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How to Plan an Around the World Itinerary in 8 Steps

Last updated on January 5, 2024 by Shannon

You’re planning an around the world trip . Congrats! My one-year trip turned into a decade of wandering and it transformed my life . My own one-year trip itinerary took me through 15 countries and countless experiences—but narrowing down my dream countries to just 15 was hard.

After so many years on the road—and after several round the world trips since that first one—I have some hard learned advice for anyone planning their own route and building their own trip around the world. If you’re planning a world trip, it’s usually a long-term route of at least a few months and up to a year around the world, or more.

These are eight ideas—eight steps really—to help narrow your travel itinerary down to those stops along your route that will fit your budget, highlight the most memorable places to you, and make sense for the trip you’ve always dreamed of taking.

Table of Contents

1. Make an itinerary bucket list for the entire world.

The inspiration phase of planning your round the world trip itinerary is one of the most fun. Maybe you already have a laundry list of places you hope to cram into your world trip itinerary. Or perhaps you’ve nailed down a few key experiences but you’re open to more inspiration. You should absolutely start with a long bucket list of locations all over the world, because weather and route might automatically strike a few off the list for you.

If you’re curious for more travel ideas, browse the  best travel books sorted by destination , or search for long-reads and podcast recommendations on my Destination Travel Guides . Use these books and resources for inspiration on not only places to add to your round the world route, but activities, too.

Perhaps you read The Devil’s Picnic and subsequently add Paris to your list for that stinky but toothsome Époisses de Bourgogne cheese, or you add Bhutan because of its intriguing portrayal in The Geography of Bliss (that’s what has it on the itinerary for my next around the world trip!).

Books and podcasts are a phenomenal way to expand your idea of what is possible on your trip.

Once you have a list of dream destinations for your travel itinerary, highlight up to five that are your absolute priorities—these will become the bedrock of your around the world trip. The rest of the places on your list will slot in around those stops based on timing, weather, and more.

How granularly you plan is personal—some travelers leave with a precise list of destinations and timelines, while others plan the first couple of months of their round the world trop.

My three key travel destinations:

For my first year, I had three key activities on my list. The first was diving the Great Barrier Reef —that’s why my trip started in Australia . The second was meeting my cousin in India and backpacking north from Mumbai together for two months before ending our time together at a volunteer placement in Nepal . The third was time-sensitive as I had always dreamed of attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival , which takes place every August in Scotland.

Later, when I traveled with my 11-year-old niece for six months in Southeast Asia , I led her through some basic Google searches so that she could see what was on offer. We planned our joint world trip itinerary together centered around her three biggies: an ethical elephant encounter , ziplining somewhere, and visiting Angkor Wat .

2. Pick a direction around the world.

From your home country, your travel itinerary will take you either east to west, or west to east around the world. Backtracking is not ideal—it’s expensive, causes more jet lag, and is bad for the environment. Use this strategy whether you use a round the world ticket (which requires this stipulation) or if you book flights as you travel.

Pros and cons of traveling east:

• Science says this direction is harder on your body and produces more jet lag . The short of it is because you are losing time when you fly through time several zones, but your body actually prefers cycles slightly longer than 24 hours, not shorter.
• You’ll need to become a pro at minimizing jet lag so you don’t lose several days to it in each new location.
• If you’re planning a very long RTW trip, perhaps 18 months or more, and your itinerary creeps around the world, then you will likely not notice the difference much.

Pros and cons of traveling west:

• As noted, your body actually prefers days that run longer than 24 hours, so your internal clock has a much easier time adding hours into your day. This means fewer nights adjusting and staring at the hotel ceiling at 3am.
• Your body can do at least two hours of time zone jumping in this direction without having a noticeable effect on you, so it’s ideal to slowly hop west around the world. And if you’re crossing the Pacific from the U.S., your largest time zone change will likely occur at the beginning of your trip, so you can then enjoy more relaxing travel for the many months afterwards.

How I decided my world trip direction:

I was lucky that two of my key experiences could bookend my trip. Scotland and Australia are not close, so it was easy to plan many of my other dream destinations to fill the space between these countries.

Since I planned to leave the U.S. in November, it was easy to surmise that starting my trip in Australia, which was entering summer, made the most sense. Then I would make my way west toward Scotland for Edinburgh Fringe, handily skirting both winter in Europe and summer in Asia.

3. Find creative overland routes.

Whew, you now have a list of dream destinations for your world trip and a direction of travel. Now it’s time to fill in the space in your itinerary. And you’ll do that by using local transportation, which is a lot more fun than flying—you’ll see more of the country and culture, and you’ll have richer travel experiences .

Go back now to those handful of key destinations from your bucket list that. These are the foundational bedrocks of your world trip itinerary. These dots on the map should lend a rough overview of a route. If they don’t, if one is just an outlier that makes it hard to see logical jumps, narrow your list down to four, and see if that helps—if you truly love the idea of an experience, but it doesn’t fit this trip it might make a great trip on its own in a couple years time.

Now, your world trip itinerary needs the details, and those usually come from visiting clusters of bordering countries—you’ll be crossing overland among many of these destinations. (For that to work, however, check visa restrictions for your nationality as some countries require visas in advance, or don’t allow crossings at certain borders).

Popular routes ( backpacking Southeast Asia , for example), have only a few restrictions and those are easily handled online, or in the days before your border crossing.

Start dotting the map with the countries that are very close to your bedrock destinations. That looks like this: If trekking in Nepal is a bedrock item, and India’s Golden Triangle and Sri Lanka were both on your dream list, then it makes sense to add them into your route, since you’ll definitely be in the region.

My creative overland routes:

As I planned my itinerary, a dear friend announced she wanted to meet me in Florence, Italy in June. That became another bedrock item with a firm date, so I now had a time I had to leave South Asia and head to Eastern Europe.

Nearby Croatia was on my tentative list, and I had a friend in Bosnia , so both of those became stops on my itinerary that helped give it shape. Prague hadn’t been on my list, but I decided to move north through Eastern Europe after leaving Bosnia.

I filled in adventurous stops that would take me from my friend in Italy in June to Scotland in August—plenty of time for rafting in Slovenia , finding charming towns in Czech Republic , biking Amsterdam like a local, and walking through the Lake District of England first!

Research activities in countries you’re considering.

If there are countries nearby your “must-visit” locations, use a site like GetYourGuide to research the types of activities you could see and do if you visited these adjacent destinations as well. I like checking out the day tour sites more than a guidebook at this stage because it’s a very quick overview of the must-dos in each location.

4. Research festivals in your favored locations.

Local festivals around the world are amazingly full of life, culture, and fun. It’s a huge letdown when you learn too late that you missed a major religious and celebratory festival by just a few days. And it’s also a shock if you arrive thinking it’s shoulder season but you really arrived during Brazil’s carnival.

Plan your route to coincide with the dates of festivals that seem most fun for you (this is especially important for trips with kids, because they love the excitement, colors, and foods at these types of events. You’ll need to book accommodation early depending on the event, so that may take some flexibility from your world travel route, but it’s worth it.

Here are a few favorite annual festivals that many travelers plan around: La Tomatina in Spain in late August; Holi the Festival of Colors  in India around early March; Thailand’s Songkran Water Festival often falls within April and its Loy Krathong Lantern Festival falls in late October or early November.

Festivals around the world I sought out:

When my cousin told me should could only meet in India in February, and I knew we’d be there for two months, I went into planning mode to decide where we should celebrate Holi the Festival of Colors . It was a real highlight of my trip and I am so glad our world travel itinerary allowed us to experience this incredible Indian festival.

Then, of course, was the Fringe Festival —that was one of my bedrock destinations so it was definitely on the planned route.

5. Play Tetris with locations to fit your travel budget.

I stuck to an amazing year-long world travel budget that came in under $20,000. The only way I could do that was by carefully planning my time to favor budget-friendly countries, and then add in high-cost countries in smaller supply.

Research each of your dream destinations ahead of time because some places you might assume are budget actually cost more than you imagine (a safari in Africa is not cheap, nor is accommodation in much of Africa, but visiting a dream destination on the continent is worth it). Japan may be in Asia, but it’s pricey, too. Central America and Mexico are easy on your budget, as are parts of South America.

How I made my RTW travel budget work:

Australia , England, Scotland, and Ireland were mega expensive and represented three of my eleven months on the road. India and Nepal were, by far, the cheapest places (even cheaper than backpacking Southeast Asia ), and it was actually difficult to go over budget during the three-and-a-half months that I backpacked South Asia.

I spent the other months in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, two regions that are in the discount to mid-range. All told, I was able to easily average $50 a day, even though some days in Europe topped $100.

6. Plan around weather trends.

On your trip, research destinations ahead of time and plan according to your own weather preferences. While it’s not likely you will hit every destination in your preferred season, you should know when monsoon season makes a paradise island unenjoyable, or when blizzards will thwart a planned ski trip.

Research using this great rundown of shoulder season locations around the world, and this European shoulder season list , and this very cool map of a a sample round the itinerary featuring perfect weather in every location.

Why I chased summer around the world:

I planned my trip itinerary to chase summer around the world. As a native Floridian, my tolerance for heat is higher than most others, and I deeply enjoy warmth. A year of summer was lovely.

Whether your around the world trip chases summer or snow—and note it’s way easier to pack for long-term travel when you can leave behind thick jackets and boots—you’ll want to pack effectively using packing cubes .

I have probably 20 packing cubes after 15+ years of travel—cubes of all shapes, sizes, and uses to fit every trip. This eight-pack starter set is well-priced, durable, and will give you a worthy introduction into the sheer magic of packing cubes.

7. Consider how you will fly.

When planning your itinerary, you have to consider more than just major long-haul flights. On my travels, I research local budget airlines too, and I always have a good idea of which regions of the world offer affordable puddle-jumper flights. If you’re considering buying round the world tickets , read my insider tips and advice first!

Southeast Asia has AirAsia and Vietjet, among others. Europe has many budget carriers: Vueling, Ryan Air, and EasyJet. And JetStar has good flight deals in South Asia. By checking for budget airline routes, I know that I can easily visit more countries in a region if there are sub $100 flights around the area. (Tip: this is an amazing interactive map of low-cost airline routes ).

My transportation choices:

I priced out my year on the road and found it was cheaper to combine overland travel with local carriers than it would have been to buy a RTW ticket up front. I also have a guide to how I find good flight deals , since I never buy round the world airfare.

Generally, flights are likely necessary unless you plan an entirely overland route around the world , but flights are harmful if you solely rely on this form of transportation, so truly consider how you can incorporate other options, such as buying a Eurail ticket in Europe, or a Greyhound bus ticket to travel down the east coast of Australia.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

8. Remove some destinations from your world trip itinerary.

There is no wrong way to plan your route around the world, and there is no perfect number of places that you can visit in a year—it all depends on what you’re looking for on your trip. And no matter how carefully you plan, you will love some places, feel mediocre toward others, and perhaps even leave early from a few. You won’t know until you set out which type of places and experiences best fit your long-term travel style.

But please keep in mind that the pace of short-term travels is very different from a multi-month trip. Create a route that travels slowly, avoids the dreaded travel-fatigue , and includes destinations you have long dreamed of visiting. To do that, you now need to take a critical eye to your trip and trim the fat.

Is there something you added it because it seemed fun and was moderately close, but it wasn’t a bedrock item? Or perhaps it’s a location you love the idea of so much that you know you will plan a trip there in the future if you skip it now. Snip those from your world travel itinerary right now and you will be shooting me an email of thanks once you’re on the road.

The countries I cut from my around the world trip:

The best advice other travelers gave me when I asked for itinerary advice in a travel forum was to remove an entire leg of the trip. I had hoped to backpack Scandinavia between my time in the Czech Republic and Amsterdam, but long-term travelers assured me that I would be grateful for wiggle room in my itinerary by that stage of my trip (nine months into it).

Plus, they accurately pointed out that I just couldn’t swing these very expensive countries on my limited travel budget.

Turns out that I burned out a month before reaching Czech Republic and camped out in Slovenia for an extra two weeks—if I had been dead-set on Scandinavia, I would have never had time to do that while still making it to Edinburgh Fringe in time! (And let’s not even think about what Scandinavia would have done to my travel budget!).

If you’re overwhelmed about planning the nitty-gritty details on a months-long trip around the world, know that a rough route suffices. All you truly need before you leave home is logistics for the first couple of weeks—you can easily sort out the rest on the road. I promise.

Really, I promise. It seems scary but I swear to you that you will be grateful for flexibility once you land, and that it’s completely possible to plan the smaller details as you go. Moving between countries and regions was infinitely easier than I had anticipated before my first round the world.

Your Next Steps for Planning an Around the World Itinerary

Research places around the world and assemble a dream list of locations. That’s really the first step and should be a lot of fun.

While my travel books selections are a starting point, you can also peruse guidebooks for inspiration. I always buy a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide for my first planned destination (and then I swap it along the way for each new country), and before my first round the world trip I checked out a stack of 25 guidebooks from my library. Do your research and dream big before you even begin selecting an itinerary and paring down your list of destinations.

This is my core page compiling resources on How to Travel the World and here are a few other pages sharing advice specifically for long-term travel planning.

• How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World
• How to Save for Travel
• Free Destination Travel Guides
• Best Credit and Debit Cards for Travel
• How to Pack for Long-Term Travel
• How to Pick the Right Travel Insurance

How to Travel the World

Free resources and first-hand advice on how to plan long-term and round the world travels.

Essential Travel Planning Resources

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids. Here’s why .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for world travel , gear to keep you safe on the road, my favorite travel books , and more.

🛏️ Find great accommodation . Booking.com is essentially the only hotel booking site that I use. It has a wide and affordable selection of traditional hotels, but also hostels and vacation rentals, too. Use these pro tips to find the best travel accommodation .

📍 Navigate more effectively. Rome2Rio is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on RentalCars.com .

✈️ Book affordable flights. Expedia is one of the first places I look for low-cost flights .

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

World Travel Guide - Official Destination Guides and Travel Stories

World Travel Guide

Editorial Foreword

The World Travel Guide (WTG) is the flagship digital consumer brand within the Columbus Travel Media portfolio . Available in English, German, and Spanish versions, the WTG provides detailed and accurate travel content designed to inspire global travellers. It covers all aspects, from cities to airports, cruise ports to ski and beach resorts, attractions to events, and it also includes offbeat travel news, stories, quizzes and guides for adventurous travellers.

Travel Features

Food and drink.

Los Angeles food & drink guide: 10 things to try in Los Angeles, California

From celebrity chefs to timeless burger joints, lively Los Angeles has a wide range of dishes to impress you; here are the top 10 things to try

London food & drink guide: 10 things to try in London

As one of the most diverse cities in the world, London’s culinary scene offers an eclectic mixture of British classics and modern, multicultural cuisine

Are eggs good or bad for you?

Chicken eggs are nutritious and versatile, but are they good or bad for you?

Italian wine for major occasions

Great wine can amp up your mood and enhance your experience, and this guide can help you choose fantastic Italian wine for major foodie and special occasions

The complete guide to Bulgarian wine

Bulgaria is not yet a well-known wine country, but that is about to change as Bulgarian wineries are carving an admirable niche

Thai Wine – A remarkable success story

A feat to be admired, we take you through Thai wine’s remarkable journey to success

City Guides

Bustling and energetic, Osaka is a thriving metropolis with a distinct commercial culture and with a regional identity that sets it apart from elsewhere in Japan.

Paris rarely disappoints. Home to beautiful architecture, arresting art and the world’s finest restaurants, only the hard–hearted will leave the City of Light without falling in love.

Sandwiched between the Red Sea and the mighty Negev desert, Eilat is a water sport and desert adventure paradise. The southernmost city of Israel has all the hallmarks of a fantastic sun and fun holiday.

Country/ State/ Region Guides

A flavourful melting pot of sparkling nightspots, fresh seafood, sizzling Mediterranean passion and mythical legend, Greece is a fascinating and enchanting destination.

The eyes of the world are on Qatar right now. Following the discovery of oil in the 1940s, this small Gulf state has been catapulted from a small fishing and trading hub to one of the richest (per capita) countries in the world.

The Islands of Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti are known for their laid-back vibes. Expect romantic sunsets and giant curls of turquoise breaking over reefs. Remote and pristine, the islands give you a glimpse of paradise on Earth.

Mongolia is far-flung and little visited yet has much to offer, from the stunning scenery and wildlife of mountains and deserts to the emerging luxury hotels and restaurants of capital Ulaanbaatar.

Much like the varying conditions of classic cars, Havana appears to be in a constant state of restoration. A mishmash of beautifully restored colonial buildings rubs shoulders with dilapidated tenements of regular Cubans.

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

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How to plan a trip around the world

 Making the fantasy of a global odyssey an achievable reality is not as impossible as it might seem.

Combining a series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences into a single around-the-world trip can feel like the ultimate expression of luxury travel. It can be a daunting prospect though, with many contending factors to consider. Here's how to start planning the ultimate round-the-world trip.

1. Take to the sky

Air travel is, predictably, the simplest way to traverse the globe. Start by purchasing an around-the-world plane ticket through an airline alliance — coalitions of different airlines which let you pay for all of your flights in a single transaction. The alliance offers regional passes which might work better should you want to devote the bulk of your time to one or two continents.

There are three main players: Star Alliance, OneWorld and Skyteam; the latter, however, has suspended sales of RTW tickets. Star Alliance is a confederation of 26 airlines covering 1,200 airports in 98% of the world’s nations, while OneWorld’s 13 airlines serve 1,000 destinations across almost as many countries.

The small print varies, but fliers must always keep to one global direction, east or west (the latter better suits your circadian rhythm), with no backtracking; must only cross the Atlantic and Pacific oceans once each; must start and finish in the same country; and must travel for a period between 10 days and one year.

Convenience is a benefit here, allowing you to minimise paperwork. It’s worth noting that some countries, such as China, also require proof of an outbound air ticket before issuing visas.  

How to do it:   Star Alliance offers a 133-day itinerary from London via Istanbul, Dubai, Bangkok, Sydney, Los Angeles and New York from £2,580 per person.  

2. Ride the rails

A century ago, taking extended rail journeys was one of the only means of long-distance travel. Today, trains are a great option for travellers looking to minimise their carbon footprint and take a slower, more measured route.

Recapturing the romance of the past, around-the-world specialists Travel Nation can tailor-make odysseys involving   separate train journeys. Vietnam’s Reunification Express, an Outback crossing aboard the Australian Ghan and a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada can all feature.

How to do it:   Travel Nation ’s 74-night, rail-focused global tour costs from £17,760 per person, including flights, trains, accommodation, most meals and some excursions.  

3. Go Private

For those who truly want to travel in style, it’s possible to circumnavigate the globe by private jet through National Geographic Expeditions. These trips are based around epic itineraries whose remarkable destinations are brought to life by a experts and groundbreaking researchers in various fields, who most travellers never get to meet.

On the 24-day Around the World by Private Jet expedition, you can visit 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among the trip’s standouts are Easter Island’s Moai statues, Angkor’s jungle-flanked temple complexes, rock-carved Petra and a Serengeti safari. Departing from Washington, DC, up to 75 passengers will travel VIP-style in a customised Boeing 757, bedding down throughout the adventure in five-star hotels or lodges.

How to do it: National Geographic Expeditions ’ 23-night Around the World by Private Jet trip starts from £77,100 per person, all-inclusive, including medical evacuation insurance. Departures on 10 March, 29 October and 28 December 2024.  

