Round-the-World Trip Itinerary: Our Second Great Adventure

Traveling around the world is a dream many of us share, fueled by the allure of distinct cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the thrill of the unknown. As avid travelers, we’ve always felt that pull and consider ourselves lucky to have already experienced it once. However, life circumstances forced us to interrupt our first round-the-world trip itinerary due to the onset of a pandemic.

Now, in this new phase of our adventure, we invite you to discover what led us to make the decision to travel the world again. The challenge? Not only to revisit familiar destinations but also to explore uncharted territories, create new connections, and celebrate the joy of travel. We feel truly privileged to embark on this incredible round-the-world itinerary for the second time. So buckle up and join us on this journey around the globe, where love, adventure, and the beauty of the unknown intertwine at every step.

What Happened During Our First Round-the-World Trip in 2020?

The events of 2020 changed the lives of many, and we were no exception. Our first big round-the-world itinerary had to be interrupted in March of that year when we returned to Portugal, just as lockdowns were being implemented.

During that first trip, we explored Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America, creating unforgettable memories. However, the early return left us feeling like something was unfinished. Even before the outbreak, we already felt the urge to explore the world again, to connect with diverse cultures, savor global cuisine, and of course, spend more time together. That desire became a passion we couldn’t ignore.

Why Did We Decide to Travel Around the World Again?

In 2023, while we were in Nara, Japan, we celebrated our engagement. That magical moment was the catalyst for our decision to embark on a new adventure: our one-year honeymoon, traveling the world on a round-the-world itinerary.

We see this trip as a smooth continuation of the first one, a “second season” where we will explore new territories and deepen our connection to the world. We’re not looking for a final destination, but rather a continuous journey where each step brings new discoveries.

What’s Our Plan for This Round-the-World Itinerary?

We started our second round-the-world trip in June 2024 in Canada, and headed south, weaving a tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and unique experiences. This new round-the-world itinerary will be more extensive and include must-see destinations like Japan and Hawaii.

We invite you to follow our journey as we explore the best places to visit around the world, dive into different cultures, and appreciate the beauty of exploring the world at our own pace. This second trip is much more than a continuation of the first; it’s a celebration of love, adventure, and the joy of embracing the unknown.

Planning and Preparations for Traveling Around the World

Planning a round-the-world trip itinerary, especially for a year, can be challenging, but for us, it was easier this time since we had the experience from the first trip. We’ve learned to embrace the unexpected as part of the journey and understand the importance of knowing how to handle them. Preparing for this trip included essential tips for anyone planning a personalized round-the-world itinerary.

See below our posts on planning a round-the-world trip. 

Complete Itinerary of the Around the World Trip

Initially, our itinerary for the second around-the-world trip had two phases: going down through the Americas and then exploring Asia and Oceania. However, we ended up adding a third phase, which will be a more extensive visit to the United States, including Hawaii.

Part 1: The Americas (June – October 2024)

Canada – 13 days

Our itinerary in Canada took us on a true coast-to-coast journey. We started in Montreal, where we soaked up the blend of European and North American culture, passed through Ottawa and Toronto with their iconic attractions, visited the Niagara Falls, and ended in Vancouver, surrounded by the natural beauty of the West Coast. From here, we caught the flight to Mexico.

Mexico – 20 days

The itinerary in Mexico gave us unforgettable moments and a deep immersion into Mexican culture. We explored the stunning beaches of Puerto Vallarta, the rich gastronomy and traditions of Oaxaca, the vibrant Mexico City, and the ruins and cenotes of Tulum and Chetumal. It was undoubtedly one of the countries that left the greatest mark at the beginning of the trip.

Belize – 6 days

Our itinerary in Belize started with a boat crossing from Chetumal to Caye Caulker, where we discovered a true Caribbean paradise, with crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere. Then, we headed to San Ignacio, where we prepared for our next adventure in Guatemala.

Guatemala – 11 days

Our itinerary in Guatemala began in Flores, with its proximity to the Tikal ruins, a fascinating experience. From there, we headed to the colonial city of Antigua, before ending our journey at San Marcos La Laguna, on the serene shores of Lake Atitlán, from where we left for Costa Rica.

Costa Rica – 18 days

The itinerary in Costa Rica was a perfect combination of nature and adventure. We entered through San José airport but soon rented a car and headed to Puerto Viejo, where we continued to enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere. From there, we moved on to the wild landscapes of Tortuguero, the lush forests of La Fortuna, the hanging bridges of Monteverde, and the beaches of Tamarindo and Hermosa, finishing back in San José to catch our flight to Colombia.

