We’ve all dreamed of throwing the towel in and hitting the road. Increasingly, travellers in their 30s, 40s and 50s are taking extended career breaks to see more of the world, and those in retirement are travelling more than ever. But when it comes to determining the ideal itinerary for a round the world jaunt, where do you start? Right here. Follow our guide for the wildest 12 months of your life.

Start the New Year by flying into Mumbai, a hectic, exciting explosion of colours and smells, and is a seriously adventurous way to begin a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Spend a few days in the city taking in the extraordinary colonial architecture and enjoying some of the country's best street food, then head east on a day trip. Discover the palaces and gardens of Pune where the imposing Sinhagad Fort lords over the city, or sail out to Elephanta Island (pictured) to visit ancient cave temples.

From Mumbai take the train along the west coast through Portuguese speaking Goa and towards Kochi in Kerala, where you’ll find sandy beaches and deliciously fresh seafood. Southern India is lush with greenery and a network of winding backwaters make it a much more peaceful area. Head out on a rustic houseboat to explore the waterside communities (pictured).

Head further south to Varkala (pictured) for pristine sandy beaches, Alappuzha for more backwater touring and Munnar to explore the luscious jungle-clad mountains of Kerala. From here you can head back north (via Kochi) to Bangalore, the beating heart of south India’s economy and vibrant, multicultural metropolis, or even hop down to Sri Lanka, for more stunning scenery, yoga retreats and historical sites.

February is high-season in Thailand – it’s warm but dry, so perfect for exploring the jungles and enjoying the beaches. Fly into Bangkok (pictured) and get to know this exciting, bustling city before heading south to explore the beaches. For a more relaxed atmosphere pick the beaches on the southern part of Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast. Koh Lanta is the biggest island in the region, but smaller destinations like Koh Muk and Mo Libong can be wilder and more rewarding, if a tad trickier to reach.

Alternatively, you can catch an overnight train from Bangkok up to Chiang Mai, the “Jewel of the North”, (pictured) for a completely different Thai experience. The walled city is well-known for its laid back vibe, spicy cuisine and multiple wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Trek through the jungle or make your way to the mountain top idyll in Pai, a long-beloved destination with travellers.

From Thailand, you can easily fly to Hanoi in Vietnam. The northern capital is well-known for its exciting street food scene and you’ll be able to sample Northern Vietnam’s rich, spicy and fragrant cuisine seasoned with piquant fresh herbs. Take a walking tour of Ba Dinh District, the old French colonial quarter, eating everything along the way.

From Hanoi go west and take a short cruise to Ha Long Bay or the Cat Ba Archipelago, famous for their dramatic emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with foliage and trees. Alternatively, jump on an overnight train down to Da Nang to explore historic Hoi An (pictured), once a major port on the Thu Bồn River estuary, now a bustling mish-mash of colonial buildings, floating markets and white sandy beaches.

Slowly make your way down the Mekong Delta and end your Viet-adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, for some poignant history. The city was a major port, a French colonial capital, and was a focal point of the Vietnam War. Don't miss the truly moving exhibition at the War Museum.

It’s cherry blossom season in Japan, which means the streets will be lined with delicate pink and white flowers and excited Japanese families dressed in traditional kimonos – be prepared to dodge the selfie-sticks, though, as they’ll be out in force.

Japanese cherry trees blossom at slightly different times throughout the country, so follow the wave starting at the north in Sapporo and making your way slowly down through Hokkaido, Japan’s main island. Tokyo and Kyoto are must-visit destinations but try to spend some time in the countryside in places like Kōyasan (pictured), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Naoshima, an island entirely dedicated to art and nature.

Fly into China next, or if you’re feeling adventurous and have 46 hours to spare, hop on the Osaka to Shanghai ferry across the Sea of Japan. If you’re arriving in Beijing, take some time to explore – it’s China’s capital and home to many of the country’s most famous sites, like the Forbidden City (pictured) and Tiananmen Square. Plus, it’s the best jumping off point to explore the Great Wall of China.

China has a vast bullet train network, but it can still take 24 hours to travel from Beijing to Hong Kong, and close to 14 hours to Shanghai, so flying is recommended. Explore southern China after sampling Hong Kong’s excellent dumplings; the spectacular Guiling National Park (pictured) has featured in films like Avatar thanks to its dramatic landscape of sandstone karst rocks and winding rivers. The town itself is a foodie hotspot, well-known for its bright and bustling night markets.