4. Head overland

Travellers who don’t mind hitting the open road can try Oasis Overland, a tour company specialising in overland travel. Its longest offering is a 293-day trip from the UK to Cairo via an anticlockwise loop along much of the African coast, plus Victoria Falls and Zanzibar. The slew of highlights include the Sahara desert, the Giza Pyramids and East Africa’s wildlife-rich plains.  

The 16 (or fewer) group members will ride in one of Oasis Overland’s bright yellow trucks, built for traversing bumpy roads while offering as much comfort as possible. Nights are almost exclusively spent camping, and everyone is expected to contribute by pitching tents or cooking dinners.

You could also combine trips by flying from Cairo to Istanbul and then joining another overland tour all the way to Singapore, for example.

How to do it: Oasis Overland ’s 292-night UK to Cairo expedition starts from £9,495 per person, including all transport (except flights from the UK to Gibraltar or Malaga) and a selection of excursions.

5. Do it yourself

Arranging everything yourself is an option — most easily accomplished by purchasing multi-destination flights through a comparison website such as kiwi.com or Skyscanner.

A big upside to this is that you can work out something closely aligned to your specific needs; it’ll require a fair bit of time, though, and you’ll lose out in terms of flexibility — changing dates can be tricky — and cancellation cover.

It’s usually more convenient to aim for large airport hubs — the likes of Bangkok, Dallas, Dubai, Heathrow, Paris and Singapore — as the many competing services provide more options. A typical around-the-world ticket will involve something along the lines of London — Istanbul — Bangkok — Singapore — Sydney — Los Angeles — New York — London. From these hubs, you’ll be well placed to add in more obscure destinations in between.  

It’s also worth bearing in mind that you don’t have to fly between each stage. For instance, it’s possible to travel from London to Istanbul by train, lowering your carbon footprint in the process. Or, rather than flying from Bangkok to Singapore, you could get a boat from the Thai capital to Koh Samui and continue from there instead. A reliable tool for establishing train, bus, boat or taxi costs is the website Rome2Rio, and it’s worth investigating the likes of Amtrak rail passes in the US, Eurail Passes for European trains or Greyhound coach tickets covering Australia’s east coast.

Accommodation is something to decide on in advance. Be sure to have all hotel bookings locked in place well ahead of time. Hostels are a good bet, especially if you’re travelling solo or planning an ad-hoc approach during each stage of the trip, but can be lacking in privacy and comforts. House or apartment rentals can be much more comfortable and convenient, particularly for longer stays.  

How to do it: A sample 147-day itinerary from London via Istanbul, Dubai, Bangkok, Sydney, Los Angeles and New York from kiwi.com starts at £2,189 per person, including checked luggage.

6. Enlist a pro

One of the best ways to arrange an air-based around-the-world itinerary is by booking with a specialist agent or operator such as Trailfinders, Travel Nation or AirTreks. This can cut out a lot of organisational stress, while also enabling you to take advantage of these companies’ many years of experience. These firms often have access to special deals and aren’t constrained to particular airlines or alliances, allowing them to further improve the offerings to their clients.

The AirTreks website even has a trip planner tool listing a series of suggested activities, interests and attractions such as hiking, beaches, meditation or family travel, providing an extra level of choice at the planning stage.

If you’re interested in earning air miles, specify this to the agent so that they can concentrate on finding flights that qualify. Agents will also be able to suggest tempting additional stops — Taiwan, maybe, or a pause in Oman — which can be a great way of adding an extra bit of excitement to burgeoning itineraries.  

Finally, a specialist company can also take care of — or advise on — vaccinations (such as malaria), and certification and visas you’ll need, saving you plenty of legwork.

How to do it: AirTrek s’ nine-stop ticket from London via Paris, Florence, Venice, Athens, Singapore, Sydney, Auckland and Los Angeles costs from £1,325 to £1,770.

7. Learn to sail

Land ahoy! You might just get to utter those words by signing up for a unique sailing adventure with London-based operator Another World Adventures, which can arrange for you to join a classic, square-rigged tall ship for 90 days as it makes its way around the world on a 455-day voyage. Once on board, you’ll learn how to trim the sails, haul mizzen spinnakers and lean on trade winds to cross the tropics. No experience is required, and participants will become part of a tight-knit crew and make friends for life.

It doesn’t matter at which point on its itinerary the ship happens to be, as it’s entirely possible to join subsequent legs. Setting sail from Bali on 6 November 2023, leg three sees the ship call at the Indian Ocean islands of Rodrigues and Reunion before arriving in Cape Town on 6 February. Beginning one day later, the fourth and final stage is via Namibia, the British overseas territory of St Helena, several Caribbean islands and, on 13 July, Nova Scotia in Canada.

If you’d prefer to wait and tackle the whole trip — the other two legs are Nova Scotia to Tahiti, and Tahiti to Bali — then Another World Adventures (which also offers other, similar experiences) expects it to start in 2025.

How to do it:   Another World Adventures offers 90 nights, full board, from £13,600 per person, including transport, port fees and instruction.  

8. Cruise along

Ever more around-the-world voyages are being offered by cruise lines. To join one, you’ll need one important thing: lots of spare time. The circular itineraries are mostly more than 100 days in length, with Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise maxing out at 274 nights via seven continents and around 150 stops. These kinds of journeys really fit the ‘trip of a lifetime’ tag, running up to £100,000 per person.

Notably, 2023 marks a century since the world’s first continuous passenger cruise ship completed its pioneering journey. Chartered by the American Express Company, Cunard’s SS Laconia arrived back in New York City after completing a monumental six-month sailing via Japan, Singapore, India and Egypt.  

They also sell out quicker than almost any other cruise, partly due to having a limited number of departures. Holland America Line, for example, opened bookings this summer on its new 2025 Grand World Voyage. Departing from Fort Lauderdale in Florida, this is a six-continent, 124-day round-trip which transits the Panama Canal before visiting Callao (for excursions to Machu Picchu), Easter Island, Tahiti, the Great Barrier Reef, the Seychelles, Cape Town, Kenya, Jordan and Barcelona among 46 stops.  

How to do it:   Holland America Line’s 123-night Grand World Voyage starts from £19,900 per person, full board, including complimentary airport transfers, a $500 (£400) air credit and up to £6,700 per person in onboard spending credits if booked by 3 June 2024.  

9. Hop aboard a cargo ship

A rather more adventurous way of sailing the seas is aboard a cargo ship or freighter cruise. Carrying large containers of clothes, electrical equipment, foods and most other things between the world’s major ports, some of these allot space for four to 12 passengers.

Single, twin or double cabins are the norm, usually with sea-facing windows as well as a sitting area, a desk, a shower and a toilet. A few boats come with a pool, but most are very simple — they’re built for work, not pleasure, after all — and you certainly won’t find a spa or casino (though playing cards with the crew members isn't unheard of). All meals are provided in the on-board canteen.

The major appeal is the sense of serenity — watching the ocean drift by and having time to gather your thoughts or write that novel you’ve always planned.  

This can also be an amazing way to tick off some hard-to-reach places. Take freighters travelling to Singapore from New Zealand; be it for fuel and supplies or to make a drop-off, these stop at numerous Pacific islands en route, occasionally for a couple of days. That said, some port calls are too quick for guests to go ashore.

Note that good health and unaided mobility — due to steep gangways and lots of stairs — are mandatory, and it’s not suited for children or elderly travellers.

How to do it:   Cargo Ship Voyages offers a cargo ship crossing from Rotterdam to Cuba (estimated at 16 nights) from £1,880 per person, which includes all meals.  

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• TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE

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Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Guide

How To Plan A World Trip

Published: December 6, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Tessy Shah

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Embarking on a world trip is a dream for many adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity to explore new cultures, witness breathtaking landscapes, and create unforgettable memories. However, planning such a grand adventure can be overwhelming without the right guidance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to plan your dream world trip, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or venturing into the realm of long-term travel for the first time, proper planning is key to ensuring a successful trip. From researching destinations to managing your finances and preparing for unforeseen circumstances, each step plays a crucial role in shaping your travel experience.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to plan your world trip effectively. From selecting the perfect destinations to creating a realistic budget, organizing travel logistics, and taking care of your health and safety, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your dream journey a reality.

Take a deep breath, envision the incredible adventures that await you, and let’s dive into the process of planning your world trip.

Step 1: Research and Destination Selection

The first step in planning your world trip is conducting thorough research and selecting the destinations you want to visit. This is the exciting part where you get to explore different countries, cultures, and landscapes that pique your interest.

Start by making a list of countries or regions that you’ve always wanted to visit. Consider your personal preferences, such as whether you prefer urban or rural areas, beaches or mountains, historical sites or natural wonders. Think about the activities you enjoy, whether it’s hiking, surfing, or immersing yourself in local cuisine and traditions.

Research each destination to gather information about its attractions, climate, safety, local customs, visa requirements, and any travel advisories. Look for travel blogs, guidebooks, and online forums for insights and recommendations from fellow travelers. Take the time to read about the experiences of others who have visited the places you’re interested in; this will help you narrow down your choices.

Consider creating a priority list or a rough itinerary based on your interests and the feasibility of visiting each destination. Keep in mind factors such as peak tourist seasons, weather conditions, and the overall cost of living in each location.

Once you have a list of potential destinations, it’s time to delve deeper into the details. Research transportation options, such as flights, buses, or trains, and consider the proximity of each location to make your travel arrangements more efficient.

While it’s tempting to pack your itinerary with as many destinations as possible, remember to allow yourself enough time to truly experience and enjoy each place. Prioritize quality over quantity to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and make meaningful connections.

Researching and selecting your destinations might take some time and effort, but the process itself can be exciting as you uncover hidden gems and learn about different cultures around the world. Take advantage of the abundance of resources available online to make informed decisions and craft an unforgettable world trip itinerary.

Step 2: Budgeting and Financial Planning

One of the most crucial steps in planning a world trip is creating a realistic budget and establishing a financial plan to support your travels. Travel expenses can add up quickly, so it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your financial situation and how much you’re willing to spend.

Start by assessing your current financial standing. Determine how much money you have available for your trip and how much you can comfortably allocate to travel expenses. Consider factors such as your savings, income from work or other sources, and any ongoing financial commitments you may have.

Research the cost of living and travel expenses in the countries you plan to visit. Take into account accommodation prices, transportation costs, meals, activities, and any additional expenses such as visas or travel insurance.

Create a detailed budget spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to keep track of your expenses. Divide your budget into categories such as transportation, accommodation, food, attractions, and miscellaneous costs. Be sure to include a contingency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

As you establish your budget, remember to be realistic and flexible. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season, location, and your personal preferences. Consider opting for a mix of budget-friendly and splurge experiences to balance your spending.

Research ways to save money on your travels, such as using travel rewards credit cards, booking accommodation through platforms that offer discounts, or utilizing public transportation instead of taxis or private transfers.

Additionally, consider alternative accommodation options like hostels, guesthouses, or homestays, which can be more budget-friendly compared to hotels.

It’s also important to consider how you will manage your finances while on the road. Research banking options that offer low or no international transaction fees and ATM withdrawal fees. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any disruptions in accessing your funds.

Lastly, make sure to account for any long-term financial commitments you may have, such as student loans or rent. Set up automatic bill payments or arrange for someone to take care of your financial responsibilities while you’re away.

By creating a well-planned budget and implementing smart financial strategies, you can ensure that your world trip remains within your means and enjoy your adventure without any financial stress.

Step 3: Applying for Visas and Travel Documents

Before embarking on your world trip, it’s crucial to understand the visa requirements and travel documents necessary for each country you plan to visit. Visa regulations can vary widely depending on your nationality and the destination, so it’s important to research and prepare well in advance.

Start by checking the visa requirements for each country on your itinerary. Visit the official websites of the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit to gather accurate and up-to-date information. Some countries may offer visa-free entry for certain nationalities or provide visa-on-arrival options.

Identify the type of visa you need, whether it’s a tourist visa, business visa, or any other specific category. Determine the validity period and the allowed duration of stay for each visa.

Plan your itinerary accordingly, taking into account the maximum time you’re allowed to spend in each country. If needed, adjust your travel plans or consider applying for an extended visa or visa extensions to ensure compliance with the visa regulations.

Check the required documents for the visa application process. This can include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of travel itinerary or accommodation bookings, travel insurance, and financial documents showing sufficient funds to support your stay.

Some countries may also require additional documentation, such as a letter of invitation, proof of employment or education, or a return or onward ticket. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents prepared in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

Submit your visa application well in advance to allow ample time for processing. Some countries may have longer processing times, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

If you’re visiting multiple countries on your world trip, consider the order in which you will visit them to ensure a smooth transition between visa requirements. Some countries may require proof of onward travel or visa for a subsequent destination, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Additionally, make copies of all your important travel documents, including your passport, visas, and travel insurance. Store these copies in separate locations, along with digital copies in your email or cloud storage, for easy access in case of loss or theft.

By familiarizing yourself with the visa requirements and preparing the necessary documents in advance, you can avoid any last-minute visa issues and ensure a hassle-free start to your world trip.

Step 4: Booking Accommodation

Booking suitable accommodation for your world trip is an important aspect of planning your adventure. It’s essential to find comfortable and safe accommodations that fit your budget and cater to your specific needs and preferences.

Start by considering the type of accommodation that suits your travel style. Options range from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious hotels, vacation rentals, or even camping sites. Think about factors such as privacy, amenities, location, and the type of experience you want to have during your stay.

Research different accommodation booking platforms, such as Booking.com, Airbnb, or Hostelworld, and read reviews from other travelers to ensure reliable and reputable options. These platforms provide a wide range of choices, from shared dormitories for budget travelers to private rooms or entire apartments for more privacy and comfort.

Consider the location of your accommodations in relation to the attractions or activities you plan to partake in. Look for accommodations that are centrally located or easily accessible to public transportation, making it convenient to explore your chosen destinations.

When booking accommodation, take into account your budget and the length of your stay in each place. If you’re planning a longer-term trip, you might consider alternatives to traditional accommodations, such as house-sitting, couchsurfing, or volunteer programs that provide accommodation in exchange for work.

Be sure to check the cancellation policies and any additional fees associated with your bookings. Flexibility is key, especially when unexpected changes occur in your travel plans or you discover new destinations you want to explore.

Communication is vital when booking accommodations. If you have specific requirements or preferences, such as dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, or specific amenities, be sure to communicate these details with the accommodation provider to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Consider reaching out to local tourism boards or visitor centers for recommendations on unique or off-the-beaten-path accommodations. They may have insights into charming guesthouses, family-run bed and breakfasts, or eco-friendly lodgings that offer a different experience from mainstream options.

Remember to keep track of your accommodation bookings and ensure that you have confirmation details readily available. Having a centralized system, such as a digital itinerary or travel app, can be helpful in organizing your bookings.

By carefully selecting and booking your accommodations, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your world trip, creating a home away from home as you explore new destinations.

Step 5: Transportation Planning

Planning your transportation is a crucial step in organizing your world trip. Determining the most efficient and cost-effective ways to get from one destination to another will help maximize your time and budget.

Start by researching the transportation options available in each country or region you plan to visit. Consider whether it’s feasible to travel by air, train, bus, ferry, or a combination of these methods.

For longer distances, compare flight prices and look for deals or discounts that can help you save money. Utilize search engines and travel websites to find the best flight options and consider being flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of lower fares.

If you prefer a slower-paced journey or want to experience the local landscape, consider traveling by train or bus. Many countries have efficient and affordable public transportation systems that connect major cities and towns.

For shorter distances within a city or between nearby attractions, explore local transportation options such as metro systems, trams, taxis, or even walking. Research the local transportation network, including schedules, fares, and any transportation passes or cards that offer discounts.

Consider purchasing transportation passes or cards that provide unlimited access to public transportation within a specific timeframe. These can be a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to use public transportation frequently during your stay.

When planning your transportation, factor in the time it takes to travel between destinations. Take into account any layovers, waiting times, or potential delays that may occur. Be realistic about the time you’ll need to explore each destination and consider adding buffer days in case of unexpected changes in your plans.

Research the local driving regulations and road conditions if you plan to rent a car or use a car-sharing service. Ensure that you have an international driving permit if required and familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and signs.

If you’re an adventurous traveler, consider alternative forms of transportation such as cycling, motorcycling, or even hitchhiking, keeping in mind the safety considerations and legal requirements of each country.

Lastly, make sure to have a backup plan in case of transportation disruptions or cancellations. Know the alternative routes or modes of transportation available in case your original plans encounter any unexpected obstacles.

By carefully planning your transportation options and being well-prepared, you can save time, money, and avoid unnecessary stress during your world trip. Remember to stay flexible and open to new experiences, embracing the journey as much as the destinations you’ll visit.

Step 6: Creating an Itinerary

Creating a well-thought-out itinerary is essential for maximizing your time and ensuring a smooth and organized world trip. An itinerary provides structure to your travels, allowing you to make the most of each destination while maintaining flexibility.

Start by reviewing your list of selected destinations and the duration of your trip. Consider the time you have available and balance it with the number of places you want to visit. Remember, it’s better to spend more time in fewer locations than to rush through multiple destinations.

Research the attractions, landmarks, and activities available in each destination. Prioritize the ones that align with your interests and preferences. Take into account any must-see sights, local festivals, or unique experiences that you don’t want to miss.

Create a rough outline of your itinerary, allocating a specific number of days or timeframes for each destination. Consider the travel time required between locations and factor in rest days or buffer days to account for any unexpected delays or changes.

Be open to alternative routes or additional stops along the way that may enhance your journey. Sometimes the unplanned detours lead to the most memorable experiences.

Consider whether you prefer a more relaxed pace or if you’re comfortable with a faster-paced itinerary. Find a balance that allows you to fully immerse yourself in each location while also making progress towards your overall travel goals.

While it’s important to have a structured plan, be flexible and open to adjustments. Leave room for spontaneous activities or opportunities that may arise during your trip. Remember that some of the most memorable moments can happen when you embrace the unexpected.

When creating your itinerary, also take into account local customs, traditions, and schedules. Some attractions or businesses may have specific hours of operation, while others may close on certain days of the week. Research the local culture to ensure that your plans align with the local customs and norms.

Communicate your itinerary to family or friends back home, as well as any trusted contacts you may have in the destinations you plan to visit. Having a general idea of your whereabouts can provide an added layer of safety and allow others to reach you if needed.

Review and refine your itinerary periodically as you gather more information or receive recommendations from fellow travelers. Stay updated on any travel advisories or changes in the local conditions that may affect your plans.

Remember that while having an itinerary is important, it’s equally crucial to remain flexible and open to new experiences. Embrace the unexpected, veer off the beaten path, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the beauty of your world trip.

Step 7: Packing Essentials

Packing for your world trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s important to pack efficiently, ensuring that you have all the essentials while keeping your luggage light and manageable. Here are some tips to help you pack smart for your adventure:

Start by creating a packing list. Consider the climate and weather conditions of the destinations you’ll be visiting and pack accordingly. Research the average temperatures, rainfall, and any specific clothing or gear requirements for each location.

Opt for versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Pack lightweight, quick-drying fabrics that are easy to wash and dry on the go. Choose clothes that are suitable for layering, allowing you to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Invest in a good quality, lightweight travel backpack or suitcase that meets airline size restrictions. Consider the durability, convenience, and functionality of your luggage. Choose a carry-on size if possible, as it allows for easier mobility and eliminates the risk of lost baggage.

Pack essential toiletries and personal care items in travel-sized containers to save space. Consider any specific medications or first aid supplies you may need and carry them in your carry-on to ensure easy access.

