Which Way Around the World is Best: Navigating the Globe for Your Ultimate Adventure

The question, “Which way around the world is best,” has lingered in the minds of travelers and adventurers for as long as people have dreamed of traversing our planet. For me, this wasn’t just an abstract thought; it was a burning desire fueled by countless hours poring over maps and imagining myself stepping onto foreign soil. I remember vividly the moment I first considered a circumnavigation. It was a rainy Tuesday afternoon, and I was stuck in my office cubicle, the hum of fluorescent lights a stark contrast to the vibrant images of bustling souks and serene mountain landscapes I’d been mentally curating. I needed an escape, a grand adventure, and the idea of going “around the world” seemed like the ultimate antidote to the mundane. But then the crucial question arose: which direction truly offered the best experience? Eastward or westward? This wasn’t a simple query with a single, definitive answer; rather, it opened up a fascinating exploration of travel logistics, cultural immersion, and personal preference. It quickly became apparent that the “best” way around the world is a deeply personal choice, influenced by a myriad of factors, from desired climates and cultural experiences to practical considerations like flight paths and jet lag management.

Understanding the Core Concepts: Eastbound vs. Westbound Circumnavigation

At its heart, determining the best way around the world boils down to two fundamental directions: eastward and westward. While both will ultimately bring you back to your starting point, the journey itself can feel remarkably different. Let’s break down what each entails.

The Eastward Journey: Chasing the Sunrise

Embarking on an eastward circumnavigation means traveling in the same direction as the Earth’s rotation. Imagine setting off from North America or Europe and heading towards Europe, Asia, and then across the Pacific to the Americas. This path often involves crossing the International Date Line from west to east.

Advantages of Traveling Eastward

One of the most frequently cited advantages of traveling eastward is the potential for a less disruptive experience with jet lag. Our internal body clocks, or circadian rhythms, are naturally attuned to a 24-hour cycle, and they tend to adapt more readily to gaining time than losing it. When you travel east, you’re essentially shortening your days, which can be easier for your body to handle than the longer days experienced when traveling west. This means you might find yourself adjusting to new time zones more quickly, feeling more alert and less fatigued during your initial days in a new location.

Furthermore, an eastward route can often offer a more logical progression through distinct cultural and geographical zones. For instance, starting in Europe allows for exploration of its rich history and diverse cultures before venturing into the ancient civilizations and bustling metropolises of Asia. From there, a transition to Southeast Asia and then Oceania provides a natural flow before crossing the Pacific back to the Americas. This sequential exposure can lead to a more cohesive understanding of the world’s diverse tapestry. Many travelers also find that an eastward journey allows them to experience festivals and cultural events that might be timed favorably with a westward progression. For example, certain spring festivals in Asia might be best experienced by arriving after the spring equinox, which is often easier to align with an eastward itinerary.

Potential Drawbacks of Traveling Eastward

While the jet lag advantage is significant, it’s not the only factor to consider. Traveling eastward can sometimes mean encountering less favorable weather patterns, depending on the time of year. For instance, venturing into Southeast Asia during its monsoon season might necessitate adjustments to your itinerary or activities. Similarly, traversing parts of North Asia in the dead of winter might pose challenges for outdoor exploration. Another consideration is the cost of flights. While not a universal rule, certain popular eastward routes, especially those connecting major European and Asian hubs, can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand. This is something worth researching meticulously when planning your budget.

The Westward Journey: Following the Sunset

A westward circumnavigation involves traveling against the direction of the Earth’s rotation. Starting from the Americas or Europe, you would head across the Atlantic towards Europe, then Asia, and finally across the Pacific back to your starting point. This route typically involves crossing the International Date Line from east to west.

