Hello,

I've been lurking here for a few weeks gathering some info on doing my first RTW trip... great info on all the possibilities, prices and airplane types on the routes.

After working hard for a few years I'm fortunate to have accumulated some vacation time and will be able to get off work for about 5 months starting at the beginning of September.
And am thinking about doing my first RTW journey.

Since I’ve always wanted to see New Zealand and have enjoyed travelling in the US, I’ve come up with the following route (staying just below 29.000 miles and starting close to home):

DUS – (FRA) – SFO – LIH – (surface to HNL) – AKL – RAR – SYD – SIN – AMS – (DUS)

This way I can visit the US Rockies / Hawaii, New Zealand / the Cook Islands and ending with a short visit to Australia.

I’ve been comparing prices based on starting location but since starting in Europe seems reasonably cheap compared to, for example the US, I haven’t found any real alternatives to starting in NL, BE or DE. And since prices seem identical in all these countries starting in Dusseldorf seems convenient. I will probably skip the last leg since getting off in AMS also works for me.

The difference in price between flying Economy and Business seems rather small compared with a normal flight, so I’m considering treating myself to some luxury….

I was wondering if anyone has any comments on the route I’m planning and if you would consider it worthwhile flying business class? I guess this would also give me access to the airport lounges and offer me an extra baggage allowance?

The first leg of my route also offers me the choice in flying LH (747-400) or UA (777) from FRA to SFO, which would you prefer?

Thanks.