Colombia – 26 days

Our itinerary in Colombia began in Cartagena, a vibrant city that captivated us from the moment we arrived. After exploring its colonial streets and soaking in the local energy, we headed to Tayrona Park, where we appreciated the untouched nature. We passed through Santa Marta and Palomino, enjoying the Caribbean beaches and tranquility of these regions.

We returned to Santa Marta before heading to Medellín, a dynamic city full of history, where we spent several days exploring the local culture. From Medellín, we moved on to Salento, in the heart of the coffee region, where we hiked through the famous Cocora Valley. We ended our time in the country in Bogotá, with visits to Minca and Guatapé, as well as the famous El Peñol rock. From Bogotá, we flew to Cusco, Peru.

Peru – 17 days

Our itinerary in Peru began in Cusco, where we acclimatized to the altitude before embarking on one of the most iconic experiences of the trip: Machu Picchu. After exploring this wonder of the world, we returned to Cusco and headed to Puno, where we were amazed by Lake Titicaca and visited the floating Uros Islands. From there, we traveled to Arequipa, where we explored the city. We continued our adventure in the desert of Huacachina before visiting Paracas and its National Reserve. Our last stop in Peru was Lima, where we enjoyed the capital before flying to Miami, in the United States.

USA – 7 days

Our time in the USA was brief, but filled with relaxing moments. We arrived in Miami planning to head directly to Key Largo and Key West, but Hurricane Milton changed our plans, and we ended up staying in Downtown Miami. Later, we moved to South Beach, where we explored a different side of Miami. From there, we flew back to Lisbon for a short break before continuing our journey.

Part 2: Asia and Oceania (October 2024)

After a few days in Portugal to reorganize our bags, our itinerary in Asia and Oceania continues with the following destinations:

Istanbul, Turkey – 2 days

We arrived in Istanbul after a few days in Lisbon—a convenient stop to reorganize our bags and spend time with family and friends. This was our second time visiting Istanbul together, and we came with no specific plans, just the desire to enjoy and explore a bit more of the city, and there’s always something more to add to the list of things to do in Istanbul. Where to stay in Istanbul can be a tough decision, as many neighborhoods offer great sights and activities; this time, we stayed in the Taksim Square area.

The gastronomy of Istanbul is undeniably something that always brings us back, and this time, we included the up-and-coming neighborhoods of Balat and Fener in our itinerary, which are becoming quite trendy.

Then we are following our round-the-world trip in the following countries:

• India
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Philippines
• Australia and Tasmania
• Malaysia
• Cambodia
• Singapore
• Macao
• China
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Japan

Part 3: USA with Hawaii

Our itinerary in the USA with Hawaii will include:

• Hawaii
• California
• Route 66

Posts about the destinations we’ve already visited on this trip 

Tips and Recommendations

Here are some of our essential tips for a round-the-world itinerary, based on the experiences we’ve had during our travels:

Get travel insurance

For a long trip, it’s essential to have good insurance that covers unforeseen events, like the one from Heymondo. You never know when a health issue or a canceled flight might arise, and the security of having everything covered makes all the difference.

Book accommodations in advance with free cancellation

This tip is crucial for ensuring you have flexible options. By choosing accommodations that allow free cancellation, you can monitor prices and, a few days before the cancellation deadline, review if there are better deals or more convenient locations.

Book key flights to maintain the pace of your trip

It’s easy to fall in love with a place and end up staying longer than planned. To avoid delaying your itinerary, make sure to book key flights or transport that keep you moving throughout your journey.

Keep a record of your expenses

Managing your budget is essential on a long trip. Tracking every expense helps you understand where your money is going and adjust when necessary.

Keep track of your itinerary with reservations and payments

When the trip is long, we often focus so much on the present that we forget about future details. Keep an organized record of what you’ve already booked, what’s paid, and what’s still pending.

Travel with minimal belongings

This was one of our biggest mistakes on our first round-the-world trip: we traveled with 60-liter backpacks and an extra backpack that was always full. This time, we opted for 40-liter backpacks and a small bag for essentials. Traveling light not only helps you save on flights (carry-on), but it also gives you more flexibility and peace of mind. Check out what to take for a round-the-world trip.

Bring an international driver’s license

In many countries, renting a car is the best way to explore certain regions. Make sure you have a valid international license for the countries you will be visiting.

