Getting There

Flying is the fastest and safest way to get about and these days, just about everybody and anybody takes to the skies when they go on holiday. Things have been tightened up since 9/11, although if you are well prepared and have everything in order with tickets and baggage, you should have no problems.

All flyers should also read up on the effects of air travel, especially people with medical conditions as there are also safety concerns to be aware of when traveling long distances.

Commercial Flights

Commercial flights are the most common and efficient way to travel between countries, offering a wide network of routes that connect major cities and regions across the globe. Airlines operate on scheduled services, providing travelers with various options in terms of departure times, classes of service, and pricing.

Airports often have a range of amenities, such as dining, shopping, and lounges, enhancing the travel experience. However, travelers must adhere to strict schedules, navigate busy airports, and endure potential delays and layovers.

• Pros: Speed, convenience, wide availability.
• Cons: Can be expensive, subject to delays and cancellations, environmental impact.

Charter Flights

Chartered flights offer a more personalized and flexible travel experience compared to commercial flights, allowing travelers to book an entire aircraft for their specific needs and schedule. This mode of travel is ideal for small groups, families, business executives, or individuals seeking privacy and convenience. Chartered flights can access smaller airports and remote destinations that are not typically served by commercial airlines, providing a more direct and efficient route. Additionally, the travel experience is often more comfortable and exclusive, with tailored services and minimal wait times.

Chartered flights tend to be significantly more expensive and may require more logistical planning.

• Pros: Direct routes, flexibility, often less crowded.
• Cons: Can be more expensive, limited availability.

Around the World Flights

Around the world flights are multi-leg flight tickets that allow travelers to circumnavigate the globe, visiting multiple destinations across different continents within a single trip. These tickets are usually offered by airline alliances such as Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam, which have extensive networks and partner airlines covering most global destinations.

Key Features:

• Flexible Itineraries: Travelers can customize their routes, choosing from a range of cities and countries to include in their journey.
• Single Ticket: One ticket covers all the legs of the trip, simplifying booking and often providing cost savings compared to booking each flight separately.
• Mileage or Segment Limits: Most around the world tickets come with a maximum number of miles or flight segments, which travelers must adhere to when planning their routes.
• Date Flexibility: While the initial itinerary must be set, travelers can often change dates for individual flights within the ticket’s validity period, usually up to one year.
• Stopovers: These tickets typically allow multiple stopovers (stays longer than 24 hours), enabling travelers to explore each destination thoroughly.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Buying a single around the world ticket can be cheaper than booking individual flights, especially for long-haul and multi-leg journeys.
• Convenience: Simplifies the booking process, with one point of contact for all flights and a single ticket to manage.
• Loyalty Benefits: Travelers can earn frequent flyer miles or points on all legs of the journey, which can contribute to future travel rewards.

Cons:

• Complex Planning: Planning an around the world trip requires careful consideration of routes, dates, and stopover durations to comply with ticket rules.
• Restricted Changes: While dates can often be changed, changes to the route or adding extra destinations may incur additional costs or be restricted.
• Validity Period: Travelers must complete their journey within a specific timeframe, usually one year, which may not suit everyone’s travel plans.

Saving on Airfare

Booking flights can be one of the most significant expenses of travel, but there are several strategies you can use to save money:

• Book in Advance: Generally, booking your flight several weeks to months ahead of your travel date can result in lower prices.
• Use Flight Comparison Websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak compare prices across various airlines to help you find the best deal.
• Set Fare Alerts: Use fare alert services to notify you when ticket prices drop for your desired destinations.
• Be Flexible with Dates and Times: Traveling during off-peak times, such as mid-week or late at night, can be cheaper. Use flexible date search tools to find the cheapest days to fly.
• Consider Alternate Airports: Flying into or out of nearby airports can sometimes be more affordable than using major hubs.
• Look for Airline Sales and Promotions: Sign up for newsletters from airlines and travel websites to stay informed about sales, discounts, and promotional codes.
• Use Reward Points and Miles: Take advantage of frequent flyer programs, credit card rewards, and travel points to reduce the cost of your flight.
• Book One-Way Tickets Separately: Sometimes booking two one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket.
• Check for Hidden Fees: Be aware of additional charges for baggage, seat selection, and other extras. Sometimes a seemingly cheaper ticket can end up costing more once these fees are added.
• Clear Your Browser Cookies: Search for flights in incognito mode or clear your browser cookies to avoid price hikes based on your search history.

