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Around the World Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 26 most popular around the world trips. compare tour itineraries from 17 tour companies. 98 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular around the world tours.

Discover our popular around the world tours, each crafted with unique themes, diverse price ranges, varying durations, and different physical levels. Search several options and choose the tour package that aligns seamlessly with your vision of the perfect trip around the world.

Discover the Baltics

Discover the Baltics

  • Discover three Baltic states in 12 days
  • Visit stunning national parks, castles and museums
  • Explore the magnificent Trakai Castle
  • Citizen Science departures available on this trip

The Grand Epic of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

The Grand Epic of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

  • Discover the mysterious pyramids, Great Sphinx, and Kings Valley
  • Cruise leisurely along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor
  • View the Promised Land from Mt. Nebo and the Mosaic Map of the Holy Land
  • Trace the footsteps of Jesus and explore the old and new cities of Jerusalem

Get Social: Europe Express 2024-25

Get Social: Europe Express 2024-25

  • Berlin highlights drive
  • Walking tour of Prague with Trip Leader
  • Vienna highlights drive
  • Orientation walk in Venice with Trip Leader
  • Orientation walk in Paris with Trip Leader

Balkans Rail Adventure

Balkans Rail Adventure

  • Visit seven countries of Former Yugoslavia in just 16 days
  • Experience a variety of scenic rail journeys
  • Discover contrasting landscapes and cities in this lesser visited region

Cape Town to Victoria Falls - Hotel/Lodge

Cape Town to Victoria Falls - Hotel/Lodge

  • Visit Cape Town, the most exciting city in Africa
  • Discover the mountainous dunes of Sossusvlei
  • See the fantastic wildlife of Etosha National Park
  • Visit the Okavango Panhandle and Chobe National Park
  • Marvel at the mighty Victoria Falls

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure

  • An iconic rail journey across Europe to the gateway of Asia
  • Discover rural Serbia, from local wine producers to narrow gauge railway routes
  • Take a boat trip on Europe's largest wetlands in Croatia and explore the waterways of Venice

Imperial Escape

Imperial Escape

  • Budapest: Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion, visit Heroe’s Square
  • Vienna: Guided sightseeing, visit Heldenplatz and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Prague: Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit the Hradčany Castle grounds; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
  • On this guided vacation of Central Europe, experience the rich history and most popular destinations without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices
  • This Central Europe escorted tour is a magnificent journey through the former Habsburg Empire offering romantic castles, churches, villas and modern architecture, vineyards, breweries, first-class shopping, art, and culinary delights

Peru, Chile, Argentina & Brazil  in 20 days - Machu Picchu, Iguazu & Capital Cities - Superior

Peru, Chile, Argentina & Brazil in 20 days - Machu Picchu, Iguazu & Capital Cities - Superior

  • Santiago de Chile
  • Barrio La Boca
  • Buenos Aires
  • Iguazu Falls, Argentinian side

All Around the World , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Around the World

world trip price

Small Group Around the World Tours

Small Group Around the World Tours

Indochina in 35 days - 5 Country Southeast Asian Discovery - Superior

  • Kuala Lumpur

South American Odyssey with Amazon & Peru

South American Odyssey with Amazon & Peru

  • Rio de janeiro : Cable-car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain and Sugar Loaf cocktail party; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Corcovado Mountain and the cathedral; Churrascaria dinner
  • Iguassu falls : Sightseeing with a Local Guide on both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of Iguassu National Park; Ecological Jungle Train
  • Buenos aires : Walking tour; visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and Recoleta Cemetery; empanada cooking class; Tango lesson & show; visit a local estancia
  • Bariloche: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; chairlift to Cerro Campanario; Andes lake crossing
  • Puerto montt : Sightseeing tour

Best Around the World Tours by Duration

World tours usually span from shorter escapes to extended journeys lasting a few months. Explore our tailored selection of around the world tours by duration, ensuring an efficient and fulfilling use of your precious time away.

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Around the World Tours by Price

Experience the world without compromising your budget with our selection of around the world tours by price to cater to every financial spectrum. Choose the tour package that perfectly aligns with your budgetary preferences for an unforgettable trip around the world.

Top Around the World Attractions

  • Meeting locals from several different countries and discovering wonderful similarities and differences
  • Seeing whales breach from the balcony of your cruise stateroom and diving and snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs like the Great Barrier reef
  • Enjoying local cuisines, exploring street food markets, and taking cooking classes to learn how to make traditional national dishes
  • Wandering around many archaeological ruins and historical sites like Machu Picchu , pyramids of Giza , and the historical city of Petra
  • Discovering unique cultures and taking part in traditional festivals or ceremonies like Holi or Día de Muertos 
  • Hiking among different landscapes, encountering majestic wildlife on African Safaris , and taking memorable pictures
  • Making lifelong friends from around the world
  • Indulging in luxury around the world trips featuring traditional Japanese ryokan, floating hotels in the Maldives, or ice hotels in Sweden for a unique experience.
  • Visiting all the most famous locations during a single trip with custom-planned tours around the world — No need to pick and choose!

Around the World Tours & Travel

Around the World Attractions & Landmarks Guide

World travel is truly one of the most unforgettable experiences. As you visit multiple countries and continents, you gain a deep understanding of hundreds of cultures and forge wonderful connections with people around the world.