Consult a travel medicine specialist

It’s very important to have the guidance of a doctor to advise you on vaccinations, prophylaxis, and emergency medications. If you’re visiting high-altitude destinations, it’s essential to discuss altitude sickness prevention.

Adapt to the climate

Research the climate of the countries you’ll be visiting and pack appropriate clothing for different weather conditions. Traveling light is important, but you should be prepared for both warm climates and cold or mountainous regions. A lightweight, waterproof jacket can be a great solution for unpredictable places.

Keep digital copies of your important documents

In addition to leaving the original documents in your accommodation, we recommend storing digital copies (passport, driver’s license, travel insurance) in a secure cloud service like Google Drive. This way, you can access them from anywhere.

Invest in a good reusable water bottle

Many regions have potable water, but others do not. A bottle can help you save money and avoid plastic use, as many places have ways to refill for free.

Check visa and entry requirements

Not all countries have easy entry policies, and some require a visa or other specific documents. Always check entry requirements in advance and, if necessary, obtain visas before you leave. Consulting consulates or the IATA travel center are good options for getting more information.

Use compression bags to organize your luggage

They allow you to save space and keep everything more organized. Plus, they’re great for separating dirty and clean clothes, which is practical when you’re constantly on the move.

These tips will help you travel with more peace of mind, maximizing your adventure.

Safety Tips for a Round-the-World Trip

Traveling around the world is a transformative experience, filled with discoveries and adventures. However, to enjoy every moment of the journey, it’s essential to prioritize safety. After all, unforeseen events can arise anywhere on the globe, and being prepared can make all the difference. Below are some of our top safety tips for long-term travel, which will help minimize risks and ensure you make the most of your global adventure.

Stay Aware of Your Belongings

Constant vigilance is crucial during a round-the-world trip. Whether you’re in a busy market, on public transportation, or just exploring a new city, never lose sight of your belongings. A small distraction can be enough to lose something important, so keep valuables like phones and wallets always in view and preferably in zipped bags.

Stay Connected with an eSIM

Ensuring that you’re always reachable is essential for your safety and peace of mind. An eSIM is an excellent option, such as the one from Holafly, which allows you to stay connected to the internet anywhere in the world without limits. This way, you can access maps, local information, and of course, keep in touch with friends and family, no matter where you are.

Avoid Carrying Too Much Cash or Valuables

Avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or valuables is a simple but effective practice to minimize losses in case of theft. Keep important documents, like passports, in safes or secure places in your accommodation, and only take digital or physical copies with you. When you’re in tourist spots, only carry the essentials to reduce the risk of becoming an easy target.

Always Ask About the Safety of Places

When you arrive in a new city or town, be sure to ask at your accommodation about safe areas to explore. The local staff can advise you on areas to avoid, and this information is particularly valuable in unfamiliar regions. Be wary of quiet or poorly lit areas, and always follow local guidelines to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Avoid Walking Alone at Night in Unknown Places

A simple rule that can make a big difference. Avoid wandering alone at night, especially in dark alleys or deserted areas. Often, dangers arise when we are inattentive or relaxed, and darkness can provide an opportunity for incidents. If you need to go out, make sure you are in a group or in busy and safe areas.

Avoid Illegal Activities and Be Cautious with Dating Apps

In countries with more conservative or restrictive laws, it’s essential to avoid behaviors that could be misinterpreted or illegal. Do not engage in illegal activities and be cautious when using dating apps, especially in cultures where this might be considered offensive or dangerous. Always educate yourself about local customs to ensure your actions respect the laws and traditions of the country.

Keep Someone Informed About Your Itinerary

For your safety and to keep your family or friends more at ease, always keep someone informed about your itinerary. Even if you are traveling alone, you can share your plans with someone you trust so they know your whereabouts in case of an emergency. Nowadays, it’s easy to share real-time locations or inform someone when you are changing cities or countries.

Use a Luggage Tracker

Add a GPS tracker to your luggage so you can monitor its location at any time. In addition to being helpful in case of loss at the airport, it also offers an extra layer of security, knowing that your luggage can be traced. Share this information with a trusted person who can also keep track of your movements if needed.

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Traveling the world is an enriching experience, but safety should always come first. By following these simple tips, you can minimize risks and focus on what truly matters: enjoying your adventure and making memories for a lifetime. By being cautious and anticipating potential challenges, you will be better prepared to handle unforeseen events and make the most of each destination.

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