Trains

Traveling by train between countries offers a unique and scenic way to explore different regions, particularly in areas with well-developed rail networks such as Europe and parts of Asia. Trains provide a comfortable and efficient mode of transport, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the passing landscapes. They often offer amenities like dining cars, sleeper cabins, and Wi-Fi, making long journeys more enjoyable. Additionally, train travel typically involves fewer security checks and less waiting time compared to air travel, providing a smoother experience overall.

Train routes may not be as extensive in some parts of the world, and tickets can sometimes be expensive.

• Pros: Scenic views, comfort, fewer security hassles.
• Cons: Can be slower than flying, limited routes.

Buses

International bus travel is a cost-effective option that connects many cities and countries, especially in regions like Europe and South America. Buses are generally more affordable than trains or flights and provide a flexible schedule with numerous routes. This mode of transport allows travelers to reach destinations that might not be accessible by train.

Bus travel can be less comfortable on long journeys due to limited legroom and amenities, and travel times can be lengthy due to frequent stops and traffic conditions. Despite these drawbacks, buses remain a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking to explore multiple destinations.

• Pros: Affordable, extensive network.
• Cons: Can be uncomfortable for long distances, longer travel times.

Cars and Motorcycles

Driving a car or riding a motorcycle for international travel offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace and visit remote locations. This form of travel is ideal for adventurers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences and scenic road trips. While cars provide the convenience of carrying more luggage and passengers, motorcycles offer a more immersive experience with the surroundings.

Overland travel by car or motorcycle requires careful planning for routes, border crossings, and vehicle maintenance. Additionally, drivers must navigate varying road conditions and adhere to different traffic regulations in each country.

• Pros: Flexibility, ability to explore off-the-beaten-path areas.
• Cons: Border crossing hassles, potential for long driving hours, varying road conditions.

Bicycle Touring

Bicycle touring is a sustainable and adventurous way to travel internationally, offering an intimate connection with the environment and local communities. Cyclists can explore rural areas, scenic landscapes, and small towns that are often missed by other forms of transport. This form of travel promotes physical fitness and can be more cost-effective, as it eliminates fuel costs and reduces accommodation expenses through camping.

Bicycle touring requires a high level of physical endurance and preparation, including route planning and carrying essential gear. Cyclists must also be mindful of safety, weather conditions, and finding suitable places to rest and replenish supplies.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, great exercise, close interaction with local areas.
• Cons: Physically demanding, slower, limited luggage capacity.

Overlanding

Overlanding is a form of international travel that emphasizes the journey itself, typically involving extensive travel by land in a self-reliant manner. This mode of travel often involves using a well-equipped vehicle, such as a 4x4, van, or even a motorcycle, capable of handling various terrains and carrying essential gear for long-term travel. Overlanders have the flexibility to explore remote and off-the-beaten-path locations, offering a deep sense of adventure and cultural immersion. This travel style allows for a slower pace, with opportunities to engage with local communities and experience diverse landscapes firsthand.

Overlanding requires significant planning and preparation, including route mapping, securing necessary permits and visas, and ensuring vehicle maintenance. Travelers must also be prepared for potential challenges such as border crossings, road conditions, and finding safe places to camp or stay overnight. Despite these challenges, overlanding provides a rewarding and enriching travel experience for those seeking an adventurous and independent journey.

• Pros: Provides deeper engagement with local communities and cultures. and offers opportunities to enjoy diverse landscapes and sights that are often missed when flying.
• Cons: Requires extensive planning for routes, border crossings, and vehicle maintenance.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is an adventurous and budget-friendly way to travel internationally, relying on the kindness of strangers for transportation. This method allows travelers to meet a variety of people and experience local cultures in an authentic way. Hitchhiking can lead to spontaneous and unexpected journeys, making it an exciting option for those who enjoy unpredictability.

However, hitchhiking comes with significant risks, including safety concerns and the uncertainty of finding a ride. It is less reliable and can be time-consuming, as travelers may need to wait for extended periods before being picked up. Additionally, hitchhiking is not permitted or safe in all regions, requiring careful consideration and local knowledge.

• Pros: Free, spontaneous, adventurous.
• Cons: Unpredictable, potential safety risks, not suitable for all regions.

Cruises

Cruises offer a luxurious and all-inclusive way to travel between countries, providing travelers with the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one trip without the hassle of frequent packing and unpacking. Cruise ships are equipped with a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, entertainment venues, pools, and spas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Cruises typically stop at major ports, allowing passengers to explore different cities and attractions through organized excursions.

This mode of travel can be expensive and often limits the amount of time spent at each destination, giving only a brief glimpse of the local culture and attractions.

