Dreaming of swapping dreary, rainy mornings for tropical beaches, bustling cities and mountain treks? A round the world (RTW) trip is the ultimate adventure for backpackers on a gap year! Whether you’re fresh out of school, taking a break after uni, or just itching for an extended adventure, this guide will help you plan a budget-friendly, unforgettable journey. Our best-selling round the world routing – The Globetrotter – is the perfect choice for those looking to explore the world for the first time. So read on for the ultimate guide to how to travel the world in 6+ months...
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to go! Your budget, travel style and interests will ultimately shape your exact itinerary, but we recommend The Globetrotter round the world ticket as a good starting point, as it covers multiple continents for an amazing price.
UK - Singapore - New Zealand - Canada - UK
Variations on the routing are possible – why not add in Australia as a side trip from NZ? Or venture into the US from Canada? Bear in mind that any amendments to the itinerary will involve additional costs which will need to be taken into account when planning your budget!
We also have other round the world itineraries available, along with plenty of multi stop flight options. Take a look at our flights pages for more information or give us a call to discuss further.
Worldwide travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you plan smart. Here’s a rough idea of backpacker budgets in different areas:
South East Asia: £20-£30 per day
South America: £25-£45 per day
Australia and New Zealand: £50-£80 per day
Europe, USA and Canada: £60-£100 per day
These are to be used as a very approximate guide, as everyone’s budgets will differ! Some travellers will spend more on food and drink than others, or some might prefer to upgrade their travel options.
To stretch your budget:
Stay in hostels or homestays
Use overnight buses and budget airlines where possible
Eat street food instead of restaurants. Or if your hostel has a communal kitchen – use it!
Work abroad (e.g. bar work in Oz, teaching English in Asia)
Many countries offer visa free entry for UK passport holders, but some require application in advance.
Australia & New Zealand: Working holiday visa (if you intend to work)
USA: ESTA required before arrival
India & Vietnam: Online e-visas are available
Schengen Zone (Europe): 90 day limit in most European countries.
Always check the visa requirements before booking your flights!
Hostels are the go-to option for backpackers across the world! Meet like-minded travellers in cheap and cheerful digs, often with shared dorm rooms and communal kitchen facilities. We offer the Bed Hopper Pass – open dated accommodation in some of the world’s best hostels (Thailand, Australia and New Zealand), ask us for more details!
Homestays and guesthouses and affordable and great for cultural experiences, especially in Asia and South America.
Motorhome hire can be more affordable than you think, especially in countries like the US and Canada!
Group tours are always a fantastic choice if you’re looking to stick to a budget – all accommodation will be prepaid, and you’ll have all transport included too!
Camping can also be a fun and adventurous option in some destinations in Europe, Canada and the US.
Want to extend your trip and travel for longer? Here are a few ways to earn money while on the road:
Work in hostels, cafes or bars – some hostels offer free stays in exchange for work!
Teaching English – TEFL certification can open teaching doors in Asia and South America
Farm work – Australia and New Zealand offer paid fruit-picking and farm jobs
Get travel insurance – don’t skip this! We offer a great backpacker policy.
Back up all your documents digitally in case of loss.
Keep an eye on travel scams (especially in tourist hotspots).
Get all your recommended vaccinations before leaving.
Less is more! You’ll regret overpacking. Aim for…
Minimal clothing (choose lightweight, versatile items)
Good walking shoes and flip flops
Microfibre/quick-drying towel and packing cubes
Universal plug adaptor and power bank
First aid kit with basic medication
Sleeping bag liner
Small padlock for hostel lockers
Stay open-minded – the best experiences often come from saying yes to the unexpected.
Meet people – join hostel events, walking tours, Facebook travel groups, or even just strike up conversation with fellow travellers in a bar!
Capture memories, but don’t spend your whole time behind a screen! Stay present and live in the moment.
Learn basic phrases – even ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ in local languages can go a long way.
A round the world trip is one of the best things you can do on a gap year. It’s not always easy (budgeting and visas can be a pain), but the freedom, adventures and friendships you’ll make along the way are 100% worth it.
Ready to start planning? Give us a call and speak to one of our expert team!
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Shelley Pigram
Website Performance Lead
Shelley is Trailfinders' Website Performance Lead, based in our head office in Kensington. Shelley has worked at Trailfinders since 2007 and has travelled to 41 countries. Her favourite destinations include Bali, Spain and New York City.
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