Hop on a flight from Hong Kong to Sydney, Australia. It is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, set on a huge harbour just inland from the Pacific Ocean. Soak up the autumn sun on Bondi Beach, or take seaplane around the famous harbour. Then head to Alice Springs; 70% of Australia is desert, so it would be a shame not to get to know the Red Centre. Visit Uluru (pictured) and Kata Tjuta, both sacred sites for the native Aboriginal people of the region.

Make your way to Cairns or Port Douglas to spend the remainder of your time exploring the Great Barrier Reef (pictured). Go snorkelling or even try your hand at scuba diving with an instructor. When you aren’t in the water, explore Daintree, an ancient coastal rainforest full of wildlife like the platypus, wallabies and a variety of adorable marsupials.

New Zealand is the perfect country for a road trip. Start in Auckland, on the North Island – a charming place to spend a day or two – then make your way to Taupo, via the Waitomo caves, where the opportunity to see glow in the dark worms makes it worth the detour. Once in Taupo, hike to the Tongariro Crossing (pictured), where the teal lakes and copper mountains will not disappoint. If you have time, head to the geothermal area around Rotorua and Whakarewarewa forest for hot pools, bubbling mud baths and Maori culture.

In the South Island, head straight to Tekapo – a Dark Sky reserve and the best place for stargazing. Then over to Mount Cook National Park to explore the Hooker Valley, where snowy peaks tower over a glacial lake. If you’re feeling flush, book a scenic helicopter flight around the national park and over the glaciers. Drive south through the famous Lindis Pass to Wanaka, a winter sports paradise. End your time in New Zealand by catching the sunset behind The Wanaka Tree (pictured) and the lake.

Fly into San Francisco and explore this undulating city aboard a cable car. It was the epicentre of the hippie movement and there's plenty to of that to discover. Next, rent a car and drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (pictured), surely one of the most scenic routes in the USA. There are many highlights along the way, like Monterrey (for rugged coastal fun), Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (where you can visit 80-foot-high McWay Falls), and seal colonies at Cambria.

The Pacific Coast Highway will lead you down to Santa Monica, a perfect jumping off point for Los Angeles. A hectic, wild but wonderful city, delve into the delicious foodie scene with a baseball steak in the Pacific Dining Car or the best burger you’ll ever have at In-n-Out. Flee the traffic jams by driving to Joshua Tree National Park, known for rugged rock formations and the eponymous trees, or explore the desert at Death Valley National Park before heading to mighty Yosemite (pictured).

Though Mexico shares a border with California, it’s easier to jump on a short flight to Mexico City. Recently the Mexican capital has emerged as something of a food-lover’s paradise, so be bold and explore the street food scene here (but beware, it can be extremely spicy). Soak up the street art and magnificent murals that line the streets before heading out of town to explore the classic Maya ruins in Cholula and Teotihuacán (pictured).

Next head south to Oaxaca to discover indigenous markets and ruins, then explore Mexico’s colonial heritage with a visit to San Cristobal de las Casa in the Chiapas region, or head for some sun and margaritas in Tulum and the Riviera Maya (pictured), where white, sandy beaches neighbour ancient Maya ruins. Wrap up your time in Mexico with a dip in the cooling water of the cenotes (giant sinkholes) around Chichen Itzá, the country’s most magical natural wonders.

With a tropical climate, hot throughout the year, it can get pretty humid in Costa Rica, but in June the rainy season has not quite peaked, so though it will rain in the afternoons, it’s a cheaper and much more beautiful time of year to explore this luscious country. Start your visit in San Jose, before heading into the wilds of Monteverde (pictured) and Santa Elena, which border the famous cloud forests.

Make sure you visit Volcán Arenal for breathtaking geothermal adventures such as hiking and zip-lining, before retreating south to Manuel Antonio National Park (pictured) for some of the most pristine beaches in Central America. If you are keen to spot some wildlife, end your trip with a visit to Tortuguero National Park, where you can canoe along narrow canals and maybe even spot baby turtles hatching.

After decades of civil war, Colombia has emerged like a phoenix into many a must-visit list. The capital, Bogotá (pictured), is a huge sprawling metropolis that can feel like a quaint village in some of its older neighbourhoods. Spend time in the historic city centre, then take short trips to gorgeous towns like Villa de Leyva and colourful Salento in the coffee-growing region.

Just as you start to get used to the altitude – Bogotá sits well over 8,000 feet above sea level – head to the coast. Cartagena is one of the most visited spots in the country, and with good reason. Its buzzing, colourful centre has plenty of delicious food and beautiful architecture, and the country’s best Caribbean beaches are just moments away. Lastly head to Santa Marta, one of the oldest cities in Colombia, and the perfect base from which to explore the delightful fishing village of Taganga and luscious Tayrona National Park perched on the turquoise ocean. 

