Comments on: Ten tips for planning a RTW trip http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/ go explore. experience. and be inspired. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:51:10 +0100 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-867 velvet Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:36:49 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-867 Hi Dan, Thanks for your comment. A Southern Hemisphere RTW trip. Sounds awesome! I'm sure you'll have a fab time! Cheers, Keith Hi Dan,
Thanks for your comment. A Southern Hemisphere RTW trip. Sounds awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a fab time!

Cheers,
Keith

]]> By: Captain Cocktail http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-865 Captain Cocktail Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:20:06 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-865 Great info! I'm planning a Southern Hemisphere(technically south of Tropic of Cancer) RTW trip for 3 months starting in January. I can do the north at some other point Great info! I’m planning a Southern Hemisphere(technically south of Tropic of Cancer) RTW trip for 3 months starting in January. I can do the north at some other point

]]> By: Perfect summer beaches, parties and road trips @ TOP Rent-A-Car Bulgaria : Blog http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-847 Perfect summer beaches, parties and road trips @ TOP Rent-A-Car Bulgaria : Blog Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:58:05 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-847 [...] Get planning for your RTW trip [...] [...] Get planning for your RTW trip [...]

]]> By: Eva Gill http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-671 Eva Gill Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:55:30 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-671 Thanks, Soultravelers3 for the great information. I've been trying to just look at a small piece at a time, or I'll get a little overwhelmed. We figure we may never really be ready, sort of like having kids, there is always something else to finish or take care of first. At some point you just have to jump in and go with it. Our timeline is somewhat open ended. There are a ton of variables, as you know, not the least of which is making income while underway. We recently sold our business, but we'd rather not come back broke. (Although we'd probably do this anyway.) Your cost numbers are really encouraging. We'll be starting in France (John wants to spend a ski season there) which we figure will probably be the most expensive segment. It will also make the transition easier, instead of jumping feet first into a place where we don't have at least a lame understanding of the language. I'm sure as things come together I'll be tracking you down with questions and reading through your site. I've been following you on twitter for a couple of weeks. I'm a new tweeter, just started 3 weeks ago, and finding really helpful info through it. Also, thanks, Keith, for letting me know their response was here! Thanks again! Eva Gill Thanks, Soultravelers3 for the great information.

I’ve been trying to just look at a small piece at a time, or I’ll get a little overwhelmed. We figure we may never really be ready, sort of like having kids, there is always something else to finish or take care of first. At some point you just have to jump in and go with it.

Our timeline is somewhat open ended. There are a ton of variables, as you know, not the least of which is making income while underway. We recently sold our business, but we’d rather not come back broke. (Although we’d probably do this anyway.) Your cost numbers are really encouraging. We’ll be starting in France (John wants to spend a ski season there) which we figure will probably be the most expensive segment. It will also make the transition easier, instead of jumping feet first into a place where we don’t have at least a lame understanding of the language.

I’m sure as things come together I’ll be tracking you down with questions and reading through your site. I’ve been following you on twitter for a couple of weeks. I’m a new tweeter, just started 3 weeks ago, and finding really helpful info through it.

Also, thanks, Keith, for letting me know their response was here!

Thanks again!

Eva Gill

]]> By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-662 velvet Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:00:39 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-662 Wow, thanks so much for your comment! The feedback and additional tips on how much it costs and educational needs for kids are brilliant! Thanks so much! Best regards, Keith Wow, thanks so much for your comment! The feedback and additional tips on how much it costs and educational needs for kids are brilliant!

Thanks so much!