Consider the electronics you’ll need for your trip, such as a smartphone, camera, laptop, or e-reader. Pack the necessary chargers, power adapters, and any additional accessories needed for your devices. Remember to have a backup power bank for emergencies.

Research the voltage requirements and socket types of the countries you’ll be visiting and purchase appropriate travel adapters.

Don’t forget to pack important travel documents such as your passport, visas, driver’s license, and travel insurance information. Make digital copies of these documents and store them securely in your email or cloud storage.

Include a small daypack or a foldable tote bag that can be used for day trips or as an additional carry-on bag, allowing you to have your essentials within reach while exploring.

Bring a travel-sized laundry kit or detergent that allows you to wash your clothes on the go, saving you from having to pack excessive amounts of clothing.

Consider packing a few lightweight, multi-purpose items such as a microfiber towel, a universal sink stopper, a reusable water bottle, and a travel-sized umbrella or rain jacket. These can come in handy in various situations and save you from unnecessary expenses.

Limit the number of pairs of shoes you pack. Choose comfortable walking shoes for daily use and pack a pair of flip-flops or sandals for the beach or shower. Remember to pack a pair of socks and a few pairs of underwear that can be easily washed and dried.

When it comes to packing, remember that less is often more. Pack what you truly need, and be prepared to purchase or borrow items locally if necessary. Traveling light will make your journey more enjoyable and allow for greater flexibility in your adventures.

Step 8: Health and Safety Preparations

Ensuring your health and safety is a top priority when planning a world trip. Taking the necessary precautions and preparing ahead of time can help you stay healthy and safe throughout your travels. Here are some important steps to consider:

Research the health risks and any necessary vaccinations for the countries you plan to visit. Consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic to determine which vaccinations are recommended or required.

Obtain travel insurance that covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. Read the policy carefully to understand the coverage and exclusions. Carry a copy of your insurance policy details and emergency contact numbers with you at all times.

Make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medications you require, and carry them in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Research the availability of medications in the countries you’ll be visiting, and if needed, obtain a letter from your healthcare provider explaining your condition and the necessity of your medications.

Research the quality of healthcare facilities and medical services available in your destinations. Identify the location of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in each location. Consider carrying a basic first aid kit with items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, over-the-counter pain relievers, and any specialized medical supplies you may need.

Ensure that you have adequate travel vaccinations and protection against mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria or dengue fever. Pack insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, and mosquito nets if necessary.

Stay informed about any potential health risks or outbreaks in the areas you plan to visit. Check the websites of reputable health organizations and government travel advisories for up-to-date information and recommendations.

Take precautions to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Avoid consuming tap water or drinks with ice in countries where water quality is a concern. Be mindful of eating at reputable establishments, choose freshly cooked food, and wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizers.

Practice good hygiene habits such as proper handwashing, especially before eating or preparing food. Carry hand sanitizers or antibacterial wipes for times when access to soap and water is limited.

Take steps to ensure your personal safety while traveling. Research the safety situation in each destination and stay informed about any travel advisories or warnings. Avoid high-risk areas and practice common sense precautions such as using reputable transportation, securing your belongings, and being aware of your surroundings.

Register your travel plans with your country’s embassy or consulate in each destination. This allows them to contact you and provide assistance in case of an emergency or natural disaster.

Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, including emergency numbers and phrases related to health or safety. This can help you communicate your needs effectively if the need arises.

By taking the necessary health and safety precautions and staying informed, you can enjoy a worry-free world trip while prioritizing your well-being.

Step 9: Communication and Connectivity

Staying connected and maintaining effective communication while traveling is essential for a smooth and enjoyable world trip. Here are some steps to help you navigate communication and stay connected during your travels:

Research the local communication infrastructure and options available in each destination. Understand the local mobile network providers and their coverage. Determine whether it’s more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card or to activate an international data plan with your current mobile provider.

Unlock your phone before your trip to ensure compatibility with different SIM cards. Check with your mobile provider about the unlocking process and any associated fees or requirements.

Consider purchasing a pocket Wi-Fi device or mobile hotspot, especially if you need multiple devices connected to the internet simultaneously. These devices offer flexibility and can be a reliable source of internet connectivity during your travels.

Explore alternatives to traditional mobile plans, such as using messaging apps or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services to make calls and send messages over the internet. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber can help you stay connected with friends and family without incurring expensive roaming charges.

Research the availability of Wi-Fi hotspots in your destinations. Many accommodations, cafes, restaurants, and public areas offer free or paid Wi-Fi access. Make use of these opportunities to stay connected and minimize data usage.

Consider downloading offline maps or navigation apps to your mobile device. These apps allow you to access maps and directions without an internet connection, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar places.

Invest in a portable power bank to keep your devices charged, especially when you’re on the go and may not have access to power outlets. Ensure that the power bank has sufficient capacity to meet your needs.

If you need to make international calls, research the most cost-effective options. Calling cards or VoIP services can help you save on international calling rates.

Register for international roaming with your mobile provider if needed. Understand the rates and charges associated with using your phone abroad, and set usage limits or alerts to avoid unexpected costs.

For important or emergency contacts, write down the phone numbers and addresses on a physical copy in case you lose your phone or don’t have access to your digital contacts.

Stay mindful of your online security and use secure networks when accessing sensitive information such as online banking or personal accounts. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for such purposes, or use a reliable virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection.

By planning ahead and considering your communication and connectivity needs, you can stay connected with loved ones and access important information throughout your world trip.

Step 10: Managing Finances on the Road

Managing your finances while on a world trip is crucial to ensure you stay on budget and have peace of mind throughout your travels. Here are some steps to help you effectively manage your finances on the road:

Create a daily or weekly budget to track your expenses. Consider all aspects of your trip, including accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, and miscellaneous costs. Be realistic about your spending habits and adjust your budget as needed.

Keep track of your expenses using a budgeting app, spreadsheet, or a dedicated travel finance tool. Regularly update your records to have an accurate overview of your spending and identify any areas where you may need to cut back.

Monitor exchange rates and familiarize yourself with the local currency of the countries you’ll be visiting. Research reputable currency exchange options to get the best rates and minimize fees.

Carry a mix of payment options, including cash, debit or credit cards, and a travel card. Having multiple options provides flexibility and ensures you have access to funds in case of any issues with one method.

Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans to avoid any potential card blocks due to suspicious activities. Make a note of any emergency contact numbers for your financial institutions.

Use ATMs located in secure and reputable locations to withdraw cash. Be mindful of any additional fees associated with ATM withdrawals and set daily withdrawal limits to avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash.

Avoid exchanging currency at airports or tourist areas, as they often offer less favorable rates. Research local banks or currency exchange offices in the city for better rates.

Consider using a prepaid travel card that allows you to load funds in multiple currencies and offers competitive exchange rates. These cards can help you control your spending and avoid currency conversion fees.

Keep important financial documents, such as copies of your passport, bank cards, and travel insurance information, in a secure location or encrypted digital storage. Carry a backup card in case of loss or theft, separate from your primary cards.

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements to monitor for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately to your financial institutions.

Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions or accessing sensitive information. Use secure networks or a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure your data is protected.

Save receipts and make copies of important financial transactions. These records will be helpful for budget tracking, expense reimbursement, or any potential insurance claims.

At the end of your trip, review your overall expenses and reflect on your spending habits. This will provide insights for future trips and help you make better financial decisions.

By following these financial management tips, you can stay within your budget and have better control of your finances, allowing you to fully enjoy your world trip without unnecessary stress.

Step 11: Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an essential aspect of planning a world trip. It provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events or emergencies during your travels. Here’s why travel insurance should be a priority:

Research and compare different travel insurance providers to find a policy that suits your needs. Look for coverage options that include medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and personal liability.

Read the policy details carefully to understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and any required documentation or procedures in case of a claim. Consider additional coverage for specific activities such as adventure sports or high-risk activities if you plan to participate in them during your trip.

Understand the pre-existing medical condition policy of your travel insurance provider. Declare any pre-existing conditions and ensure that they are covered under the insurance policy. Failure to disclose pre-existing conditions may invalidate your coverage.

Evaluate the medical coverage limits to ensure they are sufficient for the countries you plan to visit. Medical expenses can be exorbitant in some destinations, and having adequate coverage is crucial for your financial protection.

Consider the duration of your trip and whether the travel insurance policy allows for extensions or renewal. If you plan to engage in long-term or indefinite travel, ensure that your policy covers the entire duration of your trip.

Review the policy’s terms for trip cancellation or interruption coverage. Understand the covered reasons and the reimbursement process if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen events.

Carry a copy of your travel insurance policy details, including the contact information for the insurer and the emergency assistance hotline. Keep a digital copy as well, in case of loss or theft.

Follow the necessary procedures and provide all required documentation if you need to make a claim. Take photos or make a list of any lost or stolen belongings, and report incidents to local authorities or the relevant authorities as soon as possible.

Keep all receipts, medical reports, police reports, and any other documentation related to your claim. Having organized records will make the claims process smoother and help support your case.

Before purchasing any additional travel coverage, review the benefits and coverage provided by your existing health insurance, credit card, or homeowner’s insurance policies. Some of these policies may offer limited travel coverage.

Remember that travel insurance is not just for medical emergencies. It also provides coverage for trip cancellations, lost baggage, travel delays, and other unforeseen events that may disrupt your plans.

While travel insurance adds to your overall trip expenses, it offers valuable financial protection and can save you from significant out-of-pocket costs in case of emergencies or unexpected circumstances.

Prioritize travel insurance as an essential part of your world trip planning to ensure a worry-free and financially secure adventure.

Step 12: Cultural Etiquette and Social Norms

When embarking on a world trip, understanding and respecting the cultural etiquette and social norms of the countries you visit is crucial. Here are some important considerations to help you navigate cultural differences with sensitivity:

Conduct research about the customs, traditions, and social norms of each destination before you arrive. Understand the local etiquette regarding greetings, dress codes, body language, and appropriate behavior in public spaces.

Respect local traditions and customs, even if they may differ from your own cultural norms. Be open-minded and embrace the opportunity to learn about and experience new ways of living.

Dress modestly and appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative areas. In some countries, it is customary to cover up your shoulders, legs, or hair. Understand and follow the local dress code to show respect for the culture.

Practice appropriate behavior when visiting religious or sacred sites. Follow any guidelines or rules set by the religious institution, such as removing your shoes, covering your head, or refraining from taking photos.

Be mindful of your gestures, as some may have different meanings in different cultures. Research and familiarize yourself with common gestures to avoid unintentionally offending or misunderstanding others.

Observe and follow local customs regarding greetings. For example, in some cultures, a handshake is appropriate, while others may prefer a bow, a kiss on the cheek, or no contact at all. Pay attention to the cues of the locals and follow their lead.

Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, such as greetings, thank you, and please. Making an effort to communicate in the local language is appreciated and shows respect to the local community.

Respect personal space and boundaries. Different cultures have different standards of personal space, and it’s important to be mindful of physical proximity to others to avoid making anyone uncomfortable.

Refrain from making negative comments or criticisms about the local culture, customs, or traditions. Instead, approach cultural differences with curiosity and a willingness to learn and understand.

Be cautious when discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, or cultural taboos. Avoid making assumptions or generalizations about a culture or religion. Listen attentively and ask questions respectfully if you want to learn more.

Respect local wildlife, natural resources, and protected areas. Follow guidelines for responsible tourism and avoid behaviors that harm the environment or wildlife. Leave nature as you found it and strive to minimize your ecological footprint.

Be aware of local laws and regulations and abide by them. Familiarize yourself with any specific rules or cultural practices that may apply to activities such as photography, public displays of affection, or alcohol consumption.

By educating yourself about cultural etiquette and social norms, you show respect for the local community and enhance your cultural immersion during your world trip. Embrace the diversity and richness of each destination, and approach interactions with an open and empathetic mindset.

Step 13: Solo Travel Tips

Solo travel can be an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. Whether you’re embarking on a world trip alone or exploring individual destinations, here are some valuable tips to enhance your solo travel adventure:

Prioritize safety by researching the safety situation of your chosen destinations. Stay informed about any travel advisories or warnings and take necessary precautions. Trust your instincts and avoid risky situations or unsafe areas.

Stay connected with family or friends back home. Share your travel itinerary and keep them updated on your whereabouts. Check in regularly to provide peace of mind for your loved ones.

Make copies of your important documents such as passport, visas, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies in your email or cloud storage, and carry physical copies in a separate location from the originals.

Stay in accommodation that offers a safe and welcoming environment for solo travelers. Consider hostels or guesthouses with shared common areas, where you can meet fellow travelers and potentially find companions for activities.

Be mindful of your belongings and keep them secure. Use a lock for your luggage, consider carrying a money belt or a hidden pouch to store your valuables, and be aware of your surroundings to prevent theft or loss.

Learn basic self-defense techniques or take a self-defense class before your trip. Knowing how to protect yourself in potentially dangerous situations can boost your confidence and give you a sense of security.

Build connections with locals and fellow travelers. Engage in conversations, join group activities or tours, and be open to meeting new people. However, trust your instincts and be cautious when interacting with strangers.

Practice self-care and listen to your body. Take time for yourself when needed, whether it’s to recharge, reflect, or simply enjoy your own company. Pace yourself and find a balance between exploration and relaxation.

Embrace the freedom of solo travel by being flexible with your plans. Don’t feel pressured to stick to a rigid itinerary; allow yourself the spontaneity to discover new places or change your plans as you see fit.

Be open to stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new experiences. Solo travel provides an excellent opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Challenge yourself to try activities you may have never considered before.

Practice good communication and assertiveness. Learn key phrases in the local language, such as asking for help or directions. Set clear boundaries and trust your intuition when engaging with others.

Stay informed about local customs and cultural norms. Respect and adapt to the traditions and practices of the places you visit. Being culturally sensitive enhances your travel experience and helps you connect with locals.

Stay positive and maintain a sense of humor, even when faced with challenges. Solo travel can come with its ups and downs, but embracing the journey with a positive mindset will contribute to a more enjoyable experience.

Solo travel allows you to embrace freedom, self-discovery, and personal growth. By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the world on your own and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Congratulations on reaching the end of this comprehensive guide to planning your dream world trip! By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Remember, planning a world trip requires careful research, organization, and flexibility.

From conducting thorough destination research to budgeting, applying for visas, booking accommodations, and managing your finances, each step is essential in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Additionally, understanding cultural etiquette, prioritizing safety, and embracing the freedom of solo travel will enhance your experience even further.

Throughout your world trip, stay open-minded, embrace new experiences, and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes you encounter. Cherish the connections you make with locals and fellow travelers, and let each destination leave its mark on you.

Remember, travel is not just about the destinations you tick off your list, but also about personal growth, self-discovery, and creating lifelong memories. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and embrace the transformative power of travel.

So, embark on your world trip with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. Open yourself up to the wonders of the world, and let the journey unfold. Bon voyage!

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Trip planning

Planning a world trip itinerary.

Last Updated on 12th November 2019 by Sarah and Justin

So you’ve decided you want to quit your job and travel the world. But thinking about where to go and when and for how long is completely overwhelming. Planning a world trip itinerary can indeed be daunting. It’s easy to get completely confused and overloaded by the vast number of choices you have. But with some organization and tips, it can be done, and more importantly, it can be fun!

We spent 13 months traveling to 27 countries in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Figuring out where we wanted to go and in what order took quite a bit of planning. In fact, we started planning about 9 months before we left. But once we established some ground rules, we really enjoyed it. So based on our experience, we’re offering tips to help you get organized, get inspired, and have fun planning your trip around the world.

What type of traveler are you?

The first question to ask yourself is how you like to travel. And there are many different components to this question.

Planning style

Are you a super planner or are you a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants traveler? If you like everything all figured before you get somewhere, this whole post is for you. If you like to wing it, you may find some of these recommendations a bit much, but the general principles should help guide you. We definitely fall more into the planner category. Due to our own accommodation preferences, budget restrictions, and Sarah’s chronic disease , we needed to plan where we were going and when before we got there. We couldn’t easily just hop a plane from one country to another without notice (Sarah must get advanced approval to fly with her medical device). And to get the most options and the best deals, we always booked accommodations in advance. It worked out that for most of our trip, we had things planned around two months in advance.

Pace of travel

Do you like to spend time really digging deep in a place, or do you like to see lots of different destinations? We started out as the latter type of travelers, and would try to hit as many cities as possible in one vacation. However, as time passed on this trip, we definitely turned into slower travelers. First and foremost, long-term travel is tiring, so it’s nice to give yourself time to rest. Second, jetting from one place to another (between cities, countries, and continents) can give you some sensory overload and confusion. It will take you longer to adjust to a destination. Based on all of this, we tried to mix up how long we spent in places.

What do you like?

Spend some time thinking about what you actually enjoy doing and seeing in travel and in life. Try not to feel like you have to do something just because it’s trendy or because you’ve heard it’s a must-do on a round the world trip. This is your trip. It’s your time, energy, and money so you should go where you want to not where you think you should.

Itinerary planning tools

Before you even start thinking about specific destinations, get organized. To give you some ideas, here are the things we used to help plan our trip.

Microsoft Word calendar template

We used a calendar to map out every day of our trip. In every square, we wrote the city we would be visiting. We started more generally, week by week. But then adjusted it to be specific to the day. It was a helpful way to visualize how long we would be places. And it was also useful to see days of the week in addition to dates. For example, if we were going to be somewhere a bit off the tourist track, we considered not leaving or arriving on a Sunday. Or if a place was known for its party scene, we’d try to be there mid-week. We also used this to track our Schengen Zone days (more on this in the visa section below).

Excel spreadsheet

We’re both big dorks who love spreadsheets. So we made a massive one to track absolutely everything related to our trip including all of our finances (and kept it updated throughout our whole trip). But since post this is about itinerary planning, we’ll focus on that. Before we left home, we pre-booked the first two months of the trip. We used the spreadsheet to track what we had booked (and whether we had pre-paid or not) so we knew what gaps we had to fill in once we got on the road. And of course, we color coded everything so that at a glance we could easily see what we had booked, how much we had spent, and what was left to do.

Google Maps

If you’re a traveler, Google Maps is your best friend. We used Google Maps for both logistics and inspiration. For many parts of the world it will tell you how to get from A to B, but also, once you figure out that it actually takes 27 hours to get from A to B, it can help you find places to stop and explore on the way… places you’ve never even thought of! As an example, several years ago, we were planning a trip and wanted to drive from Gdańsk, Poland to Kaunas, Lithuania. Since Justin is the sole driver on our trips, we knew we’d need to stop for the night somewhere in the middle. We jumped on Google Maps and searched for somewhere centrally located that might also be pretty. We saw a very small lake on the map, zoomed in, and found Gizycko, Poland. After some additional research, we learned there was also a forest, some castle ruins, and a great hotel complete with a bowling alley. Of course it ended up being one of our favorite spots and we never would have found it without doing some serious map investigation.

Google Flights

Sure, Google Flights is great to use to find great deals on flights, but even before you’re ready to do that, it’s a fantastic itinerary planning tool. If we knew we would be in location A and were trying to figure out the best place to go next, you just plug in location A and Google Flights will tell you everywhere you can fly to. And you can filter for direct flights. It’s helpful if you have a list of potential destinations in mind or to get inspiration to new destinations you may have never consdered. Note, we recommend using it on a good old fashioned computer not a mobile device.

