How long do I need for a round-the-world trip?

You could whip around the world in a weekend if you flew non-stop, especially with the advent of
new  ultra-long-haul flights  that can clock in at 20 hours of flight time. However, the minimum
duration of most RTW tickets is 10 days – still a breathless romp. To get the most out of your
round-the-world ticket, consider stock-piling vacation days, tagging on public holidays or even
arranging a sabbatical from work to take off at least two months (but ideally six months to one
year). Because most airline alliances give you up to a year to use your ticket, you can maximize
your purchase if you plan well.

When should I travel on a round-the-world trip?

The weather will never be ideal in all your stops, so focus on what you want to do most and
research the conditions there. In general, city sightseeing can be done year-round (escape extreme
heat, cold or rain in museums and cafes), but outdoor adventures are more reliant on – and
enjoyable in – the right weather.
Research ahead of time if any must-see destinations or must-do activities will mean facing crowds.
For example, if you’re hoping to be in  Austria  for the famous Salzburg Festival, you’ll want to
plan ahead and book your tickets months in advance. If you’re hoping to fit a  shorter thru-hike  into
your round-the-world trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re going in the correct season and starting
in the right spot. You won’t get far or have as enjoyable an experience if you’re, say, attempting
the  Tour du Mont Blanc  during the dates of the annual winter marathon or headed northbound on
the Pacific Crest Trail in July, missing most of the warmer months. 
Accept youʼll be in some regions at the "wrong" time – though this might offer unexpected
benefits. For example,  Victoria Falls  has  a dry season each year , which means a slightly less
thunderous cascade, but it does open up rafting opportunities and a chance to swim right up to the
lip of the falls in The Devil’s Pool. Going to  Venice  in the winter might mean grayer skies but
fewer crowds. Heading to  Kenya  and  Tanzania  in April is likely to mean fewer humans, but not
fewer chances to spot wildlife, all while  saving money on safari.  Also keep in mind that mom-and-
pop locations have their downtime and holiday seasons as well; don't be too surprised if your local
bakery in  Paris  is closed for a holiday week or two in August.

Where should I go on my round-the-world trip?

The classic (and cheapest) RTW tickets flit between a few big cities, for
example,  London  –  Bangkok  –  Singapore  –  Sydney  –  LA . If you want to link more offbeat hubs
( Baku  –  Kinshasa  –  Paramaribo , anyone?), prices will climb considerably. The cost of the ticket
is also based on the total distance covered or the number of countries visited.