a fascinating city close to the border with Austria.

This is a great itinerary for a road trip around these countries, which will allow you to have the freedom to stop in smaller places as well as capitals. This is also a very scenic road trip, especially the Romanian Carpathian Mountains, the Austrian Alps, and the forest landscape of Bohemia.

Contribution from The World in my Pocket

2 Month Itinerary for the Balkans

2 months in Europe—Slovenia and Northwest Croatia

A road trip through Slovenia and northwest Croatia offers a journey through magnificent natural beauty. It’s easy to spend a week in every area mentioned.

Slovenia is often called the greenest country in the world and appeals to any traveler who seeks splendid scenery. The old towns and beaches of the Istria area in neighboring Croatia are also a wonderful addition to your road trip.

The trip starts by flying into Ljubljana, the charming capital of Slovenia. Spend a few days here strolling over the many bridges, visiting the Ljubljana Castle on the hill and dining on authentic Slovenian food.

Next, drive to Lake Bled with its stunning church on an island in the middle of the lake. Take a tour of the lake on the traditional pletna boats with a stop to visit the island. Make sure to try the Lake Bled cream cake.

Lake Bohinj is the next stop. The aqua blue of the lake contrasted against the steep cliffs   can be best seen on a ride up the Vogel Gondola.  Kayaks, standup paddleboards, and canoes can be rented to explore the lake. A trip on the electric panoramic boats that take passengers across the lake is bit more sedentary but no less beautiful.

Triglav National Park is the only national park in Slovenia. The jagged mountain peaks are perfect for hiking or sightseeing in the Julian Aps.

The Soca River valley is Slovenia’s outdoor adventure capital. Go whitewater kayaking or rafting on the river featured in the Narnia movie.

Road trip to the  Logar Valley  for tranquility and bucolic views of nature. Drive the Solčava Panoramic Road for unparallel views of the valleys carved in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Finish your automobile trip by exploring the hilltop settlements and beaches of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia. Motovun, a walled town perched atop a hill, is known for truffles and locally produced wines. And the sunsets on the Adriatic Sea in towns such as Rovinj can’t be beat.

Article and Photo Contribution from Karen at  Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Croatia may be a small country, but its diversity and richness of attractions will surprise you. You’ll need more time than you might expect to fully experience all that this gorgeous part of Europe has to offer, which is why two months is the ideal amount of time to explore Southern Dalmatia.

Begin your journey in Split, home to the largest ferry port in Croatia. Split is a great place to start, as it offers easy access to many of the islands in the area. You can hop on a ferry or one of the many  Split boat tours  to visit the nearby islands of Hvar, Brac, and Solta. Each of the islands is serviced by local buses making it easy to travel between the main towns.

Once you’ve had your fill of island hopping, continue southwards by bus towards Dubrovnik. On the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and visit some of the towns and villages that make up this scenic region. Omis is a popular spot for outdoor adventurers, as it offers plenty of ziplining and white water rafting activities. The Makarska Riviera, a gorgeous area where the mountains meet the sea, is also a must-visit. Here you’ll have the chance to swim in some of the clearest waters on the Dalmatian coast.

When you finally arrive in Dubrovnik, you’ll find that this walled city has plenty of attractions to explore. The Old Town is easy to navigate by foot, or take advantage of the great public transportation system and get around by taking the local bus. Water taxis are also plentiful during high season, offering a fun way to reach other locations along Dubrovnik’s Riviera.

Spend enough time exploring and you may even find yourself taking a bus to nearby Montenegro for an unforgettable day trip. With two months in southern Dalmatia, you’re sure to create lasting memories and have plenty of time to soak up the beauty of this stunning region.

Photo and Article Thanks to Inspired by Croatia

2 months travelling Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia

A road trip through Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia is an excellent way to explore the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine of these Balkan countries.

• Fly to Podgorica

Depending on when you land in Podgorica, you could stay overnight or start driving to the Bay of Kotor immediately. Take your time driving there, stopping at Lovcen National Park on the way to the charming town of Kotor. Spend a day exploring the old town, with its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views of the bay.