Itinerary planning considerations

Once you’re organized, it’s time to do the fun stuff – finding all those amazing places in the world to visit. A combination of dreamy wanderlust and detail-oriented logistics is required. Here is everything we considered when planning our 13-month trip around the world.

Determine your must-see destinations

For most people, a trip like this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. So make the most of it! Start with your bucket list – what’s a place or experience you’ve always dreamed about? Our #1 bucket list destination was New Zealand, so we knew we absolutely had to get there on this trip. And seeing the temples at Angkor in Cambodia was pretty high on the list too.

After the bucket list, you can move onto the rest of your wish list. This might include countries you’ve never visited or places you know you must return to. In our case, we had never been to Southeast Asia so knew we wanted to spend time in that region. And we loved our first visit to Tokyo, so wanted to get back there again and explore more of Japan (and eat more ramen and sushi).

Where to look for inspiration

Chances are you’ll need some inspiration to decide on places to visit. Good thing there are gazillion places these days to do that. When we were planning, we focused mainly on established travel websites like Rough Guides and Wikitravel, and region-specific websites like Travelfish (for Southeast Asia), Japan Guide, and New Zealand’s tourism website. We also devoured travel blogs of people who had done similar trips. Now, just a few years later, there are blogs for pretty much every destination out there, so it’s easy to quickly get some key information and see some pretty pictures to decide if it’s for you or not. Plus using Instagram and Pinterest to get travel inspiration is now quite common and easy. But we would recommend not just using pictures to guide your journey. Read up on the places that pique your interest so you know what there is to do, how long to spend there, and what a place is really like.

Cross destinations off your list

There will be places that, no matter how much you’d love to visit them, just won’t be feasible to see on this trip. It could be due to budget or geography or logistical complications. Take the time to figure out what they are and remove them from consideration. It might be sad, but it’s a must-do in this process.

Make note of major life events and necessities

Is your sister having a baby? Is your best friend getting married? Do you want to be home for the holidays? These are all questions you should ask yourself and answer before you get into the nitty gritty of planning so if there’s somewhere you really want or need to be at a specific time you can work that into your itinerary. Similarly, if you are like Sarah and have a medical condition that you must manage in a specific way, think about that as well. We returned home for a number of reasons, but the most important one was to see Sarah’s LAM specialist for her bi-annual check-up.

Decide if you want to do a round-the-world ticket

A round-the-world ticket is a great option if you can continue moving in one direction throughout your journey. It doesn’t allow for backtracking (on that ticket). We knew we’d be returning home two times during our trip, which pretty much ruled out the round-the-world ticket for us. But if you don’t have any reasons to backtrack, it’s a good option to consider. If you decide you want to do it, you’ll have some constraints about where you can go and in what order. All companies and airlines offering round-the-world tickets have different rules, so do your research to understand the ramifications before you decide.

Research any visa restrictions

As American citizens and US passport-holders, we were lucky that the only visa requirement that significantly impacted what we wanted to do was the Shengen visa. We could only remain in Shengen Zone countries for 90 days within a 180 day period. We tracked these days carefully during our planning and used our handy dandy calendar template by adding a number in a different color to every day we would be in the Schengen Zone. A few other countries we visited had restrictions. For example, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Thailand all restrict the number of days you can stay consecutively, but this didn’t impact our itinerary. Additionally, there were several countries for which we had to buy visas. For Vietnam and Australia, we had to buy visas in advance. For Laos and Cambodia, we could buy visas upon arrival at the airport. These costs and processes may or may not impact your itinerary, but it’s good to be aware of them. The visa for Vietnam was quite expensive, and in retrospect, we should have stayed in the country longer to make the most of it. Last, certain countries require that you have booked a way out when you arrive. We were asked to prove our onward travel plans in South Korea and New Zealand but have heard this can be the case in Thailand as well. This is worth researching and deciding if you want to do some advance planning or take the risk of having to buy a plane ticket while standing at the immigration desk.

Consider your budget

Setting a budget is definitely the first thing you should do in the planning process. Because unless you have unlimited funds, your budget will impact every aspect of your world trip, including your itinerary.

When considering how our budget would impact our itinerary, we broke things down into three categories: transportation, lodging, and living expenses. We started with transportation and figured out the biggest ticket items – our longest flights. We also looked at the places we could travel overland or take budget airlines and came up with a general number. Next, we moved onto lodging. We established a per night average we wanted to stick to across the entire trip. We did a lot of research on hotel booking sites and Airbnb and came up with estimates for each of the major destinations we knew we wanted to visit. And last, we read up on cost of living in those destinations too.

All of that helped us decide how long we would spend where. To state the obvious, certain places in the world are more costly to visit than others. We would have spent much more time in New Zealand and Australia and the Faroe Islands if money were no object. But planning a trip like this, you’ll have to make compromises. Having a lodging average was helpful because if we knew certain places would be higher than that number, we would work to compensate for it in places with more affordable options.

It’s a lot of work, but if you do your research, you’ll feel more comfortable with your decisions and you (hopefully) won’t be blindsided by expenses that have negative consequences for your journey.

Get a good handle on your loyalty program points and airline miles

This step also falls into budget planning, but it can be very helpful when you’re itinerary planning too. We had a lot of miles and points, and we wanted to use as many of them as possible to save money on our trip. But we also actually got some great ideas for our itinerary by looking into all the options associated with our programs. For example, we knew we were going to be in Southeast Asia in December and that we wanted to go home for the holidays prior to further exploring that region. We also love German Christmas Markets. By looking into reward flight options we (okay, it was Justin – he is a master at all this) found an amazing way to accomplish this on miles. All on one reward ticket, we flew from Bangkok to Frankfurt, spent three weeks in Germany, then flew from Frankfurt to New York, spent three weeks there, and then flew back from New York to Bangkok.

Oh and yes, we used a spreadsheet to track all of our points and miles.

Consider the weather

Think about what climates you prefer to travel in, as well as what different places are like during specific times of year. The seasons are flipped in South America, Australia, and New Zealand. There are different rainy seasons in certain countries in Southeast Asia. In Northern Thailand, there is a burning season which we wanted to avoid since we knew would be particularly bad for Sarah’s lungs. Traveling in and among all the seasons means you’ll have to pack more (or buy local supplies). All of these things helped us figure out where we wanted to go when. We found Weather Underground very helpful, especially their monthly averages and historic temperatures.

Planning your world trip itinerary

Finally, after all that, you’re ready to actually start planning your trip. Using all of the above considerations, start big and general. Think about when you want to depart and the regions of the world you want to visit. Using Google Maps and a calendar, see what makes sense. And then, create a skeleton itinerary. Our first skeleton itinerary looked like this:

Leg 1: 3 months in Europe (then return home) Leg 2: 3 months in Asia (then return home) Leg 3: 6 months in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America

It might be scary to write something like this down, but don’t panic – this is just an outline, and of course you can change it! In the end, we actually didn’t end up going to South America.

Next, start looking at the logistics of traveling from point to point and between the specific countries and cities you want to visit. Use Google Maps and Google Flights to understand the best ways to travel between destinations and the distances and times involved.

And then it’s time to get detailed. Country by country, city by city, write down where you want to go. Then look at accommodation options in those cities. That will help plan specifically how long you want to be in certain places too. For example, we found really great Airbnb options in Krakow and Warsaw, and they were even cheaper if you stayed a week, so we decided to keep our time in Poland to those two cities instead of adding a third city in the middle. Conversely, when we were in Auckland, NZ our accommodation of choice was only available for three nights, so we kept our stay there brief.

Finally, start booking. Yes, in the beginning this can be quite nerve wracking! We nervously hit that first “confirm” button together and then celebrated with a stiff drink. But after a few times, it’ll be just like booking any other vacation. Just consider how you want to book things. Most often you can save money if you make non-refundable bookings, but if you’re not 100% set on your itinerary, you might have to spend a little more to give yourself some flexibility. If you’re using Airbnb, be sure to read the specific cancellation policies because they have a whole bunch of different ones. And of course, keep a detailed account of everything you’ve booked, if you’ve prepaid, and any cancellation deadlines. We also found it helpful to keep track of how we booked things. We used pretty much all the different hotel booking websites out there, so it made it easier for us to pull up confirmations when we needed them.

Before we left Brooklyn, we booked all the flights, long, international trains, and car rentals for our first leg, plus about two months of accommodations. We followed a similar planning system until our third leg, when we landed in Bangkok without a plan. Eek! Based on how we like to travel, we honestly found that lack of structure a bit stressful. Sometimes we felt like we were spending too much time figuring out our next step instead of enjoying where we were. But it all worked out and there wasn’t anywhere we felt we missed out on because of this.

So that’s it! We hope you feel more comfortable planning your own trip now. It might be a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it.

We’d love to help with your planning. Ask us any questions in the comments!

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Sarah and Justin

11 thoughts on “ planning a world trip itinerary ”.

I love that you guys “celebrated” your bookings with a stiff drink! LOL! We could totally hang! 😉 Great tips on getting started with trip planning – I started with SE Asia, but ended up falling in love with the region, I never left! Someday when I save more money I hope to make it to other parts of the world…

Haha we’ll meet you for a drink anytime! Especially in SE Asia – we’re dying to get back and spend more time there.

Love this. It can be so overwhelming to even start to think about planning a long break. Love how you have given really practical tips and information.

Thank you! We’re glad you found it helpful and agree with our recommendations!

Hi Sarah & Justin, You’ve done an excellent job in showing people what to consider when planning a world trip. Undertaking such an adventure can be very daunting. Without a doubt, weather considerations, family events & medical needs are very important. Well done in compiling such a comprehensive post.

Thank you for such positive feedback. Some of these things are basic trip planning things but it can all seem overwhelming when trying to do it on such a grand scale! Just important to keep organized.

Great info and tips here Sarah. I really like that you tell folks to cross things off the list as we all try to do too much and travels are more enjoyable when you slow down a bit (or a lot!)

Thanks! We have a hard time slowing down and editing ourselves but once we do we are always rewarded with richer travel experiences.

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Thank you for this great and profound information. I’m so happy you were brave and courageous to live life

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Plan Your Trip

Plan your rtw trip.

Finding the right round the world trip planner can be difficult. This is first and foremost because many such tools on the internet are only for planning (and, in some cases, booking) RTW flights. The truly difficult part of planning a trip around the world is deciding where to go, how long to stay and how to arrange your trip, so the content deficit (let alone how rare it is to find a quality world trip planner) is frustrating for many travelers.

The good news? Whether you want to travel all around the world, or simply want to visit multiple continents during a single trip, this guide covers all the bases you’ll need to hit as you plan your trip.

Of course, I’ll also touch on the particulars of buying a RTW ticket, including a somewhat contentious recommendation on my part. I’m about to share a great deal of information with you, but I promise: Planning a RTW trip is much, much easier than it looks.

Booking Round the World Flights

Many a round the world trip planner (which to say, any airline alliance website create for the purpose of selling flights) will tell you that booking a single RTW ticket is essential for a round the world trip. However, I don’t agree with this. In addition to the fact that having a single travel the world for a year itinerary (even a flexible one) can lock you in on a trip that will be anything but predictable, it’s often more cost effective to book individual segments, particularly if you have some miles or points to play with.

Let’s say, for example, that you live in the United States and want to fly around the world westward. After taking advantage of a rock-bottom one-way flight from the US to Japan or China , you can take advantage of low-cost flights as you explore Southeast Asia and Australia , then gradually make your way to Europe (and from there, Africa ), flying to South America before returning home, often for only a few hundred dollars per segment. A round-the-world ticket, on the other hand, which often only includes long-distance flights, can easily cost between $2,000-3,000. And that’s without the fees you’ll certainly have to pay to change it as your plans evolve.

How Long Does a Round the World Trip Take?

Whether or not you work with an around the world trip planner, you should keep in mind that as you plan a round the world trip, the issue of timing can be surprisingly far in the back of your mind, particularly if you’ll be traveling to regions of the world you’ve never visited. While two weeks traveling through Japan or Western Europe can allow you to cover a lot of ground, it’s woefully insufficient in places like India , Africa or even much of South America. In general, it’s safe to assume you’re probably underestimating how long you’ll need to devote to your trip.

Broadly speaking, I’d say the best round the world holidays last a minimum of six months, though I have personally taken epic trips in a shorter amount of time than that. On the other hand, I’d caution against traveling for longer than a year at a time, as being away from your “real life” for such a period can have other impacts on your well-being, ones you might not be able to anticipate right now.

How Much Does a Round the World Trip Cost?

Another deficiency of many a round the world trip planner (which is once again to say a flight booking tool) is that it provides only a piece of the cost puzzle—your round the world trip isn’t only going to cost a few thousand dollars. Generally speaking, the average cost of traveling anywhere in the world is between 50-150 USD per person, per day, which means that a conservative estimate for the cost of the ultimate around the world itinerary for a six-month trip (without your “big” flights) is between $9,000-27,000. Not cheap!

Of course, there are ways to decrease the cost of a travel around the world itinerary, whether you manage to find the cheapest round the world ticket, take advantage of opportunities for free or discounted stays (whether you couch surf or do some sort of volunteer program) or simply keep your dining out and shopping to a minimum. In general, however, I’d recommend over-estimating your budget than under-estimating it, if only so you don’t end up as a “begpacker.”

When to Take a Round the World Trip

When you travel around the world will depend upon where you want to go. While most of the sample round the world routes I’ll recommend in the next section are fairly evergreen, some destinations are better during certain months than others, and planning according to this can influence the rest of your travel trajectory.

For example, let’s assume you want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan , probably the world’s most famous seasonal spectacle. Whether you choose from my round the world trip ideas below or commission a custom 6 month travel itinerary, you’ll want to arrange the rest of your RTW trip to optimize the weather in all your destinations. You might head to Nepal after Japan, for instance, to trek when the country’s famous rhododendrons are blooming, or visit Australia and New Zealand before Japan to catch the tail end of warm weather Down Under.

Round the World Trip Ideas

The best of six continents.

Most round the world trip planners will want to see the “whole world” on their trips—all six inhabited continents, and potentially even Antarctica. Regardless of where your RTW travel originates, the general path you will follow is North America-Asia (Australia/New Zealand)-(Middle East/India) Europe (Africa)-South America-North America, or maybe in reverse depending upon where you start and what time of year you’re traveling.

In terms of a general flight path, this might look something like the following: Los Angeles-Vancouver- Tokyo – Bangkok – Sydney – Dubai – Paris -Cairo-Cape Town-London-Buenos Aires- Bogota -Houston. Needless to say there are countless variations, from a 6 month round the world trip to ones much longer!

Wonders of the World

Rather than taking a comprehensive approach (which can lead to a year or even longer on the road—again, not an option for the majority of travelers), you can start your world travel planner based on a finite list of world wonders, be it classic ones you find on an Asia trip planner like the Great Wall or ones you designate yourself, such as Barcelona ‘s Sagrada Familia church or Ethiopia’s “Door to Hell.”

Assuming you take a more classic route for your around the world itinerary, you might go about planning a round the world trip between wonders as follows. From Chicago to Beijing (for the Great Wall), then to Delhi (for the Taj Mahal), to Cairo (for the Pyramids ), to Athens (for the Acropolis), to London (for Stonehenge), to Rio de Janeiro (for Christ the Redeemer) to New York (for the Statue of Liberty). Again, this is highly customizable!

The Backpacker’s Trail

I’ve taken great pains within this round the world trip planner to be honest and sober about the cost of traveling around the world, but this is still a sort of trip that people on the backpacking spectrum can take. Specifically if you decide to string together affordable destinations like Southeast Asia, India, Eastern Europe, Andean South America and Central America.

For instance, if you’re seeking a cheap around the world itinerary, you might fly from Denver to Kuala Lumpur (via China, as Chinese airlines are the cheapest), then fly to Mumbai or Delhi for a month or two there. From there, head to Ukraine or Poland to begin a month or so backpacking Eastern Europe (I particularly like the Balkans ), before taking a flight (probably a multi-leg one) to Lima (where Peru and Bolivia await) or Cancun, from which can you head south to affordable Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Five-Star Frolic

On the other end up to the spectrum for a world trip itinerary, travelers without a set budget can enjoy a round the world business class (or even first class) romp that pulls out all the stops. Rather than focusing on a set range of destinations, you can plan your trip based on luxurious hotels and experiences, be it a Tanzania safari from the opulent Four Seasons Serengeti , sampling award-winning in-flight products and services from airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines or dining in foodie capitals like Tokyo and Paris.

If you’re planning a luxury round the world trip, it makes sense to enlist the help of a professional (me or someone else), since the price of such assistance (usually between $100-200 per week of travel) is minimal compared to the overall cost of such a RTW trip.

Other FAQ About RTW Travel

How many stops do you get on a round the world ticket.

Whether you’re planning a 6 month round the world trip or plan to stay on the road for years, I am a proponent of piecemeal booking of air travel, rather than committing yourself to a RTW ticket. Therefore, I consider the number of “stops” permitted on such a ticket to be superfluous.

How do I plan a trip around the world?

Unless you are a very experienced global traveler, I recommend against trying to plan a trip on your trip. Rather, work with a professional (such as Yours Truly) to arrange a travel the world for a year itinerary. Or for longer than a year, or shorter—you get the idea.

Are round the world tickets worth it?

No! As I’ve expressed many times during this round the world itinerary, I am not a fan of RTW plane tickets. They rarely cost less; booking and changing them requires a pedantic phone call—or rather phone calls, since you’ll have to call in every time you want to make a modification.

Round the World Trip Planning

The best round the world trips are the ones where you get out on the road and go where the wind takes you, but that’s not realistic for most people. Whether because of finite funds or a “real life” you need to get back to, round the world trips require more planning than you’d probably like, even if you’re generally an adventurous and spontaneous traveler.

“So,” you might be asking, “can you plan my round the world trip for me?” The answer is yes, though there are a couple caveats. Because of the length and breadth of most RTW trips, many travelers want a more skeletal version of my typical “Travel Coaching” itinerary, which is typical extremely detailed and includes day-by-day recommendations. As a result, my pricing for planning RTW itineraries differs from what I’ve published on my Travel Coaching page , so I’d advise emailing me directly with any inquiries.

The Bottom Line

No matter how extensive a round the world trip planner you’ve been seeking, I’m confident that mine has met your needs. For most travelers, it’s simply a matter of learning your RTW flight booking options, assessing the cost of your RTW trip and deciding upon destinations and routing. However, others might want to hire a world trip planner (or a least a skeleton of it, which puts in place a broad trajectory) on their behalf.

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Travel more intelligently with The World Factbook Travel Facts. Here’s what you should know about each country before you go.

Pressed for time? Check out our one-page summaries for essential information on each country.

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Around the World Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 22 most popular around the world trips. compare tour itineraries from 17 tour companies. 98 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular around the world tours.