Advantages of Traveling Westward

The primary allure of traveling westward for many is the opportunity to experience a different sequence of climates and cultures. You might start by exploring the vibrant cultures of the Americas, then head across the Atlantic to experience the historical depth of Europe, followed by the diverse landscapes and traditions of Asia. This can offer a unique perspective, allowing you to see how different regions have developed in relation to one another. For example, starting in the Americas and then moving east allows for a gradual immersion into the historical narratives that have shaped Western civilization, before a dramatic shift into the ancient and rich cultures of the East.

Some travelers find that a westward journey allows them to “catch up” with the sun, essentially gaining time and having longer days. While this can lead to more pronounced jet lag initially, some individuals find they adapt well to this and enjoy the extended daylight hours for exploration. From a logistical standpoint, crossing the Pacific from east to west can sometimes offer more direct or cost-effective flight options depending on your origin and destination. For instance, flights from the west coast of North America to East Asia are often plentiful and competitive.

Potential Drawbacks of Traveling Westward

The most commonly cited disadvantage of westward travel is the challenge of jet lag. When you travel west, you are effectively lengthening your days, which can disrupt your body’s natural rhythm more significantly. This might mean experiencing more fatigue, sleep disturbances, and general disorientation for the first few days or even weeks in a new location. Adjusting to time zones can feel more strenuous, potentially impacting your initial experiences. Additionally, depending on the season, a westward route might lead you into regions during their less desirable weather periods. For instance, traveling through Asia during its summer heat or the Pacific during typhoon season would require careful planning.

Key Factors Influencing Your Decision

Beyond the simple direction of travel, several crucial factors will heavily influence which way around the world is best for *you*. It’s not just about where you go, but how you experience it.

Climate and Seasonality: Timing is Everything

This is, without a doubt, one of the most critical considerations. The “best” way around the world will largely depend on when you plan to travel and what kind of climate you’re seeking. Imagine planning a trip to hike the Himalayas in Nepal and realizing you’ve arrived during the monsoon season, rendering your plans impossible. Conversely, arriving in Australia during its summer for beach activities while it’s winter in Europe could be a deliberate and enjoyable choice.

Summer Destinations

If your dream is to bask in the summer sun, an eastward journey might naturally lead you to Europe and then Asia during their respective summer months. However, you’ll need to be mindful of the intense heat in some parts of Asia and North Africa during July and August. Conversely, a westward journey might see you starting in the Americas during their summer, then heading to Europe for a late spring/early summer experience before potentially reaching parts of Asia as their summer begins to wane.

Winter Escapes

For those seeking a winter wonderland or a warmer escape from the cold, the direction becomes even more important. Traveling eastward in November might allow you to experience Christmas markets in Europe before heading to warmer climes in Southeast Asia or Australia as their summer begins. A westward journey in December might take you through North America during its festive season and then onto warmer parts of Central or South America, or perhaps Australia and New Zealand as they enter their summer.

Shoulder Seasons: The Sweet Spot

Often, the best travel experiences occur during the shoulder seasons – the periods just before or after the peak tourist season. These months typically offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often lower prices. An eastward journey in spring (April-May) can be fantastic for exploring Europe and parts of Asia before the summer heat and crowds descend. Similarly, a westward journey in autumn (September-October) can be glorious for experiencing the vibrant fall foliage in North America and then enjoying agreeable temperatures across Asia.

Cultural Immersion and Personal Interests

What do you want to *experience*? Your answer to this question will heavily dictate the optimal route. Are you drawn to ancient ruins, vibrant street art, specific culinary traditions, or perhaps the thrill of wildlife encounters?

Historical and Architectural Wonders

If your passion lies in exploring ancient civilizations, an eastward route might take you through the Roman ruins of Italy, the pyramids of Egypt, the temples of Cambodia, and the Great Wall of China. A westward journey could lead you to Mayan ruins in Mexico, Incan sites in Peru, and then perhaps across to the historical significance of European cities.

