She Strengthens

Embracing the Ultimate Adventure: How to Plan a Dream Trip Around the World

As my fiancé and I prepare to embark on a 14-week, 12-country journey from the UK to New Zealand, we can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. But how did we get to this point? It all started with a bold decision to take a break from our lives in London and see the world in all its glory.

The Hardest Part: Making the Decision

Living in London has its perks, with easy access to Europe and affordable travel options. But we wanted more. We wanted to experience the world beyond short breaks and explore new destinations without the constraints of a tight schedule. So, we took the plunge and decided to plan a trip of a lifetime.

Breaking Down the Planning Process

To turn our dream into a reality, we had to get practical. Here’s how we did it:

Step 1: Define Your Priorities

Identify the places you must visit and set a realistic budget. This will help you determine what you can compromise on and what’s non-negotiable.

Step 2: Start Saving

Open a dedicated savings account and set up automatic payments. Cut back on unnecessary expenses – every little bit counts! We saved $1000 a year by reducing our daily coffee habit.

Step 3: Plan Your Flights

Use tools like Skyscanner to find the best deals on connecting flights. We’ve saved hundreds by being flexible with our travel dates.

Step 4: Accommodation on a Budget

Set a budget for accommodation and stick to it. We use Booking.com and Hostel World to find affordable options, and reap the benefits of being regular users.

Step 5: Credit Card Wisdom

Use your credit card wisely to earn frequent flyer miles and pay for big-ticket items. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month.

Step 6: Stay Organized

Keep track of your bookings, expenses, and transfers using a spreadsheet or notebook. This will help you stay on top of your costs and avoid double bookings.

Step 7: Book Organized Tours

Consider booking tours to break up your trip and meet new people. We recommend Travel Talk and Busabout for Europe.

Step 8: Moderate Your Spending

Decide how important it is to indulge in luxuries like drinking every night. We’ve saved close to $1000 by limiting our drinking to organized tours.

Step 9: Get Travel Insurance

Don’t skimp on travel insurance – it’s essential for peace of mind when exploring multiple countries.

By following these steps, we’ve been able to plan our dream trip without breaking the bank. We’re excited to embark on this adventure, knowing that we’ve taken care of every detail and can enjoy our journey guilt-free.