It is not as dangerous, adventurous or different out there. As a first summary I can tell a few experiences of a world- or multi-country-trip which just developed by time...

• Don´t plan too much!!! don´t book anything else than the most important flights. anything else mostly is much cheaper to organize, when you arrive. I´ve been positively surprised. You can even change plans to go to new places.
• Well, this o­ne is connected to the 1st: Its cheaper than you think. Most things are less expensive than in Western Europe or the USA. Budget yourself a bit and youre fine. Well, unless you go for a shopping spree in Thailand! If you have the time buy an open return ticket.
• You wont need a water treatment survival kit, food packages or such. Its clean, believe me - Even in rural Cambodia you can get a decent meal.
• Vegetarians have it easier than o­ne might think. Veggie options are everywhere. If anybody needs recomendations for vegetarian restaurants, just email us.
• No travel guides and books into the backpack - what are book exchanges for in any hostel/guesthouse? You dont have to be guest there to get o­ne! Most travel guides you might get as a cheap "copy" around the corner. In the plane there are movies for free...
• There are basically no uncivilized and truly untouristed (yes that word exists!) regions left anymore. At least none with an airport in less than 10 hours range. And whatever location Lonely Planet/Rough Guide/Let´s Go mention - you certainly dont need the words "untouristed" there!
• Its not dangerous at all in Asia. Besides the SARS and birdflu scare there is very little envious people there even towards Americans. Quite the opposite actually. The o­nly time I was scared was in downtown San Fransisco at night...
• We seriously didnt have to speak a single word of the local language to get around. Sign language works and nearly everybody wants to help you. Well, English is common in a lot of places anyway.
• China is no 3rd world country nor extremly controlled in the region we went to. Whatever media tells about this country, it seems highly politicized. The chinese we met were very friendly and up-to-date native inhabitants. And its incredibly cheap to travel around too. The trains are not so bad - except the toilets at train stations, thats true.
• New Zealand is not as different from Europe as I thought. Except the real citizens not involved with tourism its a bit romantisized and quite commercial, so you need mo money to see places - or tough legs for hiking and biking.
• No person in Asia or the Pacific wants to rip you off, take away your hard earned money. Freely adapted from Michael Moore: The white o­nes are the o­nes to watch...
• And no, no trip is too long. Again and again, just do it!!!
  (sorry for the exessive use of smilies)