Here’s the deal: My RTW ticket gives me 39,000 miles, 15 flights, and 1 year of travel. Since it’s not likely that I’ll get 15 free flights ever again in my life, my thinking has been that I should use all my flights to maximize everything given to me (which I have done pretty well with my current itinerary). But, now I’m not so sure that’s the best plan. Do I really want to keep whizzing by from country to country? Less is more, right?
I’m having a lot of fun in Asia! Japan was great, Vietnam was great, and I could have happily spent many more months in each place. I’ve barely scratched the surface of Thailand and Laos and I’d love to spend lots of time in Cambodia, Malaysia, and Malaysian Borneo. And 1 month in India is certainly NOT enough time. I know I have to make it to Egypt and Syria too…and that I have to eventually end up home again. That already sounds like a lot to accomplish in 7 months, but yet I’ve managed to squeeze a bunch of other countries into my itinerary as well.
I know I can always come back, but since I’m already here…should I scrap some of the places on my itinerary to stay a bit longer in others? Or should I just stick to the plan and consider this a sample tour to find countries I’d like to visit more in depth in the future? Asia is also much cheaper than the European countries will be. What would you do?
Oh dilemmas, dilemmas.
Please send me your comments and thoughts!
Posted on March 9th, 2009 by
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Filed under: Trip Preparations
A good friend of mine who did something similar to what you are doing said she planned her time by picking entry and exit points across continents or regions and dates for the same. So for e.g. she said enter Asia - march 1st, 2009 in HK and leave Asia July 1st,2009 out of Singapore. And within those four months, she planner her time based on what was important for her to see and do without being too rigid about it. So it wasn’t about seeing as many countries as possible but making the most of those four months. She spent more time in some countries than others. Went to some countries just to climb a mountain or visit a temple and others just to volunteer at an NGO or relax on the beach. If plans changed last minute, she embraced it. Listen to your inner light and let it guide you
Have fun chica!
Hugs from California..
I would plan on skipping much of Europe and spend your time in Asia and the mid-East. The thing is, it’s easier to get to Europe than a lot of the other places you’re visiting. You’re likely to make trips to Europe later in life, anyway, right? I would definitely enjoy as much of Asia as you can while you’re there. The plan with the entry/exit dates above sounds pretty reasonable to me. Have fun, whatever you decide!
Also, I just want to add that it’s not like you’re going to make a wrong decision. You do one, you see more countries; you do the other, you see more of some countries. It’s a win win, and shouldn’t be anxiety inducing
Darling Cristen. I just got home and am using this time (reading your blog, catching up on your life) to take a break before I go back to the office. My “baby” is only a couple days away from “delivery” and I’m tired as hell. And miss you like hell. When, o when will you come back to me?
Moving on… my 2 cents. You’re out there. You have plans. Of course, go with the flow, but I’d say to stick to the plans. You’re going to get to go to places that you probably won’t decide to go to again. And if you absolutely LOVE a place, then you can DEFINITELY go back.
Got a pleasant call from Miguel today. It’ll be nice having him back and hearing all of his/your stories together.
Much love for you, roomie.
Kasia
I would totally skip Europe and spend more time in Asia (especially in India), and the Middle East.
But do what your heart feels like doing.
Take care and enjoy!!!!
What a great question…. I think this is a great opportunity for a ‘taster’ trip.
Use it like the Sizzler salad bar - a little of everything - instead of the all-you-can-eat steak house (yeah I know, weird analogy for a vegan).
Then when you find the place that really does it for you, you can go back for one long hell of a trip (ie: all-you-can-eat ).
Please don’t ’skip’ Europe. It has it’s delights that you won’t find anywhere else. Buy a Europe on a shoestring guide and couchsurf - it IS possible to do it cheaply I promise
Don’t ever say ‘this might be your only chance’ girl! This can just be the beginning of a great life-long adventure, I’ve just finished a few days travelling with a 76 year old woman who had me on my toes a couple of times!!! Who knows what lotto ticket you might win, what amazing high paid job you may get… or which super-rich friend you might make to travel with!
All the best wishes and lots of love to you,
Amy
Can’t go wrong either, I say. My preference would be to cover as much ground as possible. In fact, I did just that during a three-week whirlwind tour of western and central Europe. For more, visit http://www.rosstomlin.com/writings/stories/euro_1.html. Skip to the Amsterdam section if you’re short on time. I guarantee that part’s worth your while.
So yes, this post amounts to little more than shameless self-promotion, I admit. Maybe I’m just jealous. I had three weeks. You have a whole year — and you’re fretting over not getting to see enough? Nice problem to have. Keep us posted!