Planning a backpacking round the world trip, sabbatical or gap year trip
The Travellers Lounge has tips for getting the most from your around the world trip, sabbatical or gap year backpacking adventure.
Start planning your trip
Advice on travel health and safety, money matters (including currency converter), weather forecasts, visa information and embassy details, tips for packing your rucksack, information about getting around, a superb photo gallery and travelogue section, and much, much more:
1 Planning and inspiration
How much money do I need?
Work out the budget for your trip around the world or Europe. Daily and monthly costs.
Understand RTW flight tickets
Planning your round the world flight ticket route using these basic principles and insider tips. Understand how to plan a cost-effective RTW route. Download RTW planner.
Travel photos
Inspirational travel photos from around the world.
Travelogues
Read other travellers experiences of travelling around the world.
Destination guides
Find out what activities to do and what to see in each country.
Weather
Work out the best and worst times to travel to each country.
2 Book it up
Round the world flights
Book your round the world or multi-stop flights. Did you know you can book complex round the world flight tickets online now?
Cheap return, one-way and open-jaw flights
How and where to get cheap flights.
Accommodation
Booking accommodation is so much cheaper if booked in advance than if you just turned up, so research and book your hotels before you travel. Backpackers can reserve a bed in a hostel online for under a dollar!!.
Getting around
More about overland adventure tours, local buses, backpacker (hop-on/hop-off) buses, car hire, rail passes or the Trans-Siberian railway.
3 Get ready to leave
Visas
Which visas do you need?
Vaccinations
Travel vaccinations are essential for certain parts of the world, find out more and get discount vouchers.
Travel insurance
Getting travel insurance is essential for any trip in case you get ill or even need to cancel your trip, so read our top tips for getting cheap travel insurance and view the travel insurance comparison charts.
Best digital cameras
Get a good digital camera so you can capture all those shots.
Travel gear
Make sure you've got all the essentials for travelling around the world, like first aid kits, a strong backpack and other stuff.
Packing tips
How to pack a rucksack properly - yes, there is a proper way.
4 When you're there
Travel money
How to take your money when travelling. Work out the exchange rates with our online currency converter.
Food and drink
How to eat safely and healthily abroad.
Travel health
How to stay healthy and safe when travelling.
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