Have you ever dreamed of going on the trip of a lifetime, around the world? Just think about traveling to all the different continents, where you get to take part in the diverse culture around the globe and collect last long memories. But here’s the thing, there are so many choices which can get a little bit confusing.
We have you covered! We’ll cover everything from understanding the basics of round the world tickets and how to pick the right journey for your travel style. So buckle up and prepare to learn how to make your travel dreams come true, whether you’re a millionaire or have a little to spend.
Understanding Round the World Tickets
What are Round the World Tickets?
Round the world (RTW) tickets are a unique type of ticket that enables you to go around the globe on a single itinerary. These tickets generally come with several layovers on different continents, allowing you to visit some places during one long-term trip. Most round the world tickets are good for up to one year which is great for long-term travellers.
Benefits of round the world tickets travel
One of the biggest advantages of round the world travel is that it gives you an unmatched chance to immerse yourself in different cultures and experiences. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit more countries and continents, frequently for a more affordable price than if you were to purchase separate flights.
Round the world tickets also allow flexibility, alter dates and sometimes even destinations, as you travel. This type of travel can be a life-changing experience, opening up your horizons and making indelible memories.
Key considerations before purchasing
While buying a round the world ticket, it is important to think about your travel needs and budget before buying the exact ticket. Decide how many stops you wish to take and what regions you want to visit. Be aware of mileage limits and routing rules, because these can inhibit your journey options.
Think about the direction of travel, since most round the world tickets require you to travel in one continuous direction (either east or west). Lastly, consider the length of your trip and make sure that the validity period of the ticket matches your travel schedule.
Oneworld
Exploring the World
Oneworld is one of the world’s leading airline alliances. Oneworld has 13 member airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways and Qantas and serves a vast network of more than 1,000 destinations in 170 countries. To see various cultures and landscapes on one ticket, the extensive network makes it solid for your round the world (RTW) adventure.
Why This is the Best Choice
There are many reasons to select Oneworld for your journey:
- Flexibility: You can build your own route.
- Wide network: Offers many destinations and routes.
- Seamless Connections Transfer Advice: Easy connections between member carriers.
- Earn and redeem miles: Earn and redeem frequent-flyer miles on all member airlines.
- Alliance-wide recognition: Availability of elite status across all Oneworld carriers.
Tickets and Prices
Oneworld offers two primary types of round the world tickets that meet a variety of needs and budgets.
Oneworld Explorer: Ticket price is determined based on the number of continents visited (between 3 and 6) as opposed to mileage. The prices start from:
- 3 continents: Around $3,999 in Economy
- 4 continents: Approximately $5,399 in Economy
- 5 continents: About $6,299 in Economy
- 6 continents: Roughly $7,299 in Economy
Global Explorer: This ticket is mileage-based and has 3 tiers available:
- 26,000 miles: Starting at $3,299 in Economy
- 29,000 miles: From $3,899 in Economy
- 39,000 miles: Beginning at $4,999 in Economy
Prices for all Business and First Class tickets are generally 2-3 times higher than for Economy rate. Bear in mind these are basic prices, which might differ based on your itinerary, seasonality and available promotions.
Perks and Amenities
There are a variety of benefits to choosing for your Oneworld round the world ticket, including:
- Access to over 650 airport lounges around the world (where eligible)
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Higher baggage allowance
- 24/7 support
- Ability to change travel dates on most flights for a small fee
- Option to include surface sectors in your itinerary
Booking options
There are a number of ways to book your ticket:
- Online: you can use the Oneworld RTW booking tool on their website to plan and purchase your ticket.
- Travel agent: If you are looking for personalized advice and help with booking your round the world trip, talk to a specialist travel agent.
- Airline offices: Contact directly at any Oneworld member airline office.
- Phone: Call Oneworld’s dedicated round the world booking hotline to speak with an expert.
When using Oneworld to plan your round the world trip, think about how long you want to travel, where you want to go and your budget. Whether a trip is short and sweet or long and complex. The alliance’s wide-reaching network and flexible options mean you can craft an itinerary that hits all the right notes where you want to travel most.
Star Alliance
Exploring the World
Star Alliance is the world’s largest airline alliance, providing a comprehensive and large number of routes around the world. Their member airlines are currently 26, covering more than 1,300 destinations in 195 countries. With this extensive network, you can easily reach out from busy metropolises to remote islands.
Why This is the Best Choice
There are several reasons to pick Star Alliance for your round the world (RTW) trip:
- Flexibility: The tickets can be tailored to your needs.
- Extensive network: A broad choice of destinations and airlines.
- Mileage accrual: Earn and redeem miles on all member airlines.
