This is a guest post by Nico Crisafulli. Nico authors the AirTreks Travel Blog and mans the social stream for AirTreks.com. He’s a consummate travel lover and a 10-year veteran of the industry. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and forthcoming child.

The fabled round-the-world trip (RTW) is no secret. There’s been a growing interest in this particular style of travel over the last decade with more and more people thinking beyond the simple there-and-back- again style vacation. AirTreks is in the business of helping people make that leap in consciousness. And the first step is to know how to do it best.

I’ve put together 4 ways to help you get more from your long-term round-the-world trip, both before and after you leave.

Plan smarter

Once people have decided to travel, put their money down and spent time figuring out what they want to do, most already want to cram their laptop into the nearest meat grinder. Even thinking about more hours hammering away at the Internet is enough to send them over the edge. The trick is not to plan more, but to plan smarter, to make the most of the time you spend researching online.

Banyan Tree Lijiang Lijiang, China

The Banyan Tree Lijiang is located 2,000 meters above sea level 15 minutes away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang. The Old Town of Lijiang is sometimes regarded as the Venice of the Orient for tours to China because of the bridges and canals that wind through the cities cobbled streets. The hotel design was inspired by local Naxi culture, and includes pink stone, grey bricks, traditional red clay roof tiles, and interconnected canals. The hotel offers 55 villas with breath-taking views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The spacious villas can include a private garden, heated outdoor jet pools or plunge pools. There are 40 Garden and Deluxe Garden Villas, 13 Pool and Deluxe Pool Villas, one 2 bedroom Pool Villa, and one Presidential Villa. The extensive spa includes spacious treatment rooms, a hair salon, a yoga pavilion and a gym. There is also a tea lounge connected to the spa. The resort has 2 all day dining options, Ming Yue cafe and Bai Yun, which offers banquet style dining. Additionally, there is a bar and lounge. If you're looking to explore the surroundings, Banyan Tree Lijiang offers guests exclusive treks with local guides.

India has everything from beautiful mountains, warm beaches, peaceful temples, unique festivals to metropolitan cities and vast deserts. The diverse culture and landscape attracts travelers looking for just about every adventure imaginable. For some the country can be overwhelming at times, though there is bound to be something suitable for everyone. Whether you’re looking for spiritual awakening, a unique off the beaten path adventure, or an exotic hideaway, India offers something for everyone and an immense amount of time can be spent exploring the vast, diverse country. Travel tips vary greatly depending on what region of the country you’ll be traveling to. Below you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions to help you plan for unforgettable India tours.

A cruise around the Galapagos Islands is a great addition to any Ecuador tours itinerary. The Galapagos Islands offers travelers an unforgettable trip that can include snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing, kayaking, land safaris and much more. The isolated Islands have many plant and animal species that you can’t see anywhere else in the world, making it a truly once in a lifetime experience. Global Basecamps works with the most ecologically friendly and sustainable small ships on the water. Our unique Galapagos tours feature a variety of cruising options, incredible multi-day walking safaris, and lodge-based island explorations.

Harmony is intricately woven into Japanese society and something that is important to have an understanding of when visiting Japan. While Japanese people are understandably forgiving when visitors to Japan are not fully aware of all Japanese social norms, it is still appreciated when you make an effort to act respectfully and appropriately. As part of our Know Before You Go series, we have compiled a list of tips on cultural norms and etiquette on Japan tours.

Meeting and Greeting

• Older generations generally greet with bows, rather than a handshake, though in some cases younger people may use handshakes as is done in many western countries.
• The common way to address people is by their last name, followed by the suffix “-san,” which is a more flexible version of Ms./Mr./Mrs. In non-formal situations, Japanese people may address you by your first name followed by “-san,” though it’s considered casual.
• When entering a Japanese house or a ryokan, remove your shoes at the doorway. Slippers are usually provided by the host. When entering a room with tatami floor, slippers are also removed. Wear only socks or bare feet on tatami floor.
• When in public, eye contact is generally avoided with strangers.