Hi there,

I'm planning on doing a three-month round-the-world trip this summer, and I'm trying to decide between two options: a standard RTW ticket on Star Alliance or One World, or a more improvisational trip consisting of perhaps 7 or 8 one-way flights.

Leaving from New York, I plan to hit southern/southeastern Europe, a -stan or two, China & Japan, and somewhere in the Pacific before returning through San Francisco. Much of this I'd like to be overland travel (esp. in Europe), but of course some flights will be necessary.

I've done a bit of pricing online, but am unsure whether the Star and One World prices I've seen are accurate, or whether flights will be easier/cheaper if I pay as I go.

What do you experts think?

—Matt

I think the two best resources on FT for both types of RTW trips are the individual alliances forums.

Here is Star: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=413

And Oneworld http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=411

These forums probably contain 99% of the collective wisdom in the world on the subject. :)

The first link in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499706) shows all available RTWs ex USA.
As you intend to do overland travel when possible, a more restricted RTW (for a lower price) may be sufficient.

From the Round-the-World Travel Guide:

ver 40 airlines on 6 continents participate in partnerships for RTW tickets. Programs and regulations vary considerably. You will usually have to supplement RTW with other tickets to satisfy your specific interests. Even those on business trips can fly cheaper using first-class and business-class RTW tickets, rather than regular long-haul and full-fare point-to-point tickets. Areas not covered can usually be added as a discounted side-trip. Flights in the southern hemishere are US$5,000 to US$6,744 for first-class, US$4,500 to US$5,200 for business-class, and US$3,000 to US$3,300 for economy. Flights in the northern hemishere are US$4,300 to US$5,100 for first-class, US$3,000 to US$3,700 for business-class, and US$2,200 to US$2,600 for economy. Some programs allow you to use frequent flyer miles for RTW tickets.


Advantages:
- One less financial worry on the road.
- No worries about whether you will be able to get to the next destination.
- You always have proof of onward passage, which is required in many countries before they will grant you a visa or allow entry.
- Frequent flyer miles. Even more if charged with a credit card that gives FF miles. Some have a 50% mileage bonus in business-class which may justify the extra cost. (Delta Medallion Status example: 35,000 miles, plus 17,500 mile business-class bonus, plus 3,500 miles for credit card matching, equals 56,000 FF miles). FF miles depend on the carrier and class.

Disadvantages:
- Rarely the best deal.
- Limited stops due to airline routes.
- Some airlines deadend in the Mideast and India, leaving you with no connection eastward to the rest of Asia. For example, many people buy a one-way ticket between Bangkok and Nepal.
- Many try to restrict you to the North or South side of the equator.
- Infrequent flight schedules.
- Some have US$25-$50 fees for changes in itinerary.
- Backtracking and side-trips can be very costly, but necessary if you want to see most of Asia.
- The least flexible since plans may constantly change.

It depends on where you are going (are there a lot of cheap bucket shops where you'll be), how spontaneous you want to be, and how much planning you want to do. Many people do their RTW buying tickets as they go because it's almost impossible to schedule a RTW itenerary. Some places you are going to fall in love with, and some places you'll want to leave too soon.

You should also check out www.airtreks.com You can build your own route there and price it out online. They will also provide alternative routes and best 'bang for your buck' routes.

If you aren't too picky on who you fly, you could also wing it and fly local/budget carriers to save quite a bit.