Discover the Baltics

• Discover three Baltic states in 12 days
• Visit stunning national parks, castles and museums
• Explore the magnificent Trakai Castle
• Citizen Science departures available on this trip

Budapest to Prague Adventure

• Discover the four distinctive capital cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague
• Enjoy a wine tasting in the charming town of Mikulov
• Walk through the castle park known as 'the garden of Europe' at Chateau Lednice

Balkans Rail Adventure

• Visit seven countries of Former Yugoslavia in just 16 days
• Experience a variety of scenic rail journeys
• Discover contrasting landscapes and cities in this lesser visited region

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure

• An iconic rail journey across Europe to the gateway of Asia
• Discover rural Serbia, from local wine producers to narrow gauge railway routes
• Take a boat trip on Europe's largest wetlands in Croatia and explore the waterways of Venice

Cape Town to Victoria Falls - Hotel/Lodge

• Visit Cape Town, the most exciting city in Africa
• Discover the mountainous dunes of Sossusvlei
• See the fantastic wildlife of Etosha National Park
• Visit the Okavango Panhandle and Chobe National Park
• Marvel at the mighty Victoria Falls

European Dream (2024 onwards)

• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• 7 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 1 Dinner (D)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Get Social: Europe Express 2024-25

• Berlin highlights drive
• Walking tour of Prague with Trip Leader
• Vienna highlights drive
• Orientation walk in Venice with Trip Leader
• Orientation walk in Paris with Trip Leader

Imperial Escape

• Budapest: Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion, visit Heroe’s Square
• Vienna: Guided sightseeing, visit Heldenplatz and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Prague: Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit the Hradčany Castle grounds; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
• On this guided vacation of Central Europe, experience the rich history and most popular destinations without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices
• This Central Europe escorted tour is a magnificent journey through the former Habsburg Empire offering romantic castles, churches, villas and modern architecture, vineyards, breweries, first-class shopping, art, and culinary delights

All Around the World , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Around the World

Small Group Around the World Tours

Best Around the World Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Around the World Tours by Price

Top Around the World Attractions & Experiences

Top Around the World Experiences

Diverse experiences on around the world tour .

• Meeting locals from several different countries and discovering wonderful similarities and differences
• Seeing whales breach from the balcony of your cruise stateroom and diving and snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs like the Great Barrier reef
• Enjoying local cuisines, exploring street food markets, and taking cooking classes to learn how to make traditional national dishes
• Wandering around many archaeological ruins and historical sites like Machu Picchu , pyramids of Giza , and the historical city of Petra
• Discovering unique cultures and taking part in traditional festivals or ceremonies like Holi or Día de Muertos 
• Hiking among different landscapes, encountering majestic wildlife on African Safaris , and taking memorable pictures
• Making lifelong friends from around the world
• Indulging in luxury around the world trips featuring traditional Japanese ryokan, floating hotels in the Maldives, or ice hotels in Sweden for a unique experience.
• Visiting all the most famous locations during a single trip with custom-planned tours around the world — No need to pick and choose!

Around the World Tours & Travel Guide

Around the World Attractions & Landmarks Guide

World travel is truly one of the most unforgettable experiences. As you visit multiple countries and continents, you gain a deep understanding of hundreds of cultures and forge wonderful connections with people around the world.

A small ship or 'expedition' cruise is one of the most popular modes of travel for a trip around the world. Many young people opt for overland tours to see the world because of budget and the community style. They usually use a few different modes of travel like trains or buses or join small group tours to individual destinations. 

You can also design a custom round-the-world trip to suit your preferences for price, duration, accommodation, and more. Choose the countries you wish to visit and super-personalize your world tour for the activities you enjoy. 

Luxury Around the World Trips

Imagine waking up in lavish four or five-star accommodations, imbibed with unmatched comfort and elegance. Think boutique lodges nestled in scenic landscapes to high-end homestays steeped in local charm!

That's the essence of our exclusively curated around-the-world luxury tours. Choose one of our private guided world tours to explore iconic landmarks, access hidden gems, and indulge in gastronomic experiences redefining culinary pleasure. 

Raise the bar for your travel experience—personalize your world trip and enjoy unparalleled service at every stop tailored to your preferences. 

How Long Should You Go For?

A round-the-world trip typically takes longer than a week or two. Your world tour should not be much shorter than one month. 

With one month to go around the world, you'll probably stick to one broad region. Long trips are a great way to really learn the nuances and extensiveness of human and geological history and how pronounced they can be in a relatively small area. You'll also gain a unique insight into fascinating cultural similarities and differences.

Most trips around the world are a bit longer than one month, typically between two and four months. The number of countries and continents you'll visit on your world tour can vary quite a bit, mainly based on how you get from place to place and the length of excursion allotted for by the itinerary.

How Much Does a Trip Around the World Cost?

One of the benefits of traveling on a package tour around the world is the cost-cutting aspect. Typically, some of your meals will be covered, along with a good amount of transportation and almost all accommodations (this is an excellent reason to book a small ship cruise).

In addition, your tour will have many activities planned to explore the culture and history of each destination, as well as enjoy the natural beauty with hikes and other exciting outdoor ventures. These activities are not always included in the price, which can be a good thing as it allows you to join as many or as few activities as you'd like, depending on your preferences. 

Typically, airfare to and from the start city and ending city to your final destination is not included in the tour price, but after that, you can expect to save a lot in expenses.

Note that you'll be around the same group of people for a very extended period, and your ability to be flexible in each destination will be limited. If you want to stay longer or shorter, this isn't typically an option.

Planning a Trip Around the World on Your Own

Traveling around the world on your own is an entirely different ball game. Transportation and accommodation are usually challenging to budget around. Budget hotels can help; however, finding a good deal can be tiresome. Travel agents can help, but this typically comes with a premium.

Certain airlines offer special round-the-world tickets, which could be an excellent way to book an independent trip around the world if you have miles to cash in. Otherwise, you're a bit stuck with the one-way ticket route. Try booking smaller airlines and shorter flights to keep costs manageable.

Choosing your destination and activities also requires a ton of research. You could spend a hefty amount of time trying to plan this yourself.

How To Pack for a Trip Around the World?

Ironically, you will be better off packing less than more for a longer journey. As you'll be on the move, you want a lighter suitcase and backpack to deal with. It's both more comfortable to move and far easier to store.

That's one significant benefit of traveling by cruise when you go around the world: the luxury of only unpacking once and being able to do laundry on board. You can lock your stateroom, so there's no worry about theft as you roam the boat and enjoy your shore excursions.

• Winter vs Summer Weather:    Since your tour around the world is likely to cross hemisphere lines more than once, you may experience warm highs and icy lows during your trip — bring clothing that can layer easily. 
• Shoes:    Footwear can easily become a packing challenge since it can take up a lot of space in suitcases. Choose shoes according to the planned activities and terrains. Pack a versatile selection: a pair for relaxation, one for hiking, another for city strolls, and one for a more refined option. 
• Dress Like a Local:    The beauty of a trip around the world is the opportunity to visit many far-flung places with diverse cultures and ways of life. You may encounter many different cultures, some with specific dress expectations. For example, in most Middle Eastern countries, expect to dress modestly—cover shoulders and legs and keep a scarf handy for covering your head. A similar dressing is also a good rule for touring many religious establishments.

Around the World Reviews & Ratings

Great holiday.

Really interesting trip made extra special by our guide Melia, whose knowledge was incredible. We were really lucky with the weather and had a really good group o...

Travels in the Baltics

A bit of a whirlwind tour although the three Baltic States relatively small, green and flat. I knew virtually nothing about them before I went but learned a lot ...

Brilliant Trip

This is a well designed trip giving an excellent overview of all three Baltic states. This not only included the capital cities but other towns and much countrysid...

Explore and discover the Baltics

I enjoyed discovering an area of Europe I knew little about. Visiting many areas of all 3 countries. Guide well organized and itinerary good. Only problems were T...

Three small countries with a lot of character

The Baltic countries are interesting and the old towns are charming. They have suffered a lot under various foreign rulers and are proud of their independence. The...

See all Around the World reviews

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Walt Disney World Planning Guide (2024)

A comprehensive Walt Disney World planning guide is a really big project. Really, 90% of this site is a Walt Disney World planning guide. You can’t fit all of the content into one post!

But what we can do is help you organize our content. This guide doesn’t itself tell you everything you need to know to plan your Walt Disney World vacation. What it does is provide an overview of a wide variety of topics and link to related pieces on the blog.

Brief Look at the Next Two Years

Before I even get to the contents, we need to talk about what to expect from 2024 and 2025. We cover the topic of timing 2024 - 2025 visits in more depth here.

Lets start with some stuff that’s behind us, because there have been major changes recently:

January 22, 2023 - Last day of Splash Mountain operation

April 4, 2023 - Debut of TRON coaster at Magic Kingdom

October 16, 2023 - Debut of Moana Journey of Water at Epcot

December 5, 2023 - “Luminous” nighttime show debuted at Epcot

January 9, 2024 - Disney Dining Plans returned

January 9, 2024 - Park Pass reservations no longer required for date-based tickets

January 9, 2024 - All day park hopping returned

And now there are several things that have been announced with no set schedule. Splash Mountain is set to reopen as Tiana's Bayou Adventure in “summer 2024”. Beyond that, we’re expecting:

A Test Track “reimagining” sometime soon

“It’s tough to be a bug” becomes Zootopia show sometime soon

Dinoland USA converted to “tropical Americas” land…sometime (including closure of DINOSAUR)

New land opens at Magic Kingdom opens…sometime…eventually

As discussed more in that 2024-2025 post we linked above, timing your visit over the next two years sort of depends on what combination of new things (and the chaos new things bring) you’re hoping to catch.

Contents of our Walt Disney World Planning Guide

About this planning guide, walt disney world basics and essential tips.

How Much To Budget for Walt Disney World

Picking Your Dates

Disney vacation packages, disney world dining plans, buying your tickets, choosing your hotel, booking your hotel, booking your flight.

Preparing for Your Time At Walt Disney World

Welcome Home!

Those contents are a little deceiving, as the last two are probably much more important for most readers than the rest. If you’ve already booked much of your vacation, feel free to stick to those sections and the second section (Basics and Tips).

Not a day goes by when someone on the internet doesn’t bemoan the amount of planning that goes into Walt Disney World vacations these days. Some people think Disney requires too much planning, and others think that bloggers (like us) simply tell you there’s too much planning.

While this guide doesn’t cover every nook and cranny of Disney World planning, it is pretty thorough, and we won’t apologize for that. We write primarily for people planning a first or only visit who want to put in all the time they can to make sure their experience is magical.

Can you have a magical experience at Walt Disney World with no advance planning? Definitely. Will you miss out on a ton with no planning? Definitely.

Here’s the thing: you can always stop reading about Walt Disney World if you feel you’re just getting too deep or you run out of time. You cannot go back in time to learn things you missed out on once you’re there.

At about 8000 words, this guide could take about 40 minutes to read straight through. Of course, as I said, this guide links out to a ton of other material, and even without the links, it still takes time to digest and understand the things we cover throughout.

Regardless, 40 minutes to introduce you to pretty much every concept you need to know for booking a Walt Disney World vacation really isn’t a bad use of time, especially as some of the tips and tricks in here (and on this site) can save your hundreds—even in rare cases thousands—of dollars.

So if you’re interested in an extensive guide to putting together a great trip to Walt Disney World, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or tea…or lemonade) and get cozy.

Planning your Walt Disney World vacation is a holistic / interconnected process, and there’s no perfect order to put this content in. If we mention something you don’t understand, it’s likely that we cover it in more depth later. We just don’t always want to say “(more below)” every time something like this pops up (though we still say it a lot).

Relatedly, feel free to use the contents above to jump around the guide. If you’ve already booked your hotel, tickets, and flights, you can skip over a lot of sections.

(FYI: Many of the links throughout this guide mostly open in new tabs. This is intentional so you can jump deeper into a topic without losing your space on this guide. We apologize if this harms anyone’s browsing experience.)

Walt Disney World is a vacation destination just outside of Orlando, Florida with four theme parks, two waterparks, numerous hotels, world class dining, and several other offerings (golf course, mini golf, conference centers, etc.).

If you’re brand new to Walt Disney World planning, start with our Basic Things To Know About Walt Disney World . That’s a quick read that will get you familiar with Walt Disney World.

Then move on to our Essential Tips for Planning Your First Disney World Vacation . There’s some overlap between that list and this guide, but that’s okay, you’ll just be a little ahead of the curve in the rest of your planning.

If you’re traveling with a small child (toddler or infant), check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Disney World with a Toddler . That supplements this post with discussions unique to those sorts of trips.

How Much To Budget For Walt Disney World

Here’s are three numbers: $5,472, $6,865 , and $8,434 Those are the numbers from our in-depth post on “ How Much Does A Disney World Vacation Cost? ” for a budget, standard, and expensive Disney World trip for a family of four in 2024. The 2025 figures will probably be about 5% higher.

Those prices include flights, park tickets, dining, transportation between MCO and Disney World, and hotel stay.

If You Want To Spend A Bit Less…

The budget figure given above $5,472 involves a stay at one of Disney’s All-Star hotels, few-to-no table service meals (so all fast food), and a discounted ticket option. It’s a relatively low target if you’re booking a “traditional” Disney World stay.

To go below that, you’ll need to start thinking out of the box—booking around only the best Disney deals; booking non-Disney hotels or Airbnb; waiting for deep deals on Priceline; cutting a day off your tickets; buying groceries and bringing your own food. We cover much of these in the rest of this guide in the appropriate sections.

Beyond the rest of this post, we also have a separate post of 50+ Ways to Save On Your Disney Vacation. 

If You Want To Spend A Bit More…

The sky is the limit for how much you can spend at Walt Disney World. But if you want to spend a bit more, we say do it with a budget mindset.

You can sometimes save 50% on Disney’s deluxe hotels easily by renting DVC points, for example. If you’re buying 10-day tickets, you’ll still save buying discount tickets! If you want to fly first class, consider using points.

If you really have infinite money available for your trip, you skipped over this section. Since you have some finite amount, make sure you’re getting the most you can out of it! Read the rest of this guide (and site) with a budget mindset, and apply those tips to your deluxe vacation.

You don’t have to start planning by picking your dates, especially as you might find that things like flight prices or hotel availability impact your dates. That said, it still seems a natural place to start.

How Long To Visit Walt Disney World

To start, we have a few posts for shorter visits that go through some of the decisions you’ll be making on a shorter visit:

Disney World Two Day (Weekend) Itinerary

Disney World Three Day Itinerary

For a first visit, we recommend at least three full days . That’s four nights, and with the arrival and departure days, five days. Obviously this is better if you can fly in very early and out very late. With three days, you can spend two full days at one park each, and split the third day between the remaining two parks.

Four full days is better. If flight prices work out, consider flying in one night earlier than planned and staying at the cheapest Disney room you can find. Wake up the next morning, tell them to send your bags to the Disney hotel you booked the rest of your trip at (a “split stay”), and go enjoy the parks.

Five full days, or four full days plus a solid half day (e.g. your flight out is 4PM or later), is ideal. This will allow you full days at each park and an extra half day at Magic Kingdom.

We’ve done ten-day vacations at Walt Disney World and month-long Airbnb stays off property. There’s really no amount of time we’d say is “too long.” After six to eight days, you’ll need look beyond the standard plan though, and to things like water parks, spa / no parks days, and backstage tours.

Selecting Dates - Price

If you’re looking to select your dates based on price, you’ll want to look at three resources. First, we’ve got a post specifically discussing the cheapest times to visit Walt Disney World . That post looks into the question in depth and offers a few different ways to look at the issue. The big takeaway from that post is this chart, showing how prices deviate from the average for the calendar year . The cheapest dates in 2024 are in January and August:

Second, the MouseSavers Disney World rack rates table tells you hotel prices for every night of the year.

Third, the Walt Disney World ticket buying tool tells you how much tickets cost at different times of the year. Here’s a chart of those prices for 2024:

Selecting Dates - Park Pass Reservations

Ordinary, date-based tickets no longer need to worry about park pass reservations. However, if you’re using some other type of ticket (examples include annual passes, Cast Member passes, and special tickets like the Florida Resident Disney Thrills Ticket), you’ll need to make sure there is reservation availability on the days you plan to visit.

Again, we discuss the details of this later, but right now you just need to flag to remember to make sure there is space available before you book your trip.

Selecting Dates - 2024 Changes

Major events were covered at the start of this post, and, as we mentioned there, we have an ongoing post that covers when to visit in the next two years based on what we expect as far as major changes to the parks. We also have a Disney World Ride Construction and Event Calendar , in case you’d like a more complete picture of what’s coming to the resort.

As of yet, the most major change on the calendar is the debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in “summer” 2024 . This could mean anytime from May to September, though Memorial Day is something of a traditional day to debut new rides.

While there are a host of other changes coming up—again, mentioned near the start of this post—we really have no idea whether these will happen in early 2024, in 2025, or not at all. Disney has been frustratingly coy when it comes to the actual calendar for these changes.

Selecting Dates - Crowds, Events, and Weather

Generally, we advise against over-reliance on crowd calendars. Holidays are obviously when crowds are worst. The cheapest times are the times with the least demand, and so also when crowds are lightest. If you have a child and you’re struggling to plan around their school schedule—so are most other guests. Or maybe you’re trying to avoid the heat / hurricane season of August and September—so are most other guests.

All that said, if you’d like a crowd calendar, check out the one at WDW Prep School . Personally, I’d be cautious about planning a trip around red dates and not at all care about the other colors. If an orange date works better for me than a green date—for whatever reason—I’m picking the orange date.

Epcot has various festivals throughout the year. If you’re completely new to the idea of Epcot festivals, we have an Epcot Festival Calendar and Tips post that is a good place to start.

Here’s a quick look at the upcoming calendar:

Epcot International Festival of the Arts (Jan. 12 to Feb. 19, 2024) (2025 TBD)

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (Feb. 28 to May 27, 2024)

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (July 27 through November 18, 2023) (2024 TBD)

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (November 24 through December 30, 2023) (2024 TBD)

Holidays also come with special events. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returned in 2022 (select August-October dates), as did Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (select November-December dates). A new event, Jollywood Nights, debuted at Hollywood Studios in 2023.

Christmas season at Walt Disney World also comes with holiday decorations (see our post on Christmas at Magic Kingdom ), the Hollywood Studios Christmas theming , and the holidays at Animal Kingdom .

You might be interested in running a RunDisney event or otherwise avoiding these weekends because of increased crowds and slightly impacted park operations. Here are some reviews of the 2019 Disney World marathon weekend races:

Walt Disney World 5K 2019 Recap + 2020 Information

Walt Disney World 10K 2019 Recap + 2020 Information

Walt Disney World Half Marathon 2019 Recap + 2020 Information

Walt Disney World Marathon 2019 Recap + 2020 Information

Weather-wise, summer is awful, winter is usually okay (but can get awfully cold), and you really never know when it’s going to rain in Florida (except that it’s more likely in the summer, fine).

Before we go on, we need to briefly touch on the two main ways to book your Disney vacation. The first is with a room + ticket package (a “Disney vacation package”). With a package, you’re booking your room and tickets through Disney, together, as a single package.

Generally, you need to stay at a Disney hotel to book a Disney vacation package, but other hotels sometimes are available through Disney’s booking system.

The second way to book your vacation is to book your room and tickets separately. Most people staying at a non-Disney hotel will book this way. And generally, we recommend that everyone staying at a Disney hotel consider booking their hotel and tickets separately. We compare a variety of ways of booking your trip, including packages, in a separate post. 

In short, if you’re considering a package, it’s easiest to either (1) get a quote from a travel advisor or (2) go to the Disney website and see how much a package costs. Then, compare that price to what you see when you book everything separately.

Disney hotel guests have the option to book a Disney Dining Plan as part of your package. When you buy a dining plan, you’re basically buying a set of meal “credits” in advance that you can then use during your trip.

Dining plans aren’t the most important part of most guest’s trips, but it is important to think about them early in the process because you can only get them as part of a package booked through Disney (this doesn’t necessarily require buying tickets through Disney, but it does require booking a hotel through Disney).

We have a separate post on Dining Plans at Disney World , but our bottom line is that unless you’re both really into dining and really into spending the time strategizing how to get the most out of a dining plan, they just aren’t worth the effort. We much prefer to not have the extra burden of paying attention to our “credits” during our trips.