A small ship or 'expedition' cruise is one of the most popular modes of travel for a trip around the world. Many young people opt for overland tours to see the world because of budget and the community style. They usually use a few different modes of travel like trains or buses or join small group tours to individual destinations. 

You can also design a custom round-the-world trip to suit your preferences for price, duration, accommodation, and more. Choose the countries you wish to visit and super-personalize your world tour for the activities you enjoy. 

Luxury Around the World Trips

Imagine waking up in lavish four or five-star accommodations, imbibed with unmatched comfort and elegance. Think boutique lodges nestled in scenic landscapes to high-end homestays steeped in local charm!

That's the essence of our exclusively curated around-the-world luxury tours. Choose one of our private guided world tours to explore iconic landmarks, access hidden gems, and indulge in gastronomic experiences redefining culinary pleasure. 

Raise the bar for your travel experience—personalize your world trip and enjoy unparalleled service at every stop tailored to your preferences. 

How Long Should You Go For?

A round-the-world trip typically takes longer than a week or two. Your world tour should not be much shorter than one month. 

With one month to go around the world, you'll probably stick to one broad region. Long trips are a great way to really learn the nuances and extensiveness of human and geological history and how pronounced they can be in a relatively small area. You'll also gain a unique insight into fascinating cultural similarities and differences.

Most trips around the world are a bit longer than one month, typically between two and four months. The number of countries and continents you'll visit on your world tour can vary quite a bit, mainly based on how you get from place to place and the length of excursion allotted for by the itinerary.

How Much Does a Trip Around the World Cost?

One of the benefits of traveling on a package tour around the world is the cost-cutting aspect. Typically, some of your meals will be covered, along with a good amount of transportation and almost all accommodations (this is an excellent reason to book a small ship cruise).

In addition, your tour will have many activities planned to explore the culture and history of each destination, as well as enjoy the natural beauty with hikes and other exciting outdoor ventures. These activities are not always included in the price, which can be a good thing as it allows you to join as many or as few activities as you'd like, depending on your preferences. 

Typically, airfare to and from the start city and ending city to your final destination is not included in the tour price, but after that, you can expect to save a lot in expenses.

Note that you'll be around the same group of people for a very extended period, and your ability to be flexible in each destination will be limited. If you want to stay longer or shorter, this isn't typically an option.

Planning a Trip Around the World on Your Own

Traveling around the world on your own is an entirely different ball game. Transportation and accommodation are usually challenging to budget around. Budget hotels can help; however, finding a good deal can be tiresome. Travel agents can help, but this typically comes with a premium.

Certain airlines offer special round-the-world tickets, which could be an excellent way to book an independent trip around the world if you have miles to cash in. Otherwise, you're a bit stuck with the one-way ticket route. Try booking smaller airlines and shorter flights to keep costs manageable.

Choosing your destination and activities also requires a ton of research. You could spend a hefty amount of time trying to plan this yourself.

How To Pack for a Trip Around the World?

Ironically, you will be better off packing less than more for a longer journey. As you'll be on the move, you want a lighter suitcase and backpack to deal with. It's both more comfortable to move and far easier to store.

That's one significant benefit of traveling by cruise when you go around the world: the luxury of only unpacking once and being able to do laundry on board. You can lock your stateroom, so there's no worry about theft as you roam the boat and enjoy your shore excursions.

  • Winter vs Summer Weather:    Since your tour around the world is likely to cross hemisphere lines more than once, you may experience warm highs and icy lows during your trip — bring clothing that can layer easily. 
  • Shoes:    Footwear can easily become a packing challenge since it can take up a lot of space in suitcases. Choose shoes according to the planned activities and terrains. Pack a versatile selection: a pair for relaxation, one for hiking, another for city strolls, and one for a more refined option. 
  • Dress Like a Local:    The beauty of a trip around the world is the opportunity to visit many far-flung places with diverse cultures and ways of life. You may encounter many different cultures, some with specific dress expectations. For example, in most Middle Eastern countries, expect to dress modestly—cover shoulders and legs and keep a scarf handy for covering your head. A similar dressing is also a good rule for touring many religious establishments.

Trip Reviews

Great holiday.

Really interesting trip made extra special by our guide Melia, whose knowledge was incredible. We were really lucky with the weather and had a really good group o...

Brilliant Trip

This is a well designed trip giving an excellent overview of all three Baltic states. This not only included the capital cities but other towns and much countrysid...

Travels in the Baltics

A bit of a whirlwind tour although the three Baltic States relatively small, green and flat. I knew virtually nothing about them before I went but learned a lot ...

Explore and discover the Baltics

I enjoyed discovering an area of Europe I knew little about. Visiting many areas of all 3 countries. Guide well organized and itinerary good. Only problems were T...

Three small countries with a lot of character

The Baltic countries are interesting and the old towns are charming. They have suffered a lot under various foreign rulers and are proud of their independence. The...

See all Around the World reviews

Around the World Tours FAQ

1. Does Travelstride have all the tour operators?

2. How does the Member Savings program save me money?

3. Can I trust the tour operator and trip reviews on Travelstride?

4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?

Oneworld logo

Round The World Airline Tickets

Fly rtw with one world member airlines.

one world's Round The World tickets give you unprecedented access to hundreds of destinations in 170 territories. We offer three types of Round The World trips:

one world Explorer: a continent-based fare,

Global Explorer: a distance-based fare,

Circle Pacific: an inter-continental journey to explore continents that border the Pacific Ocean.