Culinary Journeys

Food lovers might find one direction more appealing. An eastward path could involve savoring French pastries, Italian pasta, authentic Indian curries, and fresh sushi in Japan. A westward route might offer everything from Tex-Mex in the Southwestern U.S. to Argentinian steak and Brazilian feijoada, followed by authentic Italian cuisine again, but perhaps experienced in a different season or context.

Nature and Adventure

For the adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts, the sequence of landscapes matters. An eastward route could involve hiking the Alps, exploring the jungles of Borneo, and then perhaps the glaciers of New Zealand. A westward journey might take you through the vast national parks of North America, the Amazon rainforest, and then the stunning fjords of Patagonia.

Logistics and Practicalities: Making it Happen

Beyond the romantic ideals, the practicalities of a round-the-world trip are paramount. This includes flight routes, visa requirements, and budget considerations.

Flight Paths and Availability

A significant factor in deciding which way around the world is best is the availability and cost of flights. Most round-the-world (RTW) tickets are sold by airline alliances (like Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam) and have set rules, often dictating a single direction of travel. These tickets are typically designed to be more cost-effective than booking individual flights. Researching the routes offered by these alliances can significantly influence your decision. For instance, if an alliance has a stronger presence or more favorable routes connecting Europe and Asia westward, that might sway you in that direction.

Individual flight bookings offer more flexibility but can be more complex and potentially more expensive. Understanding major flight hubs and common routes is essential. For example, hubs like London Heathrow (LHR), Dubai (DXB), Singapore Changi (SIN), and Los Angeles (LAX) are crucial connection points. The direction you choose might align better with these hubs based on your starting point and desired destinations.

Visa Requirements

Visa applications can be a significant hurdle, and their complexity can vary greatly depending on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Researching visa requirements for your chosen countries well in advance is non-negotiable. Sometimes, a particular route might involve fewer visa applications or more straightforward processes. For example, if traveling through certain regions as a U.S. citizen, you might find that an eastward journey into parts of Southeast Asia requires fewer pre-arranged visas than a westward journey through certain South American countries. It’s always wise to consult the official embassy websites of each country you intend to visit.

Budget Considerations

The cost of travel can fluctuate dramatically based on destination, time of year, and travel style. Certain regions are inherently more expensive than others. For example, Western Europe and Japan are generally pricier than parts of Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe. Your chosen direction will influence the average cost per day. If budget is a primary concern, an eastward route might allow you to spend more time in less expensive regions of Asia and Eastern Europe before venturing into pricier Western Europe or North America. Conversely, a westward journey might involve spending more time in North and South America, which can also vary significantly in cost.

Pace of Travel

Are you a whirlwind tourist who wants to see as much as possible, or do you prefer a slower, more immersive pace? The direction you choose can impact this. A more direct route, often dictated by RTW ticket rules, might encourage a faster pace. If you plan to linger in places, individual bookings or a more flexible RTW ticket might be better, irrespective of direction.

My Personal Take: The Eastward Advantage

Having personally undertaken a multi-country journey that effectively simulated an eastward circumnavigation, I can attest to the smoother transition in terms of jet lag. Setting off from the East Coast of the United States, I flew to Europe, then onward to various parts of Asia, and finally across the Pacific. While the initial journey eastward across the Atlantic certainly presented a temporal shift, I found my body adapted relatively quickly. Each subsequent leg of the journey, as I continued eastward, felt less disruptive than if I had been traveling west and constantly “gaining” hours. This allowed me to hit the ground running in each new city, eager to explore rather than battling fatigue.

Moreover, the cultural progression felt incredibly enriching. Starting in the historical heartland of Europe, moving through the ancient traditions of India, the vibrant street life of Southeast Asia, and finally the unique blend of tradition and modernity in Japan, provided a fascinating narrative arc to my travels. It felt like a deliberate unfolding of human history and cultural evolution. While I’ve never done a full westward circumnavigation, my experiences traveling west for shorter durations have highlighted the more pronounced jet lag. There’s a distinct mental shift required to “gain” hours, and I found myself needing an extra day or two to truly feel grounded.

