First, you have to decide how much you can afford to spend, the time available and the countries that you wish to visit. Seldom does anyone enjoy a trip if he knows that, upon returning home, he will need to add extra burdens to his budget in order to pay back money borrowed to finance a trip. Your major expense will probably be your plane fare, accommodations and meals, but do not forget incidentals such as airport taxes, bus, train or taxi fares and money to spend on entertainment, sight-seeing and purchases. These expenses soon mount up.

Costs can be reduced as much as 40 percent when a group is large enough to charter a plane. Smaller group travel, with accommodations, tours and some meals, can also provide good value for the cost. On the other hand, you may desire the freedom of traveling alone or with a companion or two. There are often a number of air fares to choose from for any destination, dependent on the route, stopovers and length of stay you select. There are travel brochures available to help you, and a travel agent will also be of great assistance.