- Seamless connections: Experience easier transfers between flights.
- Alliance-wide recognition: Your frequent-flyer status is honoured across all member airlines.
These benefits ensure that Star Alliance is a good choice for seasoned travellers and first-time globetrotters alike.
Tickets and Prices
Star Alliance offers two primary types of round the world tickets.
- Star Alliance Round the World Fare: This fare allows you to travel up to 39,000 miles through a maximum of 16 flight segments. Economy class prices from about $3,000 and up, but will vary wildly depending on your specifics in route, class and seasonality.
- Circle Pacific Fare: This option gives you the chance to focus on locations around the Pacific Rim. It’s perfect if you’re thinking of travelling to Asia, Oceania and the Americas. The cost of this ticket generally begins at $4,000 for the economy class.
Each of these tickets comes in Economy, Business and First Class variants, with the prices rising as you travel in class. Round the world Business Class tickets might cost you upwards of $10,000 and First Class could cost you well over $15,000.
Perks and Amenities
With a Star Alliance round the world tickets, you can take advantage of a number of benefits:
- Stopover: Depending on your ticket type, you may be entitled to multiple stopovers to explore multiple cities in depth.
- Change of date: Most ticket types can be changed to a different date at no charge or a minimal fee.
- Baggage: Generous baggage allowance on all member airlines.
- Lounge access: Passengers in Business and First Class receive access to lounges around the world.
- Priority check-in and boarding: Enjoy skipping the queues at airports.
Booking options
There are a few ways to book your Star Alliance RTW ticket:
- Online booking tool: Use the Star Alliance website online booking tool to plan and book your journey.
- Travel agents: Expert agents can work with you to align your itinerary and find the best deals.
- Airline offices: You can book directly through any Star Alliance member airline.
- Phone booking: Booking over the phone with Star Alliance service centre agents.
When preparing your round the world adventure, keep travel time, seasonal events and visa rules in mind. Star Alliance’s ticket policy allows you to build an itinerary that suits your travel aims, whether that’s adventure, culture or just being able to see the planet.
The best part is that with an extensive network, flexible booking options and a great range of perks, Star Alliance is an ideal basis for your around the world adventure.
SkyTeam
Exploring the World
SkyTeam is one of the world’s largest airline alliances, providing you with an unmatched global network of destinations. SkyTeam has 19 member airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, and serves over 1,000 destinations across more than 170 countries.
With such extensive coverage, it also proves an excellent choice as your round the world (RTW) trip, enabling you to experience various cultures and geography on all continents.
Why This is the Best Choice
For flexibility and convenience, a SkyTeam round the world tickets is the right choice to pick. You will enjoy:
- Seamless connections through their member airlines.
- Ability to earn and redeem miles on any of SkyTeam’s carriers.
- Access to over 750 airport lounges across the globe.
- Priority check-in and boarding on every flight.
- Extensive baggage allowances that meet the needs of the long-term traveler.
SkyTeam’s Go Round the World pass is perfect for spontaneous traveler or meticulous planners to start building their own custom around the world itinerary.
Tickets and Prices
SkyTeam has several options for round the world tickets to cover a wide range of travel styles and budgets:
- Economy Class: starting at about $3,000 for a basic 3-continent itinerary
- Premium Economy: available on some routes, practical 20-30% more than Economy
- Business Class: starting from roughly $7,000 for a 3-continent trip
- First Class: available on select routes only, starts at about $15,000
Price will, of course, depend on your exact itinerary, travel dates and special promotions. SkyTeam’s RTW promotion is sold for 1 year from the date of purchase and offers you 3-15 stops, based on your ticket type.
Perks and Amenities
Booking a SkyTeam RTW ticket provides you with several benefits worth experiencing:
- Reschedule dates and routes based on availability and fare rules.
- One free date change on each flight segment.
- Option to fly into one city and out of another within the same country.
- SkyPriority services are available at airports, including priority check-in and security.
- 24/7 customer service while on the road.
Business and First Class customers are provided with additional extras such as lie-flat seats, gourmet dining and even access to premium lounges, providing a truly luxurious experience while traveling around the planet.
Booking Options
There are a few different routes you can purchase your SkyTeam round the world ticket:
- Online: Go to the SkyTeam website and play with their RTW planner tool
- Travel agents: Online RTW travel agencies can help you personalize your trip
- SkyTeam member airline offices: You contact one of the participating airlines directly
- Phone: SkyTeam also maintains a special RTW booking line
Specialized travel agencies
Exploring the World
When organizing your round the world trip, specialized travel agencies can become your best friends. These companies have years of experience creating complex global itineraries and often offer deals you won’t find anywhere else. They usually include a wide variety of destinations around the world, from all six continents to a range of travel styles.