However, it’s crucial to remember that my experience is just one data point. My specific interests (history, food, and experiencing diverse urban landscapes) perfectly aligned with an eastward trajectory during the time I traveled. Someone whose primary focus is, say, exploring South American indigenous cultures and then venturing into the national parks of North America might find a westward route far more appealing and practical for their specific goals.

Structuring Your Round-the-World Itinerary

Regardless of direction, a well-planned itinerary is the backbone of a successful round-the-world trip. Here’s a framework to help you conceptualize your journey.

Step 1: Define Your “Why” and “What”

Before even thinking about direction, ask yourself:

Why do I want to go around the world? (e.g., personal growth, a career break, specific experiences)
What are my absolute must-see destinations and experiences?
What is my budget?
How much time do I have?

This foundational step will inform all subsequent decisions. For instance, if your primary goal is to photograph the Northern Lights, your timing and route will be dictated by this, likely pointing you towards northern latitudes during specific seasons.

Step 2: Choose Your Direction (East or West)

Based on your answers in Step 1, and considering the factors of climate, cultural interests, and initial logistical assessments (like flight availability), make a preliminary decision on your direction. Don’t get too fixated yet; this might evolve.

Step 3: Draft a Potential Route

Start sketching out a possible sequence of countries or cities. Don’t worry about perfect order yet, just get your dream destinations down.

Example Eastward Route Sketch:

Start: New York City, USA
Leg 1: London, UK
Leg 2: Rome, Italy
Leg 3: Istanbul, Turkey
Leg 4: Delhi, India
Leg 5: Bangkok, Thailand
Leg 6: Kyoto, Japan
Leg 7: Sydney, Australia
Leg 8: Santiago, Chile
End: New York City, USA

Example Westward Route Sketch:

Start: Los Angeles, USA
Leg 1: Honolulu, USA (Hawaii)
Leg 2: Tokyo, Japan
Leg 3: Beijing, China
Leg 4: Cairo, Egypt
Leg 5: Barcelona, Spain
Leg 6: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Leg 7: Lima, Peru
End: Los Angeles, USA

Step 4: Research Logistics (RTW Tickets vs. Individual Bookings)

Explore round-the-world ticket options from major airline alliances. See what routes they offer and their pricing. Simultaneously, research the cost and feasibility of booking individual flights for your sketched route. This will help you refine your route based on practicality and budget.

Step 5: Refine Your Itinerary and Pace

Now, organize your route into a more logical flow within your chosen direction. Consider how much time you want to spend in each location. Are you hopping between cities every few days, or settling in for weeks at a time?

A common mistake is trying to cram too much in. Remember, travel days themselves consume time and energy. It’s often better to see fewer places more deeply than to rush through many.

Step 6: Address Visas and Vaccinations

This is a critical, often time-consuming step. For each country on your refined route, research:

Visa requirements for your nationality.
Application processes and lead times.
Recommended vaccinations and health precautions.

This research might necessitate adjustments to your route if certain visas are difficult or impossible to obtain. For example, some nationalities might find obtaining a visa for Russia challenging or time-consuming, potentially influencing a route through that region.

Step 7: Finalize and Book

Once you have a solid, researched itinerary, book your major flights and accommodations. Keep some flexibility for spontaneous changes, but having the core logistics secured will provide peace of mind.

Understanding the International Date Line

A significant aspect of circumnavigation, especially when crossing the Pacific, is the International Date Line. This imaginary line runs roughly along the 180th meridian.

Crossing Westward (East to West): When you travel westward across the International Date Line (e.g., from Fiji to Samoa, or from the U.S. to Japan), you “lose” a day. If it’s Sunday when you depart, it will be Monday when you arrive. You essentially skip a calendar day.
Crossing Eastward (West to East): When you travel eastward across the International Date Line (e.g., from Samoa to Fiji, or from Japan to the U.S.), you “gain” a day. If it’s Monday when you depart, it will be Sunday when you arrive. You repeat a calendar day.

