World travel is the act of moving between distant geographical locations by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane or ship. It can be one way or round trip, and it can be for a short period of time or an extended journey. Travel is a means of learning about different cultures, landscapes, languages and lifestyles. It can also provide a sense of adventure, self-discovery and fulfillment.
We are hardwired for excitement and travel may be the best way to tap into it. Whether it’s zip-lining over a rainforest canopy, successfully bartering for a souvenir in the markets of Marrakech or hopping on a Land Rover to watch grazing animals in the Serengeti, a sense of accomplishment comes from each new challenge and each step into an unknown territory.
It’s possible to explore the entire planet, if you know how to plan your trip right. The most basic route involves buying an around-the-world plane ticket from a global airline alliance. Airline alliances like Star Alliance and OneWorld offer RTW tickets that cover the cost of flights to almost every country on the planet. Regional passes are also available for those who want to focus on just one or two continents.
Another popular option is to circumnavigate the globe on a private jet, an itinerary that can include visits to up to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites. National Geographic Expeditions, for example, offers a 24-day Around the World by Private Jet expedition that takes travelers to Easter Island’s Moai statues, Angkor’s jungle-flanked temple complexes and rock-carved Petra.
There are plenty of other ways to see the world, as well. Taking a cruise, a luxury tour or even a backpacking trek can be rewarding, especially when the trip is accompanied by the guidance of experts in each destination. These experts can share in-depth knowledge about a country’s history, culture or geography and help you understand the people who live there.
Finally, there’s the satisfaction that comes with achieving a long-held dream of visiting a specific destination. It’s like a puzzle that has been put together, and once it is completed, you can look back with pride knowing that you saw the world in a way that most others have not. Whether you are a veteran traveler or an armchair enthusiast, it’s never too late to start planning your own global adventure.