Where to first? The whole wide world is waiting for your Round The World trip.

Skyscrapers behind a clear blue sky in Doha, Qatar.

one world Explorer

Continent-Based Air Travel

No matter where business or pleasure takes you,  one world's vast network means your Round The World trip via  one world Explorer fare makes it easy to travel from city to city, and continent to continent. And, for every dot you connect, you earn more miles and points to spend across the  one world Alliance.

A view of a palm tree on the beach, overlooking the ocean with a vibrant sunset sky.

Global Explorer

Distance-Based Air Travel

For an even wider choice of where to travel, book your Round The World trip via Global Explorer, which grants you access to an even more extensive list of airlines, including Aer Lingus, Bangkok Airways,  one world  connect   partner  Fiji Airways , Jetstar, Jetstar Asia, Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Pacific, WestJet, and  Qantas  code-share flights operated by Air Tahiti Nui.

A mountain peak with a blue sky behind it.

Circle Pacific

Multi-Continent Air Travel

If you prefer to visit multiple continents without actually flying all the way around the world, our Circle Pacific fare lets you explore the continents that border the Pacific Ocean. You can choose to start and finish your journey in one of the following continents:

Asia  (Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam)

Southwest Pacific  (Australia and New Zealand)

North America  (USA and Canada)

South America

Contact a  one world member airline or your travel agent to plan and book your Circle Pacific trip now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a round the world ticket.

The one world Alliance offers a way to visit many countries, around the world, all in a single itinerary.

On oneworld.com, you can choose to book either one world Explorer, where the fare depends on the number of continents you visit, or Global Explorer, where the fare depends on the distance you travel.

Circle Pacific, an inter-continental journey to explore continents that border the Pacific Ocean, can be booked by your travel agent and is not currently available for booking on oneworld.com.

Where Can I Fly With Round The World?

For one world Explorer and Global Explorer, one world member airlines and affiliate airlines cover six continental regions: Europe/Middle East (including Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Georgia, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen); Africa (excluding countries listed above); Asia (including the Indian subcontinent, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, but excluding countries named above); Australia, New Zealand, and the South West Pacific; North America (including the Caribbean, Central America, and Panama); and South America. Currently, it is not possible to begin your itinerary through Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) through one world member Qatar Airways. Book both one world Explorer and Global Explorer on oneworld.com.

Through the one world Circle Pacific fare, one world member airlines and affiliate airlines cover four continental regions: Asia (including the Indian subcontinent, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan); Australia, New Zealand, and the South West Pacific; and North America. Ask your travel agent about booking a one world Circle Pacific fare. Routes are subject to change.

Where Can I Travel Now, Given COVID Restrictions?

View entry restrictions and COVID-19 travel requirements for countries around the world on our the one world Travel Requirements Information Portal . Use the map to get information on travel restrictions by country, including entry restrictions, as well as COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and quarantine requirements.

Is Round The World Ticket Business Class An Option?

Yes, Round The World tickets are available in Economy, Business, and First class. On our oneworld.com booking tool, there is a drop-down menu to select your preferred cabin class. Premium economy upgrades will show where available when you select flights.

Is Round The World Ticket First Class An Option?

How much does a round the world ticket cost.

Your Round the World fare is based on a few factors: the number of continents you visit or pass through or the distance travelled, the travel class selected, and the number of travelling passengers. Read on for more information about full fare rules and conditions [Note: Links open PDF in browser]:

What Are The Round The World Rules?

Read on for Round The World rules and conditions [Note: Links open PDF in browser]:

What Should I Know To Help Me Plan My one world Explorer Itinerary?

When planning your one world Explorer itinerary, here are tips to keep in mind:

Destinations are grouped into three zones and six continents:

Zone 1: North & South America

Zone 2: Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Zone 3: Asia and the South West Pacific

Your trip must be in a continuous forward direction, East or West, between Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. Backtracking within a continent is generally permitted, however some exclusions apply.

Your adventure can last from 10 days up to a year. Travel must be completed within 12 months of your original departure date.

Your trip must start and finish in the same city.

You must cross both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean on your journey.

Your journey can include three to six continents, and anywhere between three and 16 flights.

Review complete one world Explorer fare rules and conditions .

Can I Change Or Update My Round The World Itinerary?

Yes, one world Explorer, Global Explorer and one world Circle Pacific itineraries can be modified to accommodate changes to your Round The World plans.

If you booked your Round The World trip through oneworld.com, contact the ticketing airline (the airline you are flying on the first leg of your journey) to make changes to your itinerary.

If you booked your Round The World tickets through a travel agent, please contact the travel agent to make changes to your itinerary.

Will I Earn Frequent Flyer Points On A Round The World Trip?

Short answer: Yes, you will earn frequent flyer points on your Round the World trip.

Long answer: Yes. one world works in collaboration with all of our partner and member airlines to ensure that you’re rewarded no matter where you travel. On all eligible flights, you will accrue points or miles toward the airline of your choice and toward your one world tier status .

How Can I Pay For A one world Round The World Trip With Frequent Flyer Points?

Currently, it is not possible to use frequent flyer points to pay for a one world Round The World trip.

Does Your one world Explorer ticket include checked-in baggage?

Two free pieces of 23 kilos each shall be permitted. Additional allowances may apply. Refer to individual carrier websites.