This difference can affect your itinerary planning and your sense of time. For example, if you leave a place on a Tuesday and arrive at your next destination on a Wednesday (westward), but the flight was only 10 hours, it highlights the time zone shifts. Conversely, leaving on a Tuesday and arriving on a Monday (eastward) can feel disorienting but can also help you “regain” time lost from earlier eastward travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Circumnavigation

Which way around the world is best for experiencing fewer crowds?

Determining the “best” way around the world for fewer crowds is highly dependent on your timing and destination choices within your chosen direction. Generally, avoiding peak seasons in popular destinations is the key, regardless of whether you travel east or west. However, we can make some broad observations:

Eastward Travel and Crowds: An eastward journey might take you through Europe during its peak summer season (June-August), which can be exceptionally crowded, especially in major cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. However, if you time your eastward journey carefully, you could potentially visit Europe during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) when crowds are significantly thinner and the weather is still pleasant. Asia can also be very crowded during certain periods, particularly in popular hubs like Bangkok or Tokyo, and during major holidays. However, by traveling eastward and potentially visiting less-trodden paths or prioritizing countries with lower tourism density, you could find opportunities to experience destinations with fewer people. For instance, exploring the Balkans or parts of Eastern Europe in the spring or fall can offer a more tranquil experience than Western Europe in July.

Westward Travel and Crowds: Traveling westward could lead you through North America, which also experiences peak tourist seasons in its national parks and major cities during summer. South America can be busy during its summer months (December-February), particularly in popular spots like Machu Picchu or coastal resorts. However, a westward journey might also allow you to experience certain destinations during their off-peak seasons, which can naturally mean fewer crowds. For example, venturing into parts of Southeast Asia or Australia during their respective shoulder or off-peak seasons (often outside of major holidays) can lead to a less crowded experience. If your westward route focuses on exploring regions that are less conventionally popular or if you strategically plan to be in certain areas during their quieter times (e.g., visiting European cities in winter or early spring), you could significantly reduce your encounters with large tourist groups.

The Verdict on Crowds: Ultimately, neither direction inherently guarantees fewer crowds. The best strategy for avoiding crowds involves:

Strategic Timing: Always aim for the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) whenever possible.
Destination Selection: Choose less popular destinations or explore less-visited regions within popular countries.
Flexibility: Be willing to adjust your itinerary if you find a place unexpectedly crowded.
Weekday Travel: Visiting attractions on weekdays rather than weekends can make a noticeable difference.

Your personal definition of “crowded” also plays a role. If you’re seeking solitude, a round-the-world trip, regardless of direction, will require significant effort in destination selection and timing.

Which way around the world is best for managing jet lag?

Generally speaking, traveling **eastward** is considered better for managing jet lag. This is due to the way our internal biological clocks, or circadian rhythms, are naturally wired.

Why Eastward is Easier: Our bodies operate on a roughly 24-hour cycle, and this cycle tends to be more easily adjusted when we shorten our days – which is what happens when we travel east. Imagine you’re trying to fall asleep at 10 PM your local time. When you travel east, you might arrive in a new time zone where it’s already 1 AM or 2 AM local time. Your body’s internal clock is still somewhat set to your departure time, but the earlier bedtime in the new zone aligns more closely with its natural tendency to wind down. You are essentially “losing” hours, which is often perceived as easier for the body to adapt to than “gaining” hours.

For instance, if you depart New York on Monday evening and fly to London, you might arrive Tuesday morning. Due to the time difference, you’ve effectively “gained” several hours. While you might feel tired, the local time is such that going to bed at a reasonable local hour (e.g., 10 PM) is closer to your body’s programmed sleep cycle than if you were traveling west. You can push yourself to stay awake until a local bedtime, and then sleep through the night. Waking up earlier in the morning, even if it feels like the middle of the night by your old clock, becomes your new normal more readily.