Unlike, say, flight prices, ticket prices don’t vary by when you make the booking (they do vary by the date you visit, though). They also don’t usually sell out (except maybe a few days a year), like hotel space might. So you theoretically can wait until the day before your trip to buy your tickets ( a tempting option given that refund rules will vary depending on how you buy your ticket ).

Generally we don’t advise waiting until the last minute. You’ll want to buy your tickets in advance and get them linked to your Disney account. If you’re using a nonstandard ticket type, you might also need to make Park Pass reservations in advance.

As part of picking your dates, you should price your tickets. It’s an easy process, and the price will give you a good idea of where your budget is before you start trying to pick your hotel.

Discount Disney World Tickets

Unless you’re booking a full vacation package in order to access some package-only discount, you’re probably going to want to purchase discount Disney World tickets .

As we discuss in greater detail in our post on discount Disney World tickets (link right above), we recommend purchasing through Undercover Tourist or Get Away Today . You’ll want to look into other discount options, if you have access to them, as well.

Wherever you buy your discount tickets, you’ll be able to link them to your My Disney Experience account (the fancy name Disney gives to your online Disney World account, “MDE” for short). This is a must-do for a few reasons, but basically any technical troubles you run into are going to be much easier to resolve if you have an MDE account.

Types of Disney World Tickets

Disney World park tickets come in basically four varieties. First, there are “standard” one park per day tickets. These tickets allow you access to any of the four Disney World parks on each day of your visit (one park per day). You can visit the same park multiple days, if you choose.

Second, there are “park hopper” tickets. Disney World park hopper tickets allow you access to multiple parks on a single day. (Park Hopper “Plus” tickets also come with water park access.)

Third, there are Walt Disney World annual passes . Annual passes come in a few varieties, but basically operate as park hopper tickets that are good for an entire year.

Fourth and finally, there are special event tickets. Disney regularly has special events that require a separate ticket. The include things like parties (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) and “After Hours” events. During these events, the park is closed to anyone without a ticket to that event, even if they had park admission for the rest of the day.

Pricing Disney World Tickets

Disney prices Walt Disney World tickets on a date-and-length based system. Discount ticket brokers also price tickets this way. Now, when you purchase a ticket it will:

have a start date at which it becomes valid

have an end date—the date by which your visits must be complete

have a set number of days you can visit the parks during that window.

You choose the start date and the number of park days. The end date is automatically set by the system. Price is determined by the number of park days and the start date.

So, for example, a five-day park hopper ticket with a start date of October 20, 2025 can be used on any five days during the eight-day range of October 20 through October 27. That ticket costs $847.60 for an adult directly through Disney and $794.90 through Undercover Tourist. Party and event tickets vary based on date and event but typically cost between $150 and $250 per person.

Park Pass Reservations

Guests on ordinary, date-based tickets no longer need to worry about theme park reservations. You can simply show up for the parks any date your ticket is valid.

Passholders and guests using other special tickets—like the Florida Resident Disney Thrills Ticket or other special deal tickets from Disney—will generally still need park pass reservations. Read more about the reservation system here .

Choosing accommodations for your Disney World vacation is a two step process. First, you’ll need to choose whether you want to stay at a Disney hotel or not. Then, you’ll need to choose what sub-type of accommodations you want.

Disney Hotels vs. Non-Disney Hotels

A “Disney hotel” is one that is owned and operated by Disney. It is staffed by Disney Cast Members, and it has restaurants that participate in the Disney Dining Plans. A non-Disney hotel is any other hotel, including other hotels on Disney property.

The perks of staying at a Disney hotel include the following (some of these are available at select non-Disney hotels, too):

access to Early Theme Park Entry at every park, daily

7AM booking time for Individual Lightning Lanes

(deluxe resorts ONLY) access to evening hours at select parks on select nights

free, regular transportation to all Disney parks and Disney Springs

that unquantifiable, indefinable “Disney magic” quality

All of this comes at a price. It’s safe to say that—theming aside— you’re paying about 30% to 40% more to stay at a Disney value or moderate resort than a hotel of comparable quality (more about these hotel types below).

For the deluxe resorts, it sort of varies. We think Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney best-priced options . Others think Polynesian Village Resort is one of the best hotels they’ve even seen. Disney’s Deluxe Hotels are nowhere near the quality of say, the Four Seasons Orlando—but they’re also nowhere near the price (for the most part).

For what it’s worth, we highly recommend staying at a Disney hotel on your first visit . We’re actually big fans of the Disney World value resorts. We find the roughly $50 per night premium to be well worth access to Early Theme Park Entry, relatively convenient transportation to the parks, and a touch of Disney magic.

We’re going to move onto choosing your Disney hotel before covering non-Disney options.

Choosing Your Disney Hotel in 2024-2025

The Disney hotels are broken into (roughly) three groups: value, moderate, and deluxe. We have an entire Disney World hotels guide. That guide links to reviews of individual hotels and provides some basic information about each. We also have:

Benefits of Staying at a Disney Hotel — covers the perks associated with Disney hotels

Best Disney World Value Hotels — in-depth mostly objective look at and ranking of the value resorts

Best Disney World Moderate Hotels — in-depth mostly objective look at and ranking of the moderate resorts

Best Disney World Deluxe Hotels — in-depth mostly objective look at and ranking of the deluxe resorts

Ranking of the Best Disney World Hotels — our subjective ranking of all the Disney hotels

Value resorts are the lowest-priced hotels, with rooms occasionally priced on third-party sites at under $100, and sometimes available through Disney directly as low as $130 per night. These resorts have the smallest rooms, food courts instead of restaurants, and bus access to all the parks.

A value room at Walt Disney World

Moderate resorts are priced in the middle of value and deluxe. They have slightly better rooms and theming than the value resorts. They have a mix of dining options, and bus access to all the parks.

Deluxe resorts are Disney’s finest resorts (at Walt Disney World). They have better theming and more of a luxurious feel to them. They have some of Disney’s best table-service restaurants (though their quick service can be limited, a frequent complaint of mine). They have excellent pools, and generally better location than the other resorts, typically including monorail, boat, or walking access to at least one park.

Deluxe resort guests also have an exclusive perk—extended evening hours at select parks on select nights. We’ve visited both Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom and Extended Evening Hours at Epcot . Is this a good perk? Definitely. Is it worth the cost of upgrading to a deluxe hotel? Not really.

The monorail resorts ( Contemporary , Polynesian , Grand Floridian ), had an obvious location benefit over the other deluxe hotels. Besides their overall quality, these hotels are still desirable because of their easy access to Magic Kingdom.

But the Boardwalk area resorts ( Beach Club , Yacht Club , BoardWalk Inn ) have closed the gap because of their easy access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot, which combined have seven of the eight newest rides at the resort (now that TRON has opened at Magic Kingdom).

Moreover, Caribbean Beach , Pop Century , and Art of Animation all have Disney Skyliner access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios . The Skyliner isn’t quite a game changer, but it can be a great convenience.

Pro Tip: Disney Hotel Split Stays

If you’re considering one Disney hotel, why not two? Disney will transfer your luggage (for free) between any of their hotels. This makes doing a split stay—where you stay at two different Disney hotels on the same trip —quite convenient. In particular, we like to pair hotels across tiers, usually a longer value stay with a shorter deluxe stay.

Our preferred way to do split stays is with a strategic focus on location. Our gold standard is a monorail resort with easy access to Magic Kingdom paired with one of the moderate / value resorts on the Skyliner for easy access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Picking a Room

We don’t put much effort into room choices at hotels, but we want to highlight two big things. First, the Savanna View Rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge are a unique offering and some of our favorite rooms on property. We don’t stay at that hotel without a Savanna View.

Second, a big bucket list item for many is a Theme Park View of Magic Kingdom—and we have a post comparing your options for those views as well.

Beyond that, Disney offers a wide range of accommodations. Besides standard hotel rooms, usually fitting up to four people, there are five-person rooms at Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside . There are also “family suites” at Art of Animation and All Star Music , plus full suites at most of the deluxe resorts.

There are also lots of DVC Villa options, that vary in size and can offer different amenities (like microwaves).

Finally, if it’s theming you’re really after, be careful. It’s easy to find sources that mistakenly say “all the Contemporary rooms have great Incredibles theming!” While most rooms do, there are a few with no or very limited theming. You’ll be able to see this when booking a hotel on the Disney website.

Choosing Your Non-Disney Hotel

This is definitely the area of Walt Disney World planning where we have the least expertise. There are several categories of hotels here. If you want to dive into these deeper, you’ll need to do some separate research, but we want to give you a lay of the land.

The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve are three Marriott hotels between Hollywood Studios and Epcot right off of the BoardWalk. Location-wise, these are equal to Yacht Club, Beach Club, and BoardWalk Inn. Swan and Dolphin guests:

have access to Early Theme Park Entry

have access to Extended Evening Hours

have access to purchase individual Lightning Lanes at 7AM

do not use Disney buses (but do have walking and boat access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot)

The Disney Springs Resorts are seven hotels operated by a few different major chains located within walking distance of Disney Springs. Guests at these hotels ( except B Resort, as of early 2024 ):

do not have access to Extended Evening Hours

do not have access to purchase individual Lightning Lanes at 7AM

Guests at these hotels also do not have direct access to Disney’s free transportation system, though they do have a shuttle to the parks every 30 minutes, and anyone (guest or not) can use Disney’s transportation system once they have access to it (e.g. once at a park, you can take a Disney bus to another park, a Disney hotel, or Disney Springs).

The Four Seasons Orlando has access to Early Theme Park Entry but not to Extended Evening Hours. Guests do not have access to purchase individual Lightning Lanes at 7AM.

Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels are 50ish hotels located within 14 miles of Walt Disney World. These are hotels that have been given something like a stamp of approval by Disney. They all offer transportation to Walt Disney World (some with a fee). They do not have access to any of the aforementioned perks.

Beyond that, there are a wide range of hotels that aren’t good neighbor hotels. Honestly, there’s little reason to consider these hotels.

Besides weighing price and the importance of the Disney perks, the biggest factor in picking your hotel near Walt Disney World is going to be transportation. To that end, we highly recommend reading review on Trip Advisor, Google reviews, and different blogs to see how people describe the transportation.

Considering a Walt Disney World Airbnb

One thing budget travelers will need to consider is renting an Airbnb near Walt Disney World . Airbnb is a service that allows people to rent out their apartment like a hotel room. But near Walt Disney World, it’s more common to see apartments, condos, or vacation homes that are rented out exclusively to vacationers.

Airbnb rentals tend to have good price, and you’ll have the space of an apartment, usually including a full kitchen. This makes an Airbnb a great savings option if you’re willing to cook some meals or pack lunches.

The biggest downside of an Airbnb is transportation. You’ll need to either drive or rely on Uber (or taxis) to get to Walt Disney World . As Disney hotels now charge for parking, drivers may find great value in Airbnb rentals that include parking. Those who rely on Uber can find rentals that are a $10 Uber ride from the parks, which means you’ll spend an extra $20-$25 per day on transportation.

Unlike buying tickets, you won’t always want to go with a third-party “discount” option for booking your hotel. As we cover in our guide to getting the best deal on your Disney World hotel, you’ll want to compare prices at Disney (or the website of whatever other hotel chain you’re considering) to prices on sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.

If you’re going to book through Disney directly, we strongly advise working with a travel advisor . The reason is that your travel advisor will keep an eye on your reservation and modify it if any offers from Disney arise that lower the price.

If you refuse to use a vacation planner, at least make sure you’re looking at Disney’s lowest prices for their hotels . They sometimes hide these (seriously).

If you do book through a third-party service like Expedia, it’s always important to confirm your reservation with the hotel directly. The easiest way to do this with a Disney hotel is to link your hotel reservation to your My Disney Experience account. 

We have a post on getting the best deal on your flight. Generally, we’re fans of packing light and relying on low-cost airlines (when the price is right). Besides price, you’ll want to keep a few other things in mind regarding your flight to Walt Disney World.

Fly to Orlando International Airport (MCO). There only reason to consider Orlando Sanford is if it is significantly cheaper after you take into account flight and transportation costs.

Mind your transit time. Taking a shuttle with no checked luggage, we plan for two and a half hours from flight arrival time to when we get to the gate of a Disney park. That means a 2PM arrival won’t get you in a park until 4:30PM. (Uber could probably save you 45 minutes here.)

We definitely think you can have an awesome day at a park starting at 4:30PM. We also think that if you’re looking at a 2PM arrival, you should consider alternatives. Maybe you can save some money by flying in at 10:30PM and then use that money to add a night to your stay, for example.

The Disney World Luggage Problem. Let’s be real. Are you going to buy a bunch of souvenirs at Walt Disney World? If so, make sure you have a plan for the extra luggage. This is especially important if you’re flying a low-cost airline, where the fees for having to add a last-minute bag can be astronomical.

Preparing For Your Time At Walt Disney World

Now, you’ve booked your trip, and it’s time to start planning your time at Walt Disney World.

Packing for Walt Disney World

Rather than an extensive packing list, we offer simply 10 items we always forget to pack for our Disney trips . These are ten things you might not find on every other list if you Google “Disney World packing list”.

Booking Airport Transportation

Disney has ended its Magical Express service, but we have a post on the best ways to get from Orlando International Airport to Disney World . The short version—Uber is our preference.

Picking Your Park Days

A lot goes into figuring out which days you’ll go to which parks. This starts with figuring out how many days you need at each park. Magic Kingdom is the only park that absolutely needs a full day, and an extra half or second day is preferred. Each of the other three parks can easily fill a full day, but each has highlights that can be experienced in half a day (if you have park hopper tickets and can split a day between two parks).

If you want to know more about what the parks have to offer, we’ve got rides guides to all four parks (these also cover other attractions and some entertainment):

Magic Kingdom Rides Guide

Epcot Rides Guide

Hollywood Studios Rides Guide

Animal Kingdom Rides Guide

Thrill seekers will want to check out our ranking of the best roller coasters at Disney World .

If you’re traveling specifically with a small child, you will also want to read the following posts:

Walt Disney World Height Requirements

Best Rides for Toddlers at Magic Kingdom

Best Rides for Toddlers at Animal Kingdom

Best Rides for Toddlers at Epcot

Best Rides for Toddlers at Hollywood Studios

And if you want to know what a full day at each park looks like, we’ve got one-day itineraries:

Magic Kingdom One-Day Itinerary

Epcot One-Day Itinerary

Hollywood Studios One-Day Itinerary

Animal Kingdom One-Day Itinerary 

Next, you’ll want to figure out what days you spend at which parks. Here are some of the factors you’ll want to consider…

Park Hours. If you’re spending a full day at a park, you want to have the most hours possible. If you’re park hopping, consider starting at the one that’s open earliest and finishing at the one that’s open latest. We have posts that cover the hours (along with extra-hour events) at every park:

Hours and Extra Hour Access at Magic Kingdom

Hours and Extra Hour Access at Animal Kingdom

Hours and Extra Hour Access at Hollywood Studios

Hours and Extra Hour Access at Epcot

Early Theme Park Entry. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel you’ll have access to every park every day for 30 minutes before other guests. This allows you to get a head start on the day, and even if you don’t think 30 minutes is a big deal—other people will, and you’ll usually want to be ahead of them in line! You can read more about Disney World’s new Early Theme Park Entry offering here.

Extended Evening Hours. Guests of deluxe Disney hotels (including DVC properties) have access to extended evening hours at select parks on select dates . Note this is in addition to Early Theme Park Entry, discussed above, but this evening perk is restricted to deluxe hotels. You can read more about the new Extended Evening Hours perk for deluxe resort guests here.

Dining Reservations. We discuss dining more below, but you’ll want to mind dining reservations when scheduling your park days. If you’re scheduling a meal at a park or at a hotel near a park, you’ll want to plan to be at that park the rest of the day. For example, we sometimes schedule Kona Cafe brunch (at Polynesian) on our Magic Kingdom day.

Transportation Between Parks. This is more about park hopping. When planning a split day between two parks, you’ll want to consider how easy it is to get between the parks (including whether or not you want to Uber). Generally, Animal Kingdom is the toughest park to get to and from, as it is only accessible by bus or car. You can take the monorail between Epcot and Magic Kingdom , and you can walk or take a boat between Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Character Greetings

No visit to a Disney park is complete without meeting a character or two. We have a few posts to help you meet characters:

How to Meet Characters at Walt Disney World

How to Meet Princesses at Walt Disney World

How to Meet Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World 

60 Days In Advance - Advance Dining Reservations

You can make Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) at Disney restaurants up to 60 days in advance. The reservation phone line opens at 7AM Eastern Time, but restaurants may be available for booking online as early at 5:45AM Eastern. If you want to dine at Disney restaurants, the most popular ones will book 60 days in advance. If you miss a reservation, you can continue to check on your own or use a service like MouseDining to alert you to openings.

We’re not dining experts by any stretch of the imagination, but we do have a few quick thoughts. First, if you’re looking for ideas, read Disney Tourist Blog’s top table service restaurants at Walt Disney World . Our favorite restaurant is Sanaa, which comes in at number 9 on their list.

Second, consider a character meal. These are meals where characters walk around, greeting each table individually for signatures and pictures. Most Disney experts will (rightfully) point out that Chef Mickey’s, for example, is a very overpriced dining experience for the quality of food. But breakfast at Chef Mickey’s is also a chance to meet the “Fab Five” (Mickey Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald) before walking right over to the Magic Kingdom. Here’s our ranking of the best character meals at Disney World.

Learning About Genie+ and Lightning Lanes

Lightning Lanes are Disney’s “skip the line” system for Walt Disney World rides, having replaced the old FastPass+ system.

At each park, most or all of the rides have Lightning Lanes, and they can be broken into two groups. Most of the Lightning Lanes are included in Genie+. Guests who pay for Genie+ will be able to select (with some important exceptions) one Lightning Lane slot at a time, and they’ll visit these throughout the day.

Each park also has one or two individual Lightning Lanes. These individual Lightning Lanes are not a part of Genie+. To access these, guests buy specific timeslots for these rides. More on Genie+ and Lightning Lanes can be found at:

Disney World Genie+ and Lightning Lanes Guide

Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Magic Kingdom

Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Hollywood Studios

Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Animal Kingdom

Guide to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes at Epcot

Welcome Home! (And Everything Else)

Once you’re at Walt Disney World, it’s time for all of your planning to pay off. We’ve already provided links to our one-day itineraries and our Genie+ strategy, which are our two big pieces of “day-of” content. Here are some other quick pieces to prepare you for your time at Walt Disney World…

My Disney Experience

By now, you’ve probably gathered that Disney’s name for your online Walt Disney World account is “My Disney Experience” (“MDE”). MDE is available online through Disney’s website and through the My Disney Experience / Disney World app.

Essentially, MDE is where all your digital Disney World records are kept—Genie+, PhotoPass, hotel, dining reservations, linked MagicBands, etc. It can also keep track of who is in your “party” or “family.”

A really random way to get more acquainted with Walt Disney World is to simply browse the app. I just pulled it opened, scrolled a little bit, and discovered there’s a “Chip ‘n’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long” at Fort Wilderness. I had no idea that existed until just now!

MagicBands are bracelets used for a variety of purposes by Walt Disney World guests. Each MagicBand has a chip that allows it to be used at different “tap” points.

While guests at Disney hotels no longer get MagicBands for free, anyone can buy a MagicBand in a Disney World park or online and link it to their Disney account.

