Packing Notes:
World travel is a unique and demanding experience where every little efficiency in luggage weight and organization goes a long, long way (29,000 miles, to be exact)!
I traveled with a carry-on sized Victorinox convertible and expandable backpack/shoulder bag and a small shoulder bag with enough room to carry my cameras (two, compact) and spare lens as well as a laptop and charger. I chose to check the larger bag rather than carry it through airports, it was a lot easier and didn't cost anything extra. I also wore a concealed money belt, which was a great way to ensure I had everything secure.
In the bag: A dozen t-shirts (with my Spinfirst.com logo!), two pairs shorts, three pairs trousers, two or three long-sleeved layering shirts (all 100% cotton, washable, lightweight) and half a dozen pairs socks/underwear.
Most valued item: Lightweight travel vest. Not an extravagant item, just a simple light vest with a few secure pockets, perfect for most climates, and best for air travel; it's like wearing an extra carry-on for all your smaller valuables, passport, and ID too! Some items I washed when time/room space allowed, some I simply left behind to save space. The only thing I didn't pack due to space constraints was a fleece-padded vest. I could have used it in London when the evenings got cold, but other than that, didn't miss it. I did pack one nice blazer, with the idea that I might need it for dining out, but it never left the bag.
I brought along a full-size travel tripod, but never used it, preferring instead a much more compact tabletop model. I carried a travel power adapter that worked for every country and never had a problem with keeping batteries charged.
Next trip, I hope to leave the laptop behind and instead, use my iPad, saving me over 2 lbs. and allowing more room for souvenirs!
Planning Notes:
For the first time in years, I called a travel agent to help me plan and ticket this trip. With such a tight timeline including nine airports and nine countries, I felt that I needed someone to call to make sure I got the best deal, and the most efficient itinerary. After some detailed online research on destinations and potential itineraries, I passed the information along to my travel agent who helped me refine and complete it.
I chose Continental Airlines and its Star Alliance Partners as my frequent flyer program, and made sure to join Continental's President's Club, which offers access to most Star Alliance airport lounges all over the world. That made a huge difference, allowing me to rest and relax, rather than just wait at airports, and the flight miles quickly added up — over 29,000 miles this trip! Best airport lounge on this trip: Star Alliance Lounge at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris. Nice!
Detailed planning is critical for round the world travel. Almost as important: being flexible, changing your plans where needed and making the most of every stop by checking local maps and guides (particularly transportation options) in advance of your arrival. "Know before you go" is a well-worn phrase, but, on a trip like this, it makes all the sense in the world!
I used Tripadvisor.com for traveler review of destinations and hotels I was visiting. I used expedia and hotels.com to compare prices and see additional reviews and also to consider the potential view from the hotels. I booked using all of the above but in some instances, I booked directly with the hotels, which can often be an advantage with loyalty programs (such as Fairmont and Marriott), these programs often do not credit your stay if you book with the discount sites, so it pays to book direct.
I used RailEurope.com to review train schedules and to book ahead. You don't have to book in advance if you want to stay flexible, but at the time I traveled, it was a week after the Icelandic volcano travel disruption, and I wanted to be sure I had tickets!
A final note on jet lag, or lack of it. A lot of my traveling is walking, sightseeing and being out and about. Despite the time differences, my first priority was getting out and seeing things. No matter how tired I was, I pushed myself to observe local time for my eating and sleeping cycles. It worked really well. I was never overly tired or disoriented, nor did I have any trouble sleeping; I was out like a light every night! |
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