A round-the-world (RTW) trip is a dream for many travelers, but the cost of booking such a journey can feel overwhelming. With careful planning and the right strategies, you can make this global adventure more affordable without sacrificing the experiences you’ve always wanted. Here are some budget travel tips for booking and managing your RTW flights.
1. Plan Ahead and Be Flexible with Dates
Booking your RTW flights well in advance is one of the most effective ways to save money. Airlines often offer discounted fares for flights purchased months before departure, so try to finalize your itinerary 6-12 months in advance.
- Be Flexible: Prices can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. Flying during off-peak seasons or mid-week can often result in cheaper fares. Use fare comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to see a range of prices on different dates.
2. Use RTW Airline Alliances
One of the most cost-effective ways to book an RTW trip is by taking advantage of airline alliances. Major alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam offer RTW tickets that allow you to fly with multiple partner airlines for a set price, often based on the number of stops or continents traveled.
- Star Alliance RTW: This alliance offers various RTW options that span over 1,300 destinations across more than 190 countries. You can customize your trip to include multiple stops on different continents at a fixed price.
- Oneworld RTW: Oneworld’s RTW tickets offer a flexible travel policy and access to over 1,000 destinations. Their route map includes many major international hubs.
- SkyTeam RTW: SkyTeam offers some of the most affordable RTW tickets with options to visit more than 1,000 destinations. They have flexible booking options for different regions and stopover choices.
3. Start from a Major Hub
Flights from major international hubs tend to be cheaper than those from smaller airports. Consider starting or ending your RTW journey in a city known for low-cost international flights, such as New York, London, Los Angeles, or Bangkok.
- Low-Cost Hubs: Some cities serve as hubs for budget airlines, making them ideal for starting your RTW trip. For example, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are home to budget airlines like AirAsia and Scoot, which often offer cheap regional flights.
4. Book Flights in the Right Order
When booking an RTW ticket, the route order can affect the price. RTW tickets typically require you to travel in one continuous direction (eastward or westward) without backtracking. To maximize savings, plan your route to avoid backtracking, as doing so can lead to higher costs.
- Start with Major Long-Haul Flights: Begin with your longest flights, as these tend to cost more. Once these are booked, smaller regional flights are usually cheaper and can be added to your itinerary without significantly increasing the overall price.
5. Be Smart About Stopovers
Stopovers offer a great opportunity to explore a new destination without additional flight costs. Many RTW tickets allow for free or low-cost stopovers in cities along the way, which can add value to your trip.
- Check Airline Policies: Different alliances and airlines have varying stopover policies. For example, Finnair offers free stopovers in Helsinki, and Icelandair offers a stopover in Reykjavik. Research which airlines and routes allow for cheap or free stopovers to enhance your travel experience.
6. Consider Budget Airlines for Regional Flights
While RTW tickets are excellent for long-haul international flights, budget airlines often offer cheaper regional flights once you arrive at your destination. After booking your RTW flights, check for budget airline options to travel between cities within the same region.
- Popular Budget Airlines: Some budget airlines you can consider for regional flights include Ryanair, EasyJet, Jetstar, AirAsia, and Southwest Airlines. Booking in advance can help you secure the best deals with these airlines.
7. Monitor Deals and Flash Sales
Airlines and travel websites often have flash sales or promotions that offer deep discounts on RTW flights. To catch these deals, sign up for email alerts and monitor discount sites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, or Airfarewatchdog.
- Use Social Media: Follow airlines and travel deal accounts on social media to get notified about sales and special offers. Many airlines also promote last-minute RTW deals through their social media platforms.
8. Be Strategic About Your Baggage
When booking flights for an RTW trip, pay attention to baggage fees. While it may seem small, extra baggage charges can add up quickly over the course of an extended trip.
- Pack Light: Consider traveling with carry-on luggage only, especially if you’re flying on budget airlines, which often charge hefty fees for checked baggage. Packing light also makes your journey more convenient and flexible.
- Check Airline Policies: Some RTW ticket programs offer additional baggage allowances. Always check the baggage policies of the airlines involved to avoid unexpected fees.
9. Look for Multi-City Deals
If you’re not booking an RTW ticket through an alliance, consider using multi-city flight options available on flight search engines like Google Flights or Kayak. These tools allow you to search for flights to multiple destinations at once, helping you to optimize your route and save money on individual tickets.
- Combine Flights with Accommodation Deals: Many travel websites like Expedia and Skyscanner also offer multi-destination packages that combine flights with hotel stays. Bundling your travel can sometimes lead to greater savings.
10. Book Through Travel Agents or RTW Specialists
While online tools are great for booking flights, sometimes working with a travel agent who specializes in RTW tickets can help you navigate complex itineraries and find hidden discounts. Some RTW experts have access to exclusive deals or can offer advice on the most cost-effective routes.
- RTW Booking Experts: Companies like Air Treks and Round the World Flights specialize in planning and booking RTW trips. They can help tailor your itinerary to your needs, potentially saving you time and money in the long run.
11. Use Miles and Points
Frequent flyer programs can be an excellent way to reduce the cost of your RTW trip. If you’ve been collecting miles, you can often redeem them for part or all of your RTW flights.
- Check Award Availability: Many airline alliances allow you to use miles for RTW flights. Look for award availability well in advance to avoid missing out on the best deals. You may need to pay taxes and fees, but this can still save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
12. Travel Insurance for RTW Trips
Travel insurance is essential when undertaking an RTW trip, as it can help protect you from unexpected changes in plans, cancellations, or medical emergencies. While it’s an additional cost, investing in comprehensive travel insurance can prevent significant financial loss.
- Compare Policies: Use comparison websites like World Nomads or InsureMyTrip to find affordable travel insurance options that cover long-term, international travel.
By following these budget tips and strategies, you can take the first step toward an unforgettable round-the-world adventure without breaking the bank. Planning ahead, using airline alliances, considering stopovers, and monitoring sales will give you the flexibility and affordability needed to make your dream trip a reality.
