Round the World

DD hasn't done the RTW trip, but she does use Trail Finders to plan her holidays, usually off piste around the USA. She cannot speak too highly of them, service and prices.

Apparently you can also see the Southern Lights from Tasmania, although we didn't see them, unfortunately.
Like areas of NZ, there is little light pollution there.

Oh forgot,
Don't forget to ask for discounts, or say is that the lowest price you can do for me.
You would be surprised how much you can save, what have you to loose.

Here are some websites which may be of help

www.seat61.com/
www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums
www.travelindependent.info/
www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?ForumID=13
www.oanda.com/currency/converter/
www.travelmath.com/flights/
www.welt-atlas.de/map_of_world_political_%28small_version%29_0-9043

PamelaJ1 - ahh, Southern Lights, of course! Thank you.

jeanie99 thanks for all of that! Some good advice there which is very helpful. We've done a lot of travelling but never more than 2 countries at a time so this is going to be different.

I've found a company that do a very reasonable RTW flight "package" which allows x amount of stops in one direction. 28,000 miles is the least expensive but go higher so will research. They also organise visas etc.

I have already had a look at accommodation in Bali to get an idea and I'm very happy with cost there .

Need to decide just where to go. Think I'll buy an old fashioned globe as this will arouse less suspicion than a map on the wall.

Can I contain myself for the year or more it's going to be? I'm really excited already.

Yes we did a 12 month rtw backpacking trip when we first retired at 62 yrs old.
and a
4 month round the world
and a
4 month Europe only
and many more long distance travel.
Visas (this is a minefield so make sure you read the requirements for each country, Russia China and India have certain restrictions, if you don't feel confident yourself sorting Visa out go through an agent, insurance, inoculations, malaria tablets (which can be very expensive). Ask your GP they will tell you what you need.
Which way round the world to travel, base this on climate and weather conditions.
First decide how long you will be away for, break it down into which countries you would like to visit and the cities/areas within those countries and days spent in each place.
Mode of transport, flights, ( there are round the world tickets which allow a certain mileage although with some air alliances you can add miles on. Cruise ship, ferries, trains, hire cars, coaches. or a mix of all these.
Accommodation, hotels,hostels,self catering, camping, camper van, boats etc.
What to take, what not to take.
Decide on a budget
I took 2 years to plan our first trip it does take time
Good planning can be the difference between an amazing trip and a disappointment.
Some people do wing it but what I would advice after a long flight pre book accommodation for at least the first night because you will be very tired and the last thing you'll want to do is start looking round for accommodation.
In our travels we have covered the USA coast to coast twice, Canada coast to coast, Caribbean islands, South America, Pacific Ocean islands, NZ, Australia Twice, Galapagos Islands, India, Maldives, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Russia, 4 months Europe including the Scandinavian countries, 4 months travelling in a truck in Africa Cape Town to Kenya. The Canaries Islands. The Holy Land, Egypt, Dubai, Jordan.
To get the most out of the trip allow at least 2 nights accommodation one full day site seeing. One night stop overs are hard.
The good thing about planning your own itinerary is you can stay in any place as long or as little as it suits you.
Advice if you are using agents double check you are getting what you want. Even the big companies make mistakes and don't forget they charge you for their services.
Have a great time.

We have a daughter in Australia and have just come back.
3weeks in 4 places. Knackered doesn’t come close!
Just joking.
I believe that there are some RTW tickets that allow you as many stops as you like as long as you are going in the same direction. Lots of time in airports but you can plan flights to minimise jet lag.
We are quite well travelled and I book lots of short breaks myself on line but , like Izabella use trailfinders for more complicated itinerary’s. Apart from the protection that this brings they often get you a better deal with the hotels. Late checkouts etc.
You could do the Southern lights if you are in NZ.

I would recommend someone like Trailfinders. All the info they need initially is where you want to go, dates, budget etc. They will sort out an itinerary and they are aware ticketing options you will be unaware of. Good luck and have a great time wherever you go!!

It is interesting how different we all are - I have never felt the remotest desire to travel round the world. I hate being on a trip that involves stopping and starting, and love to head somewhere, settle down and really get to know the area, rather than dotting around from place to place.

Let us hope my OH does not decide to surprise me with this for my birthday! If you knew my OH you would realise what a huge joke that really is!!!

stella1949 I assumed it would be RTW flights as I don’t see a cruise mentioned or did I miss that?

The only negative to me, is that you spend a lot of time cruising and very little time in the places you visit. Look at the itinerary and see how long you are in each place - often it is less than a day to see a city you've always wanted to go to. Have fun !

Thanks everyone. Good idea about going to a travel agent, at least for ideas of a route. Would book online though as so much cheaper.
I'm getting excited already and its not even happening until next year. Gives me something to plan and look forward to.
Not a lot of packing and unpacking tbh - we did Western America 4 years ago and visited 10 different places, but we travel light and I'm not a slave to fashion or adverse to wearing things more than once, that's for sure!

RTW cruise is No.1 on our lotto win list.
Personally I couldn't hack all that packing and unpacking that your trip will involve but I hope you sort out something that suits you and DH. Half the fun will be in the planning.
Good luck.

Try to visit Japan.

Visit a travel agent - they will be able to give you some ideas and guide you. Sounds like a lovely gift. Let us know what you decide

My friends have done this twice, combining it with visits to their son in NZ.
They went to a company I think it was Travelbag who helped in their choices.
I know they visited Canada and America first and stayed 2 nights on the " Queen " which is in a bay there.
I never remember which ship it is.
They then visited Bali and other South sea Islands , then Australia before NZ.
I know they visited Thailand on the way home to meet up with their other son and his GF who were doing some travelling before settling down.
I envy you so much.
The planning will be so exciting. Good luck.

I’m envious and what a lovely surprise, no advice just leave space for me in your case ?