Best regards,
Keith

]]> By: Soultravelers3 http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-661 Soultravelers3 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:52:08 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-661 Great post & thanks for the mention! I would also suggest to add more time if you possible can as a year goes by really fast when you are trying to see the world. It is also MUCH cheaper that way. We have been on an open ended world tour since 2006, have been to 4 continents, 29 countries & over 88,000 miles ( mostly overland) using every mode of transportation from cargo ships to camels. One learns much more from deep immersion and slow travel and there is no chance of burn out ( which can happen by fast travel). We live large on just 25K a year ( total costs for a family of 3...including some stays at 5 star hotels!), so find traveling the world, MUCH cheaper than living at home. Educating our child is our main motivation, so we have even spent the majority of the time in "expensive" Europe ( when the dollar has often been very low). Slow travel is also greener. We took only one long flight in our first 1 1/2 years...that right there saved a bundle! Digital schools and educational opportunities are amazing today Eva, but you will find that the travel itself will be the best possible education. I highly recommend adding books ( like historical fiction) about the places you will visit to add so much to the experience before, during and after. I have a growing list on my website & have also written lots on this topic on Bootnall forum. We even do our piano lessons via webcam skype calls to a teacher on another continent. Lots of great things like Brainpop and MIT's Scratch, John Hopkins Univ CTY classes etc, etc have been great additions for us, but don't forget that finding a good free internet connection is not always easy on the move. The keys to education on the road is math every day with a very portable quality system like Singapore math, excellent books, journal daily, discussions. Most kids return to school far ahead of their peers ( just as most homeschool kids are usually far ahead of schooled kids with MUCH less time spent). The prep for such a trip is the hardest part, but there are so many who have or are doing it, that one can learn from each and everyone. We learned so much from so many different sources ( from FOTR ...Families On The Road, to early retirees like Terhorsts who retired over 25 years ago at 35, to a French family of 4 that toured the world via RV for 4 years on 1500 euros a month). One family who did it said it could not be done for less than 30K per person for a year, but of course we ( and many others) prove that entirely wrong. Google the many articles about how to travel the world for free. Lean from everyone and make your own plan. It is easier, cheaper and more rewarding than most people realize and there has never been a better time to do a RTW trip! Great post & thanks for the mention!

I would also suggest to add more time if you possible can as a year goes by really fast when you are trying to see the world. It is also MUCH cheaper that way. We have been on an open ended world tour since 2006, have been to 4 continents, 29 countries & over 88,000 miles ( mostly overland) using every mode of transportation from cargo ships to camels. One learns much more from deep immersion and slow travel and there is no chance of burn out ( which can happen by fast travel).

We live large on just 25K a year ( total costs for a family of 3…including some stays at 5 star hotels!), so find traveling the world, MUCH cheaper than living at home. Educating our child is our main motivation, so we have even spent the majority of the time in “expensive” Europe ( when the dollar has often been very low). Slow travel is also greener. We took only one long flight in our first 1 1/2 years…that right there saved a bundle!

Digital schools and educational opportunities are amazing today Eva, but you will find that the travel itself will be the best possible education. I highly recommend adding books ( like historical fiction) about the places you will visit to add so much to the experience before, during and after. I have a growing list on my website & have also written lots on this topic on Bootnall forum.

We even do our piano lessons via webcam skype calls to a teacher on another continent. Lots of great things like Brainpop and MIT’s Scratch, John Hopkins Univ CTY classes etc, etc have been great additions for us, but don’t forget that finding a good free internet connection is not always easy on the move.

The keys to education on the road is math every day with a very portable quality system like Singapore math, excellent books, journal daily, discussions. Most kids return to school far ahead of their peers ( just as most homeschool kids are usually far ahead of schooled kids with MUCH less time spent).

The prep for such a trip is the hardest part, but there are so many who have or are doing it, that one can learn from each and everyone. We learned so much from so many different sources ( from FOTR …Families On The Road, to early retirees like Terhorsts who retired over 25 years ago at 35, to a French family of 4 that toured the world via RV for 4 years on 1500 euros a month).

One family who did it said it could not be done for less than 30K per person for a year, but of course we ( and many others) prove that entirely wrong. Google the many articles about how to travel the world for free. Lean from everyone and make your own plan. It is easier, cheaper and more rewarding than most people realize and there has never been a better time to do a RTW trip!

