Planning a “Round the World” (RTW) trip can be an exciting yet complex endeavor.
Embarking on a round-the-world trip is the ultimate travel dream, but it requires meticulous planning to ensure a seamless and enriching experience. The first step in crafting your itinerary is determining the regions you want to explore and the experiences you wish to prioritize. Consider what draws you to each destination — whether it’s cultural immersion, natural wonders, culinary adventures, or historical landmarks — and build your route around these interests.
Budgeting is another critical aspect of planning. A round-the-world trip can vary dramatically in cost depending on your choices — luxury accommodations and premium flights will naturally inflate expenses, while budget airlines, hostels, and local transportation can keep costs manageable. Create a detailed budget that accounts for airfare, accommodation, daily expenses, insurance, and contingency funds for unexpected situations.
Here are some tips, hacks, and resources to help you successfully plan your journey while keeping costs down.
Tips for Planning a Round the World Trip
- Define Your Itinerary:
- Start with a rough idea of the countries or cities you want to visit. Consider geographical routes to minimize travel distances and costs.
- Be flexible with dates to find lower fares and avoid peak tourist seasons.
- Use an RTW Ticket:
- Airline Alliances: Major airline alliances, like Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam, offer RTW tickets, which can be a cost-effective way to book multiple flights.
- Pros: Fixed cost and flexibility to change routes (up to a certain limit).
- Cons: Often requires you to start and end in the same country and can have restrictions on flying direction (usually east or west).
- Book Flights in Advance:
- For individual flights not covered by RTW tickets, try to book them 2-3 months in advance for better deals.
- Use Flight Search Engines:
- Use websites like Google Flights, SkyScanner, and Kayak to compare prices and identify the cheapest flights.
- Set up fare alerts to be notified when prices drop.
- Be Flexible with Airports:
- Check for airports that serve the same destination. Sometimes flying into a nearby city can save you money.
- Consider Alternative Transportation:
- For shorter distances, consider trains, buses, or ferries, which can be more economical and offer a unique travel experience.
- Travel Off-Peak:
- Traveling during shoulder seasons (just before or after peak tourist seasons) can save you money on flights and accommodations.
- Check for Travel Deals:
- Utilize websites like Travelzoo, WorldTravelerClub.com and The Flight Deal for flash sales and error fares.
- Accommodations:
- Look into hostels, Airbnb, vacation rentals, or budget hotels. Booking platforms like Booking.com and Hostelworld can offer good deals.
- Consider house-sitting or work-exchange programs like Workaway or Woofing to save accommodation costs.
- Create a Budget:
- Have a clear budget for flights, accommodations, food, activities, and emergencies. This will help manage expenses and guide your decisions.
- Pack Smart:
- Bring the essentials and travel light. This reduces baggage fees and makes transportation easier.
- Stay Connected:
- Get a local SIM card or an international phone plan to avoid high roaming charges. Apps like WhatsApp or Skype can help keep in touch.
Where to start your Round the World Trip
Starting your round-the-world (RTW) trip from the right origin city can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here are some of the best origin cities that are consistently cheaper for launching RTW trips, based on fare trends and airline hubs:
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Origins for RTW Tickets:
| Origin City | Why It’s Cheaper |
|---|---|
| Oslo, Norway | Budget-friendly for long-haul; major low-cost carriers like Norwegian Air operate here. |
| London, UK | Huge competition among airlines; frequent sales from major hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick. |
| Lisbon, Portugal | Low taxes and TAP Air Portugal offers affordable transatlantic and global routes. |
| Istanbul, Turkey | Turkish Airlines connects to 120+ countries; often lower fares than western Europe. |
| Warsaw, Poland | LOT Polish Airlines + low demand keeps prices competitive. |
| Bangkok, Thailand | Major Asian hub; great value routes to Oceania, Europe, and North America. |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Hub for AirAsia X and budget-friendly long-haul routes. |
| Johannesburg, South Africa | Strong competition and favorable currency exchange rates for foreigners. |
| Auckland, New Zealand | Good value for trans-Pacific and South Pacific region; often cheaper starting from here. |
| Mexico City, Mexico | Aeromexico and foreign airlines offer competitive international deals from Latin America. |
Resources for Cheap Tickets and Deals
- Top Flight Comparison Websites:
- Google Flights: Great for exploring fares and flight paths.
- SkyScanner : Offers flexibility with date search and alerts.
- Momondo: Known for comparing a wide range of airlines and travel agencies.
- Kayak: Good for searching multiple travel sites quickly.
- Airline Websites:
- Often, airlines may offer exclusive deals on their own websites, so check regularly.
- Travel Agencies Specializing in RTW Tickets:
- Consider consulting travel agencies that specialize in RTW tickets. They have expertise and can help optimize your route.
- Travel Forums and Communities:
- Engage with communities on platforms like Facebook (Business Class Group), Reddit (r/travel), Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree, and TravelStackExchange for personal experiences, advice, and potential deals.
- Frequent Flyer Programs:
- Sign up for airline loyalty programs. You can accumulate miles for future travel, potentially reducing costs.
- Credit Card Travel Rewards:
- Many credit cards offer travel rewards. Check if your card provides bonus miles or cashback on travel expenses.
- Error Fares:
- Sign up for newsletters from sites like Secret Flying or The Flight Deal that alert you to mistake fares or significantly discounted flights.
Staying Organized and Adaptable: Managing Documents, Reservations, and Challenges
Staying organized throughout a round-the-world trip requires a systematic approach to document management, reservation tracking, and problem-solving. Begin by digitizing all essential documents — passports, visas, travel insurance policies, flight itineraries, accommodation confirmations, and vaccination records — and storing them securely in cloud-based platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox. Simultaneously, keep physical copies in a waterproof folder for backup. Mobile apps like TripIt or Kayak consolidate reservations into a single interface, sending reminders for upcoming flights, hotel check-ins, and activity bookings. Additionally, screenshot critical information, such as e-tickets and QR codes, to ensure accessibility even without internet connectivity.
Sustaining Your Journey: Smart Packing and Minimalist Travel Strategies
Packing efficiently is a cornerstone of successful round-the-world travel, ensuring you remain agile, organized, and prepared for diverse climates and activities. The minimalist packing philosophy centers on versatility and functionality, prioritizing items that serve multiple purposes and eliminating unnecessary bulk. Start with a high-quality, durable backpack or carry-on suitcase designed for extended travel—preferably one with ergonomic features and multiple compartments for easy organization. Stick to a capsule wardrobe of mix-and-match clothing items made from quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, such as merino wool or synthetic blends, which minimize the need for frequent laundry and adapt seamlessly to varying temperatures. Layering pieces like lightweight jackets, scarves, and convertible pants allow you to adjust to both warm and cool environments.
Final Thoughts
Planning a Round the World trip requires careful consideration and flexibility. With some research and the right approach, you can create an incredible journey while staying within your budget. Make sure to have fun along the way, and enjoy the adventure!
See more:
Round the World Trips Made Easy: From Budget to Luxury Travel
