I DONT KNOW WHERE TO POST THIS
Dec 1st, 2010 | 02:56 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
I DONT KNOW WHERE TO POST THIS
Hi All
As I said, I don't know on what forum to post this - I think Europe has the most visitors.
In a few months, I am going on a trip around the world. I am only in the basic planning stages at the moment, but thought I would begin to ask for your advice and guidance. You have been really good about this in the past. The rough itinerary is leaving Texas and going West to LA, Hawaii, Tahiti, maybe Wake, Guam, (or somewhere out there), Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Cairo, Istanbul, up the east coast of the Adriatic, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Tangier, Casablanca and then back to the U.S somehow.
I dont know how long something like this would take....probably several months. I probably will run out of money before I run out of time. While I will be asking a bunch of detail questions later, at this point, all I am asking is whether anyone has done this - or something similar, and any general must do's or caveats. Also, if I am missing something really good by following the above itinerary, please mention it. None of this is written in stone at this point.
There will be a 2 or 3 week cruise somewhere around Philippines/Hong Kong to provide a small respite - hopefully. I am looking to start it probably sometime in March. Other than that, at this point, I dont really have anything worked out. Any suggestions, information, etc., will be appreciated.
I guess you could say that this is part of my "Bucket List". At any rate, let me know what you think. For what its worth, I may be going on this thing alone, and I am 70 years old. Please resist any temptation to tell me I am crazy........I already know that.
Shrink
As I said, I don't know on what forum to post this - I think Europe has the most visitors.
In a few months, I am going on a trip around the world. I am only in the basic planning stages at the moment, but thought I would begin to ask for your advice and guidance. You have been really good about this in the past. The rough itinerary is leaving Texas and going West to LA, Hawaii, Tahiti, maybe Wake, Guam, (or somewhere out there), Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Cairo, Istanbul, up the east coast of the Adriatic, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Tangier, Casablanca and then back to the U.S somehow.
I dont know how long something like this would take....probably several months. I probably will run out of money before I run out of time. While I will be asking a bunch of detail questions later, at this point, all I am asking is whether anyone has done this - or something similar, and any general must do's or caveats. Also, if I am missing something really good by following the above itinerary, please mention it. None of this is written in stone at this point.
There will be a 2 or 3 week cruise somewhere around Philippines/Hong Kong to provide a small respite - hopefully. I am looking to start it probably sometime in March. Other than that, at this point, I dont really have anything worked out. Any suggestions, information, etc., will be appreciated.
I guess you could say that this is part of my "Bucket List". At any rate, let me know what you think. For what its worth, I may be going on this thing alone, and I am 70 years old. Please resist any temptation to tell me I am crazy........I already know that.
Shrink
Dec 1st, 2010 | 03:20 PM
#3
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Shrink:
You might want to see this thread (in Asia) written by a wonderful old Fodorite with a great sense of humor. We're all having a good deal of fun with him. He's "Rizzuto" and some of us call him "Don"...he's generally following a westward path like you plan, but not so extensive on the Asian leg. He's now in Japan. If you post, he'll be sure to answer.
As Carol above says, you ain't the least bit crazy...go at it and enjoy! I'm nearly 12 years older, and I'm green with envy!! Rock on, but also keep on truckin' !!
stu Tower
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-and-light.cfm
You might want to see this thread (in Asia) written by a wonderful old Fodorite with a great sense of humor. We're all having a good deal of fun with him. He's "Rizzuto" and some of us call him "Don"...he's generally following a westward path like you plan, but not so extensive on the Asian leg. He's now in Japan. If you post, he'll be sure to answer.
As Carol above says, you ain't the least bit crazy...go at it and enjoy! I'm nearly 12 years older, and I'm green with envy!! Rock on, but also keep on truckin' !!
stu Tower
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-and-light.cfm
Dec 1st, 2010 | 04:23 PM
#5
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,350
Likes: 0
I'm 23 years younger and am green with envy too! Have an absolute blast. Go as far as you can and when the money runs out fly home...what a fabulous idea. Be sure to post periodically during your trip for those of us trapped here by work and financial constraints. 
Dec 1st, 2010 | 05:24 PM
#7
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 0
You will be leaving a trail of very jealous people in your wake, but who will be cheering you on.
I think you will get advice about how to book airline ticket the most expeditious way from smarter, more experienced folks than me, or check the round the world sites. Best of luck!
I think you will get advice about how to book airline ticket the most expeditious way from smarter, more experienced folks than me, or check the round the world sites. Best of luck!
