There are those who physically circle the globe, as for example, from the  New York Times  this morning: For more than 20 years, the British adventurer Alastair Humphreys roamed the planet. He rowed across the Atlantic, traversed India on foot,  cycled around the world . In his lovely essay “ A Single Small Map Is Enough for a Lifetime ,” published last month, he writes that climate change and familial commitments have caused him to narrow his horizons of late, to seek diversion in his own backyard, “on the fringes of a city in an unassuming landscape, pocked by a glow of sodium lights and the rush of busy roads. ” Particularly note his  global bicycle adventure : 60 countries. 5 continents. Up to an altitude of 16,000 feet between Peru and Argentina. Biked through temperatures as low as  -40 F, which amazingly enough is also -40C . 46,000 miles. On the way, Mr Humphreys has raised more than £13,000 for British-based charity Hope and Homes for Children, which supports those orphaned or

I've had about a dozen around the world trips, all by air going west.  The first was around 40 years ago on  Pan Am 1 .  Since then, perhaps a dozen or so with Star Alliance. I thought I'd do one more, so this spring I'll be heading west again on plane and ship.  Three cruises will be part of my global adventure.   The way the itinerary settled, with United and Star Alliance now a shadow of what they once were, I selected flights from whatever airline had the best time in business class, for in going west, it's best to leave in the late afternoon, so you can get to your destination before it gets dark.  You can't do this in an eastward direction. Plus, Emirates Air could take me from Bangkok to Dubai, with a nice three hour rest in their lounge, then on to Munich, all in First Class, at a fabulously low cost.  6773 miles for $3675.  In comparison, a one-stop Lufthansa flight from Munich to San Francisco, a distance of 5862 miles, costs $8000 in first class.  But mor

I'm going on a 53-day Seabourn cruise in less than two months.  My previous Regent Seven Seas cruise from Dubai to Singapore sort of warned me that I am more a landlubber than seaman.  But at least because I wasn't all that comfortable on a ship, I slept a lot, still enjoyed all the drinking and dining, and still did not gain much weight. However, what about a trip on land?  I can't drive much anymore, so that's out.  What about trains? I've been on Eurail pass, twice, and found them mostly convenient and easy to use.  One problem was that in those days ( and still yet , plus  this ) there were strikes.  A big pain, for sometimes they come without warning.  Here is a  great site that tells you everything about this option.   Best train advice article I've ever read.  Cost?  A one-month global pass in first class allowing 5 train trips for the 30-day period is around $664, plus there additional fees for certain trains.  Seniors get around a 10% discount. My wife