How to organize a world tour?
1 | Choose countries to visit
First step but not least know where you want to go! When some want to see everything, others are attracted only by some parts of the globe: Latin America, Asia … To you to choose the countries that make you an eye, the best way is to establish a list of all those which attract you and select a few. Know that it is better to see “less” but “better” than to want to discover too suddenly and rush his visits. A period of 3 weeks to 1 month per country seems to be a good average. Take into account how you travel, if you are a fan of slow travel That is to say that you like to take your time to soak up and discover a country, so it might be better to devote 1 month to 1 month and a half (see more) to each of your choices. Personally we chose Oceania (Australia), Asia (Bali, Flores, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan) and the United States. But after all depends on the time you have, your budget and especially your desires!
2 | Find the meaning of your trip
By this, I mean in which direction to begin? It may seem irrelevant, but knowing where you will be and what period of time is of enormous importance to your world tour. The weather is a good way to find the meaning of his trip. And by “meaning” we can also understand “why” do you travel? Is it to discover large spaces? Meet people? Include humanitarian aid to your project? Orienting your world tour on a gastronomic level? The kind of questions that are important and that can give an axis to your long-term trip and why not lead to sponsorship if your idea holds and your ambition is great (see below on funding and sponsors/travel grants).
3 | Buy his plane tickets
The question we all ask ourselves before leaving, what tickets to take? A round-the-world ticket or several one-way tickets? Well, again, it depends on your expectations and your way of traveling. Round-the-world tickets are becoming more flexible and the number of specialized agencies is growing. Do not hesitate to contact several and make quotes, it does not commit you to anything. And if you have a solid project around your trip you can always ask this agency if she would not be interested to work with you. You “sponsor” somehow in exchange for a broadcast of their name on your social networks and / or your blog if you have one. Single tickets can be a good solution if you do not know how much time you want to devote to the discovery of a country, provided that a return ticket is not an obligation to enter the territory. Also, take into account that visas are sometimes not renewable and/or extendible (at least easily).
How to finance a world tour?
1 | Save
This sounds logical, but it is important to point this out because it usually represents the main funding of “tourdumondiste” or travelers. This is by far the easiest solution to adopt! Although it becomes increasingly difficult to be able to save a large budget each month and stick to it. But often when we love discovery and the world it becomes a priority, “to leave”. So unless you have a really urgent contingency, never touch your “trip” kitty even to buy this cute sweater or this new toy for your camera … Let’s separate things! Travel is traveling … You will see that the pot will increase rapidly. And depending on your way of traveling and your destinations, you will not need 20 000 euros of a budget for a world tour of one year (per person) …
2 | Sponsors and travel grants
Having an original idea, that makes you dream and has a buoyant subject is the ambition of (almost) all travelers who are looking for sponsors or travel grants. These brands, communication agencies, organizations … who would be willing to associate their name to your project and to finance a part of a whole, or to equip you with their products. Some do, but do not forget that your project must be innovative and you have to make a solid case, that you must know what you want and especially that you must keep your commitments! If you have decided to go around the world bell (good luck) in 3 years it will not change your mind and stop after 2 years or do it in 5 years (hello cramps) … The question of sponsors is intrinsically linked to that of freedom. And if your opinion evolves along the way and maybe it will no longer suit sponsors?!? So it’s important to weigh the pros and cons … [Without going into the details of competition and companies that are increasingly chilly to associate with newcomers out of nowhere … Unless your project is really unique and innovative … gone we believe and we do not lose hope, the future belongs to the audacious! ]
3 | Become a host
Becoming a host on platforms like Air Bnb can be a good way to get rid of a source of extra money and thus have a “little extra” financial that can be invested in your future travels. Provided of course to own or to agree with its owner when you are a tenant. Remember that any money entry must be declared at your tax center (however if the rental is done in the usual way and does not exceed 760 € per year it is not mandatory to declare this source of income). Note that since November 2016 rumors circulating that a law would be considered so that the income is directly declared by Airbnb in the tax department … but for now, nothing stopped so make sure you do not find yourself outlaw.
