Hi, I'm new here. I'm getting ready to go on my "plan as you go" Round The World trip (buying all of my plane tickets along the way) and am curious as to people's thoughts about the best Frequent Flyer Program(s) to use for a trip like this. From what I understand, you should join one frequent flyer program within an alliance and then use that number for all flights within that alliance. Is that right? Does it make sense to join one program in each major alliance to be able to rack up points on most of my flights? If so, does anybody know which airlines within each alliance offer the best programs?

As far as my itenerary, nothing is set and may change as I go, but I'll probably travel in Europe (both Western and Eastern), the Middle East (Jordan and Israel), North Africa (Egypt forsure, and maybe Morocco), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam), possibly Nepal, South America (Peru, Argentina, not sure where else yet), and possibly Australia and the Cook Islands if I have the money left by that point.

Right now I have about 3,000 miles with Northwest, so I'm not sure if it makes the most sense to stick with them, or if there is a reason I should switch. As of right now I'm thinking of staying with them and then also joining United. But I'm definitely up for discussion and change.

Any recommendations/insight/wisdom in these areas would be greatly appreciated! I'm from the US (Atlanta) if that makes a difference.

I'm trying to figure this out ASAP so I can join and buy my initial tickets. (I'm starting my trip in Portugal with my dad in December). I think my initial flight will likely be on United or Lufthansa. Or possibly TAP.

THANKS A MILLION TIMES FOR YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!