Thrifty Nomads

Round the World Tickets: The Ultimate Guide (Updated 2024)

world trip price

Y ou've probably heard about round the world tickets, a one-stop shop approach to cross-continental flying. But let's be real: it's never been easier to book flight tickets yourself, and round the world tickets are pricey. So why do people book round the world tickets, and are they  actually worth the cost?

The quick answer is, it depends . If you're pressed for time, have a seriously fixed itinerary with many international stops to make, it can be cost-wise. However, if you have a whimsical, budget-conscious trip in mind, or are focusing on just one part of the world, there are cheaper options out there that you should know about  (like finding fares yourself on Skyscanner on Kiwi.com ).

So, here's everything you need to know about round the world tickets, followed by our DIY approach that could save you even more money!

  • 1 How do Round The World tickets work?
  • 2 How to book a round the world ticket
  • 3 What are the restrictions and/or setbacks?
  • 4 The alternative: book separate flights yourself
  • 5 How to book your own round the world trip
  • 6 So, what's the cheapest option?
  • 7 A Thrifty Case Study: A Round the World Trip from New York City
  • 8 What are the alternatives?
  • 9 So, is a round the world ticket worth it?

world trip price

How do Round The World tickets work?

Round the world (RTW) tickets are flight packages that let you visit a number of destinations around the world for one price. These tickets are offered by airline alliances like SkyTeam, Oneworld, and Star Alliance. All the flights in your itinerary must be served by airlines within the chosen alliance.

RTW tickets require you to select your destinations and departure dates in advance. This means you prepay for the pass and book all of your flights before your trip. Note: you don't have to actually fly “around the world” with these tickets , they're also sold as multi-city flights, continent-based travel, or by miles.

The perk of RTW tickets is the ability to book all flights at once at a discounted price, plus ensures a mass accumulation of frequent flyer miles since you'll only be flying partner airlines. You can even purchase part or all of your RTW ticket with relevant miles, where permitted.

Round the world ticket airport

How to book a round the world ticket

Round the world tickets can be purchased directly with airline alliances or via  travel agents .

Airline Alliances

  • OneWorld Alliance
  • Star Alliance

Each alliance offers an online trip planner that allows you to put in every stop of your itinerary and get a price quote. It also makes it easy to work around the restrictions of round the world tickets, warning you when your planned route doesn't meet the requirements. All alliances offer online booking, or you can call one of the participating alliance airlines directly.

Travel Agents

  • AirTreks (U.S. – our top choice & has 32+ years experience in RTW planning)
  • Liberty Travel (U.S.)
  • Flight Centre ( Australia , U.K. , Canada )
  • RoundAbout Travel (Australia)
  • Student Flights (Australia)
  • A travel agent local to you

Travel agents have exclusive access to flight deals, plus receive discounts accessible only via their IATA code. They also save a great deal of time and money whilst adhering to your budget and needs. Find an agency that specializes in round the world tickets, so they're aware of the restrictions and can secure the best price.

What are the restrictions and/or setbacks?

RTW tickets often more expensive than a DIY approach (covered later), especially given they exclude budget airlines. Furthermore, there are restrictions to follow, so ensure you've read the fine print. Such restrictions typically include:

  • A minimum number of flights to book (typically three), as well as a maximum
  • Flights usually must be within the same airline alliance. This can sometimes result in obscure stopovers to stay with partner alliances.
  • Restrictions on the direction of travel (e.g. East to West only) and/or requiring you to cross both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at least once
  • All flights must end in the city you started from and connect from city-to-city (i.e. you can't fly into London, then take a train to fly out of Paris)
  • A minimum number of stopovers
  • Additional surcharges for itinerary changes and/or flying to certain destinations
  • Missing a flight in your itinerary could result in the remaining flights being cancelled, even if days or weeks away

Whew! Though there are many restrictions, most will come up when making your booking . Simply use the round the world ticket planners provided by each alliance, put in your desired destinations, and the options and costs will be presented automatically.

The alternative: book separate flights yourself

The value of a round the world ticket depends on the route you're taking and the flexibility needed. More often than not, you'll find it's cheaper, easier, and more flexible to book your own round the world trip online across several bookings using multi-destination flight search engines like Kiwi.com  and Skyscanner . You also can mix and match airlines, and aren't confined by the restrictions that accompany an actual RTW ticket.

Credit card points programs also allow multi-city flight bookings, effectively allowing you to book your own round the world trip via points or a combination of cash and points. You can readily rack up a significant amount of miles just by hitting the minimum spend within a set time. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is our top pick as a beginner card. On hitting its minimum spend, you can earn up to 60,000 points worth $750 – more than enough for an international flight .

Flight deal subscriptions like Scotts Cheap Flights compile discounted airfare to your inbox, based on the desired departure airports. Whilst this doesn't include RTW flights, this could help you cover some of the legs of your trip, as it has majorly discounted international flights departing the U.S. For those outside America, similar services exist in the U.K. ( Jack's Flight Club ) and Canada ( Next Departure ).

The only major drawbacks with booking a RTW ticket yourself is the time and patience needed to make the booking. Additionally, you may end up with frequent flyer miles spread across a variety of programs, without enough miles in any program to use them. Most likely though, you'll come out ahead financially doing it yourself.

How to book your own round the world trip

Kiwi.com  and Skyscanner are the two flight search engines we recommend for booking your own tickets for a round the world trip. They include budget airlines and let you search multi-destination flights, letting you see prices for your entire itinerary at once.