The most reputable specialized travel agencies for round the world tickets include:
These agencies are proud of their specializations and they can custom you the right world-spanning itineraries to distant corners of the Earth. Whether you’ve got visions of trekking to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, diving in the Great Barrier Reef or navigating the electric streets of Tokyo, these agencies can make it happen.
Why This is the Best Choice
Using a specialist travel agency for your round the world ticket will come with access to many benefits.
- Expertise: These agencies have experience and extensive knowledge of routes and travel rules worldwide.
- Customization: You can plan your trip around your interests and timeframe.
- Support: Many offer 24/7 assistance throughout your journey, providing peace of mind.
- Special deals: They frequently have access to discounts and benefits off-limits to the general public.
Tickets and Prices
The price of round the world tickets can vary greatly depending on your itinerary, class of travel and number of stops when purchasing through those specialized agencies. A rough outline is this:
- Budget RTW tickets: Starting from around $2,500 – $3,500
- Mid-range RTW tickets: $3,500 – $6,000
- Luxury RTW experiences: $6,000 and above
As an example, AirTreks sells you straight a 3-continent RTW ticket for $2,700, but a more complete 6-continent trip is from $5,000 and more. World Travellers’ Club offers tailor-made round the world tickets, with prices starting at about $3,000 for a basic route and can go up over $10,000 for a multi-hop journey.
Perks and Amenities
When you book through a specialized agency, you often enjoy perks that enhance your travel experience.
- Flexible date changes.
- Mix and match airlines for optimal routes.
- Access to exclusive airport lounges.
- Free stopovers in certain cities.
- Complimentary travel insurance.
- Loyalty points accumulation across multiple airlines.
Booking Options
You have several ways to book your round the world tickets through these agencies:
- Online: Many agencies offer user-friendly platforms where you can plan and book your entire trip.
- Phone consultation: Discuss with a travel expert your ideal itinerary.
- In-person: A few agencies have physical offices, so you can meet with an agent face to face.
- Email: Send your itinerary information on what you would like and you will get a proposed custom itinerary.
Different Travel Styles
Solo traveller options
As a solo traveler, you can customize your round the world ticket based on your passions and personal interests. The majority of the companies offer flexible options that let you plan your route and travel dates with relative ease. Tickets that include a combination of popular cities and off-the-beaten-path locations allow you to explore at your own pace.
Choose a round the world tickets with longer stopovers, so you can immerse yourself in local culture and save a little on accommodation costs with longer stops. Choose providers that allow easy date changes, as this can be invaluable when you realize you want to linger in one irresistible destination for a bit longer.
Family-friendly packages
With the family round the world tickets, be sure to look for tickets that give great adventure opportunities but also comfort. Search for packages that offer accommodations and activities that are enjoyable for all ages. As a high demand, many round the world ticket providers now offer specialized family packages at a reduced rate for children and itineraries that include educational experiences.
Consider selecting routes with shorter flying times between each destination to reduce travel fatigue for your younger family members. Look for tickets that also come with generous baggage allowances to adapt the extra gear often necessary for family travel.
Adventure-focused itineraries
If you’re the adventurous type, there are also adventure-themed tickets that will unlock global thrill-seeking experiences. Search in itineraries that offer destinations worth visiting for outdoor activities like extreme sports, rare wonders of nature, etc. The round the world ticket providers have partnerships with local adventure tour operators, so you can quickly add thrilling excursions to your trip.
Look at tickets that allow for long stops in adventure destinations like New Zealand, Costa Rica or Nepal. This kind of experience immerses you in the local adventure scene and could save you an extra transportation fee.
Luxury and relaxation-oriented trips
For a more luxurious round the world experience, luxury-focused tickets provide premium service and top-notch perks. Seek out packages that develop a business- or first-class flight experience, airport lounge access and transfers to first-class accommodation.
Plenty of luxury round the world tickets also come with a tailored concierge service that’ll assist you in arranging custom experiences at each destination. Look for itineraries that include world-famous spa destinations, exclusive resorts and gourmet culinary experiences.
These round the world ticket trips with a luxury focus often strike the ideal balance between exploring the world and taking a break, with you returning from your travels recharged and revitalized.
Conclusion
Round the world tickets are a phenomenal way to see multiple destinations in one go. When creating your itineraries around the world, you will need to start thinking about the length of time between your destinations. As well as where you will be going and how comfortable you want to be while you are doing it.
By comparing the ticket providers and how the options stack up, you can make an informed choice that balances your travel needs and your budget. Get dreaming big and buckle up for the adventure of your life with the right round-the-world ticket for you!
