Nowadays it’s not just students taking a gap year before they start college who are enjoying around the world trips. More and more professionals are taking a career break and taking time out to explore some of the wonderful destinations the world has to offer. Alison Rice asks Simon Calder to give us the lowdown on around the world trips.
Fares for around the world trips are at an all time low, says Simon, and there are now even airlines – including Air New Zealand – who can take you right the way around the world.
Trying to do it yourself on the internet is possible, but this is definitely one trip where it makes sense to speak to a professional. They will be able to guide you through the myriad of different fares and options available and should also come up with suggestions of places you might not even have thought of.
But with the whole world on offer where do you start? Simon recommends first of all sitting down and writing all the things to do and places you definitely want to go – this will narrow down the airfare options available to you.
Also Simon says the more destinations the merrier – open your mind to places you might not have considered. Most of us only get the chance to go on an around the world trip, once, or possibly twice, in our lifetime so you should try to see as many places as you can.
He also believes it is worth paying that little bit extra for a more flexible ticket – you will meet some wonderful people and visit fascinating places on your travels and might find your travel plans will change. That is all part of the joy of this kind of trip so make sure your ticket allows it – and that you know in advance how much you will pay if you do want to change your plans.
Simon also recommends pre-booking some of your accommodations – he says it is much more relaxing arriving in a strange city to know you have somewhere to stay for your first night at least.
And as for Simon – what would be his dream around the world itinerary? Well where wouldn’t he go? He tells Alison he would visit a long list of places including Dubai or Oman, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Java, Bali, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand before heading to California for an overland trip and then finishing off in style with a weekend in New York. Phew!
Some of the content of the magazine refers to flights or prices from the UK. At Travel Counsellors Ireland we can source flights from Ireland and provide full quotes in Euros. Please call me for latest availability and prices.
