Around the World Travel Guide
Some of the best adventures happen almost by accident. My 'adventure of a lifetime' began with a simple, minimally-planned-out two-month vacation to two countries, after which I had every intention of returning to work and 'normal life' -- I made it home two years, thirteen countries and hundreds of mini-adventures later, and my life has been much better than normal since then!
The information and tips you'll find throughout this Around the World Travel guide are based on the more practical lessons learned during that and a few shorter world adventures, and alot of research intended to save you some time and money.
If you're more interested right now in hearing about what it's like to 'wing it around the world', skip to the Around the World Adventures of a Culinary Xenophile and return here when you're ready to get down to some serious planning for your own 'recipe for travel'.
Before you buy a travel guide
The Recipe for Travel's Trip Planner is a one-stop, no-nonsense reference guide to finding the information you want about the people, culture, sites, food and safety concerns in the countries you want to explore from authoritative online sources. The Internet is a huge boon for the xenophile and the traveller. Take advantage of free, reliable travel information resources in the trip planning guide to focus your research.
Develop a financial plan for temporary retirement
Travelling around the world is expensive, but not impossible with a good plan and a well-managed budget: a "Recipe for Temporary Retirement". Once you've taken advantage of the wealth of free and reliable information online to start developing your travel plans, you can zero in on the type of trip you want to take and begin to develop a financial plan. If you approach your around the world trip like a 'temporary retirement', you'll have a plan that allows you to travel comfortably without wiping out your savings and income potential.
Choose a flexible around the world itinerary
Spending a bit more upfront for openness and flexibility will save you money in the long run, and allow you to take advantage of new experiences you can't possibly imagine will present themselves along the way. The Itinerary Planner will help you negotiate the best round-the-world ticket for your budget, time and interests.
Learn about ecotourism and sustainable tourism
Understanding some of the impacts of tourism on a country and its people will lead you to choices that optimize your cultural experience and the benefits for the environment, culture and people of your travel destinations. Travelling responsibly involves more than supporting operators with 'ecotourism' in their logo. The Recipe for Responsible Travel will give you some food for thought.