]]> By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-634 velvet Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:24:23 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-634 Hi Zack, Thanks for your comment though I disagree with your arguments. I used the One World Global Explorer Pass which includes Air Tahiti Nui (even though Air Tahiti Nui isn't a member of One World, it does participate in this round the world pass). That completes the missing Pacific link as Lan Chile flies to Tahiti from Santiago <strong>VIA</strong> Easter Island. I've just checked www.Lan.com and they still fly this route. So, your point about no ongoing flights west is unfounded. From Tahiti, you can fly with Air Tahiti Nui onwards to Australia. If your plan is to return to the mainland from Easter Island, I wouldn't suggest using a round-the-world pass for the Easter Island return, instead, get a separate LAN South America pass as an add-on. I agree with you that the old flora and fauna on Easter Island were wiped away but there is so much more to see on this island. See '<a href="http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/07/mystical-rapa-nui/" rel="nofollow">Mystical Rapa Nui</a>' And not everything is imported. The islanders have fresh vegetables and the surrounding waters are packed with fish - you'll find that many restaurants have fresh tuna/mahi mahi on the menu. Prices are not astronomical as you say because the Chilean government subsidises a lot. I found the prices to be only slightly higher than on the mainland. I hope I have cleared these misconceptions. Best regards, Keith Hi Zack,
Thanks for your comment though I disagree with your arguments. I used the One World Global Explorer Pass which includes Air Tahiti Nui (even though Air Tahiti Nui isn’t a member of One World, it does participate in this round the world pass). That completes the missing Pacific link as Lan Chile flies to Tahiti from Santiago VIA Easter Island. I’ve just checked http://www.Lan.com and they still fly this route. So, your point about no ongoing flights west is unfounded. From Tahiti, you can fly with Air Tahiti Nui onwards to Australia. If your plan is to return to the mainland from Easter Island, I wouldn’t suggest using a round-the-world pass for the Easter Island return, instead, get a separate LAN South America pass as an add-on.
I agree with you that the old flora and fauna on Easter Island were wiped away but there is so much more to see on this island. See ‘Mystical Rapa Nui‘ And not everything is imported. The islanders have fresh vegetables and the surrounding waters are packed with fish – you’ll find that many restaurants have fresh tuna/mahi mahi on the menu. Prices are not astronomical as you say because the Chilean government subsidises a lot. I found the prices to be only slightly higher than on the mainland.

I hope I have cleared these misconceptions.

Best regards,
Keith

]]> By: Zack Domike http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-633 Zack Domike Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:00:58 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-633 Hard-to-get-to Easter Island Via the RTW offered by OneWorld may not be worthwhile. The old flora and fauna were wiped away in the 19th century when Easter Island was a sheep farm. Since all foods are imported, prices are astronomical. And the final nail in the coffin is that One World does not have ongoing flights West, as I had expected. Routes were changed, so now LAN to Easter Island is only with return to Santiago, which uses three of your four stops in South America. Hard-to-get-to Easter Island Via the RTW offered by OneWorld may not be worthwhile. The old flora and fauna were wiped away in the 19th century when Easter Island was a sheep farm. Since all foods are imported, prices are astronomical. And the final nail in the coffin is that One World does not have ongoing flights West, as I had expected. Routes were changed, so now LAN to Easter Island is only with return to Santiago, which uses three of your four stops in South America.

]]> By: Perfect summer beaches, parties and road trips - Travel http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-629 Perfect summer beaches, parties and road trips - Travel Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:04:05 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-629 [...] Get planning for your RTW trip [...] [...] Get planning for your RTW trip [...]

]]> By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-621 velvet Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:03:08 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-621 Thanks Eva for your comment and additional tips. I'm glad you found the article helpful. With regards to education needs, I'm not sure if you know them but I suggest getting in touch with SoulTravelers3: http://www.soultravelers3.com/ They're a family of three traveling around the world and they have loads of tips and ideas. Best regards, Keith Thanks Eva for your comment and additional tips. I’m glad you found the article helpful. With regards to education needs, I’m not sure if you know them but I suggest getting in touch with SoulTravelers3: http://www.soultravelers3.com/ They’re a family of three traveling around the world and they have loads of tips and ideas.