• Drive to Durmitor National Park

Drive inland to Durmitor National Park, where you can hike through scenic mountain landscapes, visit glacial lakes, and explore the picturesque villages in the area. The park also offers opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and skiing, depending on the season.

• Drive to Shkoder

Shkoder is a historically rich city in northern Albania, known for its Venetian and Ottoman-era architecture, museums, and proximity to Lake Shkoder, the largest lake in the Balkans. There are lots of great hostels in Shkoder to choose from because it’s a gateway for hikers going to the Albanian Alps. Plus the beach is still only 30 minutes away.

• Drive to Berat

Drive south to Berat, the “city of a thousand windows”. It’s a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture. Explore the winding streets of the old town, and make sure to visit the castle and one of the wineries.

• Drive to Himara

Himara is a charming coastal town located on the Albanian Riviera, a region known for its picturesque beaches and crystal-clear waters. Himara has stunning mountain views and great seafood to enjoy.

North Macedonia

• Drive to Lake Ohrid

Cross the border and head to Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views. Spend time hiking, swimming or taking boat trips.

• Drive to Bitola and Pelister National Park, North Macedonia

Drive south to the city of Bitola, where you can explore the historic old town and visit the archaeological museum. For some nature, you can go to Pelister National Park, where you can hike through lush forests and visit glacial lakes.

By Maria from NorthernAlbania.com

2 months in the Eastern Mediterranean

Albania & greek islands.

Embark on a thrilling European adventure by combining the off-beaten track destinations in Albania with the famous Cycladic Islands in Greece. The result? An exciting and diverse travel itinerary that will leave you spellbound.

Start your trip in the capital of Albania – Tirana, which boasts an international airport with many available connections. Spend one day in Tirana, strolling through the city’s parks and squares. Delve into the rich history of the country by paying a visit to the National Historical Museum housed in the expansive Skanderbeg Square. 

From Tirana, depending on your budget, you can either rent a car or travel by local bus. The adventure continues as you make your way to Berat, a city boasting its captivating Byzantine heritage and a stunning castle perched atop a hill, offering spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Another charming Byzantine city you should visit is a three-hour drive away from Berat – a UNESCO-recognised town of Gjirokaster. Spend here 2-3 days exploring its vibrant old town, hiking and gorging on delicious local cuisine. 

Next, head to the underrated Albanian Riviera, known for its crystal clear water of the Ionian Sea, delightfully picturesque beaches and mouthwatering fresh seafood. Take some time to appreciate the captivating towns of Ksamil, Dhermi, Himare and Sarande – all offering their own unique charm and wonders. 

From Serande, catch a 30-minute ferry ride to the Greek island of Corfu, boasting stunning beaches and a steeped in history, town of Corfu. Next, hop on a flight to the iconic island of Santorini with a quick stopover in Athens. Enjoy the island’s most epic views by staying on the caldera side; meander through the white-washed alleys and take a boat trip to the active volcano. 

After Santorini, hop on a ferry and visit other beautiful Cycladic islands. Stay in Naxos for the pristine beaches, Paros for its charming towns and visit Milos for its colourful fishing villages and diverse landscape, including moon-like Sarakiniko beach. 

Finish your island hopping in Mykonos – an island renowned for its party vibes and iconic windmills. From Mykonos, catch a quick ferry ride back to Athens, where you can continue your Europe trip or take a flight back home. 

By Mal of Raw Mal Roams

Turkey (Istanbul) – Bulgaria – Romania itinerary

This two-month itinerary covers some of the most beautiful and historical cities in Eastern Europe by train. Beginning in the mega-city of Istanbul in Turkey and then exploring Bulgaria and Romania, it’s perfect for those who enjoy slow travel. 

Istanbul, the starting point for this trip, is huge and you should expect to spend between 3-5 days here – any less and you could end up feeling rushed. Take a couple of days to explore the many historic sites of Sultanahmet and the trendy cafes and restaurants of Galata before jumping on a ferry to the hip Asian side of the city or further afield to the gorgeous Princes’ Islands. 

