A round-the-world (RTW) trip is an exciting way to explore multiple countries and continents, but the cost can sometimes be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to get RTW flights on a budget. From taking advantage of airline alliances to booking at the right time, here are some expert tips to help you score affordable RTW flights and make your global adventure possible.
1. Leverage Airline Alliances
One of the best ways to save on RTW flights is by using airline alliances. These alliances offer special RTW tickets that allow you to visit multiple destinations on a single booking, often at a discounted price. Some of the most popular alliances for RTW travel include:
- Oneworld Alliance
- Star Alliance
- SkyTeam Alliance
These alliances allow you to book flights with multiple airlines under one ticket, saving you both time and money. For example, with Oneworld Explorer, you can visit up to 16 destinations and pay for the entire trip on one ticket, which often ends up being cheaper than booking individual flights with different airlines.
2. Use RTW Flight Search Tools
Many websites and travel agencies specialize in RTW flights, offering search tools that allow you to compare different routes and airlines. These tools take the guesswork out of booking and help you find the best deals. Some popular tools include:
- AirTreks – Known for offering custom RTW itineraries at discounted rates.
- Skyscanner – A flexible flight search engine that allows you to compare prices across different airlines and dates.
- Flight Centre – Offers RTW packages and custom itineraries based on your budget and destinations.
3. Book in Advance
Booking your RTW flights as early as possible can save you significant money. RTW tickets tend to be cheaper if booked several months ahead of your intended travel date. Airlines often offer discounted fares for tickets purchased in advance, and this is especially true for RTW flights, which typically require booking months ahead.
4. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
The timing of your trip can have a significant impact on the cost of your RTW flights. Flights are generally more expensive during peak travel seasons like summer, Christmas, and New Year’s. By traveling during off-peak seasons, such as spring or fall, you can secure cheaper tickets. Additionally, booking flights for mid-week departures can often be less expensive than flying on weekends.
5. Consider Alternative Airports
Many major cities have more than one airport. While the main international airport is often the most convenient, it can also be the most expensive. Consider flying into or out of secondary airports in large cities, which may offer lower airfare. For example, if you’re flying to New York, consider flying into Newark instead of JFK, or in London, try Gatwick instead of Heathrow.
6. Be Flexible with Your Route
Flexibility with your itinerary can make a big difference in finding cheaper RTW flights. Most RTW tickets require you to travel in one continuous direction (eastward or westward) without backtracking. If you have a bit of flexibility in terms of your route, you may be able to take advantage of less popular (and therefore less expensive) destinations or routes.
Try to avoid major backtracking, as this can increase the cost of your RTW ticket. For instance, if you’re traveling to Europe and then planning to visit Asia, it may be cheaper to fly from Europe to Southeast Asia directly rather than circling back to the US or Australia.
7. Maximize Stopovers
Some airlines and alliances offer discounted or free stopovers in major hub cities, which can add extra value to your RTW ticket. For example, airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Finnair offer stopover programs, allowing you to break up your long journey with a few days in their hub cities. By taking advantage of these stopovers, you can visit two destinations for the price of one.
8. Search for Flash Sales and Deals
Keep an eye out for flash sales, special promotions, and limited-time deals from airlines. Sign up for email alerts from your preferred airlines, and regularly check travel deal websites such as SecretFlying or The Flight Deal. Sometimes, airlines offer significant discounts on RTW tickets or major sales that make booking your dream trip more affordable.
9. Consider Booking Multiple One-Way Tickets
While RTW tickets are often a great deal, booking multiple one-way flights can sometimes be cheaper, depending on your route. Many budget airlines operate in specific regions, and combining low-cost one-way flights with traditional airlines may save you money. For example, Jetstar, AirAsia, and Ryanair often have cheap one-way flights across Asia and Europe, respectively, which can help you save on your overall trip.
10. Use Airline Miles or Points
Frequent flyers can use their airline miles or credit card points to significantly reduce the cost of RTW flights. Many airline alliances offer opportunities to redeem miles for RTW travel, often for fewer miles than it would take to book individual flights. If you have a credit card that earns travel rewards, you can use those points to help offset the cost of your RTW ticket.
You can also take advantage of frequent flyer promotions to boost your miles and get the best possible deal on your RTW trip.
11. Work with a Travel Agent Specializing in RTW Flights
While booking RTW flights online can be convenient, working with a travel agent specializing in RTW tickets can sometimes save you money. These agents have access to exclusive deals and can help you optimize your route for the best price. They can also provide advice on destinations, airlines, and travel tips, ensuring that your RTW trip runs smoothly.
12. Plan Your Flight Around Airline Hubs
Airlines often have cheaper flights to and from their hub cities. By flying through major hubs like Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), you may find that the cost of flying to and from these cities is lower. These hubs also tend to offer frequent flights, giving you more flexibility in your travel dates.
13. Check for Student and Youth Discounts
If you’re a student or a young traveler, you may qualify for special discounts on RTW tickets. Several airlines and travel agencies offer youth and student discounts that make RTW trips more affordable. Agencies like STA Travel and StudentUniverse offer discounted RTW fares for students and travelers under the age of 26.