Best regards,
Keith

]]> By: Perfect summer beaches, parties and road trips http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-619 Perfect summer beaches, parties and road trips Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:48:26 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-619 [...] Get planning for your RTW trip [...] [...] Get planning for your RTW trip [...]

]]> By: Eva Gill http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-617 Eva Gill Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:06:51 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-617 Thanks, Keith! We are in the midst of pre-planning for what we've been calling "walkabout," a long-term RTW trip, taking a year to a year and a half. I did not know there was such a thing as RTW airline tickets, although they may not work for us anyway. I appreciated some of the other info, and will probably refer back to this article as we plan. We are taking our children (they'll be 11 and 13) and will have to find an online school or other way to include their work while keeping it light. I'm hoping for a school that is digital- no big text and workbooks. Do you (or your readers) have links to any resources? Also, I'd add that it is good practice to leave photocopies of passports and visas, as well as credit cards with family or a trusted friend. Also, we will be working while we travel, and will upload photos, working files, and video to an online backup service like ibackup.com or idrive.com; availability of this may also be helpful for some of your readers. Again, thanks for the info! Eva Gill Thanks, Keith!

We are in the midst of pre-planning for what we’ve been calling “walkabout,” a long-term RTW trip, taking a year to a year and a half. I did not know there was such a thing as RTW airline tickets, although they may not work for us anyway. I appreciated some of the other info, and will probably refer back to this article as we plan.

We are taking our children (they’ll be 11 and 13) and will have to find an online school or other way to include their work while keeping it light. I’m hoping for a school that is digital- no big text and workbooks. Do you (or your readers) have links to any resources?

Also, I’d add that it is good practice to leave photocopies of passports and visas, as well as credit cards with family or a trusted friend. Also, we will be working while we travel, and will upload photos, working files, and video to an online backup service like ibackup.com or idrive.com; availability of this may also be helpful for some of your readers.

Again, thanks for the info!

Eva Gill

]]> By: andygeog http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-595 andygeog Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:15:23 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-595 Great tips, seems like common sense but so easilly overlooked. Andy Great tips, seems like common sense but so easilly overlooked.

Andy

]]> By: Velvet Escape - go explore. experience. and be inspired. | Brilliant Tips from BrilliantTrips.com http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-568 Velvet Escape - go explore. experience. and be inspired. | Brilliant Tips from BrilliantTrips.com Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:37:08 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-568 [...] tips for travel such as a recent post on bargaining in Southeast Asia. If you’re planning an around the world trip, Velvet has a good post on the subject that is worth a look. I know lots of people have lots of [...] [...] tips for travel such as a recent post on bargaining in Southeast Asia. If you’re planning an around the world trip, Velvet has a good post on the subject that is worth a look. I know lots of people have lots of [...]

]]> By: The Velvet Parade – celebrating 150 velvet escapes | velvet escape's blog http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-478 The Velvet Parade – celebrating 150 velvet escapes | velvet escape's blog Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:31:25 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-478 [...] Ten Tips for Planning a RTW Trip If you get the chance, grab it with both hands! [...] [...] Ten Tips for Planning a RTW Trip If you get the chance, grab it with both hands! [...]

]]> By: So Not Lost! » Blog Archive » I’ve Joined the Anywhere, Everywhere Travel Carnival! http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-441 So Not Lost! » Blog Archive » I’ve Joined the Anywhere, Everywhere Travel Carnival! Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:04:04 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-441 [...] A Tour of the World’s Most Infamous Radioactive Disaster Zone (from The 9 to 5 Alternative); Ten tips for planning a RTW trip (from Velvet Escape); Turning on the Faucet: Vietnam’s Rainy Season (from Otts World); Hit by [...] [...] A Tour of the World’s Most Infamous Radioactive Disaster Zone (from The 9 to 5 Alternative); Ten tips for planning a RTW trip (from Velvet Escape); Turning on the Faucet: Vietnam’s Rainy Season (from Otts World); Hit by [...]

