Preparing a Round-the-World Trip: Tips

In this article, Sofia, Tom de Dorlodot's partner, gives some valuable tips to those who dream of setting off on a trip around the world, a wonderful journey that can change a life, ... but one that can't be improvised!

" Has the idea of setting off on a trip around the world ever crossed your mind?
You've imagined yourself exploring destinations that offer a real change of scenery, far from home, fascinated by new cultures, for several months.
You dream of setting off on a round-the-world trip by bike, by hitchhiking, by sailboat…
But very quickly, the fear of the unknown brings you back down to earth. The fear of leaving everything behind: your job, your home. Being far from your family, your loved ones, your friends.
Just thinking about it takes your breath away and kills the urge.

Now breathe. Because it's not as complicated as that!
In this article I'll explain how to calmly prepare for a long trip around the world.
However, know that it's safer to travel with someone. If you choose to travel alone, you should be even more careful about your movements and your choice of destination.

A long, meticulous preparation

© John Stapels

As you might expect, such a trip can't be improvised.

"For our next project, what do you think about setting off to travel around the world on a sailboat?"

With Tom, when we had the idea of sailing around the world, we had to wait three years before casting off and setting sail!

I was still at university, in the corridor, waiting for my next class, when I got a call from Tom, who was in the middle of an expedition in the Pacific islands: "For our next project, what do you think about setting off to travel around the world on a sailboat?"
Obviously, I couldn't stay focused for the rest of the day… ?

10 steps to prepare a trip around the world

1 Give shape to your trip

© John Stapels

First, you need to accept and give shape to your idea and talk about it with those around you. This way, you make your project real and prepare those around you for your departure.

Talking about your project will also help you ask yourself the right questions. Your friends, family, colleagues will ask you plenty of them. They'll probably also have good advice to give you! Tell them about your itinerary and your plans. Your family and friends will be your "moral pillars" during your travels. Staying in touch will reassure you and help you enjoy your adventures even more. You'll be delighted to share every anecdote with your loved ones, and what's more, they'll be travelling with you (by proxy) ?

2 Give your trip a purpose

Setting off without a "common thread" or a goal can quickly become a source of anxiety. We've met couples (alone or with children) who set off without a real plan, and after two months, they no longer knew how to give their trip a purpose. It doesn't always end very well…

Define what you're looking for, where you want to start and why. What message do you want to pass on to those who will follow and support you on this wonderful journey?

3 Plan and set your budget

A trip like this requires good organisation, especially in terms of budget. Depending on the type of round-the-world trip you're going to take, you can estimate your daily costs. Backpacking or cycling trips are the most economical.

© John Stapels

Food and miscellaneous costs: allow around 50 euros per person per day.

Accommodation: For the more sociable among you, you'll surely meet people who'll let you stay with them. But also bring a small tent, a sleeping bag and an inflatable mattress. It's often when camping that you have the best nights! Find a lovely spot to wake up in the morning… that'll be your best hotel ?

Work: It's possible to take a career break or even to work during your trip. If your employer allows it, you can arrange to keep working a few hours a week. Some jobs only need a laptop on your knees and a good Wifi connection; many "round-the-world travellers" already do this. This can partly help you finance your trip and even keep your employment contract once you're back home. Your trip can also be built around work experience abroad. Put your knowledge into practice in new fields and discover different ways of working.
Many students earn a bit of money by going to work temporarily on the other side of the world. Sometimes their accommodation and food are covered this way during their stay.

4 Look for and meet those who went before you

Try to meet people who have already made the trip you're dreaming of. They'll have plenty of great advice, and your dream will feel more within reach. They'll share their stories, and you'll be able to ask them all your questions. You'll find them on specialised sites, forums, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

5 Prepare thoroughly

© F de Ribaucourt

Make the most of the preparation period to get all the licences, certifications and other training you might need during your trip.
Planning to sail? Get your VHF and ICC licence.
Want to fix up a truck and go on a road trip? Get your truck licence and even your trailer licence. Take a mechanics course.
Dreaming of diving? Get your PADI or diving certification.
...

One type of training everyone might need is given by the Red Cross: take a first aid course.

Also start preparing your "basic" kit that will stay with you at all times. For example, a small bag with your ID papers, passport and visas, your bank cards, some cash and emergency numbers, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a multi-tool pocket knife (Swiss-army type), a mobile phone and a portable battery/charger, and a GPS beacon with satellite communication such as the Garmin Inreach Mini... This kit will follow you everywhere and will be your only essential gear in the event of an emergency, lost luggage, or theft.

6 Find a solution for your home

Make sure to keep your home in Belgium. Stay registered as a resident in Belgium so you can benefit from good social protection and avoid shifting into expat status.

For your house, renting it out is often the simplest alternative. Set off with peace of mind, leaving your house in good hands. Have your mail forwarded to a relative who can send it to you by e-mail if needed.

7 Think about your health

Get a full health check-up with your doctor: vaccinations, blood test, cardio check, dentist. You'll set off calm and confident! If you take medication, make sure to bring a sufficient supply as well as a certificate and prescriptions from your doctor. However, be careful about any substance banned in the country you're visiting.

8 Sort out your ID documents

Take care of your passport and ID card. Check the expiry date carefully so you don't end up stuck abroad. Plan ahead if you're going to destinations that require a visa, as these steps can take time. For this, check the Belgian Foreign Affairs Ministry and register your trip on the Travellers Online website. Also visit your bank and let them know your itinerary so that your cards work abroad. Keep a number with you in case your credit cards are stolen or lost.

9 Talk to your insurer

Take out good insurance cover, valid for the entire duration of your trip. Check that it covers the countries you're going to and the activities you want to do. Redion has various insurance plans, including Long Trip for long stays.

10 On foot, hitchhiking, by car?

© Tom de Dorlodot

Decide on and prepare your means of transport. If you set off by car (or by boat) from your home, you'll need to be sure that this means of transport can hold up throughout the trip and that you'll be able to make any essential repairs.

If you're travelling the world on foot, make sure to prepare in advance to walk (at least!) several kilometres a day!

That's it!
You're finally ready to go. All that's left is to get your "outbound" plane ticket. You'll see later when it's time to come back ?

A few good addresses

Here's a little list of "good addresses" that can help you organise your adventure:

• https://www.greentripper.org/: to calculate and offset your CO2 footprint

• https://roadtrippers.com/: to plan your road trips around the world. The site is really well designed!

• https://www.meteoblue.com for good weather information. I find that Meteoblue is often very accurate in its weather forecasts.

• https://www.tripadvisor.com/ for good information and to find good places!

• https://fr.duolingo.com/Learning a few words in a foreign language can open doors for you and help you in certain situations! We're currently learning Portuguese with Duolingo. It's quite fun!

Have a great trip!

Sofia "

Discover Tom and Sofia's other tips in the "Travel and adventures" feature

Cover photo © John Stapels