A round-the-world (RTW) vacation is an incredible way to explore multiple destinations across the globe, and with the right travel deals, it doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and strategic booking, you can take advantage of discounts, offers, and packages designed for adventurous travelers. Here are some key travel deals and tips that will help you plan your RTW vacation and save money along the way.
1. Round-the-World Flight Deals
The most expensive part of an RTW trip is usually the airfare, but with RTW tickets offered by major airline alliances, you can fly to multiple countries at a fixed price. These tickets are designed for travelers who want to visit several destinations in a single journey.
- Airline Alliances Offering RTW Deals:
- OneWorld Explorer: This program allows you to customize your RTW journey with multiple stops at a fixed price, based on the total miles you plan to travel. OneWorld members include American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
- Star Alliance RTW: Star Alliance offers flexible RTW tickets for travelers who want to visit up to 15 destinations worldwide. It includes airlines like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and United.
- SkyTeam Go Round the World: SkyTeam’s RTW fares let you travel across multiple continents and book up to 15 destinations with their participating airlines such as Delta, Air France, and Korean Air.
- How to Find RTW Deals:
- Flight Search Engines: Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to search for RTW flights and compare prices across various airline alliances.
- Airline Websites: Check the websites of the major airline alliances for exclusive offers and promotions related to RTW tickets.
- Tips for Booking RTW Flights:
- Book Early: RTW tickets can be cheaper if booked in advance. Most airlines offer discounts for early bookings.
- Flexible Dates: If you have flexible travel dates, you may be able to secure lower fares.
- Plan Your Route: Most RTW tickets require you to travel in one continuous direction (e.g., east to west or west to east), so plan your route accordingly to avoid extra fees.
2. Multi-Country Tour Packages
If you prefer a guided experience, several travel companies offer RTW tour packages that include flights, accommodations, and tours. These packages are designed to help travelers explore multiple countries without the hassle of planning every detail. Tour companies often negotiate group discounts, so these packages can be more affordable than booking each component individually.
- Top Travel Companies Offering RTW Packages:
- G Adventures: G Adventures offers small group tours to over 100 countries. Their RTW tours are designed for independent travelers who want to experience different cultures while having a local guide.
- Contiki: For travelers aged 18-35, Contiki provides RTW packages that include guided tours, accommodation, and group activities in various destinations.
- Intrepid Travel: Known for their adventure tours, Intrepid offers RTW tours for travelers who want to explore various destinations, ranging from cultural trips to nature-focused excursions.
- Trafalgar: Trafalgar offers premium guided tours with options for exploring multiple countries in one trip. Their “Be My Guest” experiences often include meals with locals, giving travelers an authentic cultural experience.
- Benefits of RTW Tour Packages:
- Simplified Planning: These packages typically include everything—flights, accommodation, meals, and tours—so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
- Group Discounts: Traveling with a group can save you money on transportation, lodging, and excursions.
- Local Guides: Having a local guide ensures that you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions, and they often know the best deals for food and activities.
- Where to Find Deals:
- Company Websites: Check the websites of tour operators like G Adventures, Contiki, and Intrepid for special promotions and discounts.
- Travel Deal Websites: Sites like Travelzoo and Groupon often feature discounted group travel packages for RTW tours.
3. Budget Airlines and Flexible Flight Deals
While major airline alliances offer RTW tickets, budget airlines can also help you save money on your RTW journey, especially for shorter legs of your trip. Many budget airlines in Europe, Asia, and the US offer ultra-low fares that can significantly cut down on transportation costs. If you’re open to flying with multiple low-cost carriers, you can piece together an affordable RTW journey.
- Budget Airlines to Look Out For:
- Ryanair and EasyJet (Europe): These low-cost carriers offer affordable flights between major European cities. Perfect for short-haul flights within Europe as part of your RTW adventure.
- AirAsia and Scoot (Southeast Asia): AirAsia offers numerous routes within Asia and even to Australia and the Middle East at very low prices.
- Jetstar (Australia): Jetstar offers budget flights within Australia and to nearby countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines (USA): These budget US-based airlines provide affordable domestic flights that can help you hop between cities on your RTW journey.
- How to Find Cheap Budget Airline Deals:
- Google Flights: Use the “explore” feature on Google Flights to find the cheapest routes across budget carriers.
- Skyscanner: Skyscanner allows you to compare budget airline routes and track price changes.
- Direct Airline Websites: Many budget airlines offer exclusive deals on their own websites, so check them regularly for sales.
- Tips for Booking Budget Airline Flights:
- Book in Advance: Budget airline tickets are often the cheapest when booked well in advance.
- Check for Additional Fees: Low-cost carriers often charge for luggage, seat selection, and food. Be sure to factor these additional costs into your budget.
- Fly to Major Hubs: Budget airlines often fly into major airports that are well connected to other destinations, making it easier to hop between cities.
4. Accommodation Deals for RTW Travelers
Accommodation is another significant expense during a round-the-world trip, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options that can help you save money on lodging. From hostels to home-sharing platforms, you can find affordable accommodations all over the world.
- Budget Accommodation Options:
- Hostels: Websites like Hostelworld and Hostelbookers help you find budget-friendly hostels in nearly every city. Many hostels offer private rooms in addition to dormitories.
- Airbnb: Airbnb often has affordable options, ranging from shared rooms to entire apartments. Look for places with kitchen facilities to save on food costs.
- Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing allows you to stay with locals for free, creating an opportunity for cultural exchange while cutting accommodation expenses.
- Deals on Accommodation Platforms:
- Booking.com: Booking.com frequently offers discounts on hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals.
- Agoda: Particularly good for finding deals in Asia, Agoda offers discounts on accommodations across the globe.
- How to Save on Accommodation:
- Use Price Comparison Sites: Sites like Kayak and Trivago compare accommodation prices to help you find the best deals.
- Book Long Stays: Many hotels and Airbnb hosts offer discounts for longer stays. If you plan to stay in one place for a week or more, inquire about discounts.
- Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Accommodation prices can drop dramatically during the off-season, so plan your trip around less busy times of the year.
5. Travel Insurance Deals
Travel insurance is essential for a round-the-world trip to cover unexpected events, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations. Many travel insurance companies offer special RTW policies for long-term travelers.
- Travel Insurance Providers Offering RTW Deals:
- World Nomads: World Nomads specializes in long-term travel insurance and offers flexible policies for RTW travelers.
- SafetyWing: SafetyWing offers affordable insurance for digital nomads and long-term travelers, covering medical emergencies and lost baggage.
- InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip allows you to compare policies from different insurance companies to find the best deal for your RTW journey.
- How to Find the Best Travel Insurance Deals:
- Compare Policies: Use comparison sites like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip to compare policies and prices.
- Check for Discounts: Some travel insurance providers offer discounts for long-term travelers or for purchasing coverage for the entire duration of your RTW trip.
