HomeRound the world air tickets can be a good way to travel the world. You buy all your tickets so you don't have to worry about buying your flights while you travel. However, round the world tickets cost a lot of money, especially if you are buying a complex trip. Most people get sticker shock when they see ticket prices. It is important to heavily research and do some math before buying an rtw ticket.
An RTW ticket is like an airline pass. You get a ticket than can be used on an air alliance networks. The biggest alliances are the Star Alliance, Oneworld, and World Journey. If you buy a ticket on any member of the alliance, your ticket lets you go on any of the airline's partners.
RTW tickets typically cost between two thousand and as high as five thousand dollars, depending on the number of stops and miles you pick. You can always change the stops, mileage, and dates for a fee. Tickets with only a few stops or destinations, a ticket is as cheap as as fifteen hundred dollars.
RTW tickets are a good buy for tourists who have a set route, schedule, and are only visiting popular spots. These tickets are designed to send people over major travel routes to help keep costs down so if you choose one of the popular routes, it becomes easy to save money.
Travel plans always change though. Most people who use these tickets are people who travel for a long time. The more time you spend on the road, the more your plans change and the more you head off down roads you didn't think of before you left. Being tied to a rtw ticket can hinder your activities and constant ticket changes can increase fees. However, for intrepid travelers, there are many other choices to getting a rtw ticket:
Book your own flights. By booking your own flights, you get more flexibility. You can use discount airlines and wait for flight deals to come around. It will take more work on your part and patience but the money you save can better be spent on other things.
Go with low cost airlines. While few exist in the US, there are plenty in other parts of the world. They often fly the same route as the big guys and charge half the price. You are only getting space on a plane but flying these airlines will save you a lot of money.
Use your credit card rewards. If you don't already have a travel credit card, you should get one now. Most credit cards will give you 20,000 miles right away and you will get points for everything you buy, receive special offers, and get miles when you. Even if all you get is one ticket out of the deal (those 20,000 points help get you there), that one ticket can save you hundreds upon hundreds of dollars.
Round the world passes are great for those with a set travel route. If you know where you are going and the dates you want to be there, buy a rtw ticket. You will end up saving some money. However, if you are flying off the beaten path and are flexible, it's better to buy along the way.
About the Author:
Matthew has been traveling around the world for many years. He has written for various travel magazines and guidebooks. For more tips, check out his website on how to travel the world and for more information about rtw tickets.
