I think a RTW trip would be an amazing experience. I was in the midst of putting one together last year, and two weeks before I was set to depart I received a job offer to work in Shanghai (which I accepted) so I had to adjust my trip to accomodate. But if you have the chance to do it then go for it, I don’t think you would ever regret it….

if you put in an effort in your research (and depending on your time and budget) I think you can really make an amazing RTW trip. There are some packages out there that can give you quite a few flights (I think the average is 5 stops but you can make it to your needs depending on your $$$). I had a bunch of information and useful websites for planning but they are all on my computer at home (I’m still in Shanghai). I go back in a few weeks and I’ll see if I can send them out to you.

a couple general rules about RTW tickets are that the flights must continue in the same direction (no backtracking) and if you cross the Pacific and the Atlantic the price seems to increase. Also – most RTW tickets must be completed within one year from the start date.

An example of my RTW trip that I had planned was Toronto-Paris, ground travel through Europe to Turkey, fly Turkey to KL (Malaysia), ground travel throughout SE Asia, fly to Perth, ground travel to Brisbane, Fly to NZ, then fly back to Toronto. Unfortunantly I had to cut out SE Asia and OZ to accomodate my job but it was still a great trip.

Also if you find some online travel journal websites it can help you get some ideas of different itineraries, and your travel agent will probably have some packages as well that you could take a look at.

Sorry, it seems like I am completely rambling here but if you have any questions I will be glad to help if I can.

Oh, and to answer your jetlag question – I wouldn’t worry much about the jet-lag from U.S. to Europe, it’s not too bad and after a day or two you will be fine.

jetlag is a bad thing but you should be able to handle it. The day you leave make sure you set your watch to the countries time you are going to. Then try to get as much sleep as possible on the plane. If you can sleep a majority of the ride you should be ok. The worst jetlag I had was when I went to france. We left in the morning and arived in the morning so I was up for two days straight which was pretty bad. My own fault though for not sleeping! Hope this helps!

Do the RTW ticket. If you have the time take advantage. My husband and I retunred a few months ago from our 10 month trip (Europe/South Asia/SEA/Oz/NZ) and I can’t wait to do another one.

Yes SEA has lots to see but stopping in Thailand will be an easy introduction and you can use your experience there to plan future trips back. And as you well know the US us huge so maybe in your ticket you can include a couple of stops (east coast – New York and West coast – San Francisco/Seattle/Vancouver, BC). We did a blog while we were gone if you are interested: www.amazingtravels.c…
Have an excellent time and no worries about the jet lag…just don’t drink too much on the plane.

Thanks heaps for the advice Never drink, so not too much risk of me drinking too much on the plane!

Will check out the travelogue and if anyone can offer any further tips or planning aids they will be accepted gratefully. Am planning this darn thing so far in advance want it to go as smoothly as possible!