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Dec 1st, 2010 | 07:01 PM
#8
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 842
Likes: 0
Shrink - you're still on the right side of the grass. Love life. Celebrate what you can when you can. We look forward to hearing your stories.
You may need assistance booking tickets - the air travel and travel tips forums may be helpful to you.
tC
You may need assistance booking tickets - the air travel and travel tips forums may be helpful to you.
tC
Dec 1st, 2010 | 07:10 PM
#9
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,008
Likes: 50
I agree about posting on the Air Travel forum. There are a couple of experts on RTW air travel who check in there and can help you figure out the various airline alliances.
I'd forget about the Travel Tips forum since it is REALLY slow.
I'd forget about the Travel Tips forum since it is REALLY slow.
Dec 1st, 2010 | 07:30 PM
#10
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 0
Please keep us posted. Many of us will travel with you vicariously.
If you are comfortable about it, please post a little more information: have you traveled much before, and if so, where? Do you have friends in any of those places that you will meet up with or visit? What are your major interests (art, history, music, etc.?)
If you are comfortable about it, please post a little more information: have you traveled much before, and if so, where? Do you have friends in any of those places that you will meet up with or visit? What are your major interests (art, history, music, etc.?)
Dec 1st, 2010 | 07:36 PM
#11
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Wow, so cool!! I have a friend who is most of the way through a yearlong RTW trip. She is also traveling solo (east to west), and went despite her family thinking she's crazy. I'm so proud - and jealous! - of her, and live vicariously through her blog...
http://jpyearofsummer.blogspot.com/
http://jpyearofsummer.blogspot.com/
Dec 2nd, 2010 | 01:28 PM
#13
Original Poster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
Hey 'yall
In response to several questions: I probably wont have a itinerary that is anything other than a framework or general path. There wont be any hard and fast schedule (with the possible exception of the cruise) which has a time bookend.
I don't have any friends abroad that I know of so will spend a lot of time alone I imagine. That doesn't bother me in the least since most of the traveling I have done in my life has been alone. The difference between now and then is that I was in my 20s and not my 70s. The downside (and upside) of that is that I am not too willing to spend my nights in the places I did then - and certainly not do the stupid/crazy things I did then. I also plan to take my time more now than I did then. I dont have a problem with loneliness, although I will be open to meeting people and hanging out with them for a while in various places.
I have traveled quite a bit in the past...as I said most of it in my twenties. More recently, in the company of a wife, daughter, and son in law, have made several trips to Europe (Italy, Switerland, Austria, France, etc. My family is, like some of you, quite employed, and my wife isn't into this type of thing at all. She is the kind that must have all hotels, flights, trains, etc. accounted for before we leave home. Obviously, this trip doesn't lend itself to that.
FWIW I am in good health - for my age, but there will come a time that I probably cant do this. I personally think that the worst life I could have, would be one that I could no longer travel, and sit home wishing I had done it when I had the chance. By some standards that is probably selfish -- but thats the way it is with me.
I do appreciate your links to folks that are doing this and also pointers to solve airline problems. It seems to me that all tickets are going to be point to point, one-way, and pretty short notice. That means, I think, that airfares will be quite costly. Any information in this area will be really appreciated.
I promise that I will keep you posted as I do it. Thanks for your interest and help.
Shrink
In response to several questions: I probably wont have a itinerary that is anything other than a framework or general path. There wont be any hard and fast schedule (with the possible exception of the cruise) which has a time bookend.
I don't have any friends abroad that I know of so will spend a lot of time alone I imagine. That doesn't bother me in the least since most of the traveling I have done in my life has been alone. The difference between now and then is that I was in my 20s and not my 70s. The downside (and upside) of that is that I am not too willing to spend my nights in the places I did then - and certainly not do the stupid/crazy things I did then. I also plan to take my time more now than I did then. I dont have a problem with loneliness, although I will be open to meeting people and hanging out with them for a while in various places.
I have traveled quite a bit in the past...as I said most of it in my twenties. More recently, in the company of a wife, daughter, and son in law, have made several trips to Europe (Italy, Switerland, Austria, France, etc. My family is, like some of you, quite employed, and my wife isn't into this type of thing at all. She is the kind that must have all hotels, flights, trains, etc. accounted for before we leave home. Obviously, this trip doesn't lend itself to that.
FWIW I am in good health - for my age, but there will come a time that I probably cant do this. I personally think that the worst life I could have, would be one that I could no longer travel, and sit home wishing I had done it when I had the chance. By some standards that is probably selfish -- but thats the way it is with me.