From Istanbul, take the direct train to Edirne, a city close to the Bulgarian border. Explore the covered bazaars, famous mosques, synagogues and churches here. If your trip coincides with the end of June/early July, don’t miss the Kırkpınar oil wrestling festival. 

The Istanbul-Sofia Express leaves from Edirne in the early hours of the morning (you have to buy your tickets at Istanbul Sirkeci station before you leave Istanbul). This overnight sleeper train will take you to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s cultural capital, where you can explore the picturesque old town, many ornate churches, stunning Roman amphitheatre and the buzzing Kapana district. 

A short train ride away is Sofia, with its cathedrals, museums and churches. If you want more relaxation, hop on a train to Burgas on the Black Sea coast and enjoy some time by the beach. 

Then head back to Sofia to catch the train to Bucharest – you’ll need to buy your ticket at Sofia station. The journey is very picturesque – make sure to have your camera out when you cross the Danube River!

Bucharest is chock full of cafes, old cobbled streets and tons of beautiful Orthodox churches. Take a tour of the massive communist-era Palace of the Parliament, explore the old town and indulge in some papanaşi before taking the train to Brasov. 

The gateway to Transylvania, Brasov is famous for Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle), its medieval old town and squares filled with colourful buildings and ancient castles. Continue the medieval vibes by jumping on a train to Sighisoara, one of the last remaining still inhabited medieval fortress towns in the world. 

Sibiu, another culturally rich city famous for its incredible food, houses with ‘eyes’ and stunning Orthodox monasteries is just 2.5 hours by train from Sighisoara and well worth a few days. 

Finally head back to Sighisoara for the train to Cluj-Napoca, Romania’s second-largest city. With its young student population, buzzing nightlife and amazing architecture, it’s the perfect place to end your trip. 

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I spent 9 months traveling the world. I had a great time, but I'd never do it again.

• I spent nine months traveling the world , and I wouldn't do it again despite having a great time.
• Because I was on a tight budget, I often found myself turning down cool experiences to save money.
• I also struggled to make genuine friendships and missed having a space to call my own.

When I was working remotely in 2021, my boyfriend and I packed up and traveled to 22 countries across Europe and Latin America.

Although these were some of the best days of my life, I quickly learned that a lot of the videos I saw on social media that glorified full-time travel didn't always showcase the downfalls of the lifestyle.

More and more people are becoming digital nomads — countries like Italy have even implemented specific visas for remote workers. But during my nine months abroad, I learned that the lifestyle isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Here's why I wouldn't travel full time again.

I found myself constantly looking for places and experiences that felt like home

While traveling full time, I found myself constantly looking for places and experiences that felt like home.

In some ways, it was cool to feel like a local in a new city. However, when I returned home and took shorter vacations, I started to value the places I was visiting for their differences rather than trying to find some semblance of home.

Nowadays, I like having a home base. Shorter trips help me to break up the monotony of life without sacrificing the comfort of home.

It felt like I was constantly thinking about money

When I was traveling full-time, I was on a strict budget . I either drained my wallet or ate cheap food to maintain some sort of financial security while on the road.

I talked myself out of going to every museum I wanted to and purchased cheap meals for dinner instead of indulging in local cuisine that might have been out of my budget.

The moments I would slip up on my spending were when I forgot this wasn't a never-ending vacation, but rather, my new everyday life.

During the first two weeks of our trip, I wanted to go to all of the must-try restaurants in Paris . However, I soon realized that came at the cost of establishing a strict daily budget for the remainder of our three weeks there.

Of course, it was worth it in the end to save money so that I could travel for nine months. However, now that I take a few shorter trips a year, I have more flexibility to make them everything I want them to be.

My friendships at home changed, and the new ones I made were fleeting

I think what travelers yearn for the most is community. When I was traveling, it was really hard to find the same quality of friends that I have at home.

When I did meet friends abroad, it was often short-lived. I found that many people traveling full time were only in a city for a few days. Even when I did find someone I connected with, it was hard to maintain a long-distance friendship.

