Planning a round-the-world (RTW) trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. The key to making it affordable and hassle-free is selecting the right travel companies that specialize in RTW deals. These companies offer tailored itineraries, flexible tickets, and affordable pricing, ensuring you can see multiple destinations without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best global travel companies for round-the-world deals:
1. STA Travel
STA Travel has long been a go-to for students, young travelers, and budget-conscious explorers seeking RTW tickets. They offer tailored flight packages, hotel bookings, and activity options, making it easier to plan your trip.
- RTW Options: STA Travel offers multiple RTW itineraries with flexible dates and destinations. You can mix and match destinations from their extensive network of over 150 countries.
- Benefits: Special student and youth discounts, customized itineraries, and the ability to book through a travel agent who can assist with planning.
- Price Range: Varies based on your chosen destinations, dates, and preferences. Typically, their RTW tickets start from around $2,500.
2. AirTreks
AirTreks is one of the most renowned companies for booking round-the-world trips. With over 30 years of experience, they specialize in complex international flights, offering a high level of flexibility in routes, dates, and the number of stops.
- RTW Options: AirTreks offers customized RTW itineraries and lets you mix and match destinations. They can help you navigate alliances and fare rules to get the best price.
- Benefits: Flexible, customizable itineraries, the option to add or remove destinations, and the ability to change dates for a minimal fee. They also offer expert advice and a personalized booking service.
- Price Range: RTW tickets usually range from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the number of stops and destinations.
3. One World Explorer
One World Explorer is a popular RTW ticket offered by the Oneworld Alliance, one of the largest global airline alliances. This option allows you to travel with multiple top airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas.
- RTW Options: The Oneworld Explorer allows you to book a set number of stops in regions such as Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
- Benefits: One of the major advantages of Oneworld Explorer is its simplicity. You can fly between many destinations across continents while paying a fixed price based on the number of continents visited.
- Price Range: Prices start at approximately $3,000 for basic itineraries with fewer stops and increase with additional destinations and flexibility.
4. Star Alliance Round the World
Star Alliance is another global airline network offering RTW tickets. With 26 member airlines (including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways), Star Alliance offers extensive route options for RTW travel.
- RTW Options: The Star Alliance RTW ticket is based on a mileage system, where you pay according to the total miles flown. You can visit up to 15 destinations across the world, with flexibility in your route.
- Benefits: A wide range of airline choices, flexibility to adjust dates and destinations, and the ability to explore multiple continents on one ticket.
- Price Range: RTW tickets typically start at around $2,500 for 3-4 continents, with prices increasing as you add more destinations or travel longer distances.
5. SkyTeam Go Round the World
SkyTeam, another major global airline alliance, offers a competitive RTW program called Go Round the World. It’s ideal for travelers looking to visit multiple continents and benefit from a wide range of airlines.
- RTW Options: SkyTeam offers a flexible RTW ticket allowing you to fly with airlines like Delta, Air France, and KLM. You can choose a variety of destinations within specific regions (such as Europe, Asia, and the Americas).
- Benefits: Like other airline alliances, SkyTeam allows you to book a fixed number of stops for a set price, and their network is extensive, making it easier to explore remote destinations.
- Price Range: Starts at around $3,000 for a basic itinerary, with costs rising depending on the number of stops and length of the trip.
6. Flight Centre
Flight Centre is a large global travel agency that offers personalized RTW flight packages. They provide customers with detailed itineraries and expert advice, often bundling flights, accommodation, and activities for a comprehensive travel experience.
- RTW Options: Flight Centre works with many airline partners to create RTW itineraries, including those offered by airline alliances like Oneworld and Star Alliance.
- Benefits: Access to a range of RTW tickets from different airlines, expert agents to help plan your trip, and the option to book other travel services such as tours and accommodations.
- Price Range: RTW flights typically range from $2,500 to $7,000, depending on the number of stops and travel class.
7. Expedia
Expedia is a popular online travel agency that also offers RTW flight packages, making it easier for travelers to search, compare, and book flights. While they don’t specialize exclusively in RTW trips, their global reach allows for easy search across multiple airlines and routes.
- RTW Options: Expedia offers options to book RTW tickets on its website, often at discounted rates due to partnerships with multiple airlines. While they don’t offer as much customization as specialist agencies, they provide flexibility in booking different routes and airlines.
- Benefits: User-friendly interface, flexibility in changing dates or destinations, and discounts when booking flights in bulk.
- Price Range: RTW deals start from around $2,000, depending on your route and airlines.
8. Round the World Flights (RTWFlights.com)
Specializing in customized round-the-world trips, RTWFlights.com helps travelers create unique itineraries. The website offers direct access to booking services for RTW flights and provides advice on maximizing your itinerary and budget.
- RTW Options: RTWFlights.com offers personalized itineraries and can help you find the best deals through multiple airlines and alliances.
- Benefits: They specialize in RTW travel, offering expert support and the ability to adjust flights and destinations as needed. Their service includes flexible tickets, making it easier to change your travel plans.
- Price Range: RTW ticket prices typically start at around $2,500.
9. FlightHub
FlightHub is another travel agency offering budget-friendly RTW flights. They work with multiple airlines to help you find the best deals for long-distance travel.
- RTW Options: FlightHub provides the ability to book flights on major global routes. They offer different classes of service, and you can opt for both economy and premium class RTW packages.
- Benefits: Affordable deals, flexible cancellation policies, and the option to bundle with hotel bookings.
- Price Range: RTW tickets can range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the route and airline.
10. Travel Nation
Travel Nation offers custom RTW itineraries and specializes in helping travelers book multiple destinations. They offer both scheduled RTW flights and tailor-made trips that align with your travel goals.
- RTW Options: Travel Nation offers customized routes, often combining multiple airlines and flexible tickets to create the best deal for your journey.
- Benefits: Personalized service, flexible tickets, and the ability to include extra destinations with fewer restrictions.
- Price Range: RTW flights usually start from $2,500, with prices varying based on the itinerary.