I do appreciate your links to folks that are doing this and also pointers to solve airline problems. It seems to me that all tickets are going to be point to point, one-way, and pretty short notice. That means, I think, that airfares will be quite costly. Any information in this area will be really appreciated.
I promise that I will keep you posted as I do it. Thanks for your interest and help.
Shrink
Dec 2nd, 2010 | 07:19 PM
#14
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,777
Likes: 0
The RTW tickets are always advertised as the most economical way to go. I looked at one website once out of curiosity but couldn't get it to work right, but it's worth looking into.
I agree that as long as you can walk, you should go!
I agree that as long as you can walk, you should go!
Dec 2nd, 2010 | 07:19 PM
#15
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,777
Likes: 0
The RTW tickets are always advertised as the most economical way to go. I looked at one website once out of curiosity but couldn't get it to work right, but it's worth looking into.
I agree that as long as you can walk, you should go!
I agree that as long as you can walk, you should go!
Dec 2nd, 2010 | 11:43 PM
#16
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24,034
Likes: 6
I went RTW twice but did it on just 2 weeks each time (thanks to free and nearly free tickets) -- we office workers just don't have that much time. Both times my routing was dictated by the tickets I obtained and not much by a personal interest in some of the places.
Let's see if I can recall the routes...
First time: Paris-Seoul-Toyko-Sydney-Honolulu-Los Angeles-Paris
Second time: Paris-Jeddah-Bangkok-Hong Kong-Vancouver-Seattle-San Francisco-Atlanta-Paris
Let's see if I can recall the routes...
First time: Paris-Seoul-Toyko-Sydney-Honolulu-Los Angeles-Paris
Second time: Paris-Jeddah-Bangkok-Hong Kong-Vancouver-Seattle-San Francisco-Atlanta-Paris
Dec 3rd, 2010 | 04:00 AM
#17
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,026
Likes: 0
My ex-FIL did the RTW, in the opposite direction, about 20 years ago, by himself. He spent 8 weeks on his adventure and while there were both good times and bad he said it was the one thing in his life that he will be able to sit back and re-live over and over and over again.
Regardless of age, each of us needs to do things that are truly memorable, else we will find ourselves sitting back and saying "Why did I not do that when I had the chance".
Have a fantastic trip. By the way, I don't know if you have ever heard of Matt Harding or not, but you may wish to watch a couple of his youtube videos. He is much younger, and has now been around the world several times, thanks to his crazy dance and Stride gum. But if you watch his videos they may well give you some ideas, because he has gone to places that few of us have ever considered.
Here is the first big compilation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P...eature=channel
By the time this next one came out, he had become a worldwide sensation and they were able to get thousands of people to join in the dance. I really like the "Bollywood" scene...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY&NR=1
So, this should give you some more ideas on places to go and things to see.
dave
Regardless of age, each of us needs to do things that are truly memorable, else we will find ourselves sitting back and saying "Why did I not do that when I had the chance".
Have a fantastic trip. By the way, I don't know if you have ever heard of Matt Harding or not, but you may wish to watch a couple of his youtube videos. He is much younger, and has now been around the world several times, thanks to his crazy dance and Stride gum. But if you watch his videos they may well give you some ideas, because he has gone to places that few of us have ever considered.
Here is the first big compilation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P...eature=channel
By the time this next one came out, he had become a worldwide sensation and they were able to get thousands of people to join in the dance. I really like the "Bollywood" scene...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY&NR=1
So, this should give you some more ideas on places to go and things to see.
dave
Dec 3rd, 2010 | 05:28 AM
#18
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,272
Likes: 0
DH and I did a RTW this summer. Went Florida-LA-Auckland-Sydney-Shanghai-Singapore-London-Paris-Budapest-Florida. We took about 5.5 weeks. Minimum time anywhere(except LA) was 4 nights. We had 9 nights in Australia and 7 in France. It was a fabulous experience and we are trying to work another one into our schedule.
My main piece of advice: take the trip!Other main piece of advice: pack light! I was mighty tired of my suitcase by the end of it.
The first part of my trip report is on the Australia/Pacific forum. I have not been good about getting the next installment up, though, so it's just the NZ portion right now.
My main piece of advice: take the trip!Other main piece of advice: pack light! I was mighty tired of my suitcase by the end of it.
The first part of my trip report is on the Australia/Pacific forum. I have not been good about getting the next installment up, though, so it's just the NZ portion right now.
