I wrote a "primer" as it were on RTW tickets over at TripAdvisor, here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...ir_Travel.html

Researching the various "global alliance" boards here at FT is a good way to start. You're right that originating the trip someplace besides the US can save money, but much depends on your proposed route, the class of service you want (economy, business, first class) and any airline loyalty programs you prefer. A "cheap" starting point for a business class RTW might be quite different from one where economy fares are "cheap."

These are very versatile and useful products, but they're very rule-intensive, so getting familiar with the rules and lingo can save a lot of time. But the first order of business is deciding where you'd like to go, when and for how long, and craft the RTW around that, rather than letting the cart lead the horse.