World Travel | 3 Ways to Experience World Travel, From Cheap to Luxury

What images does your mind conjure up when you think about trotting around the world? Travel can be done in such a myriad of ways, that there is something that suits and pleases everybody interested in seeing other countries around the globe.

Some folks may get that far away, dreamy look and contemplate luxury travel accommodations aboard an ocean liner, while others are more interested in throwing on a backpack and trekking lesser known paths across two continents. Traveling is as personal and individual as anything else involving choice. Luckily, as mentioned before, there's something for everyone. Regardless of taste, preferences and budget, there is usually a way to get to where you want to go that can make a vacation especially memorable.

You don't have to spend your life savings to travel the world, as long as you're not fussy and don't mind roughing it a little, if need be.

There are plenty of campgrounds and hostels worldwide that accommodate for a nominal fee. For example, the Null Stern Hotel in Switzerland that is a converted nuclear bunker. It is minimalistic, to say the least. Guests sleep six to a room, the bathroom is shared by all parties and there is no heat. You do however, get a hot water bottle. Every morning, there is a draw to see who gets the one allotted hot shower. Now, if you can live with this, it will only set you back $10 USD per night. It's not for everyone but it would make an interesting story for those back home.

Of course, not all budget accommodations are this uncomfortable. There are plenty of inexpensive hostels, hotels, motels and bed and breakfast establishments most everywhere. It takes some homework and plenty of research but it is certainly possible to spend very little for a place to stay. Again, you may have to compromise on certain creature comforts but with the right attitude, it's all part of the travel adventure.

Transportation doesn't have to cost you a ton, either. Instead of flying first class, think about catching a bus or scouting around for other affordable options. If you have lots of time and like the idea of backpacking it, you'll have the opportunity to ride a train in some countries, the bus in others or catch a last minute travel deal not realistic in a preplanned holiday.

The point is, it can be done. You can see the world while realizing a very significant cost saving over booking through a travel agency. You see more of the 'real' country, as well, meeting new people as you go. There are things to take into consideration before taking off, though. The one that I would put at the top of the list is safety.

Check out websites and forums before you leave to see what others are saying about their experiences in the locations that you're headed. One instance is the Timbuktu site. The city itself has proclaimed the area unsafe and offers tips to ensure that visitors are safe. Take these warnings seriously and protect yourself. You can also check travel warnings and alerts on your government's website.

The other item of business that I would recommend taking care of is looking into what visas or documents you need to get in and out of each country you plan to visit. That includes returning to your own. Don't get arrested or stranded in a foreign country! As an extra precaution, I always take the name and number for my consulate in the country I'm visiting.

Have a good time but use your noggin and some caution.

Okay, you don't mind saving up for a great trip but you really don't want to rough it too much. No problem. In the mid-range price bracket - meaning you can afford decent but not luxury - there are a vast range of options for you. In fact, I would hazard a guess that most of what travel agencies offer apply to this category.

In some countries around the world, your dollar will go quite a ways and you may even luck out in finding extremely comfortable accommodations for a price considered very low, here in North America. Even if you don't, you can still bypass the camping, hostels and Null Stern types of travel accommodations when booking a room. Depending on budget, of course, you may even be able to move from country to country via an affordable cruise ship. You can go ashore at various ports of call to see each country the ship stops at. That way, your stay and transport are taken care of at the same time.

Regardless of whether you fly or book a cruise, you are most likely going to use an agent. You might want to start by looking through travel packages online to help you decide how you want to travel the world, discover pricing and what is normally included before calling your travel agent.

As mentioned in the low budget section, check into safety concerns and documentation before leaving home. There are lots of forums, government and travel sites that offer information and real experiences for that country from people who are checking in as they travel or have returned.

Ahh, this is where most of us aspire to be. First class travel with champagne, luxury accommodations and preferred treatment. If you're one of the lucky ones who fall into this category, congratulations!

Those who can afford luxury travel would, I imagine, use a trusted travel agent or have their own private planes or yachts. However, there are some who save a lifetime to take that one magical world trip, where they treat themselves to the best. They take home a phenomenal storehouse of memories and experiences that will last them the rest of their lives.

If I were one of the latter types of travelers, I would not likely book the trip myself. That is where I would want to find a reliable travel agency and benefit from their advice for each leg of my journey. Word of mouth referral is best, otherwise it might be wise to compare companies, check the Better Business Bureau and so forth, as you would when contemplating handing over a large sum of money to anyone. Using an agency also affords you the peace of mind you get with being able to contact someone if there is a problem.

Either way, you'll have an incredibly wonderful time as you travel the world in luxurious comfort and style.

No matter which way you go, enjoy your jaunt around the world!

P.S.  Don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go!