How to prepare for a round-the-world trip: all the steps

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How can you cut costs on a round-the-world trip? How to travel cheap? That’s the question on every travel enthusiast’s mind. We’ve put together a list of ideas to ensure that you don’t have to return home earlier than planned due to lack of funds. There are always solutions, and we’re here to find them! You’ll also find more tips in our pre-departure article Financing a round-the-world trip: our top 6 tips

How much does a trip around the world cost?

First things first. A trip around the world takes planning, of course. It’s essential to have an overview of the various costs involved, both before you leave and once you’re on site.

Here’s an example of how to break down a “tourdumondiste” budget for a one-year tour:

Equipment: 640 euros
Vaccines and pharmacy: 250 euros
Photo equipment: 450 euros
Insurance: 600 euros
Plane tickets: 3,000 euros
Visas: 260 euros
Guides: 120 euros
On-site expenses: 9200 euros

Total (drum roll): 14,520 euros

That’s no mean feat! This is obviously an average value, which you can reduce or modulate according to your destinations and the length of your trip.

I can well imagine your traveler’s heart beating again, somewhat dizzy from such sums. Don’t panic! We’re here to give you a few tips to help you reduce this important budget.

Reduce your expenses before you leave

Plan your trip

Find out about the cost and lifestyle of the different destinations you’d like to visit: prices of accommodation, food, transport…

Plan your budget in advance. You don’t set off on a round-the-world adventure, backpack under your arm, unprepared! (Unless, of course, you won the EuroMillions and didn’t tell us…).

You need to have an overall vision, but also an idea of how much you can afford to spend each day.

Find the right flight

You can compare the price of flights (or any other means of transport) depending on the airline, but also on the travel period. You may want to use a comparator such as skyscanner, but above all, be flexible with your travel dates. There are sometimes big price differences from one day to the next. If you can book your tickets several months in advance, you’ll generally get better prices.

This comparison is well worth the effort, and can save you a great deal on shipping costs.

Buy only what you need

Do you really need the latest Go Pro to enjoy this experience? Probably not… Make a detailed list of what you think you’ll need. Divide this list by 2! Then check out the essentials. Perhaps you know someone who could lend you one of the things on your list? And remember, to travel better, you have to travel light.

Check your insurance and vaccination costs

Some destinations require vaccinations, which can be quite costly.

To find out about regulatory requirements in the countries you intend to visit, and so avoid paying for unnecessary vaccines, consultInstitut Pasteur.

When it comes totravel insurance, you know who to turn to for unbeatable rates and service, don’t you?

Reduce your expenses once you’re there

Keep a detailed list of your expenses

We don’t always realize how much we spend when we travel. A few coins here, a few bills there. And, at the end of the day, you wonder where all that money went!
By noting your main expenses, you won’t have any unpleasant surprises, and you’ll be able to adjust your expenses for the following days. You can do it in a small travel notebook (leather, with a little strap to close it… Are you a notebook fan too?). If you’re more into modern technology, there are a whole host of applications that can help you: Budgi, Budget Malin… Try them out and use the ones that suit you best.

Bring cash

It’s best to leave with cash, and withdraw large sums in one go once you’re there. First of all, you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises when you consult your account statements (long live excessive commission charges!). Secondly, when you pay in cash, you’re more aware of what you’re spending. (And don’t forget to write down your expenses in your notebook!)

Smart accommodation

Youth hostels, homestays, Airbnb, Couchsurfing, BeWelcome… There are many ways to reduce your accommodation costs during a world tour. If you prefer hotel accommodation, we advise you to avoid the big chains, which rely on their reputation to drive up prices.

Look for good deals

For each of your destinations, find out about free activities and visits, and sites that are accessible free of charge. Combine these tours with other must-see paid visits.

Eat local or cook your own

It’s often possible to eat for less. However, if you have sensitive intestines, don’t eat just anything, anywhere! But we avoid the globetrotter traps and leave the ultra-touristy streets behind. If you have the opportunity to cook for yourself, it’s well worth the effort every now and then.

Walk instead of taking public transport

Whenever possible and distances allow, we burn off the miles on foot! What’s more, wandering the streets and the city allows you to immerse yourself in it and come across neighborhoods or sights you might otherwise have missed. Personally, I love it!

Here’s a tip: If you walk a lot, invest in a good pair of shoes and go up a size… Yes, feet do swell! You’ll thank me after 10 days’ walking.

A final word of advice

A round-the-world trip is a unique experience… So, yes, we pay attention to certain aspects of the budget, but we also plan to treat ourselves when we come across a site, a visit or a restaurant that we just can’t miss!

What are your travel tips for cutting costs? Would you like to share your tips and tricks with us?

Find out here how to prepare your trip successfully! And of course, don’t forget to take out YUPWEGO travel insurance to protect you in the event of a problem, and to leave with peace of mind.

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