From the outside looking in, travel can seem like an overwhelming project. But do you want to know what the hardest part is? Coming home.

Right now thousands of travellers are roaming the world and having the kinds of adventures you've been dreaming about. Dare to believe that your dreams can come true. Start pondering how you want to travel or with whom. And what, in the world, would you like to do? This guide will show you – we really mean it – how to turn your daydreams into the stuff of globetrotting action.

Taking a Tour
First-time travellers may find it useful to go with a group. Don't groan. Tours nowadays are highly specialized, so you'll be travelling with people your own age who are interested in the same things as you. That can spell instant camaraderie and rapport. Tours also usually include free, unstructured time in the places you visit. Best of all, someone else – namely an experienced tour operator – takes the hassle out of planning, organizing, and finding good food and accommodation (these last two can eat up a lot of time when you're on your own) with a ready-made program. A tour is perfect if your time is limited and you want to see a lot. It's also good for people who like others around. You don't have to tour with strangers either. Consider going with your family and friends. Or maybe your sports club, language group or even school group wants to take a holiday. Why not have a reunion overseas?

Another option: start your trip with a "get-acquainted" tour, and when that winds down, continue on alone.

Most tours include ground transportation, accommodation, some meals and some sightseeing. Read the brochures carefully to see who pays for what and choose a specialized tour geared toward your interests. Your travel consultant can also arrange cycling, adventure and eco-travel tours.

Buddy System
Maybe you prefer travelling with a friend. Maybe the two of you have been talking about this for months. When you're using the buddy system, who you go with is a very important decision. Do you two actually get along for more than a week at a time? Are you even remotely interested in the same things? Do you like nightclubs and your friend prefers strenuous hiking? You two have to honestly answer these questions before the trip. If you do decide to travel with a pal, realize you don't have to spend all your time together. Pick days to do something apart. Maybe split up and rejoin in another country. But above all, while you're travelling around, if something's getting on your nerves, talk to your buddy. Don't let things fester and then decide to have a massive blowout.

Me, Me, Me
Independent travel is probably one of the most challenging, yet satisfying ways to go. You'll have the most flexibility and freedom to come and go as you please. No one's agenda but your own is on the table. Travellers on their second or third trip overseas may prefer to travel this way, now that they've got the hang of going abroad. It's highly unlikely you'll be bored or lonely as you will be constantly meeting new people. You might even choose to travel a bit with these new friends before parting ways again.

Where Should I Go?
That's the best part. You can choose anywhere! Flip through different guidebooks, newspapers and travel magazines to see what tempts you. Talk to friends and family who have just come back from a trip. What do you like to do at home? You'll probably like doing that overseas. Since your first point of entry will probably be a major city like London, Sydney or Singapore, branch out from there. Do you have any must-see cities or must-see sights, like the Uffizi Gallery, the Opera House or Mayan ruins? You can spend your time in one country to really get a feel for its culture and people. You can go to several and see the highlights of each. Plan it just the way you want it!

The Best Time To Go
Students will want to consider going between semesters. Maybe you've decided to take some time off school or work. How much time do you have? How much money do you have? These factors will determine the length of your trip and where you go. Do you want a sunny beach or to go skiing through a winter wonderland? Are you going in high, medium (shoulder) or low season? Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities? Go when it's best for you.

A Little Homework
A fun – and necessary – component of your trip is doing some research before you get on the plane. Talk to your friends and family about where they've been and why. Knowledge is power, so get your hands on a good guidebook or two. Start at the library to see what series best speaks to you, then go and buy the up-to-date version for where you're going. Have an idea of what you want to see and do before you land and you're less likely to miss out on something just because you hadn't read Chapter Four yet. And while you're at it, the major guidebook publishers like Lonely Planet and Rough Guides also publish phrase books. Speaking a few phrases in a foreign language will open doors and endear you to the locals. Now was that fatras or frente?