Touring - World Touring w/ BoB Trailer or Panniers?

My dream is to do a big mile, multi-continent world tour. Just wondering about the hassles of "off bike" transporting a fully loaded BoB trailer as opposed to 4 panniers + (small backpack, handlebar bag) by plane, train, ferry boat, bus, hostels, FedEx, etc. I would plan to avoid using trains and buses but air travel is definitely neccessary.

I've already read most of the posted comments about this, (and the advantages of using a BoB) but was wondering if anyone had add't comments and recent experiences? Regardless of my cargo decision... I'm leaning toward using a "mt/touring" bike i.e. (http://www.r-m.de/english/1_katalog/delite/model/black.html) with a BoB Ibex, but have read so far full BoBs can be difficult to transport via planes, trains, & automobiles... ha!

ALSO: Are trailers illegal to use in some countries? Where?

FYI: In the past, I've only used a loaded rear rack w/ 2 pannier setup, so switching to a BoB would be a transition, anyhoo. And by going with a mt/touring bike (like the Delite), I would also have a bombproof bike w/ rear rack for more gear or if a BoB becomes too problematic for me. Basically, I would have the option of using full panniers, a BoB, or a combo.

a bob is great for carrying your extra gear on long trips, or doing without panniers
if desired. can also carry 4-5 gallons of water for those desert crossings. i took one
from the states to new zealand and australia. no problems with the airlines, as they
allow you 2 pieces of checked baggage. i had no problems finding a box for the bob.
disadvantage is you're dragging two large boxes thru the airport. for taxis, your bike
will fit in the trunk, the bob in the seat next to you. avoided the hassle by selling
bob and panniers before the return.

on return trip from alice springs to darwin on greyhound, they let me stow both the
bike and bob under the bus with no disassembly or boxing. on greyhound in the
states, they must be boxed - plus your additional fees are nearly equal to the ticket
price.

in germany (pre-bob days) i had to remove panniers from the bike when loading into
the baggage car. could be awkward dragging your yaksak and panniers and hbar
bag to your compartment. some subways and commuter trains have specific bike
zones. no problem with panniers, but not advisable with a bob.

how many flights do you intend to take? how many times must your equipment be
broken down and boxed?

outside of cities, i almost never unclipped the bob. it's more work to make extra
trips moving your gear into hostels or hotels. also more time consuming when you
have to cross fences, streams, etc.

xtracycle freeradical

Sores, did u pack the full BoB yellow bag in w/ trailer in that 2nd checked box? And what about additional gear? Did you pack it with your bike or carry it onboard? Some recent posts recommend using these new "bike bags" instead of cardboard boxing up the bike.

Number of flights? My guess would be at least 5-6. USA to UK, Australia, NZ, Africa, So.America. I'm not really sure yet. This trip is a long way off and freakin' huge! The flights add much to the costs. As for European countries, I don't plan on using any trains. Those countries are fairly small and the whole point is to see them by bike. Other places like Siberia and Australia... trains might be used.

2nd checked box: bob w/wheel and fender removed. front fork assy turned inwards.
rails of bob filled w/"stuff" inside the yaksak to fit. other stuff including panniers
packed around the bike. carried only the hbar bag as carry-on, everything else was
checked in the two boxes.

intl carriers do not charge for bicycles, nor do domestic flights if connecting overseas.
have you looked into an around-the-world ticket? i think they are valid for one year;
as many flights as you want, as long as you keep going in the same general direction.

i would not use a plastic bag. no padding whatsoever. remember the old samsonite
commercials? gorillas loading suitcases? well, it's true. and i doubt the airline would
pay for damage to a bagged bicycle. i feel safer with a box, and have never had
problems finding one. can always locate a bike shop in a city with an intl airport.
and the bags are not really new; they had 'em when i took my first flight w/bike
back in '81.

you're right about not needing or wanting to train in europe. no trains needed in oz
either. cross north or south, you've only got one paved road to follow. only 3000
miles.