It's a big world out there.
Even the most strategically-planned, whirlwind, year-long backpacking around the world trip will only put a small dent in the list of the world's 195 or so sovereign countries.
And then you've still got over 60 colonies, territories and dependencies to get to!
Try as you might (I did try!), you won't be able to do it all at once.
One of the most dramatic skylines in the world – Hong Kong
David Iliff on Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things about backpacking around the world is having the time and freedom to change your plans on a whim along the way. So try to keep those plans as flexible as possible.
By all means make any obviously necessary bookings. Just don't carve your entire itinerary in stone.
But how do you decide where to go?
So much to see! So much to do!
We all have our personal lists of absolutely-must-visit-before-I-die destinations, iconic must-see landmarks, not-to-be-missed natural wonders of the world and adrenaline-pumping must-try activities.
Of course, keep sight of all those on your travels!
But at the same time be prepared to go with the flow.
Because wherever you choose to go and whatever you plan to see and do there, you can be sure that when you're on the road things will change.
You make friends with other travellers backpacking around the world, get to know the expats and meet the locals.
You find yourself having a go at all sorts of offbeat and sometimes outright bizarre activities.
You hear about random, far-flung places that weren't in your travel plans but that sound too awesome to miss.
And before you know it you're rebooking your round the world tickets, extending your visa and heading off on adventures you'd never even dreamed of.
Backpacking around the world is addictive!
I spent my first overseas backpacking trip religiously checking things off my must-see list, one by one.
And I did manage to chalk up a pretty good number of ticks. Actually, I still have the faded T-shirts, broken fridge magnets and unworn seashell jewellery stored in my parents' basement to prove it.
(Sorry, Mom!)
But the more I travelled the more I realised that my most memorable experiences weren't in Barcelona, Tokyo or Cape Town. They were in the small, really-off-the-beaten-track places that I'd been lucky enough to discover en route.
That's why Around the World Travel shows you not just the most popular destinations but also those little hidden gems. Fantastic places you might never have known about had someone not stumbled upon them in their travels.
Together with the Trip Planner, Top 10 Lists, World Clock and Destinations pages, this section is all about helping you plan where to go, when to go, and what to see and do when you get there.
All on a shoestring backpacking budget.
Picture postcard town with a dazzling coast – Hvar, Croatia
ShoestringBackpacking.com
Planning your backpacking around the world trip but can't decide where to go? Not sure if a certain place is for you? Got a mile-long list of must-sees that needs some serious editing?
You've come to the right place!
These pages are chock-full of top travel ideas and destination inspiration.
Take your time. Browse around. Enjoy. There's a lot of great stuff to delve into here from readers and travellers all over the globe.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Check out The Art of Solo Travel.
During a year-long backpacking around the world trip, the author, Australian Stephanie Lee, visited over 50 major cities in 20 countries across 3 continents. Get her fun, easy-to-follow guide and save yourself the travel planning stress!
Feel like you've been putting off your round the world trip forever?
Wish you knew someone who's been there, done that to show you the ropes?
Need that one last little nudge to finally get yourself out there?
Then The Art of Solo Travel is for you!
Jam-packed with practical advice and invaluable inspiration, this book is like having a friend walk you through it all — from start to finish!
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Some things just can't be described in words. Whether it's photos of world-famous landmarks, fascinating destinations or unusual travel locations you're after, this is where you'll find them.
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There will always be places and moments that only a moving picture can capture. Watch some of these travel videos and travel video blogs to see why.
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Interested in what backpackers have to say about their around the world travel experiences? Read about life on the road from people who've been there, done that — or are still there, doing that!
Stay tuned!
You'll very soon be able to add your own travel stories, photos and comments to this site.
And you won't have to have souvenirs gathering dust in your parents' basement to do that.
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Looking for facts, figures and details? There's plenty of around the world travel info to check out here, too:
Trip Planner
Destinations
10 Tips & Tricks for Bagging
Cheap International Flights
Quality Discount Backpacks
Best Gear OUTLETS & SALES
SAVE on Travel Insurance
Top Price Comparison Sites
Rock the Kasbah!
MOROCCO on a Shoestring
Explore Ancient Civilisations
EGYPT & JORDAN
Get Close to Nature
GALAPAGOS on a Budget
Follow the Epic Inca Trail
PERU on a Shoestring
Discover Lost Worlds
MEXICO on a Shoestring
Any thoughts? Leave a comment!