Hi BnA travellers!

This is my first post so I'll keep it as brief as possible. I am just starting planning a RTW with my girlfriend and need some advice please.

We are looking to do this itinerary: -

Europe (Western, Central, Southern) 3/4 months
Australasia 4 months
Canada 1/2 months
U.S 2 months
Mexcio 1 month
Caribbean 3 weeks
S. America 2/3 months

We plan to set off in Jan 2010 and I am struggling with the order in which to do the continents. I would ideally like to do Australasia then Europe, Canada, U.S etc but can't decide whether to swap the first 2 around as it would be cheaper (since we would hit Europe in May) and we are on a budget.

Do any of you think that it would be worth saving cash by doing Europe first and then Australasia and sacrifice the best weather?? I'm not sure if we would enjoy Europe as much when it's freezing cold but I don't know how much of a price difference it is between the seasons.

Anyone any advice!!?

Thanks

Where are you starting from? It may make a difference to how logical your route is.

My thinking is that you're better off going to Europe in warmer weather, unless you have an interest in winter activities. (I keep thinking that I would like to spend some time in Europe during the winter, but I can never justify taking a winter trip that isn't going to warm me up.) Try to hit the busier tourist destinations on your itinerary shortly after you get there. April and the first half of may still have a lot of low season deals available. Then spend the busier months in cheaper countries. "Europe" doesn't have to be expensive, if you don't insist on spending all your time in the pricier western countries.

Thanks for the pointers, much appreciated.

We are based in Germany as I relocated there for work so we will be leaving from here. I guess it would make sense to do Europe first then fly off to Australia etc.

My thinking now however is to do Australasia first as I really don't like the idea of catching all the destinations in their winter seasons as I prefer the warmer climates. I like the idea about hitting the busier destination in Europe first as that makes sense although they may be scattered around a bit.

We are looking to hopefully save around $24,000 by the end of the year as we already have roughly $6,000 and we are looking at taking on extra jobs between now and Jan.

Thanks again

G

I would start at the place you most want to see first, just in case you run out of money. You are going to some pretty expensive places, Oz, Europe, US/Canada. I also agree that the weather is important to where to you want to go (avoiding hurricane season in Caribbean and Mexico) and what you want to do. Personally, I'd avoid Europe in summer, maybe push the start to Feb? Assuming you are going to be able to go everywhere, I would plan your route this way.

Feb-May Europe
June Caribbean
June/July Mexico
July/August Canada
Sept/Oct US
Nov-Jan S. America
Feb-May Australasia

Definitely try to do Europe in the summer!