Post: #1

Ive got an issue I am trying to resolve ASAP. Basically I am trying to see what some of you travel pros think is better overall, getting a RTW ticket (with each country pre planned) or going with the flow for 1-2 countries and then deciding on a game plan? I am already set to hit 2 countries in SEA (never been even close before except India). Should I lock this shit in now, or see if/what I am feeling and roll from there?

I know I can change the RTW dates pretty easily, but I am mostly stuck with the countries I choose unless I want to get slapped with a penalty. Also, there is the issue with Visa's. How do you manage that when you are on the road without planning in advance (like starting in SEA and ending in SA)?

Whats the best bet? Any advice from you that have done both would be appreciated.

Post: #2

I would want to have an idea of what I wanted to see and do but would not want to be restrained by any dates or obligations. Never know, one place may suck and another will be awesome.

Post: #3

Have a set, exact itinerary, but don't buy transportation/accommodation in advance to give yourself leeway to deviate from the plan if you are enjoying a particular city.

Post: #4

Personally, I prefer not to go RTW (round the world) and prefer to keep my trips (by continent or major culture) discrete and separate. You start to delve into too many languages, cultures, currencies and stop really seeing anything. Plus, i can only carry so many guidebooks, research so many destinations beforehand and often need to change my gear, "look" and outlook for different continents.

However, if i was buying a ticket to Asia, it might make sense to come back with a stopover in Europe/Middle East/Africa or the South Pacific as you'll be passing that way anyway.

Post: #5

I've been traveling a year plus and I've never have a set schedule. I have a general idea where I will be going but I'm always flexible. This works for me at least, but it's not for everyone.

I buy any plane/transport tickets as I go along. I think it actually can work out cheaper than getting a RTW ticket as in many places there are discount airlines you can buy tickets from. For instance, AirAsia is super cheap but in a RTW you never would be able to take advantage of those fares.

I get visas in other countries. It's relatively easy to get visas for most places, and if you have a US passport sometime it's even cheaper to get a visa abroad then in the US.

The main reason I do this is that I hate schedules. That's like being at work and I don't want that. I want the freedom to stay in a place longer if I like it, and the freedom to leave a place sooner if I hate it. But again, it's not for everyone. I'd only use a set schedule if I absolutely 100% knew what places I wanted to visit. Like I know people who do 3 months in Buenoes Aires, then 3 months in Cape Town, then three months in Bangkok, then three months in Shanghai. If you want to do that then it makes sense to book a RTW but otherwise I think it's counterproductive.

Post: #6

I don't like set itineraries however the less you plan the more expensive it will be. If you want more flexibility then you need to have enough bankroll to allow that freedom as well.

Post: #7

I'll have a rough idea before I go where I'd like to go but nothing set in stone and it always changes. Generally only book an outgoing flight and work the rest out later. If I do have a return flight home it's only because it was much cheaper to do it that way and I'll make sure I can change the date if I want to. Never bothered with a RTW ticket though usaually the only flights I'll use are the ones from home to my destination then back home again at the end of my trip. I tend to go to one continent and stick to it rather than hoping all over the globe.

No point in military like planning it'll spoil the fun, being spontaneous is part of the experience.