• Pros: All-inclusive, leisure activities on board, multiple destinations.
• Cons: Can be expensive, limited time at each destination, seasickness.

Ferries

Ferries are a practical and cost-effective way to travel between countries, particularly in regions with numerous islands or coastal connections, such as the Mediterranean, the Baltic, or Southeast Asia. They offer a straightforward means of crossing bodies of water, often transporting both passengers and vehicles. Ferries vary in size and amenities, with some offering basic services and others providing more comfortable facilities like cabins and dining options. This mode of transport is ideal for short to medium distances and provides a scenic view of the sea and coastline.

Ferry schedules can be affected by weather conditions, and the comfort level may not be as high as other forms of travel.

• Pros: Affordable, scenic routes.
• Cons: Can be slower, subject to weather conditions.

Yachts and Sailing Boats

Traveling by yacht is a luxurious and exclusive way to explore international waters, offering privacy, comfort, and the freedom to set your own itinerary. Yachts are well-equipped with modern amenities, including spacious cabins, kitchens, and leisure facilities, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate high-end travel experiences. Yacht charters allow for personalized routes, enabling travelers to visit remote islands, secluded beaches, and picturesque coastal towns at their own pace.

Sailing boats provide a more adventurous and hands-on approach to international travel, appealing to those who enjoy the sport and challenge of sailing. This form of travel offers a unique and intimate connection with the sea, allowing travelers to experience the tranquility and beauty of open waters. Sailing boats are generally smaller and less equipped than yachts, requiring more active participation in navigation and daily operations. This mode of travel is ideal for exploring coastal regions, islands, and less accessible destinations.

Either of these demand a high level of sailing expertise, careful planning, and preparedness for changing weather conditions and potential maritime challenges, as well as thorough planning for provisions and navigation.

• Pros: Freedom, adventure, access to remote areas.
• Cons: Requires sailing skills or a crew, potential high costs, variable weather conditions.

Here’s are some tips on what to do when you arrive in a foreign country.

• Use ATMs: One of the quickest and most convenient ways to get local currency is by using ATMs available at the airport. They typically offer better exchange rates than currency exchange counters. Just be sure to notify your bank in advance about your travel plans to avoid any issues with international withdrawals.
• Arrange Transportation: Familiarize yourself with the transportation options available at the airport. This could include taxis, ride-sharing services, public buses, trains, or airport shuttles.
• Purchase a Local SIM Card: To avoid high roaming charges and ensure you have reliable access to local networks, consider purchasing a local SIM card. Many airports have kiosks or stores where you can buy SIM cards and data plans tailored to tourists.
• Gather Local Information: Most airports have information desks where you can obtain maps, brochures, and advice on transportation, local attractions, and other important information about your destination.
• Hydrate and Refresh: After a long flight, it’s important to stay hydrated. Look for water fountains or purchase bottled water from airport stores. You might also want to grab a snack to recharge before heading out.

Borders vary greatly from continent to continent. In the Middle East it may take you several hours just to go 30 paces across a border from one country to another. Your passport may get checked half a dozen times as you proceed from officer to officer. On the contrary, crossing some European borders is such a non-event that you won’t even know it happened. All borders, no matter how relaxed or strict, deserve your respect. Here’s what you should know:

• you will definitely need your passport to cross any border. Even in Europe, you may be asked to show some identification — your passport is the only ID acceptable.
• some borders will require a visa, permission to allow you to enter the destination country. If possible, obtain your visa well in advance so you aren’t forced to wait for it to be processed.
• don’t accept packages from strangers (or even recent friends) and then attempt to cross a major border if you don’t know for sure what is in the package. As well, even though theft from your backpack is a concern, you should also look out for anyone putting something into your bag too! Criminals may try to slip drugs or other contraband into your pack and let you take the risk of crossing the border. Then they will get it back from you any way possible. Many large borders ask you if you have recently received any packages from anyone.
• some countries charge a fee upon your departure, with prices ranging as high as $60. Try to find out about these fees in advance and make sure that you have enough money to pay when it comes time to leave.
• make sure that you have some currency of the country you are entering. If you arrive at night or during a holiday, you may not be able to find a money exchange. It is always more relaxing to already have money to pay for a hostel and some food.
• be prepared to have your bag checked at the more ‘serious’ borders. Make sure you don’t have drugs or other banned substances when going across any border.
• do exactly what the border officer tells you. He has the right to detain you all day if he likes (not to mention the ‘rubber glove’ treatment) so be polite and cooperative.