How to plan a multi-country trip
Linking several countries in one trip is very tempting. With these tips your route will be realistic and you will enjoy every stop more.
Choose a region, not a continent
The best multi-country trips focus on a well-connected region: Central Europe, the Balkans, Southeast Asia, the Nordic countries or the Southern Cone. Fewer kilometres means more time at your destinations.
Allow 3 to 5 days per country
As a rule, a small country needs at least 3 days and a medium-sized one a week. With two weeks, three countries is a good maximum.
Plan a line, not a star
Fly into one city and out of another (a multi-city or open-jaw ticket). You avoid backtracking and save days.
Choose the right transport
- Train: ideal in Europe; look at rail passes if you will take many trips.
- Bus: cheap and with good networks in South America and Asia.
- Budget flights: useful for long hops; count the time to get to the airport.
- Rental car: check whether you can cross borders and the fee for dropping it off in another country.
Check borders, currency and insurance
Check the entry requirements of each country (they are not always the same), take a fee-free card that works in every currency and get insurance that covers all your destinations.
Leave spare days
A delay or a place you fall in love with will make you change plans. One free day a week makes the trip more flexible.
Keep every stop
By the end of the trip you will have several countries and many new cities. Marking them on your map is the nicest way to see the whole route.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries can you visit in two weeks?
Two or three countries is reasonable, depending on their size and how well connected they are.
Is a multi-city flight worth it?
Yes, flying into one city and out of another usually saves time and repeated journeys.