The key difference between the two is that Skyscanner prefers results from partner airlines , while Kiwi.com will always  mix and match airlines (including budget airlines) for the cheapest price . Either booking site can be beneficial depending on your trip, so to get the best price, be sure to compare results and follow these tips:

  • Experiment with  the order of your destinations for the best price. Just because a flight is shorter doesn't mean it will be cheaper.
  • Experiment with the  dates of each flight . This can be time consuming, but if you're dedicated, you can shave hundreds of dollars off your total cost by simply finding the cheapest dates for each flight.
  • Multi-city and  return flights are often better value than booking many one-way flights when they can all be fulfilled by the same airline/alliance. For example, Virgin Atlantic has routes from New York to London, London to Shanghai, and Shanghai to New York, so making one multi-city booking with this single airline will be cheaper than several individual bookings with different airlines.
  • Skyscanner prefers partner airlines that can fulfil the entire itinerary you submit, which doesn't always get you the best price on complex itineraries. So if you have a lot of destinations, split your searches into 3-4 destinations at a time . For example, instead of submitting New York > London  > Paris > Beijing > New York as a single search, try searching New York > London > Paris as one search, and Paris > Prague > Beijing > New York as a second search. You don't have to worry about this on Kiwi.com , which always mixes and matches airlines to get the best results.

Round the World Ticket Airport

So, what's the cheapest option?

In our tests, the DIY approach is always cheaper, but it depends on the kind of trip you're taking. Round the world tickets can cost anywhere from $1,500 USD to $20,000 USD . The price varies greatly, and depends on your departure point, number of flights, distance flown, continents flown to, and flight class.

On the other hand, regular flight ticket prices are all over the map, dependent mostly on supply and demand. Sometimes a flight across continents can be even cheaper than a flight within your own country. Since regular flight tickets include budget airlines , sale and error fares , and you can still take advantage of discounts with partner airlines,  booking your own flight tickets has always been cheaper for us .

The only way to know for sure is to compare. Use the links provided in this guide and see what gives you the best result!

A Thrifty Case Study: A Round the World Trip from New York City

As an example, let's find the best price for the following round the world trip:  New York City > London > Paris > Prague > Beijing > Hong Kong > New York City . We want to go in  April and May , and we are booking now in  January . We'll start on Tuesday, April 10, and schedule each consecutive flight for the following Tuesday.

Option 1: A round the world travel agent

world trip price

Booking with AirTreks also gives you a team with over 32 years of experience in RTW planning, all your tickets in one spot (instead of many confusing separate bookings), 24/7 support, and better routes (less layover time, more baggage, etc.) If you do find a cheaper fare yourself, let them know – AirTreks tells us they're confident they could beat it!

Option 2: A round the world ticket booked directly with airline alliances

Putting in the same itinerary into each of the airline alliances' round the world trip planner gives us the following totals:

  • OneWorld: $3,738.86 USD
  • SkyTeam: $3,904.28 USD
  • Star Alliance: $4,543.84 USD

Not exactly thrifty, and up to 3x the advertised price of the travel agent! True round the world tickets require strategic planning, so using a travel agent's expertise can save you time and money. But let's take a look at booking regular airline tickets yourself…

Oneworld

Option 3: Book your own tickets using Kiwi.com and Skyscanner

Using the Kiwi.com multicity search feature, we enter our full itinerary, and within minutes, we have a variety of options from $1,390 – $1,434 USD .

world trip price

As we mentioned, Skyscanner usually just shows results from  partner airlines that can fulfill a ticket for the entire route. This route is pretty complex, and it's unlikely one airline alliance could fulfill it all, so let's  break it up .

After half an hour of trying different combinations of multi-city and one-way searches, the cheapest combination I could find for these dates was

world trip price

  • New York City > London > Paris > Prague: $390 USD
  • Prague > Beijing: $283 USD
  • Beijing > Hong Kong: $119 USD
  • Hong Kong > New York City: $493 USD
  • TOTAL TRIP COST: $1,285 USD

This is the cheapest option, beating Kiwi.com by only $105. What's going on here? In short, trial and error. The first batch of airlines aren't partners, but Skyscanner sometimes lets you mix and match airlines by using Kiwi.com for booking. And although there are partner airlines to fulfill the rest of the route, Hong Kong Airlines is an independent budget airline with competitive pricing, so it ended up being cheaper to book the flights separately in order to include their fares.

You can take this even further by testing different dates in your itinerary, as well as the order of your flights. As you can see, the process can be time consuming, but a little time rewards you with hundreds or thousands of dollars saved!

Airport Round the World Ticket

What are the alternatives?

Regional flight passes.

While not a round the world ticket in itself, this type of flight pass might be more sensible for your trip, depending whether you'll be flying a lot in one region versus globally. For instance, if you are planning to take more flights around South America than across continents, then you may be better off investing in one of their regional passes (check our guide here ).

Some examples of regional flight passes include:

  • OneWorld single-continent passes: available for Africa, Asia, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, Malaysia, South America, Europe, North America, Middle East, South Asian Sub-Continent
  • OneWorld multi-continent passes: rather than flying all the way around the world, these passes let you fly in a circle around one smaller area of the world
  • SkyTeam regional passes : available for Asia & Southwest Pacific, Africa, Asia, Europe, Greater China, Russia, and USA & Canada
  • Independent airline passes in South America : these work within specific South American countries (check our comprehensive list and guide here )
  • Qantas Explorer pass : a flight pass for exploring Australia and New Zealand

Building your own stopover

A stopover – that is, an extended layover where you can actually leave the airport for 1 or more days or weeks – can be added for cheap or free to any trip, all by yourself. Our how-to guide here explains exactly how to do this.