Hop on a flight in Cartagena to Lima, the capital of Peru. Delve into Lima's thriving food scene before exploring the beautiful Miraflores district, and maybe try your hand at surfing at any of the city’s excellent beaches. Then head south to the Ilhas Ballestas, a marine sanctuary archipelago off the Peruvian coast. It’s home to over 200 species of birds, as well as sea lions and penguins – plus, you’ll be able to spot some famous Nazca lines from the boat there.

It’s the Peruvian Andes that are the country’s real crowning glory, though. If you feel up to it (and can secure a place) the competitive Inca Trail hike is an incredible experience, but you can also get to Machu Picchu by train from the lovely town of Cuzco. If you can’t get a place on the trail, head instead to the Colca Canyon for a three-day adventure in one of the world’s most scenic ravines. If you have a couple of days to spare after exploring Cuzco and Machu Picchu, escape the crowds and head south to Puno and the floating villages of Lake Titicaca to meet the Uros people who live on the lake.

On the other side of Lake Titicaca you’ll find Copacabana, Bolivia (pictured). Spend the day climbing the nearby Cerro Calvario for a breathtaking vantage point over the water. See the 17th-century Moorish Copacabana Cathedral before heading to La Paz, a 21st-century capital with a 16th-century feel. Take a day trip to Tiwanaku to discover a civilisation even older than the Incas.

From La Paz take the overnight bus to Uyuni, a tiny town in the middle of the world’s biggest salt flats (pictured). Here you’ll find train graveyards, salt baths, hot springs and some seriously otherworldly scenery as the salt hills meet the turquoise lagoons. End your time in Bolivia with a couple of nights in Potosí, the capital of Bolivia’s silver region with a smattering of gorgeous Baroque cathedrals and churches.

The landscapes of northern Chile and the Atacama Desert (pictured) are probably the closest you’ll ever get to the moon. The towering canyons and rolling sand dunes look positively lunar, but the skies above the Atacama are the clearest in the world, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. It can be a little tricky to get to San Pedro but the trek is worth it, as you’ll discover sand dunes, hot water springs and some of the most surreal landscapes you’ve ever seen en route. It can get chilly in at this time of year, so bring layers.

Head south towards the coastal town of Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture and cultural contributions (poet Pablo Neruda was lived here all his life). The city is surrounded by hills, but you can explore it all easily on foot thanks to the funiculars that grace its slopes. Before you leave, explore traditional fishing towns along the coast, where you can sample some of the freshest seafood.

After getting your fill of adventure in Chile, fly to Rio de Janeiro. Let the swing of the city lull you for a few days as you explore world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches (pictured), and don’t forget to catch a samba school rehearsal at the weekend. But head to northeastern Brazil for the best beaches and friendliest people.

The options are seemingly endless but São Luís do Maranhão is a beautiful city where you’ll find paradisiacal beaches and deltas nearby, as well as the famous Lençóis Maranhenses – a sand dune park ripe for exploring. Or head to Ceará state and the pocket of paradise that is Jericoacoara, frequently voted one of the best beaches in the world. Though it's technically winter here in August, temperatures will be balmy.

From northern Brazil to southernmost Africa, hop on flight to Johannesburg in South Africa. Spend a couple of days getting to grips with the city's history through a tour of the Southwest Townships (Soweto) and a graffiti and street art walk around arts district Maboneng. Head out of town to Kruger National Park to spot the Big Five on safari. Once you’ve had your fill of wildlife head out to Cape Town to start your exploration of the Western Cape.

Cape Town (pictured) is simply beautiful. Hike up Table Mountain for some spectacular views (set off early to beat the queues), and be sure to visit the Cape of Good Hope, where you’ll see large groups of baboons and penguins. Wine-lovers will want to explore the Robertson Wine Valley, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

Fly into Windhoek and head straight out to the Okonjima Game Reserve (pictured) in a rental 4X4. Make a stop at the AfriCat Foundation in the reserve to spend some time with orphaned cheetah and leopards before taking in a nocturnal wildlife tour. You can spot more game in Etosha National Park, where animals gather at watering holes placed throughout the landscape.

Spend few days on the coast at Swakopmund, where the desert meets the ocean, and then take a scenic flight over the landscape to watch the beach turn into the dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park (pictured). Once you’ve seen it from the air, head overland to climb the world’s tallest dunes in this Martian landscape.

