In 1924, a team of aviators from the USA successfully completed the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe by airplane, a feat that took 175 days, 76 stops, a cache of 15 Liberty engines, 14 spare pontoons, four aircraft, and two sets of new wings. This achievement ushered in an era of international air travel, and nearly a century later, travelers are still creating their own round-the-world itineraries.
You might not have the same worries as those early aviators, but planning a round-the-world trip has never been a more complex process. As COVID-19 continues to alter world travel, heading out on a multi-country trip might be more complicated than it has been in decades. While it might not be the right time to hit the road, it’s never too early to start figuring out the logistics of a trip around the globe. After all, who doesn’t have a lot of pent-up wanderlust at the moment?
When it comes to planning your trip, there are several options available for airfare, as well as flexibility on timing, destinations, and budget. However, don’t let that overwhelm you—start here with our handy guide on how to plan that round-the-world trip you’ve always dreamed of.
Where and how to get a round-the-world plane ticket
The most economical way to circumnavigate the globe is by purchasing a round-the-world (RTW) plane ticket through a single airline alliance. These are confederations of several different airlines that make it simple to maximize the number of places you can travel and pay for it all in one place or with points. There are three primary airline alliances to choose from: Star Alliance, OneWorld, and Skyteam. Star Alliance includes 26 airlines that fly to 1300 airports in 98% of the world’s countries. OneWorld comprises 14 airlines traveling to 1100 destinations in 180 territories. Skyteam consists of 19 airlines that serve 1000 destinations in 170 countries.
Once you choose an airline alliance, whether due to a loyalty program you’re already a member of or the one that meets your terms, conditions, and destination list, you can purchase a single RTW airline ticket made up of several legs fulfilled by that alliance’s partners. The rules for RTW tickets vary between each airline alliance, including specifics like Star Alliance’s rule that an RTW ticket can include two to 15 stops. However, there are some general principles that apply to most RTW tickets, regardless of which airline group you select.
You typically must follow one global direction (east or west—no backtracking); start and finish in the same country; and book all your flights before departure, although you can change them later (which could incur extra charges). Generally, you have one year to get from your starting point to the finish line.
How long do I need for a round-the-world trip?
You could whip around the world in a weekend if you flew non-stop, especially with the advent of new ultra-long-haul flights that can clock in at 20 hours of flight time. However, the minimum duration of most RTW tickets is 10 days—still a breathless pace. To maximize your round-the-world ticket, consider stockpiling vacation days, tagging on public holidays, or even arranging a sabbatical from work to take off at least two months (but ideally six months to one year). Because most airline alliances allow you up to a year to use your ticket, you can stretch your adventure significantly if planned properly.
When should I travel on a round-the-world trip?
The weather will never be perfect at all your stops, so focus on what activities you want to prioritize and research the conditions there. Generally, city sightseeing can be enjoyed year-round (far from extreme weather, heat, cold, or rain in museums and cafes), but outdoor adventures are more reliant on—and enjoyable in—the right weather.
Research ahead of time if any must-see destinations or key activities will mean facing crowds. For example, if you’re hoping to be in Austria for the famous Salzburg Festival, you’ll want to plan ahead and secure your tickets months in advance. If a shorter thru-hike is on your agenda, ensure that you’re traveling in the right season and starting in the right spot. You won’t get far or enjoy the experience if you attempt the Tour du Mont Blanc amid the annual winter marathon or head northbound on the Pacific Crest Trail in July, missing most of the warmer months.
Accept that you’ll be in some regions at the “wrong” time—although this often leads to unexpected benefits. For instance, Victoria Falls has a dry season each year, resulting in a slightly less thunderous cascade, but this opens up rafting opportunities and allows a chance to swim right to the lip of the falls in The Devil’s Pool. Visiting Venice in the winter might mean grayer skies but fewer crowds, and traveling to Kenya and Tanzania in April offers the opportunity to spot wildlife with fewer tourists while saving money on your safari. Also, keep in mind that local businesses have their downtime and holiday seasons as well; don’t be surprised if your favorite bakery in Paris is closed for a week or two in August.
Where should I go on my round-the-world trip?
The classic (and typically cheapest) RTW tickets flutter between a few major cities, for example, London – Bangkok – Singapore – Sydney – Los Angeles. Should you prefer to connect some less traveled hubs (Baku – Kinshasa – Paramaribo, perhaps?), the prices will increase significantly. The cost of the ticket also varies based on the total distance covered or the number of countries visited.
Remember, you don’t have to fly between each point: in Australia, you could land in Perth, travel overland, and fly out from Cairns. Alternatively, fly into Moscow, board the Trans-Siberian railway, and fly onwards from Beijing. Select personal highlights and build the rest of your itinerary around those. For instance, if you’re a passionate hiker, create a route including Peru (Inca Trail) – New Zealand (Milford Track) – Nepal (Everest Base Camp) with stops in Yosemite, Menz-Gauassa, and the Okavango Delta.
If budget is a concern, spend more time in less expensive countries and plan budget city breaks along the way. You’ll likely spend more in major cities like Paris, Dubai, and San Francisco than in Nusa Tenggara, Budapest, and Buffalo.
Tips, tricks, and pitfalls of round-the-world tickets
Consult an expert before arranging a round-the-world ticket: you may have an itinerary envisioned, but seasoned RTW flight bookers know which routes work best and cost the least. A few adjustments could lead to significant time and monetary savings. Outline a budget ahead of time, not only for your RTW ticket but for the entire trip. Connect with friends or travel bloggers who have experienced a round-the-world trip or are full-time travelers—they can provide valuable insights on planning for your adventure.
Be flexible: shifting your departure date by a few days can lead to savings. Mid-week flights are often cheaper, as are flights on major holidays like Christmas Day. Avoid days and times popular with business travelers to escape higher fares and crowded cabins.
Consider internal travel: booking internal flights alongside your RTW ticket may be cost-effective, but the surge in low-cost airlines may offer better (and more flexible) options to purchase them separately as you progress on your journey.
Be cautious: if you don’t board one of your booked flights (for instance, if you decide to travel overland from Bangkok to Singapore instead of flying), your airline may cancel all subsequent flights.
This article was first published Mar 20, 2012, and updated Dec 29, 2021.