Essentially, you find a flight fare that includes a layover, but instead of rushing to your connecting flight, you spend days or weeks in the layover destination, visiting 2 destinations for the price of 1. Whether you go round the world or not, it's a great way to squeeze more travel value out of your flight costs.

So, is a round the world ticket worth it?

In short, for most travellers, the answer is probably no. There are a certain set of criteria where it could be more cost-effective, and some travellers may prefer the ease of having all of their tickets booked in one pass anyway. However, the fixed timing, many restrictions, and high price are likely to be unappealing to those who are seeking a thriftier approach, especially when it's so easy to book yourself for less with Kiwi.com and Skyscanner .

The Thrifty Gist

  • Round the world tickets are usually pricier than self-booking, but offer peace of mind and a pre-set itinerary
  • A dedicated RTW agent such as AirTreks can save you a lot of time, with the added benefit of 24/7 support, having all of your flights in one place, established airlines with shorter routes, and over 32 years of experience in RTW planning. AirTreks tells us they're confident they could beat the other prices in this post, so if you find a cheaper fare yourself, let them know!
  • Round the world tickets can be booked with airline alliances or travel agents, while self-booking regular flight tickets can be booked using the multi-destination features of Skyscanner and Kiwi.com
  • Self-booking is usually the cheapest approach to a round the world trip, but can also be more tedious
  • Reasons to self-book include the abundance of available error/sale fares , budget airlines, the ease with which self-booking can be done, and that stopovers can easily be added to any trip

Our website contains some affiliate links in relevant areas. This means we get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for recommending a product we personally use, trust, and own.

trying to fin d the cheapest country to start a Oneworld 4 continent ticket July 2022, it used to be South Africa or Jordan, any update links?

Please send complete information for my round the world travel for 2 – up to a year.

Skyteam RTW tickets are not available currently, and haven’t been since the start of COVID. The Star Alliance RTW business ticket I just booked was half the price of using the DIY method.

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Round the World

Buying a multi-destination ticket has never been simpler.

Do you want to travel the world? Are you excited to discover and experience different countries and cultures? Are you looking for the best value for travelling to the world’s top iconic cities?

Our Star Alliance Book and Fly tool helps you plan and book multi-destination fares online. Certain exceptions apply. Alternatively, contact a member airline or your travel agent.

One Star Alliance ticket. Limitless travel possibilities.

Imagine embarking on a journey that takes you all around the world. Picture all the places you will go, the sights you will see, the people you will meet. Now imagine doing all of that and more, with just a single ticket.

The Star Alliance Round The World ticket offers you a travel experience unlike any other.

Journey across the world and visit up to 15 cities, while enjoying the kind of seamless flexibility and outstanding value for money that only the world’s largest airline network can offer. Where will your Round The World journey take you? Imagine your trip and make it a reality—all in just a few clicks with our Star Alliance Book and Fly tool. Certain exceptions apply. Alternatively, contact a member airline or your travel agent.

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  • Start and end in the same country
  • Follow one global direction (East or West)
  • Cross both the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean
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  • Travel between 10 days to 1 year
  • Transits must be less than 24 hours
  • Stopovers are more than 24 hours
  • Check the terms and conditions for detailed inclusions

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Round The World in Just a Few Clicks

Select your destinations.

Start by entering your Origin City. Then add destinations by entering the city name or by selecting cities on the map.

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The system will automatically select the flights for each segment, but you may also pick flights from the Star Alliance network that best cater to your needs.

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Circle Pacific

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The itinerary can be accessed and changed by visiting staralliance.com and entering the Itinerary Code under 'Open Saved Itineraries' in the booking tool. Thank you for using the Star Alliance booking site for your journey.

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How do I plan a trip around the world?

Where to begin? Do you want to see every single continent? Just one continent in great depth? Just one country in great depth? Travel is our favorite thing on the planet, but to plan a trip around the world involves many potential logistical headaches. That's why we make exploring the world easy, with food, accommodations and transport included in the cost of your trip.

How do you plan a world tour?

You do some research on the places you'd like to visit and how much time you'd like to see them all in, then you think about your budget. Traveling the world can be expensive, so it's good to prioritize stops you want to make and think about the best time of year to go.

How much does it cost to travel around the world?

There are many variables to consider for your around the world trip. When you go, where you go and what you do when you're there - no to mention transport, food and accommodations - can all add up to significant sums if you're looking to hop from continent to continent. It can cost around 4000 dollars per month to travel the world if you're really doing it on the cheap. That's why, with us, you get food, accommodations and transportation all included in the cost of your trip, so you can keep a lid on expenses.

How much is a round the world ticket?

A round the world ticket can range wildly, between $1500–$20,000 dollars depending on your flight's mileage, your route, whether you're flying economy or not, and the number of stopovers, though a simple two to four stop around the world ticket might cost as little as $1,500.

How much is a round the world trip?

It depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. The word is a big place, and there are many logistical challenges to overcome, including transport, food and accommodations. That's why our trips include all of this kind of stuff in the price, as well as unique experiences and a group of young explorers to share it all with.

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The Guide to Around-the-World Tickets

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Table of Contents

What is an around-the-world ticket?

