If you're planning a trip around the world, a 'round-the-world ticket (RTW ticket) can help save you time and money. Keep reading, and we'll show you how and some of the downsides of buying flights as you go.
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What Is a Round-the-World Ticket?
A 'round-the-world ticket is a single airline ticket that includes flights to different cities, countries, and continents. Some travelers prefer to book RTW tickets rather than deal with the hassle of booking flights as they go. It's a more organized strategy for a long trip, providing a set itinerary and less uncertainty.
An around-the-world ticket can save you money and grant your family the peace of mind of generally knowing where you will be and when. However, a RTW ticket isn't for everyone.
For travelers who live by the old saying, "Schedules are for trains, and plans are for architects," a RTW ticket may feel restrictive. Having a set itinerary from the start isn't necessarily everyone's style, and there's no guarantee that a RTW ticket will save you money.
It requires a lot more attention to detail in the planning stages of your journey and could keep you constantly on the move, even on rainy days when you lack energy.
However, even if you feel like you're not the type of traveler to book a round-the-world ticket, it's worth continuing to read to find out how a RTW ticket could benefit you.
How To Book a RTW Ticket
There are two ways to book your round-the-world ticket: either you do all the research, pricing, and buying yourself, or you work with a travel agent who will help you with all the heavy lifting. We will break it down both ways, so you know which is better for you.
Booking Yourself
If you decide to book a RTW trip yourself, sign up for any and every frequent flyer program that crosses your path – that is, if you haven't already.
A big trip around the world can result in many loyalty points and possibly save you money on future trips. Star Alliance and Oneworld are two of the largest frequent-flyer programs in the travel industry. These are excellent programs to start with.
Each program combines points from dozens of airlines worldwide, so you'll probably book at least one flight that can contribute to one of these programs.
Using a Travel Agent
You can also use a travel agent. It is well-debated whether or not travel agents save you money. On the one hand, their job is to find the best deals on flights for you. On the other hand, the money they save on good flight deals could be lost due to the commission rates they receive.
Dave, the Editor in Chief at Go Backpacking, used AirTreks, a company specializing in RTW tickets, when he wanted help booking the first four flights for his trip around the world.
AirTreks are experts at what they do. He was happy with their service and would gladly work with them again. Their services, tailored to backpackers and long-term travelers, are worth using to ease the burden of planning.
Making Up Your Own RTW Ticket
The main advantage of scheduling your own around-the-world trip is the total freedom to go where you want, when you want, and on a travel budget that works for you.
It also assures you that you've exhausted all options and know you're booking the most affordable flights possible. For more, check out our guide on how to book a cheap flight.
It may also mean you can use travel points or miles you've accumulated over time by signing up for and using travel rewards credit cards.
Travel agents won't be able to apply those points to your round-the-world ticket, so you're missing an opportunity to save thousands!
Booking each leg of your trip allows you to familiarize yourself with budget airlines around the world that traditional travel agents may not use.
Many times, the commission rates of budget airlines aren't worth a travel agent's time, and, therefore, they will skip right over a budget flight that could save you money.
Scheduling and booking the trip will allow you to schedule the right length of layovers, pick your seats on board, and probably leave you better researched for each particular city on your itinerary.
However, with all the advantages of booking yourself come the time-consuming disadvantages (which may drive you up a wall).
The details can become overwhelming and confusing, so travel agents use specific computer systems to keep it straight. And, in the end, you may not even save enough to warrant all the hassle.
RTW Tickets Summary
Whether or not you should book RTW tickets depends on what type of traveler you are.
Below, we've highlighted what we believe are the main focus points of what you just read:
- Your trip will be more organized with a RTW ticket.
- RTW tickets could be restrictive if you are a spontaneous traveler.
- You can book a RTW ticket yourself or through an agent.
- Working with a company like AirTreks can save you time and money when buying a RTW ticket,
Every choice you make while traveling has pros and cons, and your decision to book a round-the-world ticket is just the beginning. If you're unsure whether an RTW ticket is right for you, let us know your concerns in the comments below—maybe we can help!