Traveling full time also took a lot out of my friendships at home, as it seemed like they learned to live without me.

When I returned home, it felt like we didn't have as much in common as we used to. It took me months to get my friendships back to where they were before I left.

I missed having a space to call my own

While traveling, I stayed in 25 different places across nine months. Although seeing so many new places was cool, I missed having a space to call my own.

After spending so many nights in beds that weren't my own, it was an indescribable feeling to come back home. In fact, when I got back, I was able to create a space that took inspiration from the places I'd been.

I think traveling is something everyone should prioritize, but there are ways to see the world that don't involve doing it full time.

Nowadays, I plan to take at least four international trips a year, ranging from one to two weeks. This allows me to live a travel-filled life without giving up the comforts of home, career, and relationships.

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Where Americans Are Traveling in 2024: By the Numbers

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Americans are traveling abroad in droves.

The number of U.S. citizens flying to international destinations reached nearly 6.5 million passengers in March, according to the International Trade Administration. That’s the highest March total in over five years and shows that the post-pandemic “revenge travel” trend is the new normal.

It wasn’t just March, which usually sees a spike in international departures for spring break. In every month of 2024 so far, more Americans left the country than last year and 2019. These trends point to a blockbuster summer for overseas travel.

Nearly half of Americans (45%) plan to travel by air and/or stay in a hotel this summer and expect to spend $3,594 on average, on these expenses, according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted online by The Harris Poll and commissioned by NerdWallet.

That's despite rising travel prices that have caused some hesitancy among would-be travelers. About 22% of those choosing not to travel this summer cite inflation making travel too expensive as a reason for staying home, according to the poll.

So where are traveling Americans going? And what does it mean for those looking to avoid crowds of tourists and higher travel prices?

New travel patterns

Nearly every region in the world saw an increase in U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2023, according to International Trade Administration data. Only the Middle East saw a decline of 9%. Yet not every region saw the same year-over-year bump. U.S. visitors to Asia saw a 33% jump, while Oceania and Central America each saw a 30% increase.

Comparing 2024 with 2023 only tells part of the story, however. The new patterns really emerge when comparing international travel trends to 2019. For example, Central America received 50% more U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2019. Nearly 1.5 million Americans visited Mexico, up 39% compared with before the pandemic. That’s almost as many visitors as the entire continent of Europe, which has seen a more modest 10% increase since 2019.

Only Canada and Oceania saw fewer visitors in March 2024 than in 2019, suggesting that interest in these locations has not rebounded. Indeed, the trends indicate a kind of tourism inertia from COVID-19 pandemic-era lockdowns: Those destinations that were more open to U.S. visitors during the pandemic, such as Mexico, have remained popular, while those that were closed, such as Australia, have fallen off travelers’ radars.

Price pressures

How these trends play out throughout the rest of the year will depend on a host of factors. Yet, none will likely prove more important than affordability. After months of steadiness, the cost of travel, including airfare, hotels and rental cars, has begun to sneak up again.

About 45% of U.S. travelers say cost is their main consideration when planning their summer vacation, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans by the travel booking platform Skyscanner.

That’s likely to weigh further on U.S. travelers’ appetite for visiting expensive destinations such as Europe, while encouraging travel to budget-friendly countries. It could also depress overall international travel as well, yet so far, Americans seem to be traveling more.

For those looking to avoid crowds while maintaining a budget, Skyscanner travel trends expert Laura Lindsay offered a recommendation many of us might need help finding on a map.

“Albania has been on the radar of travelers looking for something different,” Lindsay said. "Most people have yet to discover it, but flights and tourism infrastructure are in place, and there are fewer crowds in comparison to trending European destinations like Italy, Greece, or Portugal.”

On the flip side, American travelers looking to avoid crowds of compatriots would do well to avoid Japan, which has seen a staggering 50% increase in U.S. tourists between March 2019 and 2024.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Israel Faced a Sophisticated Attack From Iran

The weapons Iran employed this weekend travel farther and are more precise than those Hamas and other allies have used against Israel in the past six months.