Which airlines offer around-the-world tickets, how much is an around-the-world ticket, booking an around-the-world ticket with miles, if you're considering booking an around-the-world ticket.

For those who love travel, there may be no more romantic idea than taking off on a long trip spanning the globe. Airlines realize this and offer travelers the ability to book such a trip using an around-the-world ticket.

However, around-the-world tickets can be very complicated and quite expensive. Thankfully, travelers with a stash of airline miles or program points with a bank can book around-the-world mileage tickets.

Here's a guide to your options for booking an around-the-world ticket — both with cash and miles.

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An around-the-world ticket is generally a series of flights that circumnavigate the world and start and end around the same general point, all booked as part of one airline ticket.

The rules for around-the-world tickets vary based on the airline, airline alliance or mileage program issuing the ticket.

The price of some around-the-world tickets is based on how many continents you fly through — regardless of the number of stops or distance. Other around-the-world ticket prices are based on the total flight distance.

Generally, around-the-world tickets are much more flexible than regular airline tickets. Some around-the-world tickets even allow free changes if you stick to the same itinerary. Plus, you'll generally earn miles on the booking when purchasing a cash around-the-world ticket.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Most airlines offer around-the-world tickets through their airline alliance. Both Star Alliance and the Oneworld alliance currently offer around-the-world tickets. However, the SkyTeam alliance has suspended its SkyTeam Round the World pass.

Oneworld Round The World Airline Tickets

The Oneworld alliance — which includes American Airlines and Alaska Airlines — offers three types of multi-city multi-airline tickets:

Oneworld Explorer prices the around-the-world ticket based on the number of continents you visit.

Global Explorer is a distance-based around-the-world ticket.

Circle Pacific is a not-quite around-the-world ticket limited to continents bordering the Pacific Ocean.

world trip price

Oneworld recently launched an intuitive new Oneworld Explorer tool that walks you through the city and date selection process. Input your preferred destinations, dates and length. Then, the tool will determine the right pass for your itinerary, help you select flights and book the around-the-world ticket.

» Learn more: What to know about Oneworld multi-carrier awards

world trip price

Oneworld currently has the following restrictions on around-the-world tickets:

Trips should start and end in the same city.

Fly no more than 16 flights.

Visit at least three continents.

No backtracking allowed — you need to continue in the same general direction of travel.

Complete your trip within 12 months.

Cross the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean

Star Alliance Round The World Airline Tickets

As the world's largest airline alliance, Star Alliance is an obvious choice for around-the-world tickets. Star Alliance's 26 members combine to serve 1,300 destinations in 190 countries. You can build an epic trip to pretty much anywhere through a Star Alliance around-the-world ticket.

Know where you want to go? Start with the Star Alliance Round The World journey builder . Otherwise, get inspired with more than 20 sample itineraries .

Like Oneworld, Star Alliance around-the-world tickets allow up to 16 flights, up to one full year from the date of departure and require you to generally travel in the same direction. You can also book a Circle Pacific not-quite around-the-world ticket through Star Alliance.

If you're booking with cash, around-the-world tickets aren't cheap.

Oneworld around-the-world tickets beginning in the U.S. start at $3,599 for an economy ticket visiting three continents and climb as high as $6,899 to visit six continents in economy. And that's before taxes and fees. Business and first-class fares are even higher, often pricing above $10,000.

world trip price

Two advantages of booking an around-the-world ticket are flexibility and the set price. Around-the-world tickets are priced at the same price whether you're flying during the off-season or peak holiday times.

If you want to fly on peak dates or pricey routes, it can be cheaper to book an award-the-world ticket than to piece together a trip using individual flight bookings.

Booking around-the-world tickets using cash is just one option. Several airline loyalty programs offer around-the-world mileage tickets.

Around-the-world awards have the obvious advantage of saving you a lot of cash out-of-pocket. However, you'll need to accumulate quite a stockpile of miles to be able to book these tickets. Plus, you'll need to find award availability on every flight segment — which can be a daunting task.

Here's a quick overview of the best around-the-world mileage options for each airline alliance:

ANA Mileage Club (Star Alliance)

All Nippon Airways — better known as simply ANA — offers arguably the best around-the-world mileage tickets. Travelers can book up to 12 flights and eight stopovers between their origin and final destination. The price depends on how far you fly and in which cabin:

Travelers can limit flight mileage by booking up to four "ground transport" segments. These segments don't count toward your total distance. That means you can use a low-price award or cheap cash ticket to keep your around-the-world ticket distance down.

Restrictions to keep in mind:

Limit of one crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and one crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

Backtracking isn't permitted.

The full journey must span at least 10 days.

Must return to the same country you departed.

The best way of getting enough ANA Mileage Club miles for an ANA around-the-world ticket is by accumulating American Express Membership Rewards.

You can transfer AmEx points to ANA at a 1:1 transfer ratio. And you can top off your ANA account with transfers from Marriott Bonvoy, but points transfer at a rate of 3:1.

» Learn more: The best AmEx transfer partners — and ones to avoid

Asia Miles (Oneworld)

Asia Miles — the mileage program of Cathay Pacific — doesn't technically have around-the-world tickets. But you can piece together an epic journey around the world using the mileage program's Oneworld Multi-Carrier Award chart.

Since it isn't a true around-the-world ticket, it doesn't have some of the same restrictions. That means you can backtrack and don't have to end your trip where you began. Award pricing depends on your class of service and the distance of your trip.