]]> By: Nomadic Pinoy http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-423 Nomadic Pinoy Sun, 14 Jun 2009 12:13:17 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-423 Coming from your experience, these are really good tips. Thanks for sharing. Coming from your experience, these are really good tips. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Dan http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-417 Dan Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:35:15 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-417 Some good tips there. Some good tips there.

]]> By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-416 velvet Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:11:32 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-416 Thanks for your comment Joanna. I'm a bit of a planner so I usually ensure the things I really want to see are booked ahead (especially if it's the tourist season). During my travels, I often meet people who miss out on certain highlights because everything's fully-booked and that's a huge pity - I mean, you've travelled so far to see something and then don't get to see it. Cheers, Keith Thanks for your comment Joanna. I’m a bit of a planner so I usually ensure the things I really want to see are booked ahead (especially if it’s the tourist season). During my travels, I often meet people who miss out on certain highlights because everything’s fully-booked and that’s a huge pity – I mean, you’ve travelled so far to see something and then don’t get to see it.

Cheers,
Keith

]]> By: JoAnna http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-415 JoAnna Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:07:29 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-415 In regard to point #6, I met RTW travelers in Cusco who were disappointed they couldn't hike the Inca Trail because they hadn't booked ahead. I agree that if there are specific things you definitely want to do, check in advance regarding booking the tour so that you don't miss out on something high on your travel agenda. In regard to point #6, I met RTW travelers in Cusco who were disappointed they couldn’t hike the Inca Trail because they hadn’t booked ahead. I agree that if there are specific things you definitely want to do, check in advance regarding booking the tour so that you don’t miss out on something high on your travel agenda.

]]> By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-343 velvet Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:00:28 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-343 Thanks for your comment Sonya! Glad to hear there's something new in the article. :-) Cheers, Keith Thanks for your comment Sonya! Glad to hear there’s something new in the article. :-)

Cheers,
Keith

]]> By: Sonya http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-342 Sonya Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:48:11 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-342 Thanks for the excellent how-to-plan post on the RTW travel experience. There are several tips I hadn't even considered. Thanks for the excellent how-to-plan post on the RTW travel experience. There are several tips I hadn’t even considered.

]]> By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-341 velvet Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:58:51 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-341 That's a great tip! Thanks Miles! Cheers, Keith That’s a great tip! Thanks Miles!

Cheers,
Keith

]]> By: HazardousPaste http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-340 HazardousPaste Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:46:54 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-340 It's worth investigating if your bank has deals/affiliate programs with other banks in the area(s) you'll be traveling in- you might be able to avoid fees when withdrawing cash. For example, I have a Bank of America account but am living in France. Their deal with BNP Paribas lets me withdraw Euro without the $5 foreign atm fee. Exchange rate fees are probably unavoidable though, but at least in the US you can get credit cards that have no foreign exchange fee (CapitalOne comes to mind). It’s worth investigating if your bank has deals/affiliate programs with other banks in the area(s) you’ll be traveling in- you might be able to avoid fees when withdrawing cash. For example, I have a Bank of America account but am living in France. Their deal with BNP Paribas lets me withdraw Euro without the $5 foreign atm fee. Exchange rate fees are probably unavoidable though, but at least in the US you can get credit cards that have no foreign exchange fee (CapitalOne comes to mind).