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By Jin Yu Young

• April 14, 2024

Late Saturday, Iran began firing hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel, including weapons that experts say are more sophisticated than anything Israel had encountered until now in six months of fighting with Hamas and its allies in the region.

Previously, Israel had faced aerial attacks from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, whose rocket arsenal includes short-range (12 to 25 miles) and somewhat inaccurate 122-milimeter rockets of the Grad family, as well as Syrian-made M-302 rockets with a range of about 100 miles. Hamas also has Fajr-5 rockets from Iran and a similar, locally made version of the Fajr-5, both with a range of about 50 miles.

The weapons Iran used on Saturday can travel much farther, and some of them can travel much faster. Still, Israel said that nearly all of the missiles and drones that Iran fired were intercepted, many with help from U.S. forces.

In the attack, 185 drones, 36 cruise missiles and 110 surface-to-surface missiles were fired toward Israel, according to Israeli military officials. Most of the launches were from Iran, though a small portion came from Iraq and Yemen, the officials said.

Fabian Hinz, an expert on Iran’s military at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin, said in a post on X that Iran was probably using a cruise missile developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the Paveh 351. It has a range of more than 1,200 miles — plenty to reach Israel from Iran.

According to his post, different versions of that missile have also been provided to the Houthis in Yemen and to the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces.

And Jeffrey Lewis, a member of the International Security Advisory Board at the U.S. State Department, said in a post on X that Iran was using land-attack cruise missiles that could carry around a ton of explosives.

He also noted that much of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal has a long enough range to reach Israel. And though Iran’s drones carry much smaller explosive payloads than missiles, they have the advantage of being able to hover and shift targets.

In recent decades, Iran has largely been focused on deterrence, long-range missiles, drones and air defenses. It has one of the largest ballistic missile and drone arsenals across the Middle East, according to weapons experts, and is also becoming a major arms exporter globally.

Last year, after the attack by Hamas in October, Israel asked the United States for more precision-guided munitions for its combat aircraft and more interceptors for its Iron Dome missile defense system. Israel’s weapons arsenal includes Vietnam-era missiles, some of which have a failure rate as high as 15 percent.

Jin Yu Young reports on South Korea, the Asia Pacific region and global breaking news from Seoul. More about Jin Yu Young

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow 'hit gas facilities crucial to supply in Europe'; Russian murder rate 'up 900%'

Russia hit energy infrastructure in Ukraine this morning - and Volodymyr Zelenskyy now says this could affect supply to the EU. Elsewhere, the British Ministry of Defence has said war-related mental health issues are likely causing murder rates to rocket in Russia.

Saturday 27 April 2024 22:25, UK

• Zelenskyy says Russian attack targeted energy facility 'crucial' to EU supply
• Russia murder rate 'up 900%'
• 'Putin did not order Navalny death,' - US report
• Twelfth person arrested over Moscow terror attack
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

That's it for our live coverage for tonight, but you can scroll back for all of today's updates.

British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has shared this footage of the UK's Storm Shadow missiles being produced.

The long-range cruise missiles have been among the aid sent to Ukraine by the UK, and have been used to strike deep into Russian-controlled territory.

Earlier this week, the UK said it would commit even more Storm Shadows to Ukraine. 

The missiles have an official range in excess of 155 miles - although some experts have suggested they may be able to go further. 

Mr Shapps said the missiles were also being created to add to British stockpiles to "fight any future wars". 

By Sean Bell , military analyst

When the UK provided long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, it was done on the understanding that these would only be used to target Russian forces in occupied territory, and not against Russia itself. 

Despite the limitations, Ukraine has complied, and that appears to have improved US confidence to the point they are prepared to supply the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missile. 

Indeed, we now understand that the US first supplied the ATACMS last month - in secret - and it appears to have proven its worth with attacks on a Russian-occupied airfield in Crime on 17 April, and earlier this week in an attack on Russian troop concentrations.

But will this new weapon risk an escalation of the war?

Russia knows that it faces strategic failure if the West were to commit fully to the defence of Ukraine, so it will continue to use threatening rhetoric and sabre-rattling to undermine Western political resolve. 

