Dave Wentworth

Atrip around the world — just the thought of it conjures images of far-flung destinations, bucket-list checkmarks, and seeing the world's treasures up close and personal. As a travel agent, I find round-the-world (RTW) trips among the most rewarding projects to plan. No two are ever the same, and I bring firsthand experience to the table — I fulfilled my own dream RTW journey in 2018.

If you're considering taking on this incredible adventure, here are a few key things to keep in mind as you start planning.

Time Is Everything

How long is too long? When should you go? What's the best time of year for each destination? My own RTW adventure lasted just under two months — that's all I could manage while balancing professional commitments. Others have stretched their trips to a year or more, while some prefer a few months away to escape the Canadian winter and chase the sun.

Flexibility Is Key

A RTW trip is a symphony of moving parts — flights, tours, visas, and logistics all working together. Flexibility makes it all flow smoothly. Maybe you want to see the deserts of Central Asia, but your dates fall during the hottest part of the year. That's where adaptability comes in: we might pivot, adjust timing, or swap destinations.

Build a Strong Structure

My RTW was a blend of two tours, a cruise, and independent travel days in between. I went westward: starting with a cycling tour in Japan, then Bangkok for a few days (and laundry!), Bhutan for a guided tour, and Kathmandu before continuing to Europe.

Pro Tip: Don't hold back. If there’s a dream destination or true bucket-list item you want to feature in your big journey, let’s plan for it. This is the time to live it up so just do it!.