4 | Traveling and working
Other ways to finance a trip around the world certainly exist but the most common and efficient still remain the savings and work while traveling, thanks to the working holiday visa for example (the Working Holidays Visa). Some trades will often allow you to find work everywhere: cook, electrician, plumber, carpenter, teacher, medical field, etc. Let us be aware that some of these professions are regulated and will require validation of your diplomas in the country in which you wish to practice. But everything is feasible. If you work freelance or have a habit of working on the internet, then again, traveling while working will not be a problem. Do not neglect your skills, and know-how to put them forward, everyone can find a way to make money traveling, regardless of your branch. Note however that having a minimum of financial resources aside will save you a lot of worries. Better to leave with too much than to believe in your lucky star and find yourself “stuck” at the other end of the world for lack of money …
5 | Sell your property
“All plating” and “sell everything” … Although some travelers have not hesitated to adopt this “extreme” solution, we must be aware of the repercussions this may entail. Especially if it’s your first contact with the “adventure” of a long trip. And if you did not like it? Is not it better to get home and have a foothold than to return empty-handed? Already your bank account will be well lightened during your world tour it would be a shame to have to “rebuild everything”. If you are owners think about renting. This will bring you a source of income during your trip and furthermore you will find your home upon your return. And if ever the virus of the road or another country seduced you you can always sell your goods and then leave again. Say goodbye to the family and do this in the rules of art …
6 | Crowdfunding platforms
Rely on the generosity of your family but also strangers who believe in your project and your ambitions … If the sponsors do not connect you you can always register on one of the many platforms of crowdfunding and ask strangers to finance a part of your project.
Traveling cheaply is it possible?
We often hear that traveling is a chance, that it is expensive and that it is this point that blocks many of us. But is it really a chance to go on a trip? I do not think so. I relate this more to determination. To the desire. At a time when the world has never been so connected, open to others, it is becoming easier and faster to move. Traveling is not just about starting a year around the world and spend the hard money put away for a few years. Traveling is opening up to others, discovering new cultures, new places, marveling and learning each day about what makes the world but also about ourselves. Going to do humanitarian work for two months in July / August (I think of students for example) is also traveling. Joining an international organization offering subsidized contracts in Borneo or Beirut is also traveling.
1 | Humanitarian volunteering
Doing voluntary humanitarian requests usually from a foreign country. This may allow you to travel cheaply in the sense that you will be in most cases housed, support for old age and medical coverage (for example as part of a VSI -Volunteer humanitarian international solidarity -). Beyond that, you gain valuable work experience, it seems like a good opportunity for young graduates who would like to have experienced while discovering a new country, another culture and in general helping a good cause.
2 | Trade in services
What I mean by “exchange of services” are all platforms that link farms, associations, individuals, etc. with volunteers/volunteers. The most famous are WWOFFING and helpX. For the WWOFING it is a network of organic farms that offer lodging and cover in exchange for working hours. The membership is paid so that it can be put in direct contact with the farms 25 € / year for one person (a WWOFEUR), 30 € / year for two people (these rates are those of WWOFING France … and yes we can even travel “for free” in his own country by working a little every day). For the helpX registration fees are almost similar, we paid $ 20 Australian for one year regardless of the number of people. For this platform is a little different, here we find a little bit of everything, especially in Australia, it can go for the particular looking for a babysitter and a handyman, the grandpa who seeks help for his ranch or organic farm looking for help.
3 | The Couchsurfing
A mode of housing in vogue, which we have never personally tried, but every time we think about it! Maybe for our next trips who knows ?! Couchsurfing is simply a site that allows guests and travelers to get in touch. The exchange here is at the heart of the project, the hosts serve travelers, and in general, expect them to be able to talk with them.
The lists are still very long, there are different ways to think about your trip, to finance it and to realize it. The answers to these questions only you know them. Know what you want, where you want to go. Be aware that beyond a simple financial aspect, the first obstacle to a departure is you and only you. It’s up to you to go and see the world if that’s what you want. The fear of leaving the path traced by today’s societies is also very important. This fear of not getting into the mold, having a permanent contract, being a landlord, having a car and a dog. Yes, but if it was not for you? How successful were their lives elsewhere or on the road? Be aware that a different and different life is possible if it is what animates you and makes your heartbeat. No matter the age, the professional socio-category … The boundaries exist to be crossed then Explore, Observe and Share. You will only get better!
