Tickets
I am not going to write about ticket searching tools as there is a multitude of them on the Internet.
For my round-the-world trip I bought one ticket, a so-called multi-stop ticket. What is it? You have to choose in advance stops on your route, and you need to roughly define the dates when you want to travel to each destination. You can usually change the dates for a small airline fee. The ticket is valid for one year. My ticket included 7 flights and I used it almost until the last day – I arrived back to London after 358 days. I think that here it is a good idea to use a good travel agent, who will be able to get the best connections and best prices for you.
I bought my ticket with STA Travel , and I highly recommend these guys. You can also buy your ticket over the internet from Travel Nation .

Insurance
I found out that international companies, especially those based in the UK, have the best offers for backpackers/single trip. Two of the companies that offers insurance for backpackers from all EU countries are Travel Nation (the same that sells tickets) and Globelink International. Residents of the UK can use Insure and Go.
Yet, do I advise an insurance? From my experience and what I've heard from others, even if something happen to you, it is very difficult to get any compensasion from insurance company, at least from the cheaper ones, like these above.

Health
There is nothing to hesitate about when it comes to vaccinations – you just need to get them!
I would be particularly careful in Africa as I know people who despite taking precautions still came back very ill. It is almost impossible to travel in India and not experience stomach problems and diarrhea. On other continents and other countries I wouldn't be too paranoid I often eat in local bars, local markets and buy food from street vendors and I never have problems (except for India where I was more careful).
Malaria is also not easy to get. More important than anti-malaria drugs, concentrate on the prevention of mosquito bites:
- use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET
- wear long sleeves and long pants,
- sleep under a mosquito net (where it is necessary it is usually provided in your room) with fan or air-condition on.
I had anti-malaria tablets with me, after 2 weeks of taking them I gave up. You will find detailed information about malaria at malaria hotspot.
You will find comprehensive information regarding vaccinations and security in all countries at
Fit for travel , and on the constantly updated website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Accommodation
The first question I usually ask is "where am I going to sleep?". Most people think that accommodation is very expensive, which is what makes travelling so unaffordable. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Do you think I can afford a three-star hotel? Certainly it depends on the destination. I keep saying that Europe is too expensive for me. The most popular type of accommodation in South America, New Zealand and Australia are dorms in hostels. The average cost of a bed is 10 USD a night (Australia is the most expensive). In Asia you will find guesthouses with double-rooms, where you will easily find a bed for 5-10 USD/night (here it is the best to travel in pairs). Now calculate how much you pay for your rent? If I had to choose between spending winter in a simple accommodation on the beach or staying in a rainy grey city for the same price, the decision would be simple, right? How do you search for accommodation?

- Guidebooks - Lonely Planet and Rough Guides always list some budget options and these will be full of travelers, therefore you can make interesting new friendships. If the hostel is full there will be another, less known but cheaper one on the same street;
- Hostel World
- Hostelbookers
- Other travelers will give you some hints and recommendations on places. Just ask them. And collect business cards and maps to your favorite accommodations and share them.
- The accommodation will find you! In many countries there will be representatives of different hotels/hostels at the bus station waiting for you. You can always go with them and check the place – you are never obliged to stay and sometimes they offer a really good option.
- Rather than staying in hotels/hostels, those who prefer to meet some locals and stay for free with them, while learning about their town and getting to know non-touristic places, I recommend the Internet communities of Couch Surfing and Hospitality Club. You can also sign up to host travelers from all over the world in your house.

Money
The times when one had to travel with a thick stack of cash are gone. In all towns and tourism centers you will find a bank and an ATM. For instance in Sieam Reap, Cambodia there was a bank on each street corner. Of course you will always need some cash with you. The most convenient currency is American Dollars. Personally, I never exchange money in the street with dealers even if they give better rates – it is easy to get scammed. In developing countries payment by credit or debit card is not welcome and often there is a commission added to the payment.
When packing, spread you cards and money out in various places in case one of your bags or pockets is robbed, so you will not be left without any money.

Security
• First of all, don’t look like someone who is worth robbing. Certainly, in many countries you will stand out due to your skin or hair colour, but try to blend into the crowd as much as possible. Wear what people in the street wear, no expensive jewelry, no cameras hanging around your neck, no expensive watches and other gadgets. When you walk around town take a simple handbag or even better – a plastic bag.
• Wear money and cards in a belt hidden under your pants/underwear.
• Get a padlock that you will use for your locker in a hostel.
• Spread your money and cards around in different places for security reasons in case one of your bags/pockets gets robbed so you will not be left without any money!
• Take a photocopy of your passport with you and the leave the passport in a locker or hostel safe.
• When you check in at the hostel, ask the hostel staff which districts or streets are safe and unsafe. The staff will be happy to help you with this and will show you areas on your map.
• Don’t come back drunk from the pubs alone!
• Don’t exaggerate with drinking – when drunk you are the easiest pray!
• Be particularly careful when it’s dark – check before whether the district is safe and take a taxi if necessary.
• If you pay by card make sure that you see the transaction happening (at the back of the shop a seller could swipe your card several times!).
• For women: be decisive when you want to get rid of potential advances on you. Don’t wear provocative clothes. Keep up with the local dress code (careful with plunging neckline, shorts and miniskirts) –this way you will not attract annoying catcallers and you will gain respect from the locals. If necessary, make up a husband waiting for you in the hotel or around the corner.
• If you aren’t involved in drugs or smuggling and you don’t deal with guerrillas, mafias or street gangs there is no reason for someone to attack you.
When the above rules become your habit, then you don’t think about it anymore
The principal rule: don’t let cautiousness to become paranoia that will ruin your trip! If you constantly worry that you will get robbed – you will attract this. I met people who would obsessively put a couple of padlocks on their backpacks and… they got their backpacks stolen.

What to see and where to search for information
The Lonely Planet is a traveler’s Bible. It is written for young people travelling on a budget. Similar and same quality is the British guidebook Rough Guides. In addition, at the Lonely Planet forum you will find an answer to every question.
It is good idea to check UNESCO World Heritage List and check what is listed from the country you are heading to.