Is an Around the World ticket worth it?

Its an interesting debate these days. The popularity of wanting to do an around the world trip has people wondering just what does it involve? What can I expect to pay? Is it really the best option?

If you’re looking for hassle free transportation from major hub to major hub, you are going to love the Around The World (Sometimes seen written ATW or RTW) option, but for the real adventurers you’re not going to want to stay in major metropolitain areas everywhere you go, and going with the around the world option is going to stick you in a situation where you now have to find land transportation after you land in a bigger city.

Remember that there are a whole list of conditions to around the world tickets, and each alliance has different rules you must follow to stay in accordance with your ticket. This includes but is not limited to minimum stops, maximum stops, maximum miles, one directional, time limit for travel, and possibly others.

Airline Alliances are the best way to go if you are wanting to book your full trip before you leave however, and there are a multitude of options available to you based on where you want to go.

Airline Alliances

There are many air alliances that you have the option of flying. Some have much better service than others in different areas of the world. Make sure you do your research about just where and alliance covers or you may not hit those South Pacific islands that you really wanted to get to.

Top Air Alliances

Star Alliance is the largest alliance and likely to have the best world wide coverage of destinations at a steeper cost. Its aptly named Around the World Fare is sold in mileage increments between 26000 and 39000 miles. You must start and end in the same country.

One-World has two types of Around the World tickets. An unlimited mileage, but segment limited ticket called the OneWorld Explorer and their Global Explorer that is similar to Star Alliance’s Around the World Fare and sold in mileage incrememnts

Skyteam Round the World has the strongest coverage in Russia, Africa, Vietnam and China, but is weaker in the rest of the world. Mileage is similar to Star Alliance RTW.

Cost

Its difficult to compare the cost of each alliance against one another because it really all depends on your itinerary. If you’re planning trips to certain remote areas, you maybe be limited to a single alliance option. One thing is for certain, finding a fare that is less than $3000 USD is difficult.

The other option

For the frugal travelers, there is the option of booking each of your flights individually on budget airlines that are in abundance in Asia, Europe, and South America. Its not unheard of to make a full itinerary for less than $2000 USD if you plan carefully and watch for deals. It will take some serious planning however, so if you’re not up for the challenge, then you can relieve some of the stress by going with one of the major alliance partners.

By booking flights individually you not only save yourself the possibility of having a cheaper overall experience, you also release yourself from the restrictions that an RTW ticket will place on your travel plans.
Want to have more than 16 stops? No problem.
Want to fly back across an ocean you already crossed? No problem.
Want to spend more than a year traveling? No problem.
Want to avoid missing flight connections and having your entire trip unbooked. No problem.

Weigh your options and see what works best for you…

What would your ideal RTW trip be?