We have a guide to MagicBands and MagicBand+ at Disney World.

If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, your MagicBand will serve as your room key, your park ticket (including for using Lightning Lanes), and for charging purchases to your room. Anyone else can use a MagicBand in place of a park ticket, but it cannot be used for purchases without a hotel stay.

More broadly, MagicBands act as a sort of ID. For example, using their long-range sensors, Cast Members can identify guests who are approaching restaurants (to match them to reservations) or identify what table guests are sitting at.

In 2022, the MagicBand+ debuted. These have more special effects and the ability to interact with different elements around the theme parks.

Transportation at Walt Disney World

One important decision is deciding whether or not to have a car at Walt Disney World . Even if you’re sure you want a car, we recommend you read some of our tips about having a car at Walt Disney World .

Generally, you’ll be relying on bus, monorail, Skyliner, boat, or walking to get to and between the parks. We have guides specifically to the:

Walt Disney World Skyliner

Walt Disney World Monorail

You can also Uber around Walt Disney World . If you’re unsure how to get between two points, ask the concierge or desk staff at your hotel, or ask a Cast Member at a park (or ask me, if you see me).

Transportation at Walt Disney World can, unfortunately, be quite slow. This is especially true of bus and boat transportation. If you’re in a hurry, consider Uber.

Disney has its own rideshare system—Minnie Vans—through a partnership with Lyft . The high prices of Minnie Vans make them not worth considering for most purposes other than getting to the Magic Kingdom, where other drivers are not allowed to make drop-offs. They’re also good if you need two car seats, as Uber Car Seat cars typically only have one.

PhotoPass and Memory Maker

PhotoPass and Memory Maker are Disney World photography services to help you preserve your memories from your trip. That link goes to our guide to the services, but here’s a quick rundown.

PhotoPass is a photography service offered throughout Disney World. Professional photographers—and in some cases, machines—are stationed at different points throughout the park and at character greetings to take pictures for you. They use professional cameras and, via your MagicBand or park ticket, link those pictures to your Disney account for purchase.

PhotoPass photographers also have the ability to take “Magic Shots.” A Magic Shot is essentially a photograph where they edit the photo to add in a special effect, like Tinkerbell sitting on your hand or you holding Simba.

Notably, PhotoPass photographers will take photos for you on your own camera if you request. They offer this service free of charge. Obviously they cannot produce Magic Shots using your camera.

Ride photos are also available. Some of these, notably Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, automatically load onto your Disney account via long-range technology. You don’t need to take any action, other than riding the ride. At most other rides, you’ll need to touch your park ticket or Magic Band to a tap point that beneath the screen with your ride photo on it after the ride.

After this, I stopped putting my hands up when I’m there for work (sorry!!!!)

Once you’ve gotten your photos taken, you’ll need to purchase them. Memory Maker is a purchase that gives you access to downloads of all PhotoPass photos taken by your party during your trip. It costs $199 + tax or $169 + tax if purchased more than three days in advance of your trip.

There are a variety of tours (including backstage tours) you can take at Walt Disney World. We’ve reviewed the very popular Keys to the Kingdom tour , along with Caring for Giants and Up Close With Rhinos .

Resorts and No Parks Days

If you have some free time, or if you’re planning a meal at one of Disney’s hotels, you may want to set aside some time to explore their resorts. This is particularly a good idea if you’re planning a future visit and want to scope out the hotel.

You can easily visit the monorail hotels (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian) by riding the monorail between them. You can easily visit the Boardwalk hotels (BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club, and Yacht Club) by walking between them, particularly while walking between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

And if you want a full day of relaxation (or not, really), you may want to set aside time for a no parks day. This is a day where you don’t go to the parks, instead focusing on the other activities your resort and Walt Disney World have to offer.

Celebration Buttons

If you’re celebrating something—like an anniversary, birthday, first visit, or anything else—swing by the front desk or Guest Services to inquire about a celebration button for your stay.

I use my Fuel Rod daily and think it was an excellent purchase . Tom Bricker vehemently disagrees, but he’s known to be wrong about other things, most notably the brilliantly designed Dino-Rama.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs has come up a few times already, but we haven’t really talked about what it is.Disney Springs is an outdoor restaurant and shopping complex on Disney property. It features a variety of restaurants, stores, a movie theater, a bowling alley, and other experiences.

We don’t typically recommend a visit to Disney Springs for first timers, but if you have an evening to spare or really are into shopping, it can be worth a visit.

Water Parks

If you’re interested in visiting Disney World’s water parks, you’ll first want to make sure to budget for it in your tickets. The park hopper plus option includes visits to the water parks, or you can go ahead and buy a separate single day admission if it makes financial sense. We have a complete guide to Typhoon Lagoon and a complete guide to Blizzard Beach .

Special & Ticketed Events

There are several special, ticketed events at Walt Disney World throughout the year. We have guides to the two most popular— Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party .

We’ve also reviewed the following ticketed events:

Magic Kingdom After Hours

Hollywood Studios After Hours

Animal Kingdom After Hours

Magic Kingdom Early Morning Magic

Other Resources

There’s so much to be said about Walt Disney World, and we can’t fit it all on this post or even our own site. Here are a few resources covering topics we’re not well-versed in:

Kenny The Pirate is a good resource for those heavily interested in meeting characters at Walt Disney World

Information on the Disability Access Service from WDW Prep School and Million Mile Secrets

Tips for using a stroller at Walt Disney World from Undercover Tourist

Rainy Day Tips from OrlandoVacation.com

MickeyBlog has a good piece on the Spas of Walt Disney World

Disney Pins Bog covers Pin Collecting / Trading 

What questions do you still have about Walt Disney World planning?

A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World this year

Editor's Note

If you want to know how to plan a trip to Disney World, you've come to the right place. This guide includes tips for choosing the right Disney World hotel for your budget, deciding which ticket type is right for you, determining which extras are worth splurging on and how to plan a trip that's fun and memorable without too much stress along the way.

With four theme parks, two water parks, more than 25 on-site hotels, over 200 dining locations and more attractions, experiences, shows and shops than we can list here, the best way to build a magical Disney World vacation is with planning, preparation and realistic expectations.

Planning a trip to Disney World should be fun and build excitement for your upcoming trip, and this guide can help.

How to start planning your trip to Disney World

There are a few questions you will want to answer early in the process of planning your Disney World vacation.

• What is your budget? Your budget will determine most other factors of your vacation, including where you stay and how many days you visit. How much it will cost you to go to Disney World really can vary widely based on the choices you make.
• When will you go? You may be at the mercy of work or school schedules, but if you have the flexibility, you can plan your trip when crowds are smaller or the weather is better. The summer can be very hot and rainy, the week between Christmas and New Year's is one of the busiest and weekdays when most kids are in school are often the least busy days.
• Where will you stay? You will typically pay more to stay in one of Disney's on-site hotels, especially at the moderate and deluxe tiers, but you'll also get perks like early theme park entry. Before you choose, you'll want to consider your budget, whether you want a themed room like the Royal Guest Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and if you want to be located near a certain Disney park. Pro tip: Renting Disney Vacation Club points can help you stay at a deluxe hotel for a moderate price.
• Which parks will you visit on which days? Depending on the length of your vacation, you may need to prioritize which parks you plan to visit. This will also influence whether you purchase one-park-per-day or Park Hopper tickets that allow you to visit multiple parks daily. If you have little kids, be sure your family will have the stamina for multiple parks per day before shelling out the extra cash to hop.
• Where will you dine? Popular Disney dining reservations are snatched up almost as soon as they become available. You'll want to plan ahead for any character dining or other table service restaurants, so you don't miss out.

It is important to book your hotel, dining and theme park tickets as early as possible for the best rates and availability. Disney also periodically releases special offers on hotels and vacation packages that you can often apply even if you have already made your reservations.

Related: Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

We will dig deeper into each of these topics in this guide. Once you have a rough outline of your vacation based on the questions above, here are important dates to keep in mind so you can make your Disney dream a reality.

How soon can you book a Disney World hotel?

Disney releases hotel availability periodically, so there is no exact date that Disney hotel reservations become available. You can currently book Disney World hotel stays through Dec. 31, 2024.

Disney typically opens reservations for the following year around May or June, so you can expect to see 2025 availability around that time. If your plans change, you can cancel your room-only reservation up to five days in advance of arrival for a full refund. Ticket and hotel vacation packages must be canceled 30 days in advance to receive a full refund.

When can you purchase Disney World tickets?

Disney World tickets follow the same availability calendar as Disney hotel reservations. You can purchase tickets (or vacation packages including a hotel and tickets) through Dec. 31, 2024. Disney typically releases tickets for the following year around May or June, so you can expect to see 2025 availability around that time.

All tickets are date-based, and the price of one-day tickets also varies by park. You can purchase your tickets any time before you visit; the price won't change regardless of how long you wait. Theme park tickets are nonrefundable, but you may be able to change your ticket date if your plans change.

Until Jan. 9, 2024, you must have a Disney ticket and make a theme park reservation to enter a Disney park.

When do Disney World dining reservations become available?

You can begin making dining reservations 60 days prior to your visit. If you are staying in a Disney World hotel, you can make dining reservations 60 days before your check-in day for your entire stay (up to 10 days).

Reservations open on Disney's website or the My Disney Experience app between 5:45 a.m. and 6 a.m. EST or you can call 407-939-DINE beginning at 7 a.m. EST, but coveted reservations may already be snatched up by that time. You can cancel most Disney World dining reservations up to two hours before your reservation. Exceptions will be noted in the confirmation email you receive at the time of booking.

If you're not yet sure where to eat, here are our favorite restaurants at Disney World .

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

What are the 4 parks at Disney World?

Each of Disney World's four theme parks is uniquely themed and packed with fun. You can learn more about each park, including attractions, shows, parade times and interactive maps to help you find your way around in the My Disney Experience app.

Here's a bit more information about each and some tips for choosing the right ticket type to visit them all.

Magic Kingdom

Open since 1971, Magic Kingdom is Disney World's original theme park. This park is a world of fairy tales and fantasy, where you'll find five themed lands — Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland and Liberty Square.

Magic Kingdom is home to some of Disney's most iconic attractions, including Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan's Flight and the Haunted Mansion, but also exciting new rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and the soon-to-open Tiana's Bayou Adventure .

Epcot opened in 1982 and has changed drastically in the four decades since. Epcot's core message, however, hasn't changed: sparking visitors' imaginations through science, technology, nature and the human experience. The park is sectioned into "neighborhoods" — World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase, where you can visit pavilions that celebrate the arts, culture and customs of 11 countries around the world.

There are a lot of new things to see at Epcot, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana and the all-new fireworks spectacular Luminous – The Symphony of Us .

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a movie-themed park that has lands and attractions inspired by blockbuster films and beloved Disney characters. In Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge , you can pilot the Millennium Falcon and meet familiar (and furry) faces like Kylo Ren, Chewbacca and Rey.

In Toy Story Land, visitors shrink to the size of Woody, Buzz, Jessie (who you can meet here, by the way) and Andy's other toys. The land's Slinky Dog Dash coaster is a family-friendly ride that's perfect for a kid's first roller coaster.

Outside of the lands themed to specific films, much of the park evokes an old-Hollywood glamour that makes you feel like a bona fide movie star. In these areas, you'll find some of the park's most iconic shows and attractions are also some of its longest-running, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror drop ride, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular .

Disney's Animal Kingdom

More than 2,000 animals — from about 300 species — call Disney's Animal Kingdom "home," but this is not a zoo. However, you can visit many of these animals via walking trails, the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride and even a petting zoo.

In addition to the creatures and landscapes found on Earth, you can visit another planet at Pandora — The World of Avatar or go back in time at DinoLand U.S.A. The animals aren't the only things that are "wild" at Animal Kingdom — Expedition Everest is a thrilling coaster; Avatar Flight of Passage puts you on the back of a banshee as you fly over Pandora; and Dinosaur sends you careening through the Cretaceous Period in an off-road vehicle.

What type of Disney tickets should I buy?

Disney world base tickets.

You can purchase one-day or multi-day Disney World tickets. All tickets are date-based, and the price varies depending on the date of your visit. If you purchase a one-day ticket, the price will also vary based on which park you plan to visit, with Magic Kingdom being the most expensive.

Disney World Park Hopper tickets

A base ticket only gets you into one park per day. If you want to visit multiple parks on the same day, you will need to purchase the Park Hopper option with your ticket (you can also add it on in person after you arrive). You can save money by only visiting one park per day, but it does limit how much you can see and do during your vacation.

A Park Hopper Plus ticket includes two visits to either Disney's golf courses, miniature golf courses or water parks, but this is only worth it if you know you will use it all.

Disney World special event tickets

Some of Disney's after-hours events , like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party , require a separate ticket. The park is only open to guests with special event tickets during these events. If you plan on visiting for one of these parties, you may be able to forgo a general admission ticket that day and utilize your special event ticket, as you can usually get into the park a few hours before the party starts.

Disney World ticket add-ons

There are two major ticket add-ons that you should consider. Both can be worth it but will add to the cost of your vacation.

The first add-on you might want to strongly consider is Disney Genie+ . This skip-the-line service allows you to skip the standby line and enjoy shorter wait times for rides by utilizing Disney's Lightning Lanes.

Currently, you can only purchase it on the day of your visit beginning at 7 a.m. and the price ranges between $15 and $35 per person, per day. A handful of attractions at each park require a separate individual Lightning Lane purchase to skip the line, often for the newest rides, but many rides are available with Genie+. You don't need to purchase Genie+ to buy individual Lightning Lane selections and vice versa. The individual Lightning Lane attraction pricing varies by attraction but typically ranges between $7 and $25 per person per attraction for rides like Tron: Lightcycle Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Another popular add-on is Disney's Memory Maker . Memory Maker gives you unlimited downloads of pictures taken by PhotoPass photographers during your vacation and on-ride photos. You can purchase a one-day Memory Maker for short visits or a multi-day Memory Maker which covers your entire vacation. You can save $25 on a multi-day Memory Maker when you purchase at least three days prior to your visit, so it's best to purchase it when you buy your tickets.

How to get discounted Disney World tickets

Aside from Disney's own discounts, you can sometimes save money on Disney tickets by purchasing them from an authorized third-party reseller. There are a few reputable sources out there for Disney World tickets, but our go-to is Undercover Tourist . Depending on your ticket type, you can usually save between $5 and $100. One of the best ways to save money with Undercover Tourist is when Disney World raises ticket prices , which usually happens at least once per year. Undercover Tourist typically has a limited number of existing ticket stock available at the old prices while supplies last.

Related: We saved every receipt — here's how much it actually costs to go to Disney World

If you are a Florida resident or are an active or retired U.S. military member , there are generous discounted Disney World tickets available directly through Disney's website.

You can also use points to pay for your Disney tickets , and that's a strategy we strongly recommend to keep costs down. For example, with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , you can earn a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of having the card. You can use those 75k points as the same as $750 towards travel . And while ticket-only packages from Disney World typically don't code as a travel charge, buying them from Undercover Tourist — or as part of a larger hotel and ticket package directly from Disney — typically does code as a travel charge, so you could save $750 just like that.

Is booking a Disney vacation package a good idea?

If you are staying in one of Disney World's on-site hotels or a certified " Disney World Good Neighbor " hotel, you have the option to bundle your hotel stay and theme park tickets into a Disney vacation package. Normally, these packages are not discounted, but they can be a great value if Disney runs any special vacation package promotions .

Aside from discounts (and the fact that it all likely codes as a travel charge for point-redemption purposes), there's one major reason to book a vacation package: When you purchase your tickets and hotel together, you only have to pay a $200 deposit at the time of booking. Payment in full is due 30 days prior to arrival. If you purchase your tickets separately from your hotel stay, you will have to pay the full amount at the time of purchase.

This is another great example of why you should book through an authorized Disney travel planner who can compare prices for you and keep an eye out for discounts.

When is the best time to visit Disney World?

Do you want the lowest crowds or the best weather? Do you want to attend a Halloween party or see Magic Kingdom's 65-foot-tall Christmas tree ?

The best time to visit Disney World depends on your reason for visiting.

If you want moderate temperatures and less chance of rain, you may want to plan your visit between October and December. If you want shorter waits, your best bets are late January, early May or just after Thanksgiving before the crowds descend upon the parks for winter break. Of course, weekdays typically see lower crowds than weekends and school breaks.

Or, if you are planning a Disney World vacation on a budget, opt for midweek dates in August and September 2024, when prices start at $109 for a one-day ticket.

Read our full guide on the best times to visit Walt Disney World .

What's the best way to get to Disney World?

Getting to Orlando and getting to Disney World after arriving are two different topics, so let's look at each.

What is the closest airport?

The closest airport to Walt Disney World is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Most major airlines fly into MCO, and you can reach Disney World in about 25 to 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. If you are flying Allegiant or Sun Country Airlines, you'll fly into Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). SFB is smaller than MCO and farther from Disney World. From SFB, it is about a 45-minute drive to Disney World.

What is the best way to get to Disney World from the airport?

Because of its size and proximity to Disney World, MCO has more and better options to help you get between the airport and Disney World.

From Orlando International Airport or Orlando Sanford International Airport, you can rent a car or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. If you do rent a car from MCO, you can forgo paying tolls through the car rental company (which often comes with an additional fee) and pick up a Visitor Toll Pass to save on tolls during your trip.

Disney no longer charges a parking fee for overnight hotel guests, so if you rent a car, you can park at your hotel and drive to Disney's theme parks without additional fees. Keep in mind that you may not need a car if you don't plan on leaving Disney property after you arrive. Disney has a robust internal transportation system that operates between its on-site hotels and theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs.

You can also use Disney's official airport shuttle, Mears Connect , from MCO.

Mears Connect is a shuttle service that picks you up from MCO and will drop you off at official Disney World hotels and a handful of nearby hotels. Pricing starts at $16 one-way for adults and $13 one-way for children. Mears Connect offers shared shuttles, where you will stop at multiple Disney hotels on the way to your own. You can pay an additional fee for an "express shuttle" that takes you direct to your resort. The easiest way to reserve your ride is online through the Mears Connect website.

What is the best way to get around Disney World?

If you are staying on Walt Disney World property, you can utilize Disney's complimentary transportation for travel between your resort and Disney's theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs. Disney offers transportation by bus, boat, Monorail and Disney Skyliner gondola system. Which transportation options you have access to will depend on which hotel you are staying in.

All Disney hotels offer regularly scheduled bus transportation around the resort. Transportation begins 45 minutes prior to the theme park opening and up to one hour after the theme park closing.

Guests of Disney's Magic Kingdom area resorts — Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa — can use boat or Monorail transportation to travel to the Magic Kingdom. There is also a monorail line that will take you to the Transportation and Ticket Center, where you can transfer to a separate Monorail line that goes to Epcot. These hotels also offer a walking path to Magic Kingdom.

Guests of Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort can use the Disney Skyliner gondolas to travel to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot. All Disney World visitors can also use Disney Skyliner to travel between these two parks, regardless of where you are staying. It's a fun and scenic way to get around the resort.

Many Disney World hotels also offer ferry boat transportation to nearby parks. The BoardWalk area hotels, for example, offer boat transportation to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Fort Wilderness, Disney's Wilderness Lodge and others offer boat service to the Magic Kingdom. You can view a full list on Disney's website . You can also walk to Epcot or Hollywood Studios from any BoardWalk area hotel.

Whichever transportation option you choose, you can view the schedule, routes and stop locations in the My Disney Experience app or on video monitors at each stop location.