Why Westward is Harder: Conversely, traveling west involves “gaining” hours. If you depart New York on Monday evening and fly to Los Angeles, you might arrive Monday night or very early Tuesday morning local time. You’ve effectively “lost” a few hours. Your internal clock is still telling you it’s later than it is locally, making it harder to fall asleep at a normal local bedtime (e.g., 10 PM). You might find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, wide awake, because your body’s internal rhythm is still aligned with the time zone you left. This “phase delay” can be more challenging to overcome.

Practical Advice:

Pre-adjust: A few days before your trip, start shifting your sleep schedule by an hour or two in the direction of your travel. If going east, go to bed and wake up earlier. If going west, go to bed and wake up later.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration exacerbates jet lag symptoms. Drink plenty of water during your flight and upon arrival.
Minimize Alcohol and Caffeine: These can disrupt sleep patterns and dehydrate you, worsening jet lag.
Embrace Local Time: Upon arrival, try to eat, sleep, and stay awake according to the local schedule. Resist the urge to nap for too long during the day, as this can make it harder to sleep at night. A short power nap (20-30 minutes) is generally acceptable.
Seek Sunlight: Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, helps to reset your body clock.

While eastward travel generally offers an easier adjustment, individual responses to jet lag vary. Some people adapt more quickly than others, regardless of direction.

What are the most popular round-the-world routes, and do they favor a specific direction?

The “most popular” round-the-world (RTW) routes are often influenced by the offerings of major airline alliances, which dominate the RTW ticket market. These alliances typically structure their RTW fares with specific rules, and a fundamental rule is often that you must travel in one continuous direction (eastward or westward) and cannot backtrack.

Eastward Dominance: Historically, and even currently, many popular RTW routes tend to lean eastward. This is partly because the major hubs and flight paths connecting Europe, Asia, and Oceania often facilitate a relatively seamless eastward progression. For instance, traversing from North America to Europe, then to the Middle East or Asia, then down to Australia/New Zealand, and finally back across the Pacific is a very common and well-serviced sequence.

Popular eastward RTW route examples often include combinations of:

North America -> Europe -> Asia -> Australia/New Zealand -> North America
Europe -> Asia -> Australia/New Zealand -> South America -> Europe

These routes benefit from extensive networks of airlines within alliances like Star Alliance (which includes United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc.) and Oneworld (which includes American Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, etc.). The sheer volume of flights and established routes in these corridors makes eastward travel logistically straightforward for many travelers. Furthermore, as discussed, the potential for easier jet lag management might also contribute to its popularity.

Westward Routes: Westward RTW routes are certainly possible and popular for those with specific interests, but they might be less common as a default choice. A typical westward route might look like:

North America -> Asia -> Europe -> North America
Europe -> South America -> North America -> Asia -> Europe

While perfectly viable, the flight path density and alliance coverage might sometimes feel slightly less optimized for a purely westward continuous journey compared to the eastward flow, especially when connecting continents like Asia and Europe. However, for travelers starting in Europe and wanting to explore Asia and then the Americas before returning, a westward path is very logical.

Influence of RTW Tickets: The structured nature of RTW tickets from alliances (like Star Alliance’s Round the World fare, Oneworld’s Global Explorer, or SkyTeam’s Go Round the World) heavily shapes what are considered “popular” routes. These tickets typically allow a set number of stops (e.g., 5 to 15) and dictate travel within a specific timeframe (e.g., up to one year). Because the rules are designed for efficiency and continuous travel, they naturally guide travelers towards the most direct and well-connected path, which often aligns with eastward progression across the major populated continents.

Beyond Alliances: It’s important to note that these are just general observations based on common RTW ticket structures. Independent travelers booking individual flights have complete freedom and can craft any route they desire, eastward or westward. However, even for independent travelers, the existing flight networks and popularity of certain routes mean that many popular destinations are well-connected in a way that naturally facilitates an eastward or westward flow.