Next, fly north to Morocco and beeline for Marrakesh − a fun yet frenetic city with winding souks and a huge night market at its centre. After a few days in Marrakesh, head to the coastal city of Essaouira (pictured) for some surfing and to relax in the many art galleries and cafés in the medina. Don't miss the 18th-century seafront ramparts, the Skala de la Kasbah, which proudly guards the city against external foes and was a filming location for hit TV show Game of Thrones.

Now make your way to Merzouga to start a Sahara exploration – many riad and guesthouses here will help organise overnight camping trips to the desert. Spend the remainder of your time in Morocco in the Atlas Mountains (pictured) among some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, hiking or relaxing in a luxurious resort. Finally make your way back to Marrakesh and fly out to Spain.

Fly into Barcelona, and spend a few days seeing the city through the eyes of Picasso and Miró. By October, the summer heat has subsided and a cooling autumn breeze should propel you through the streets of the Catalan capital. Head to Valencia, a city built on top of Roman ruins over 2,100 years ago, to get lost in the Barrio del Carmen, a medieval neighbourhood with Islamic and Christian heritage. To explore more of Spain’s Moorish roots, head to Granada’s Alhambra (make sure you pre-book tickets), a Moorish monument of unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship.

Make your way to Seville for a couple of days. This delightful Moorish city on the banks of the Guadalquivir river is where Miguel de Cervantes penned Don Quixote, and it’s home to some of the most exciting ancient architecture. End your Spanish foray in Madrid, and if you can, try to be there on a Sunday to do some shopping in the world famous El Rastro flea market, and give yourself at least a full day to visit the Prado with its impressive collection of world-famous art.

From the mild autumn of Spain, step into the frosty Arctic winter. Fly from Madrid to Reykjavík in Iceland to explore this otherworldly island. Hire a car in the capital, and head southeast towards the black sands of Vík (pictured). The southern coast of Iceland is beautiful with many wonderful waterfalls and glaciers. From Vík, keep driving east and gradually make your way around the country using the main ring road – stop off at dramatic waterfalls, geothermal pools and volcanic craters.

Dipping into Iceland’s many hot pools is one of the highlights of a winter trip here. Try well-known ones like the Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, as well as lesser-visited public pools and hotpots − ask a local if you’re not sure where to look. If you get lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights as the sun sets over this ethereal landscape.

From Iceland, fly to Helsinki, Finland. This compact capital is easy to explore on foot and has many surprises like the impressive Sibellius Monument, dedicated to a Finnish composer, and the Temppeliaukio Underground Church. From here, head to Stockholm in Sweden, a city that’s scattered over 14 islands, and again is easily explored on foot. Spend an afternoon exploring the Vasa Museum, a celebration of the ignominious launch of a warship in 1628, and the Nordic Museum. Come evening, head to Södermalm, Stockholm’s trendy southern island.

Next up is Bergen, on the east coast of Norway. Jump on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Fløyen, 1,050 feet above sea level, for the best city views. Then spend the rest of the day getting to know the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic Wharf. Continue your adventure in Oslo, a foodie hotspot, and heaven for architecture and design lovers. Get lost in the Oslo Museum of Modern Art (pictured) before heading to Copenhagen. In the winter, the Tivoli gardens are unmissable, and it’s the perfect place to end your Scandinavian jaunt.

From Copenhagen head to Amsterdam, where even in the winter you can tour the city on a bike. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are unmissable, but spend some time getting lost in the winding streets and canals of the old centre too. Spend some time in the eastern Dutch countryside, where the rural landscapes give way to historic villages, of which Zwolle, Deventer and Zutphen are the loveliest.

Make your way by train to Brussels for some futuristic adventures in the Atomium and Bruparck, and be sure to grab some moules frites while you’re at it. Belgian beer is world famous, so this is the place to indulge. This tiny country is easily navigable by train, so spend a day in picturesque Bruges (pictured) strolling around the Burg and Markt squares before catching a glimpse of a relic said to be drops of Christ’s blood in the Basiliek van het Heilig-Bloed. 

As your epic year comes to an end, head to Germany to enjoy some Christmas festivities. Cities like Munich (pictured) and Cologne really come into their own at this time year, and it’s the perfect way to get finish such a spectacular trip. For a more off-beat experience, visit the Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, tucked away in the depths of the Black Forest under a 130-foot-high viaduct, this is possibly one of the most Instagrammable markets out there.

Finally, ring in the New Year in Berlin, Europe’s coolest capital. Glühwein in hand, reminisce about all the wonderful memories you’ve created over the past 12 months, and make your travel resolutions for the year to come.