Traveling around the world is a dream for many students, but it can often seem out of reach due to the high cost of flights. However, there are several ways to make a round-the-world trip more affordable for students. With some research, flexibility, and the right tools, students can find budget-friendly options for international travel. Below are some tips and resources for finding affordable round-the-world flights specifically for students.
1. Student Airfare Discounts
Many airlines and travel agencies offer special deals and discounts for students. These fares are often cheaper than standard economy tickets, and they may come with additional benefits like extra baggage allowance or flexible travel dates. Some of the key providers of student discounts include:
- STA Travel: STA Travel specializes in student and youth travel, offering discounted flights, multi-stop tickets, and round-the-world options. They work with a network of airlines to create custom itineraries that fit a student budget.
- StudentUniverse: Another major provider of student flight deals, StudentUniverse offers discounted flights to destinations across the world, including round-the-world trips. The site provides access to student-exclusive deals with airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines, and Lufthansa.
- Flights for Students: This platform offers special student fares on international flights. It provides opportunities for booking multi-stop or round-the-world tickets with airlines that cater to student budgets.
2. Round-the-World (RTW) Airline Alliances
Several major airline alliances offer round-the-world tickets that can be more affordable when purchased as part of a package deal. These alliances typically allow you to travel to multiple continents at a fixed price, which can work out to be cheaper than purchasing individual one-way tickets.
- Star Alliance RTW Ticket: Star Alliance is one of the largest global airline alliances, with a network of 26 member airlines. Their RTW ticket allows you to travel to up to 15 destinations on a single ticket, with the flexibility to choose routes across different continents. There are rules that must be followed, such as traveling in one continuous direction and starting and ending in the same country, but the prices can be surprisingly affordable for students if booked in advance.
- Oneworld Explorer: Oneworld is another major airline alliance, offering an RTW ticket known as the “Oneworld Explorer.” This ticket lets travelers visit up to 16 destinations with flexibility and a wide range of airlines. The cost of the ticket depends on the distance traveled, but it offers students a great way to visit multiple countries.
- SkyTeam RTW Ticket: SkyTeam’s RTW ticket also offers a network of 19 member airlines. Like other alliances, the ticket lets you book a multi-stop journey to various global destinations with the added benefit of flexible routing. Booking through SkyTeam can often save money for students, especially if traveling long distances.
3. Budget Airlines and Alternative Routes
For students looking for even more affordable options, using budget airlines for parts of their journey can significantly reduce the cost of a round-the-world ticket. Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and AirAsia can help students cover short-haul flights between regions at lower prices. For example, flying between major cities in Europe, Asia, or North America with a budget airline can be far cheaper than booking a traditional airline.
Some routes that could be combined with round-the-world tickets from major alliances include:
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, and IndiGo are well-known for their budget-friendly routes within Asia.
- Europe: Ryanair and EasyJet offer some of the cheapest flights across European countries, which can be integrated into a global itinerary.
- North America: Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines offer affordable domestic routes, which could help students keep costs low when traveling within the United States.
4. Multi-City Flights and Stopover Programs
Many airlines offer multi-city tickets or stopover programs, which allow you to visit additional cities at little or no extra cost. For students, these options can be an excellent way to add more destinations to their round-the-world trip without significantly increasing the price of the ticket.
- Airline Stopover Programs: Airlines like Icelandair, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines have stopover programs that allow you to visit their hub cities for a few days before continuing your journey. For instance, with Icelandair, you can stopover in Reykjavik on your way to Europe or North America without paying extra for the flight.
- Multi-City Booking: When booking flights, use a multi-city booking tool to explore flights that include more than one destination. This can save you money by combining the cost of multiple one-way tickets into a single round-the-world itinerary.
5. Travel Deals and Flash Sales
Airlines and travel agencies regularly run promotions or flash sales on round-the-world flights, especially during off-peak seasons. Students can take advantage of these deals by subscribing to newsletters and alerts from flight comparison websites, airlines, and student travel agencies. Some of the best ways to find these deals include:
- Flight Comparison Websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to compare multiple airline options and find the best deals for multi-stop or RTW flights.
- Set Price Alerts: By setting up price alerts on flight comparison websites, students can track when prices drop for specific routes or destinations.
- Student Travel Forums and Social Media: Join student travel groups on Facebook, Reddit, or other platforms where students share flight deals and budget travel tips.
6. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Flying during off-peak times can save you a lot of money. Peak travel seasons typically include summer, the holidays (December-January), and spring break. If your schedule allows for more flexibility, try planning your world tour during the shoulder seasons or off-peak months. This will not only help you secure cheaper flights but also ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.
- Best Times to Travel: Traveling in the fall or spring (excluding major holidays) is often the cheapest time to fly internationally. Try to avoid traveling during the summer or around major holidays when flights tend to be at their highest prices.
7. Book in Advance or Last-Minute
Booking your round-the-world flights in advance can often result in significant savings, especially if you book several months before departure. However, some students find that last-minute deals also offer great prices. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and willing to take risks, you might be able to score discounted tickets closer to your departure.
- Book Early: Booking early, especially for RTW tickets with airline alliances, can help secure lower prices and ensure you get the best routes.
- Last-Minute Deals: Some airlines offer last-minute deals or mistakes fares where you can book cheaper tickets if you’re flexible about your travel plans.
8. Use Airline Miles or Points
If you are part of a frequent flyer program or have accumulated miles from previous travel, using them to book your round-the-world trip can save you a considerable amount of money. Many students join airline loyalty programs and credit card reward schemes, which offer the ability to redeem points for flights or upgrades. Some credit cards offer bonus miles upon sign-up, which can be used toward booking flights.
- Frequent Flyer Programs: Many major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and British Airways offer miles programs that can be used for discounted RTW tickets.
- Credit Card Miles: Consider using travel-specific credit cards that offer points for purchases, which can be redeemed for free or discounted flights.
9. Flexible Travel Dates and Routes
When booking your round-the-world ticket, being flexible with your travel dates and routes can lead to significant savings. Flights with multiple stops or less popular destinations may cost less than direct routes or high-demand cities. Additionally, flying mid-week or at off-peak times can help reduce your overall flight costs.
- Flexible Dates: Use flexible date options on flight comparison websites to explore cheaper flight alternatives.
- Offbeat Destinations: Consider visiting less popular cities as part of your world tour to save money on flights.
10. Consult a Travel Agent
Although online booking tools are widely available, working with a travel agent specializing in student travel or RTW flights can help you find the best deals. These professionals often have access to deals that are not available online and can tailor a flight itinerary to suit your travel preferences and budget.
- Student Travel Agencies: Agencies like STA Travel, Travel Nation, and Round the World Flights offer expertise and customized options for students looking to book multi-stop or RTW tickets.
With careful planning, flexibility, and the right tools, students can find affordable round-the-world flights that make global travel possible on a budget.