So, I told you I’d get my ticket today- and I did. Okay, to be fair, it’s not just a ticket. Instead of buying the well known and fully flexible common RTW-Tickets, I opted for the affordable STA-Travel leg-by-leg offer. Yes, I have to chose the dates in advance which sucks, but at least I won’t have to sell my organs to travel the world.

Here’s what’s booked so far on the ticket itinerary (which does not include all of the stops I’m doing within these regions):

• Frankfurt – Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi – Bangkok
• Bangkok – Denpasar
• Denpasar – Sydney

This will be most likely followed up by

• Brisbane – Nadi
• Nadi – Los Angeles
• Los Angeles – Mexico City
• Mexico City – Atlanta
• Atlanta – New York
• New York – Reykjavik
• Reykjavik – London
• London – FFM

It is possible to piece together a round-the-world route by combining one-way tickets on various airlines without resorting to alliances. In addition, discounts often apply to some long- and short-haul legs. The only practical way to do this — since it requires both knowledge and contacts — is to go to a travel agent who specializes in round-the-world itineraries.

The booking process can take a few days or weeks depending on how fast you wish to expedite the process. These agents will get parts of your ticket issued by their contacts in other countries or in-house contracts. This can save a lot of money over the airlines. – From Wikipedia

After about four hours at the travel agency (and a visibly stressed out, but absolutely lovely and amazing agent) I finally pulled out my credit card and – ka ching! – got the first half of the trip cashed. At first I was absolutely stoked and couldn’t believe that this is coming true. I mean, everybody dreams of this, right? Why should I be the one doing it? Me, I trip every two steps and I drool even when I’m awake and I’m an economical waste of everything. I’m useless! WHAT IS HAPPENING?! This fortune is probably going to be evened out by the death of a close relative or something. I’ll stay wary.

Taken by NomadicLass

Anyway. Ten hours later, the enthusiasm has faded. I’m left with a gut wrenching feeling of insecurity and many question marks. So many I don’t know where to start. Can I really afford this? I mean, the first half of the trip was super cheap compared to what you’d usually shell out for a one way trip, say, from Frankfurt to Sydney. But what if I run out of money in Australia? What if I don’t find a job that pays well enough to fund the next half of my trip through the ever so expensive USA (and yeah, how convenient is it the Euro lost about half of its worth to the Dollar two days ago? That’s just typical)? What if I get ripped off too often and don’t realize until I have nothing left anymore? What if I simply forget to take care of my belongings, what if I lose my luggage? So far I’ve counted on a tight budget that would get me from start to finish, but only now do I start thinking about all the eventualities.

Wow, the next months are going to be full of sleepless nights, I’m sure.

itinerary, money, round the world ticket, tickets, worries Planning