What is the best direction to travel around the world?

The Great Loop: Choosing the Right Direction for Your Round-the-World Journey

The dream of circling the globe, experiencing a tapestry of cultures and landscapes, is a powerful one. But for those ready to turn dream into reality, a key logistical question arises: which direction should you travel? While spontaneity has its charm, for a truly seamless round-the-world trip, committing to either an eastward or westward trajectory is crucial. And, perhaps surprisingly, westward is often the wiser choice.

Why westward? It all comes down to our internal chronometer – the circadian rhythm. Travelling west generally means gaining time as you cross time zones. This aligns more naturally with our body’s preferred sleep-wake cycle. While eastward travel leads to lost time, forcing your body to constantly play catch-up, potentially leading to greater jet lag and a more disrupted experience.

Imagine this: flying eastward, you arrive in a new city, your body screaming for sleep when the sun is just rising. Westward, however, and you’re more likely to arrive ready to embrace the new day, albeit perhaps with a slightly extended evening. This subtle difference can significantly impact your energy levels, enjoyment, and ability to truly immerse yourself in each destination.

Crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans just once is another key to a smooth circumnavigation. This minimizes long-haul flights and maximizes your time on the ground exploring. Zigzagging back and forth across these vast bodies of water adds unnecessary travel days and disrupts the flow of your journey.

Your round-the-world adventure should begin and end in the same country, creating a satisfying loop. This simplifies logistics like visa requirements and the transportation of belongings. Furthermore, returning to familiar surroundings after a whirlwind global experience provides a gentle re-entry into everyday life.

Finally, timeframe is a crucial consideration. A round-the-world trip can be as short as ten days, hitting major hubs for quick glimpses of different cultures, or as long as a year, allowing for deep immersion and exploration off the beaten path. The beauty of a circular itinerary is its adaptability to various time constraints and budgets.

Whether you’re dreaming of ancient temples, bustling markets, or serene landscapes, choosing the right direction for your journey sets the stage for a truly memorable experience. By traveling westward, minimizing ocean crossings, and creating a closed loop, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing enjoyment and minimizing the inevitable challenges of global travel. So, pack your bags, choose your direction, and prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.