Traveling to multiple countries in a single journey sounds like a dream come true, but it can also be an efficient and cost-effective way to explore several destinations. A multi-country trip typically requires thoughtful planning, and one of the easiest ways to do it is by booking a single ticket that covers all your travel legs. Here’s how you can make it happen.
1. Book a Round-the-World (RTW) Ticket
A Round-the-World (RTW) ticket is one of the most popular options for visiting multiple countries with a single ticket. RTW tickets are offered by major airline alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam. These tickets allow you to travel to several destinations in one journey, all on a single itinerary.
- How it Works: RTW tickets are structured around a set number of continents or specific cities, depending on the airline alliance. You can stop in multiple countries and cities within the allowed route. Typically, these tickets allow you to travel in one continuous direction (east or west), and most include a minimum and maximum number of stops.
- Benefits: RTW tickets are often cheaper than buying individual tickets for each leg of your journey. You also get the benefit of flexible booking options and easier changes to your itinerary.
Example: You could start in New York, fly to Tokyo, then to Bangkok, Paris, and end in Sydney—all with one RTW ticket.
2. Use Multi-City Booking Options
Many airlines and travel agencies offer multi-city flights that allow you to book flights to multiple countries at a discounted rate. This option is often available directly on airline websites or through online travel agencies like Expedia, Skyscanner, and Google Flights.
- How it Works: You select “multi-city” or “multiple destinations” when booking a flight, entering each city you plan to visit. The airline will then give you the total cost for the entire journey, which might be cheaper than booking each flight separately.
- Benefits: Multi-city bookings are often customizable to your desired destinations and dates, and they give you the flexibility to visit several countries without needing to book separate flights for each leg.
Example: A multi-city flight could take you from New York to London, then to Barcelona, and finally to Rome—all under one booking.
3. Fly with Budget Airlines for Multiple Destinations
Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and AirAsia operate within regions such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and the U.S., allowing you to hop between countries at very low costs. While budget airlines typically don’t offer global reach like traditional carriers, they are excellent for short flights between nearby countries.
- How it Works: Use a hub city where several budget carriers operate. From there, you can book low-cost flights to nearby countries or cities. Some budget airlines also offer multi-destination deals or passes that let you explore multiple cities or countries in a single journey.
- Benefits: Low-cost flights are often much cheaper than flying on traditional airlines, and you can still explore multiple countries by using local carriers. Many budget airlines also offer flexible booking options.
Example: Fly from Paris to Brussels, then from Brussels to Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam to Berlin—all with budget carriers.
4. Consider a Travel Pass
Some regions or countries offer travel passes that allow you to travel between multiple destinations with a single purchase. These passes are typically aimed at tourists and can be used for buses, trains, or domestic flights.
- How it Works: A train travel pass like the Eurail Pass in Europe or the Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel within a specific time frame across multiple countries or cities. Similarly, some airline alliances or regional flight passes allow you to fly between cities at a set rate within a particular region.
- Benefits: Travel passes offer flexibility and the ability to explore many cities within a region at a fixed cost. They’re often ideal for slow travel, road trips, or exploring a country by train.
Example: With a Eurail Pass, you can travel from London to Paris, then to Amsterdam, and continue to Berlin—all with one ticket.
5. Take Advantage of Stopover Programs
Many airlines offer stopover programs, which allow you to visit an additional city on your way to your final destination. Airlines like Icelandair, Qatar Airways, and Emirates have stopover offers, where you can explore one city for free or at a low cost before continuing to your main destination.
- How it Works: When booking a flight, you can choose to include a stopover in a city where the airline has a layover. These stopovers can range from a few hours to several days, depending on your preference and the airline’s policy.
- Benefits: Stopovers give you the opportunity to explore an extra city or country without the added cost of booking a separate flight. These programs are typically offered in major cities like Reykjavik, Doha, or Dubai.
Example: Fly from New York to Dubai, and choose a stopover in Reykjavik for a few days before continuing your journey to Dubai.
6. Combine International and Domestic Flights
In some cases, you can use a combination of international and domestic flights to reach multiple countries. If you’re traveling across continents, you can book long-haul international flights first and then use domestic carriers for short trips within the destination region.
- How it Works: For example, you can fly from New York to Tokyo, then use a domestic flight to reach other countries or cities in Asia. You can apply this strategy when exploring a region such as Southeast Asia, where domestic flights between countries are often inexpensive.
- Benefits: Combining international flights with affordable domestic tickets can help you explore multiple countries without the need to book separate international flights.
Example: Start in New York, fly to Tokyo, then use a local budget airline to visit South Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong—all with a combination of international and regional flights.
7. Look for Airline Deals and Special Offers
Sometimes, airlines offer special multi-destination deals or flash sales for international routes that allow you to travel to multiple countries at a discounted price. These deals may not always be advertised widely, so staying alert to promotions and sales is key.
- How it Works: Airlines occasionally offer promotional fares that include multiple destinations for one low price. These offers are typically time-limited and may have specific terms, such as travel dates, the number of stops, or route restrictions.
- Benefits: Airline deals and special offers can save you a significant amount of money when traveling to multiple countries. These are often good for budget-conscious travelers who are flexible with dates and destinations.
Example: An airline might offer a special deal where you can fly from the U.S. to Europe, then travel to several major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid—all with one booking.