Is it better to go east or west if I want to visit South America?

The “best” way to visit South America as part of a round-the-world trip depends heavily on your starting point, the specific countries in South America you wish to visit, and the overall direction of your circumnavigation. Neither east nor west is definitively “better” for South America itself; rather, it’s about how it integrates into your broader journey.

Visiting South America on an Eastward Journey:

If you are traveling eastward from North America or Europe, you might incorporate South America towards the end of your trip, before crossing the Pacific back to your starting point. For instance:

Route Example: Europe -> Africa -> Asia -> Australia/Oceania -> South America -> North America.

In this scenario, South America serves as a bridge back to North America. This works well if you’ve already experienced many Asian and Oceanic destinations and are looking for a final continent of exploration. It also allows you to potentially visit places like Brazil or Argentina during their summer months if your eastward journey spans into their summer season. However, it means you’ll be traveling westward across the Pacific to get from Oceania to South America, which is a significant leg of westward travel within an overall eastward journey. This might be a point of logistical complexity for some RTW ticket structures that require strict adherence to one direction across continents.

Visiting South America on a Westward Journey:

If you are traveling westward from North America or Europe, South America often fits more naturally into the earlier stages of your journey, particularly if you start from North America.

Route Example: North America -> South America -> Europe -> Asia -> North America.

Starting in North America and heading south to explore countries like Peru, Chile, or Argentina before crossing the Atlantic to Europe aligns perfectly with a westward flow. This allows for a cohesive exploration of the Americas before venturing to other continents. Many North Americans find this a very logical and popular choice for RTW trips, as it tackles the Americas first. The flight connections from major North American hubs to cities like Lima, Santiago, or Buenos Aires are frequent and well-established. From South America, you then continue west across the Atlantic to Europe, maintaining the general westward direction.

Key Considerations for South America:

Starting Point: If you’re in North America, a westward journey might feel more intuitive and potentially offer better flight connections into South America. If you’re in Europe, either direction can work, but an eastward journey might see you visiting South America later in your trip.
Specific Countries: If your focus is on, say, Patagonia (Chile/Argentina), a westward journey from North America might be more direct. If you’re keen on visiting the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) and then heading to the Amazon, this can be integrated into either direction, but the sequence matters.
Seasonality: South America has diverse climates. When you plan to visit will influence which direction makes the most sense for enjoying favorable weather. For example, visiting Patagonia in its summer (December-February) is ideal, which might align better with a westward journey from North America or a late-stage eastward journey.
RTW Ticket Rules: Always check how RTW ticket rules handle continental crossings. Some tickets might have limitations on how many times you can cross major oceans or on specific directions.

In summary, while neither direction is inherently “best,” a westward journey often provides a more integrated experience for North American travelers looking to include South America early in their circumnavigation. European travelers might find South America fits well as a later destination in an eastward itinerary or as an initial leg in a westward journey.

The Verdict: Which Way Around the World is Best?

The ultimate answer to “Which way around the world is best” is that **there is no single “best” way; it is entirely subjective and depends on your individual priorities, interests, and logistical considerations.**

If your primary concern is minimizing jet lag, an **eastward** journey is generally recommended. If you prefer to follow the sunset and potentially experience longer days, a **westward** journey might appeal, though it often comes with a more challenging adjustment period for jet lag. However, both directions offer unique advantages regarding cultural sequences, climate possibilities, and flight path efficiencies.

My own positive experience with an eastward route, due to its perceived ease of jet lag adaptation and a fulfilling cultural progression, leads me to lean towards it. Yet, I acknowledge that this is based on my specific interests and travel style. The beauty of circumnavigation lies in its infinite possibilities. By carefully considering climate, cultural attractions, personal interests, and the practicalities of logistics like flights and visas, you can craft the “best” way around the world for *your* unforgettable adventure.