The interesting question is whether the introduction of ATACMS will change the course of the war. Long-range missiles are very effective at targeting and influencing the "deep battle" - the logistics that feed the front-line fight. However, they have limited impact on the frontline.  

The shortage of Ukrainian weapons is being exploited by Russia, which is making significant battlefield gains.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has identified that his immediate priority is to "stabilise" the frontlines. 

Instead, ATACMS and the new package of Western military support provides Ukraine with a lifeline. 

In the city of Kharkiv, municipal workers are helping to clear up an area near a psychiatric hospital that targeted by Russia. 

Workers are draining a crater left behind by the attack and also inspecting damaged communication lines. 

A 53-year-old patient was injured in the strike.

Ben Wallace has hit out at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for suggesting British and French troops are on the ground in Ukraine to programme cruise missiles. 

The chancellor had previously justified his refusal to send Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine by saying it would require German troops on the ground to programme them. 

He had suggested British and French soldiers were in Ukraine to help with their Storm Shadow and Scalp missiles.

But Mr Wallace said in an interview with German news agency dpa: "[Scholz] was wrong... I can't tell you how Storm Shadows and Scalps are programmed. 

"But it doesn't involve people standing around in an airport in Ukraine, it doesn't need to do that." 

The former defence secretary also criticised Mr Scholz's hesitation to send Taurus missiles, saying: "You can't incrementally help Ukraine, you know, a bit of this and a bit of that. 

"Do we want Ukraine to win? Or do we want them to lose?... 

"Ukraine will abide by any restrictions you put on them. So you could give them Taurus. And you could add all sorts of restrictions about where you want it used or not used." 

Mr Wallace added that Mr Scholz is "not a leader for conflict at the moment" and that "looking either indecisive, or flip-flopping on certain decisions, or seeming to be out of step with your allies, only aids Putin". 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said this morning's Russian attack on Ukraine's energy sector had targeted gas facilities important for supply to the European Union.

The main target was the energy sector, various facilities in the industry, both electricity and gas transit facilities," he said in his nightly video address. 

"In particular, those gas facilities that are crucial to ensuring safe delivery to the European Union." 

Moscow earlier claimed its strikes were "in response to attempts by the Kyiv regime to damage Russian energy and industrial facilities". 

Australia has announced a military aid package for Ukraine worth 100m Australian dollars (£52m). 

Defence minister Richard Marles said the money will be used to fund short-range air defence systems, drones for the Ukrainian military and equipment including helmets, inflatable boats, fire masks and electricity generators, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said. 

Mr Marles made the announcement during a trip to Ukraine where he met the country's prime minister Denys Shmyal and deputy defence minister Ivan Havryliuk. 

He said the latest package took Australian military assistance for Ukraine to 880m Australian dollars (£459m) since Russia began its invasion in 2022.

The Russian defence ministry has responded to this morning's attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. 

It said it had carried out 35 strikes in the last week against energy facilities, defence factories, railway infrastructure, air defences, and ammunition stocks in Ukraine. 

The strikes were "in response to attempts by the Kyiv regime to damage Russian energy and industrial facilities", it said. 

Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil refineries and other facilities in drone attacks in recent weeks, despite US requests not to do so. 

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Russian missiles had pounded power facilities in central and western Ukraine today. 

Russia's defence ministry said it had used sea and air-launched long-range precision weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and drones.

It also said it had targeted Ukrainian troop formations and what it called foreign mercenaries. 

Anti-tank fortifications, known as "dragon's teeth", have been set up in the eastern region of Donetsk. 

As we've mentioned, Russia has been pushing in the Avdiivka direction and is aiming to reach the strategic town of Chasiv Yar. 

A 52-year-old Ukrainian has been injured after a Russian drone strike hit a truck he was driving, a local governor has said. 

Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of Kharkiv, said the man was taken to hospital in a serious condition. 

He said Russian forces used an FPV drone to hit the truck at around 1pm local time near Vovchansk, a city located less than 10km from the Russian border.

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