]]> By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-339 velvet Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:43:56 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-339 Hi Brian, Thanks for your comment. Like you, I used thin synthetic layers too. I did have a thick jacket with me though which could be pressed into a thin bundle. It was at the bottom of my bag in the tropics and at the top in the temperate climates. I certainly used my synthetic sheets a lot together with my jacket especially in Chile - Patagonia and in the north, <a href="http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/04/a-desert-full-of-wonders-san-pedro-de-atacama-chile/" rel="nofollow">San Pedro de Atacama</a>. S.P. d Atacama was a good example. It's a desert area (very hot & dry) but surrounded by the massive Andes mountains. There were many trips into the mountains (where we reached altitudes of more than 5,000m/16,000ft) so the temperature fluctuations were enormous. On the trip to the El Tatio geysers, the temperature varied from minus 10 degrees Celsius in the morning to plus 30 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, all within a span of a few hours!! Dressing in layers was definitely a must (I had four thin layers and a thick jacket on and peeled each off as it became warmer). Same thing is required in the Uyuni salt flats in neighbouring Bolivia. About gadgets, my iPod Touch was my best mate! I didn't have any problems recharging it (together with my phone). I was very protective of it and always kept it with me. I used it for my music, checking my e-mails & news and writing my Travel Journal - very handy as there was WiFi everywhere I went (lots of free spots in Southeast Asia and South America, and to a lesser extent in Australia). During my trip, I kept in touch via e-mail, Skype and Gmail Chat/Gmail VideoChat (easy because lots of my friends/family use Gmail). Cheers, Keith Hi Brian,
Thanks for your comment. Like you, I used thin synthetic layers too. I did have a thick jacket with me though which could be pressed into a thin bundle. It was at the bottom of my bag in the tropics and at the top in the temperate climates. I certainly used my synthetic sheets a lot together with my jacket especially in Chile – Patagonia and in the north, San Pedro de Atacama. S.P. d Atacama was a good example. It’s a desert area (very hot & dry) but surrounded by the massive Andes mountains. There were many trips into the mountains (where we reached altitudes of more than 5,000m/16,000ft) so the temperature fluctuations were enormous. On the trip to the El Tatio geysers, the temperature varied from minus 10 degrees Celsius in the morning to plus 30 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, all within a span of a few hours!! Dressing in layers was definitely a must (I had four thin layers and a thick jacket on and peeled each off as it became warmer). Same thing is required in the Uyuni salt flats in neighbouring Bolivia.

About gadgets, my iPod Touch was my best mate! I didn’t have any problems recharging it (together with my phone). I was very protective of it and always kept it with me. I used it for my music, checking my e-mails & news and writing my Travel Journal – very handy as there was WiFi everywhere I went (lots of free spots in Southeast Asia and South America, and to a lesser extent in Australia).

During my trip, I kept in touch via e-mail, Skype and Gmail Chat/Gmail VideoChat (easy because lots of my friends/family use Gmail).

Cheers,
Keith

]]> By: brian from nodebtworldtravel.com http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-338 brian from nodebtworldtravel.com Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:02:59 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-338 I would say stay away from the gadgets that require an outlet to charge. I lost my iPod and it is just one more thing to keep track of. On my round the world trip, I definitely used thin synthetic layers that dried fast. If it got cold I could put on two or three on and be comfortable. No need for a bulky jacket. Skype is the best for communication. Use it often and stay in touch. Everyone, you and your family and friends at home, will feel better. I would say stay away from the gadgets that require an outlet to charge. I lost my iPod and it is just one more thing to keep track of.

On my round the world trip, I definitely used thin synthetic layers that dried fast. If it got cold I could put on two or three on and be comfortable. No need for a bulky jacket.

Skype is the best for communication. Use it often and stay in touch. Everyone, you and your family and friends at home, will feel better.

]]> By: velvet http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-337 velvet Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:10:06 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-337 Thanks Isabelle for your comment! Hope these tips are helpful. Cheers, Keith Thanks Isabelle for your comment! Hope these tips are helpful.

Cheers,
Keith

]]> By: Isabelle http://velvetescape.com/blog/2009/06/ten-tips-for-planning-a-rtw-trip/#comment-336 Isabelle Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:04:07 +0000 http://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=1538#comment-336 Whaw! Great planning tips! Thanks for sharing this information. It's always nice to read tips from travelers who speak from experience! Whaw! Great planning tips! Thanks for sharing this information. It’s always nice to read tips from travelers who speak from experience!

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