Fundraiser for a RTW trip?

Any way you dress it up, you are asking people for donations (Begging in simple english). Doing it in the form of a dinner just means a good portion of the money will simply go on the meal. Adding the charity element just means they need to give even more for you to realize any appreciable amount off the total.

So for example instead of asking me for $50 you would be asking me for $150. Which do you think would be easier to get out of me? I'm not stupid enough to think your dressing it up makes any difference. Basically you're begging.

Frankly, I think the idea sucks. You are putting friends and extended family in an ackward position. Your trip is your trip, not theirs. Would you write a letter to them all saying, 'We are going travelling and would like you to give us money to fund our travel.'? That is what you are really saying after all.

The more I think about it the more disgusting I find the idea.

I agree that it would put your friends and family in an awkward position. They would feel obligated to participate and contribute money to your trip. It would just be bad karma all around. Instead, work very hard in 2008, save lots of money, and make a good budget for your trip.

Then, when you return from your RTW trip, a fun trivia/food/music night with friends and family would be a great idea. If you do charge a fee, just do it at cost for providing the food, games, music, prizes, etc... That would be more fun than the usual slide-show of travel pics.

You would really ask your friends and family to pay money just to have dinner with you?

Sorry, terrible idea. Carry on saving as much as you can.

I have to say I agree with the others. Unless you're going specifically to do volunteer work, you are asking friends and family to pay for your holiday. Your friends and family will have their own holidays to save up for, they might not be as long or exotic as yours, but that is probably because they can't afford to be away for six months and take the time off work!

I'd keep on with the serious saving, you have over a year to save up, it won't be impossible. Even get an extra job or sell some junk on ebay. I have a spreadsheet working out how much my trip will cost, and therefore how much I need to save every month, and I move the money straight into a savings account on payday. I also moved back home, so that the money I used to spend on rent goes straight into my savings.

For Christmas and your birthdays ask for money for your travel fund instead of presents, or vouchers for a travel equipment shop, or something you will need for your trip (I got a new camera for my birthday). If you chat to your family and friends about your trip and how hard you are saving, they might be generous anyway, without you asking.

I'm not quite as opposed to the idea as some above, but I think if you examine it, you will struggle to make enough money to make it worthwhile. You'll have to pay for the food and drink. Then if you really want to give some to charity, that will take a huge cut. So, you have to ask yourself, how much do you really think you can make with this type of event? It might be easier and more lucrative to get a part-time job. You have a full year to save, so even a few hours per week will add up to a lot of money at the end of the year.

Dave

Any "friend" who would see me as a piggy bank is no friend at all, and would be avoided as much as possible in the future. Consider this dining event to be your Last Supper.

Like #7 above, any 'friend' who invited to such a fundraiser as you suggest, well, I would have to question the friendship! It would create such an awkward situation for your friends/family that resentment might result. Better to stick to a serious saving regimen over the next year, or delay the trip until you can afford it. Your friends/family will probably be envious and you will be respected for doing it on your own!

bad idea. Your family would feel obliged to come. You can invite me to a fundraiser for a charity, I'll happily pay 50$ for a simple barbecue. But not to fund your travel. Especially not when I'm also trying to save.
Also, it's unlikely to be a good investment of your time: sell tickets, organise the thing, cook etc. You will need many people to make any profit. Especially because you will probably buy more food and drink than strictly needed, just in case. Just count the number of hours you will spend on it, and the potential profit. Find something that makes more sense: e.g. I would pay you to wash my car, mow my lawn. or do odd jobs. Just ask in the entire neighbourhood. or get an evening and weekend job, Much better use of your time.