Don't the airlines who still require RT awards (where open-jaw is thus meaningful) typically require the open jaw to be in the same region?

e.g. Something like JFK-LHR, CDG-JFK, not JFK-HKG, CDG-JFK.

You no longer line up for tickets. Machu Picchu tickets along with the added option to climb WP (extra $10) are available on line.

While the region thing is an impediment in many, if not most cases, the "open leg can't be longer than either of the flown legs" rule is what nullifies the utility of open jaws in the case of RTW itineraries.

I think the rooms are 27,000 points now, but it's still a great deal.

I would avoid staying in Agra, India near the Taj. Not much there except the Taj. Spend your time in Jaipur at the Taj Rambagh Palace or Delhi for shopping. If youre going to be there, do the "Golden Triangle". Agra is close enough to visit on your way to somewhere else.

Don't miss Siem Reap. It is truly awesome. The town is small with just a few blocks of shopping and bars. The ruins are HUGE and amazing. You will need several days to see them all. We stayed at a B&B that was OK, but I would have rather stayed at a branded hotel.

sorry do you mind revealing if AA allows awards to india in either direction on ow partners? how about UA and * alliance?

Thanks for the information. This makes it a lot easier.

Back in 1998, I stayed at the Sheraton in Agra, and found it to be decent enough (not sure if it still exists).

Sure...on AA, I suspect you'll find the best availability on RJ through AMM. When I booked my flights to India, this was showing up available on most days (booked for October with 8-9 months advance planning). We booked J but there seemed to be lots of Y available as well. I like it because it's a two-cabin plane and a well-regarded premium cabin service.

You could also go through LHR...I suspect you'd fly AA to LHR and then BA beyond but I know availability is a lot tighter on that BA flight.

UA...you could do it on UA metal through EWR to DEL. Or through China or Frankfurt on partners. I found reasonable availability when I searched through Continental's site for coach awards either direction. Unfortunately, I found ZERO business class availability for a 3-week period (same dates/advance planning as above).

I briefly got excited when I saw the 80k one-way F award, DEL-FRA-ORD, available on several of my possible dates. But it was always offered as LH J connecting to UA F - never an LH F seat on any flight - which basically makes it a business award to me. I could be wrong, but I don't think that itin would get you into the F terminal in FRA. I think there has to be LH metal (in F) somewhere.

I booked my RJ awards using BA Avios and haven't checked again. No idea if United would show the same as Continental did two months ago. (Or if some of this would be "Starnet blocked"...)

Make sure you get your shots.....the world is a dirty place.
Research your destinations, and check your timing...you dont want to go to venice in the rainy season when it's underwater, or france in the month when half it's people go on holiday and the shops are closed, ect. ect.
A stopover in Europe can be combined with a rail pass to see multiple countries. I suggest reading a lot of Frommer's guides. Learn about local customs before you go, japanese feel a toothy smile is a sign of aggression, and an O.K. symbol to them is like flipping the middle finger to us. Taking time to learn the cultural differences before you go will make for less awkward moments.
Sounds like a wonderful adventure, good luck.