You can also utilize Disney's Minnie Van service for door-to-door (or door-to-front gate, as it were) service between your hotel and Disney's theme parks. You can book these private rides in red-and-white polka-dot vans directly through the Lyft app. Accessible rides and child safety seats are available.

Though not "official" Disney World hotels, Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotel guests have access to Disney's complimentary ferry boat service to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. A walking path is also available. These resorts also operate their own shuttles to Disney's theme parks, which pick up approximately every 20 to 25 minutes throughout the day.

Disney Springs hotels operate their own shuttle services, independent of Disney's transportation. If you are staying at one of these hotels, you can inquire about scheduling and pick-up times at the front desk.

What's the best place to stay on a Disney vacation?

There are more than two dozen Disney World hotels to choose from, so your main considerations will be your budget and what type of hotel experience you are after. Whether you want over-the-top Disney theming, an upscale cabin in the woods or a luxury villa with access to a club lounge, you can find it at Disney World.

Disney offers three hotel tiers: Value, Moderate and Deluxe.

Value Disney resorts are the most affordable, with prices ranging between $125 and $300 per night. Value resorts offer quick-service, cafeteria-style dining outlets and large pools but don't have full-service restaurants or pool amenities like waterslides and hot tubs.

On average, Moderate Disney resorts run between $250 and $400 and offer amenities you won't find at Value Disney resorts. Some have full-service restaurants, and the pools are better-themed and equipped with waterslides. Many of them are more centrally located near Disney's theme parks, as well.

Deluxe Disney resorts are the most expensive, ranging between $400 to $700 per night and up for a standard room, but they also have the best locations, amenities and dining. You can expect large, well-furnished guest rooms, pool complexes with hot tubs, waterslides and beach areas, multiple full-service restaurants, spas and more.

Regardless of which hotel you choose, Disney's on-site hotels offer perks to enhance your stay:

• A 30-minute jumpstart on your day with Disney's Early Theme Park Entry benefit
• The ability to purchase individual Lightning Lanes for eligible rides begins at 7 a.m. on the day of your visit (non-resort guests can't do this until the park opens)
• Complimentary hotel and theme park parking
• Extended Evening Theme Park Hours for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels on select nights (this benefit is also available to guests of Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels, as well as Shades of Green)

Best hotels at Disney World

The best Disney World hotel for you depends on what you are looking for in a hotel stay. If you don't plan on spending much time in your room, you can save a lot of money by staying in a Value resort. If you plan on spending part of your vacation enjoying hotel amenities like the pool and restaurants, you may want to choose a Moderate or Deluxe resort. Or, if you have a large family that won't be comfortable in a standard room, one of Disney's family suites might be your best bet.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Best Disney World resort if you are on a budget: Disney's Pop Century Resort may not be the most glamorous hotel at Disney, but the kitschy 1950s through 1990s theming and the starting price of around $200 per night will surely put a smile on your face. This resort has three pools, a playground and an arcade. Guest rooms are furnished with either one king bed or a queen bed and a space-saving table that folds out into a bed. It is also one of two Value resorts with Skyliner gondola access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Best Disney World resort for large families : Disney's Art of Animation Resort is in Disney's more affordable Value category and has family suites themed to popular Disney films like "Cars," "The Lion King" and "Finding Nemo" that sleep up to six guests. The pool here is the largest at any Disney World resort, and you can take the Disney Skyliner gondolas to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Standard rooms are also available.

Best Disney World resort for swimming : Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are sister properties near Epcot. The two resorts have rooms that average around $600 per night and share access to Stormalong Bay, the best pool at Disney World . Stormalong Bay is really more than a pool, it is a water park with sand-bottomed pools, a lazy river, an activities pool with a volleyball net and daily pool games and a shipwreck-themed waterslide.

Best Disney World resort for a luxury stay : If the sky is the limit for your Walt Disney World vacation budget, the Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are some of the finest accommodations you can choose. With two bedrooms, a fireplace, a screened-in porch, a hot tub and lakeside views, these cabins are anything but rustic. The privacy offers you a chance to wind down after a long Disney day, but you are still close enough to take a boat ride to Magic Kingdom and enjoy the amenities and dining in the resort's main lobby.

If you are leaning toward a luxury Disney stay, you may be able to save money by renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. DVC is Disney's version of a timeshare program. DVC members can rent out their points to non-members through sites like David's Vacation Club Rentals , helping you to save hundreds of dollars versus booking directly through Disney. The trade-off is that availability is limited and that the cancellation policies are much less flexible than if you make the reservation direct through Disney.

Read our full guide on the best hotels at Walt Disney World .

Best hotels near Disney World

Disney World also partners with a handful of off-site hotels where you can still take advantage of certain benefits like Early Theme Park Entry and complimentary transportation while also paying less than you would for an official Disney World hotel. These hotels also participate in major hotel points programs, so you can earn or redeem points for your stay.

The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve hotels all participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program. While not technically Disney hotels, they are located on Disney property between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy elite member , these hotels offer benefits like complimentary upgrades, a welcome amenity and more.

Related: This affordable new Disney Springs hotel includes free hot food and 6 nightly drinks

Disney Springs has seven hotels from brands like Wyndham, Hilton, Holiday Inn and others. All of these are adjacent to the Disney Springs shopping and dining district, and some have room rates that start at close to $100 per night. These can be a great option if you want to save money and don't mind leaving the "Disney bubble" at the end of the day.

Read our full guide to Disney Springs hotels here .

What are the best restaurants at Disney World?

With more than 200 restaurants to choose from, you are going to have to decide which Disney World restaurants you most want to visit. Dining options run the gamut from the predictable burger and fries to an out-of-this-world restaurant in space.

Read our full guide to the best restaurants at Disney World .

Hardest Disney reservations to get (and how to get them)

Many of these restaurants are quick-service or snack stands that don't require advance reservations, but there are a few popular restaurants that book up almost as quickly as reservations become available. If you want to dine with Disney royalty at Cinderella's Royal Table, for example, you'll want to make your reservation as soon as you can. Remember, that is 60 days prior to your visit — if you are staying at a Disney World hotel, you can make reservations for your entire vacation 60 days prior to your check-in day.

Related: 'Be our guest' at these 5 best character dining meals at Walt Disney World

Other reservations that book up quickly include Storybook Dining at Artist Point , Space 220 at Epcot, California Grill, 'Ohana, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios and Topolino's Terrace, especially for the character breakfast. All of these have great food and atmosphere, making them popular for new and returning guests.

Best quick-service restaurants at Disney that don't require a reservation

Luckily, there are plenty of Disney restaurants with delicious food you can get your hands on without a reservation. Satuli Canteen in Pandora — The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom is consistently ranked as one of the best quick-service restaurants anywhere at Disney. The food is fresh, flavorful and surprisingly inexpensive. You can get a build-your-own bowl with beef, chicken or fish for less than $20.

Other must-try quick-service restaurants include Ronto Roasters at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (the Ronto Breakfast Wrap is the best handheld meal at Disney!), Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom for New England-inspired fare and Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot for all things barbecue.

Using the Disney app to improve your dining experience

The My Disney Experience app is a must for your Disney World vacation for checking wait times, finding your way around and more. When it comes to dining, you can use it to find walk-up dining availability, score last-minute reservations, see what restaurants are nearby, and place mobile orders at select quick-service restaurants.

When you place a mobile order via the app, you choose what time you would like to pick up your order (with the option to modify if plans change). When you arrive at the restaurant, you can click "I'm here. Prepare my order," and you'll receive a notification on your phone when your food is ready.

Should you buy a Disney Dining Plan?

The cost of dining at Disney can add up quickly, and Disney offers two dining plan options that may help you save money. The Disney Dining Plan lets you prepay for a specified number of meals and snacks for your Disney World vacation. You receive a certain number of meal and snack credits for each night of your stay.

The Disney Dining Plan is both convenient and flexible. By prepaying for your meals and snacks, you won't have to pull out your wallet for every meal and snack, and you aren't required to use a set number of credits each day. You can redeem them anytime during your stay in the way that best works for you.

There are two options — the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan. The first is a bit less expensive and allows for more flexibility. The second is best if you plan on more sit-down dining and character meals during your vacation.

Whether or not you can save money with a Disney Dining Plan depends on how you utilize the credits. It is possible to break even or come out ahead if you maximize the value of your credits and actually eat all of the food available on the plan. If you don't use all of your credits, you are essentially leaving money on the table, but our guide can help you out with the math.

Read our full guide to the Disney Dining Plan .

How to save time in line at Disney World

Most Walt Disney World attractions offer a standby line. The only exceptions are new attractions, which will often offer a virtual queue for a limited time after opening. When Disney World is busy, though, standby lines for popular attractions can climb as high as two hours. Luckily, Disney has a service called Disney Genie+ that helps you skip the standby line and get on more attractions with shorter waits.

With Disney Genie+, you can skip the standby line and utilize a much shorter "Lightning Lane" for most attractions. You can only purchase this add-on service on the day of your visit, beginning at midnight (though you will likely be safe waiting until you wake up in the morning except on Disney's busiest days).

The cost of Disney Genie+ varies per park and per day. The service starts at $15 per person per day and occasionally reaches a per-person price of $35 per day during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season or in April during spring break. You can purchase Genie+ for one of Disney World's four theme parks or a "multiple park" option valid at all four parks when you purchase through the My Disney Experience app.

Most attractions are included in the Disney Genie+ service, but one or two attractions at each park require a separate Lightning Lane purchase to skip the line. It's not necessary to purchase Genie+ to buy individual Lightning Lane selections and vice versa. The individual Lightning Lane attraction pricing varies by attraction but typically ranges between $7 and $25 per person, per attraction.

Read our full guide to Disney Genie+ .

If you are staying in one of Disney's on-site hotels or in select "Good Neighbor" hotels, as mentioned in the section above, you can also save time in line by utilizing Early Theme Park Entry and/or Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. You can get into the parks 30 minutes early with the Early Entry benefit, but you actually want to arrive at the front gates 30-45 minutes before that time. This will give you time to get through security and to the roped-off area where they hold guests, making you one of the first in line to rush to your favorite ride when early entry starts.

Related: Your guide to visiting Disney World with a child on the autism spectrum

If you or someone in your party has a disability that makes it difficult for you to wait in a traditional standby queue, you can also save time by registering for Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS). You need to start the registration process before your visit, and full instructions are available on Disney's website .

How to plan a Disney World trip on a budget

While sensational stories about $2,500 meals at Disney make for good headlines, it is totally possible to visit Disney World on a budget .

Related: Yes, you can visit Disney World on a budget: Here's how I did it

Here are some of the most important things you can do to make your Disney vacation budget manageable:

• Stay at a Disney Value resort like Disney's All-Star Movies Resort or use Marriott points to stay at the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve. Here are the best cards to get those points.
• Utilize Disney's complimentary parking and transportation for on-site guests instead of renting a car.
• Purchase groceries for some meals and snacks, and only buy one or two meals in the parks each day.
• Don't visit the parks every day you are at Disney and stick to one park per day, avoiding park hopping. You can save on tickets by spending a day swimming or visiting Disney Springs.
• Don't forget to periodically check Disney's website for discounts. Even after you book, you may be able to apply a hotel or vacation package discount that can save you even more money.
• Be on the lookout for discounted Disney gift cards to help cover the cost of your trip and/or use points for the tickets.
• Visit during less busy times of the year. Ticket prices are cheapest in August and September, with one-day tickets starting at $109.

Disney World pretrip checklist

Now that you've determined your budget, purchased your tickets, booked your hotel and made a few dining reservations, your trip is nearly planned. There are some other details you'll need to consider to make your trip as magical as it should be. Here's our ultimate Disney World pre-trip checklist:

• Pack accordingly : Depending on when you visit, you could be dealing with heat, humidity, afternoon showers, chilly temperatures or a mix of all of the above. It's important to pack comfortable shoes and clothing no matter when you visit, but you may also want rain gear, sun protection or a warm jacket, depending on the weather. You can read our full Disney World packing guide here .
• Download the My Disney Experience app : This app is an invaluable tool that you will use daily during your visit. You can use it to check everything from wait times to walk-up dining availability. You can also use it to navigate the parks with turn-by-turn walking directions, purchase Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes and even open your hotel room door.
• Check the park hours before your visit : You can view the park hours on the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app. Each park has separate opening and closing times, and parks occasionally close early for special events like Halloween and Christmas parties. When you view the park hours, you'll also be able to see times for any parades or fireworks shows happening each day of your visit and plan for early entry or extended theme park hours for eligible on-site hotel guests.
• Check the height requirements for attractions: If you are traveling to Disney World with young children, you can check the height requirements for attractions on Disney World's website or in the My Disney Experience app. There are also measuring stations at all attractions that have a minimum height requirement, but it's better to know ahead of time to avoid tears if your child isn't quite tall enough.
• Know where to find your favorite characters : Most Disney characters have designated meeting times and locations, which you can find in the My Disney Experience app. Booking a character meal can be a great way to meet multiple characters at once, but you can also meet many characters in the parks. Popular meet-and-greets also offer Genie+ Lightning Lane access, which can cut down on the time you spend waiting to meet Mickey, Moana or Cinderella.
• Decide if you want to purchase PhotoPass photos : You can save money on Disney Memory Maker by purchasing in advance before you visit. It's the easiest way to capture your vacation memories and an add-on we highly recommend. You can view and download your photos in the My Disney Experience app.
• Study up on Genie+: As helpful as Genie+ can be, there is a bit of a learning curve. Study up using our Genie+ guide and Disney's own overview before your visit. It's good to know which attractions participate in Genie+, how to reserve Lightning Lane access and how to make the most of the service.
• Plan for downtime: One of the biggest mistakes people make at Disney World is overscheduling their trip and leaving no time for rest and relaxation. If you are visiting for more than a few days, try and schedule a day away from the parks where you swim, explore the other resorts or just lounge around the hotel. It'll help rejuvenate you for the rest of your trip. For shorter trips, you may want to schedule a slow morning or return to your hotel early one day instead of being at the parks from opening to closing every day of your trip.

Read all of our best Disney World tips here .

Bottom line

There you have it — the ultimate guide to visiting Walt Disney World.

In addition to the planning and preparation you've now mastered, there are two very important things you must do during your Disney World vacation — don't overplan and have fun. It's much better to have a short list of "must-do" rides, restaurants and activities than to have a minute-by-minute itinerary that most certainly will not play out exactly how you planned.

Keeping a loose itinerary leaves room for magic moments like stumbling upon a favorite character, noticing a super-short line for a ride or deciding last-minute to watch a parade you happened upon. You can't do everything in one trip anyway, so do the things you can and save the rest for next time when you are a certified Disney pro.

FOR NO-COST-TO-YOU ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Related reading:

• The best Disney World hotels for your stay
• The 21 most underrated things at Disney World: What to see, do and eat that many guests miss
• Forgetting to do this 1 thing could ruin your Disney trip
• Disney's take on timeshares: Guide to Disney Vacation Club
• 8 Walt Disney World experiences that don't require a park ticket

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Disney is changing its DAS program: What guests with disabilities should know

Walt Disney World and Disneyland are changing their policies for guests with disabilities .

The Florida and California resorts will keep their popular Disability Access Service (DAS), but adjust qualifications, registration procedures, and length of validity to help ensure guests receive the accommodations they need.

“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement.

Here’s what travelers with disabilities should know:

What is DAS? 

Disney World and Disneyland previously described their Disability Access Service as a program “to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.”

Guests who qualify for and enroll in DAS wait just as long as guests in the standby line, sometimes a little longer, but they don’t have to physically stay in the queue. Instead, they can join the line virtually, wait out the designated time elsewhere in the park, and then return to the attraction for a shorter wait.

Who qualifies for DAS at Disney?

Not all disabilities impact the ability to tolerate long waits in traditional queues. For example, guests in wheelchairs or electric conveyance vehicles may still be able to wait in many lines in their mobility devices. 

New updates to the resorts’ accessibility webpages further clarify DAS’ intended audience: “Guests, who due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”

How do you qualify for a Disney disability pass?

Registering for DAS involves meeting with a specially trained cast member, who can determine if DAS is the right fit.

In the past, that could be done in advance online or in person at both resorts. The conversation lasts just minutes, though online waits have historically taken longer.

Need accomodations? Travelers with disabilities will need this card at some theme parks

How is DAS changing?

Starting May 20 for Disney World, guests may only enroll in DAS with a virtual video meeting, not in person at the parks. It’s highly recommended to do so in the planning stages of the trip, but virtual chats will also be available on the day of visits. Again, they will no longer be available in person at Disney World.

Disneyland guests may continue to register for DAS with a virtual video call ahead of their trip, which is strongly encouraged, or in-person on the day of visits, but starting June 18, the location for registration will move from Guests Services inside the parks to the outside esplanade area between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

Virtual video calls will be similar to what existing and past DAS enrollees are used to having with cast members, but Disney is also partnering with Inspire Health Alliance , whose experts may be brought in.

DAS may be used by the enrollee and up to four companions (or more if there are more than four immediate family members who all want to experience an attraction together).

How long is DAS at Disney good for?

Guests who are previously enrolled in DAS may use it for 60 days from their date of registration, with no changes required.

New enrollees registering between now and May 19 at Disney World or June 17 at Disneyland will have up to 30 days to use the service, starting from their date of registration.

Beginning May 20 at Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, new DAS enrollments will be valid for 120 days, double the previous 60.

Why is Disney making these changes?

DAS has become the most requested service at Disneyland and Disney World in recent years, with the volume of users eclipsing the program’s intended audience and numbers only expected to grow. That in turn impacts waits and experiences for those who need the accommodations. 

The changes are designed to help ensure DAS reaches its intended audience. Meanwhile, Disney is also increasing the number of specially trained cast members to help guests with other access needs find the right accommodations. 

Those may include American Sign Language interpretation, Disney Handheld Devices that provide captions and visual descriptions for guests with hearing impairment, braille guidebooks and maps, sensory guides for attractions, and at Disneyland, Location Return Times for guests with mobility devices or other physical needs that can’t be accommodated by older, non-wheelchair accessible attraction queues.

What does Disney consider a disability? 

Disney recognizes all kinds of disabilities and access needs, many of which are invisible.

While guests won’t find an exhaustive list of disabilities on Disney’s websites, their newly updated accessibility pages serve as a first stop in navigating accommodations.

Cast members are also available to answer questions in staffed virtual chats. 

Does Disney request proof of disability?

Disney does not require documentation proving disability or access needs, nor will they be required with these upcoming changes.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse

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Trump’s Abortion Dilemma

After months of mixed signals, the former president said abortion rights should be left to the states..

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Featuring Lisa Lerer

Produced by Rob Szypko ,  Luke Vander Ploeg and Shannon M. Lin

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Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Dan Powell ,  Diane Wong and Pat McCusker

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

By the time his first term was over, Donald J. Trump had cemented his place as the most anti-abortion president in U.S. history. Now, facing political blowback, he’s trying to change that reputation.

Lisa Lerer, a national political correspondent for The Times, discusses whether Mr. Trump’s election-year pivot can work.

On today’s episode

Lisa Lerer , a national political correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading

After months of mixed signals, former President Donald J. Trump said abortion restrictions should be left to the states .

On abortion, Mr. Trump chose politics over principles. Will it matter?

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The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

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Lisa Lerer is a national political reporter for The Times, based in New York. She has covered American politics for nearly two decades. More about Lisa Lerer

Luke Vander Ploeg is a senior producer on “The Daily” and a reporter for the National Desk covering the Midwest. More about Luke Vander Ploeg

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