I’m sure that all of you have once wondered: “How long does it take to go around the world? That’s a question that lies in the heart of every adventurous person!
The good news is that I’ve got the answer!
A few years ago, I set out to travel to all 197 countries. Honestly, this has been pretty much a challenge, but I wouldn’t change my mind. Although I still have many destinations to visit, this childhood desire has become the best trip of my life.
I know that many of you also dream of embarking on an around-the-world trip. So, I’ve created a comprehensive guide to finally answer travelers’ most intriguing question and help you plan your next adventure.
Do you want to know how long it takes to travel across the globe? Read on to find the answer!
How Long Does It Take to Travel Around the World?
First things first, how are you traveling? There are many options: on foot, by car, by plane, and by space station, perhaps. This is quite important, of course. Someone who uses a fighter jet will complete a world journey before a pilgrim, for example.
Let’s take a look at what the science says. Our planet is a perfect sphere. If you take the equator route and travel the circumference of the earth, the distance will be 25,000 miles. However, this doesn’t happen in the real world.
So, you’ll likely have to ride a standard commercial aircraft, right? Well, in this case, you won’t be able to travel along the equator in a straight line.
Actually, this isn’t recommended for many reasons, including the risks posed by unpredictable weather, the inability to fly at very high altitudes, and other potential traffic control issues.
But, while the journey around the Earth’s poles presents a unique challenge, it’s comparable in distance to a circumnavigation along the equator, which spans approximately the same miles.
So, this intriguing similarity raises the common question again: how long does it take to travel around the world?
What History Says
In 2005, Steve Fossett, a legendary adventurer and world explorer, embarked on a daring solo flight around the world aboard the Virgin Atlantic-sponsored GlobalFlyer.
This audacious endeavor marked a historic milestone, as it was the first non-stop circumnavigation of the globe by a single pilot.
The GlobalFlyer was considered a marvel of engineering. It was backed by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and propelled by a solitary jet engine mounted on a streamlined fuselage.
Its distinctive twin tail booms and substantial fuel capacity of 5 tons equipped it for this extraordinary challenge. With an astonishing flight time of 67 hours and one minute, Fossett shattered existing records, solidifying the GlobalFlyer’s place in aviation history as the fastest non-stop circumnavigator.
The aircraft’s cutting-edge jet engine used military-grade fuel, specially engineered to withstand frigid temperatures, enabling high-altitude flight without the need for refueling.
Fossett’s daring journey followed the Tropic of Cancer, covering a total distance of 23,000 miles. However, there was a previous milestone.
While the GlobalFlyer currently holds the world record for the longest non-stop flight, it was a Rutan model aircraft that blazed the trail for solo circumnavigation without refueling.
In 1986, American pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager undertook this pioneering expedition, completing the journey in nine days, three minutes, and 44 seconds. Their equatorial route spanned almost 25,000 miles, averaging a speed of 116 kilometers per hour.
The Quest for the Fastest Flight
The desire to circumnavigate the globe has captivated explorers for centuries. While the previous record for the fastest non-stop solo flight was set by Steve Fossett in 2005, modern aviation technology offers exciting possibilities for even faster journeys.
The Challenge of Commercial Flights
While commercial airlines can operate long-haul flights, their fuel capacity and aircraft design often limit their ability to fly non-stop around the world.
Although some flagship carriers, such as Singapore Airlines, offer ultra-long flights between continents, the typical travel range of a commercial aircraft falls short of the distance required for a complete circumnavigation.
The Role of Military Aircraft
Military aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor, with their high-speed capabilities and advanced fuel systems, could theoretically complete a global flight in significantly less time than a commercial aircraft.
However, there aren’t fewer logistical issues but more of them. These challenges and fuel requirements associated with such a journey would be substantial.
Exploring Commercial Options
For those seeking a more leisurely and immersive experience, worldwide airline operations offer options for around-the-world travel. While it’s unlikely to match the speed of a dedicated flight, a commercial journey allows for the exploration of different cultures and destinations.
Not the Destination; the Whole Journey
While the destination is important, the journey itself is often the most rewarding aspect of a global adventure. That’s my main recommendation for travelers.
Exploring different cultures, witnessing diverse landscapes, and connecting with people from around the world are invaluable experiences.
My Experience as a Full Time Worker Who Wants to Travel Around the World
For many, the ultimate travel dream is to explore it all. But how much “all” can you truly experience in a short period? Here, I delve into my travel approaches, their pros and cons, and how to navigate the journey of globetrotting.
Visit as Many Countries as Possible in a Short Period: The Speedy Traveler
This approach prioritizes quantity over quality. Imagine ticking off countries like landmarks on a map. You might spend a day or two in each, hopping on flights and navigating airports frequently.
Pros
- Maximize exposure: You get a taste of different cultures and landscapes in a compressed timeframe.
- Efficiency: This method is relatively cheap if you use budget airlines and accommodations.
Cons
- Surface-level experience: You won’t have time to truly understand a country’s essence.
- Travel fatigue: Rushing from place to place can be incredibly tiring.
- Logistics nightmare: Planning and executing this trip efficiently requires meticulous organization.
Is it for you? This style suits those with a strong wanderlust, limited time, or a focus on collecting travel experiences.
Focus on a Few Countries and Add Others to Your List by Passing By: The Strategic Explorer
This approach balances quantity with quality. You choose specific countries you deeply desire to experience, spending a longer time in each. Then, you can add nearby destinations if travel routes or flight connections allow.
With this strategy, I’ve been able to be on different continents and witness both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean myself!
Pros
- Deeper immersion: You have time to delve into the culture, history, and local life.
- Relaxed travel: You avoid the constant stress of transportation and itinerary changes.
- Flexibility: This method offers a balance, allowing for spontaneous side trips.
Cons:
- Limited scope: You won’t experience as many cultures compared to the speedy traveler method.
- Higher cost: Longer stays in each country might lead to higher travel expenses.
This style fits those who appreciate in-depth experiences, wish to know the local culture, and want to avoid travel fatigue.
Take Time to Travel to All Countries If You Want to Enjoy Each One: The Dedicated Globetrotter
With this approach, you can prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on experiencing every country in the world over a much longer period.
Pros
- Unparalleled experience: You develop a truly global perspective by immersing yourself in every corner of the earth.
- Lifetime journey: This becomes a continuous adventure, fueling a lifelong passion for travel and discovery.
Cons
- Significant time commitment: It could take years or even decades to complete.
- Financial investment: This journey requires significant financial resources.
- Lifestyle change: Travel becomes an integral part of your life, which may not be feasible for everyone.
This option is for those who consider travel their life’s purpose and have the resources to make it a reality.
Other Tips for Traveling Around the World
Are you visiting Latin America or the Middle East? Wherever you go, these tips can help you!
- Research visa requirements beforehand.
- Learn essential phrases in local languages.
- Pack light and versatile clothing.
- Embrace local foods and experiences.
- Travel responsibly and respect local customs.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does It Take to Visit All the Countries in the World?
Well, there’s no definitive answer to this question. With 197 countries, the time depends on travel style, budget, and unforeseen circumstances. But, here are some estimates for some people:
- Speedy travelers: Aiming for a day or two in each country could take a minimum of 400-500 days (over a year and a half) of non-stop travel, not accounting for logistics.
- Strategic explorers: Focusing on regions and spending a week or two per country could extend the journey to several years.
- Dedicated globetrotters: This path could take decades, factoring in visa limitations, finances, and personal needs.
The world is yours to explore. Choose your travel style based on your priorities and preferences. Whether you whirlwind through continents or savor each destination, embrace the journey, learn from every experience, and let the world fill your life with wonder!
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
