So you’ve decided to take the plunge and head out into the big wide world? Good decision. But do you just have the vague notion of travelling ‘around the world’ in your head and are not actually sure how it all works?
Sure, we hear you. Well lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about RTW tickets. Just read on my friend it will all make sense…
What is a RTW Ticket?
RTW stands for Round the World. RTW tickets allow you to travel to more than one destination, perfect if you want a backpacking adventure or gap year. So round the world could be London to Dubai, Dubai to Sydney, Sydney to Auckland, Auckland to London and you can do all of those destinations on just one ticket! How cool is that?
Where Can I Book a RTW Ticket?
You can book a RTW ticket online or with a travel agent, most travel agencies have lots of experienced travel experts who can talk you through everything you need to know! Staff are usually lovers of all things travel, they will help you plan which countries to visit within your time frame and tell you the cheapest route to take. It really benefits speaking to a person face to face, getting all of their ideas and putting your mind at rest. If you can’t make it into store, you can always speak to one of our RTW Experts over the phone.
What are the Best Places to Go on a RTW Ticket?
Anywhere and everywhere! Well let’s keep it realistic, the route has to make sense i.e. from Antarctica to Thailand might not be the most accessible. Also, you can’t hop back to London or your starting point in between, the trip has to start and end in the same location e.g. the UK. The experts will work out where the different airlines fly and match up the routes accordingly. But we can pretty much tailor make it to wherever you want to go! Nailed it.
How Much Are RTW Tickets?
Depends on where you are flying to! The more destinations the more expensive the ticket. But we have some RTW tickets from as cheap as £339, like the Nor’Easter! At first glance, they may look like they cost more but it actually works out a HECK of a lot cheaper than buying lots of individual tickets to multiple destinations. For example, Across the Pond heads to 8 different stops across the Americas at only £999, that’s about 100 quid a ticket. Mega cheap!
How Flexible Are RTW Tickets?
Seriously flexible. If you’re after flexibility while you’re away and think there’s a possibility you might change your flights then go for a RTW ticket. The average traveller changes their flights at least 5 times – so it’s pretty likely.
Some RTW tickets are eligible for ‘multi-flex pass’ which means you can get either 3 changes for £69 or unlimited changes for £99 which is GREAT, normally changing a flight once can cost at least £100 screams.
You can also spend as long as you like in each destination, as most RTW tickets are valid for up to 12 months. It’s definitely worth getting, you’ll save yourself some serious money!
Tips for Planning a Round The World Trip
Planning a round the world trip can be a mind-bogglingly complicated process, and that’s coming from us, the experts. The reason for this, is mostly down to the individual nature of travel, and that there are just so many glorious choices!
Here’s an overview of the key considerations to consider.
Fold in some Flexibility
Try and inject any flight tickets with flexibility. You never know who — or what — you’ll come across en route, which could change your course in an instant! We always recommend bolting on a Multiflex Pass, to give our customers the peace of mind that if they want to change a flight, it won’t cost them a fortune.
Ensure you’re Insured
Make sure you have the right travel insurance! When things go wrong at home it’s tough; when they go wrong 2,000 miles from home, it can truly put a downer on your trip. It’s good to have peace of mind that if they do go wrong, things can be fixed/replaced. Many people don’t realise this, but you cannot buy travel insurance once you have left home.
Stop! Carry on…
Instead of simply transiting in a destination, why not turn it into a day visit, or longer? For a small fee, most tickets will allow you a stop along the way to your final destination. Compare that fee to the cost of a one-off trip to that destination, and it all starts to make sense. Maximise your time, and turn a dull transit into an extra stop on your way around the world!
Forward Thinking
Do some research before you go. You don’t want to know everything about a place before you get a chance to discover it for yourself, but having a basic overview will make planning your trip a whole lot easier.
Contingency Fund
Whatever spending money you have budgeted for your trip, take more! Money disappears quicker than you think when you head off on an adventure, so we recommend having a little extra stashed away for emergencies.
Budgeting? Aim Low
Usually, it’s cheaper to travel in the low seasons, when flights aren’t as busy and airlines generally have lower fares available. Of course, this can also swerve you clear of the summer you crave, but with a little creative planning between you and your consultant, you’ll soon find your perfect middle-ground.
Steady as (s)he goes!
While it is entirely possible to book a RTW with all the trimmings at the very last minute; most bookings will take a little time to finalise, especially if price is a factor. If you want to make the most of it, come in early. Less haste, more fun!
Trail Mix
What type of travel would inspire you, and deliver sweet memories to carry through life? It could be adventure travel, including hiking or rafting etc. Or a more cultural approach, including a stint of volunteering. Or why not mix it up, with a stretch of paid work; combining exciting adventures and life-changing internships.
Fancy the Scenic Route?
Are you hell-bent on your chosen route, or would you consider travelling via alternative destinations to save cash? We offer customers every available option, matching their budget to the best adventure available.
Need Help?
Our staff are pro on all things RTW. Many of them have done their own backpacking trips around the world. They’ve visited hundreds of countries between them and some have over 25 years’ worth of experience.
When they’re not helping you guys plan your dream trip, they’re satisfying their wanderlust by exploring every corner of the world themselves. Take your pick from one of the experts with the most suited destination knowledge and contact us today with questions!