» Learn more: Cathay Pacific: What to Know

Maximize your Oneworld Multi-Carrier Awards booking with up to five stopovers. And use the two allowable open-jaws to connect the dots where Oneworld doesn't have a good option.

Make sure to fly at least one flight on Cathay Pacific to remove the limitation of just two airlines. The only major limitations are that premium economy awards aren't available and your journey must be limited to 50,000 points.

Build your Asia Miles balance by transferring points from:

American Express Membership Rewards (1:1 transfer ratio).

Capital One Miles (1:1).

Citi ThankYou Points (1:1).

Bilt Rewards (1:1).

Marriott Bonvoy (3:1).

Aeromexico Club Premier (SkyTeam)

One of the only SkyTeam airlines that offers a compelling around-the-world mileage ticket is Aeromexico. And it's a pretty solid option. Travelers can book a whopping 15 stopovers, meaning you can piece together an absolutely epic trip in the one-year ticket validity.

The cost sounds extremely high, but remember that these are in kilometers instead of miles: 224,000 Premier Points in economy or 352,000 Premier Points in business class.

world trip price

American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Aeromexico at a 1:1.6 transfer ratio. That means you need 140,000 AmEx points for an economy SkyTeam Around-the-World ticket or 220,000 AmEx points for business class.

While AmEx is the best option, you can top off your Aeromexico Club Premier account by transferring points from:

Other loyalty programs to consider

Several other airlines offer around-the-world mileage tickets — or multi-carrier awards with multiple stopovers. Here's a quick summary of other options and why we didn't highlight them in detail:

British Airways Multi-Carrier Reward Flights . Asia Miles generally provides better pricing and fewer restrictions.

Qantas Oneworld Classic Flight Reward . Allows up to five stopovers. But Asia Miles generally provides better pricing.

Japan Airlines Oneworld Award Tickets . Superb pricing and very flexible, but the only major transfer partner is Marriott Bonvoy.

Korean SkyTeam Round the World Award . Excellent prices, but no longer issued after March 31, 2023.

Lufthansa Miles & More Round the World . Pricey and Miles & More has no major transfer partners.

Singapore Star Alliance Round the World Awards . Up to seven stopovers and easy-to-accumulate miles. Plus, KrisFlyer generally limits award availability to partners. However, ANA generally provides better pricing.

There's a lot to keep in mind when considering an around-the-world ticket.

For cash fares, consider booking through one of the major airline alliances for the best options. Just pay attention to the restrictions. Just as importantly, consider what isn't restricted. You might be able to add additional destinations for no additional cost.

Many airline mileage programs also offer around-the-world mileage tickets, although some are labeled "multi-carrier awards" instead. These can be an excellent deal as long as you can find award availability.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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budget tour du monde

How much does it cost to travel around the world? We breakdown the budget!

When you go on a round-the-world trip, you must know how much it will cost! We break down our travel budget and tell you everything about saving money to travel!

Last Update: 17/04/2024 0 COMMENT

Now that you’ve decided to leave everything behind and go traveling , let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: how much does a trip around the world cost ? In this chapter, we’ll take a look at how to estimate the budget for a round-the-world trip , based on the main expense factors. We’ll also share with you the details of everything we spent on our long-term trip.

Wat Pha Lat

How much does it cost to travel around the world?

Costs before setting off on a round-the-world trip, costs when you’re on a round-the-world trip, costs for your return from your round-the-world trip, how can you save money to travel around the world, jobs that allow you to travel.

our guide to plan your round-the-world trip

You are currently reading the second chapter of our free ebook How to travel the world , in which you will find all the necessary advice and preparations for your trip around the world!

In addition to the version on the blog , there is a PDF version to read it peacefully on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, or to print it 🙂.

How much does a round the world trip cost?

That’s probably THE big question we all ask ourselves… It’s pretty hard to give a clear and precise answer… There are probably as many round-the-world budgets as there are travelers !

But if we can’t answer it for you, we’ll show you the price ranges for a round-the-world trip and tell you a little more about our budget, so you can get an idea!

Trips around the world for millionaires

Before we left, I came across an article about a travel agency offering a 1.5 million euro round-the-world trip ! This trip took its lucky owner around the world for 2 years in a very “luxury” version…

In short, as you may have guessed, we are not the purchasers of this charming little trip around the world… At the same time, at the risk of appearing hypocritical to some, I can guarantee you that such a trip would not make us dream.

Around the world on 2 euros a day

Alongside these trips for millionaires in search of thrills and escapism, you’ll also find people on the web who have decided to travel the world on absolutely minimal budgets. A round-the-world trip on foot with 2 euros a day, a round-the-world hitchhiking trip…

As you can see, there’s a world of difference between a luxurious round-the-world trip with a daily budget of a whopping 2054 euros, and a trip around the world on foot with a budget of 2 euros a day!

dans un village autour de Ba Be

Backpacking around the world: an economical way to travel

We’ve decided to keep this trip around the world simple, but without sacrificing comfort and a minimum of security. We could define ourselves as little backpackers, and this mode of travel allows us to save a lot of money !

No 4-star hotels and no 1 st -class travel, but we promise we’re not badly off! We opt for youth hostels, camping sites, apartment rentals, couchsurfing and nice little guesthouses, alternating with nights on buses, trains or boats to save a few nights whenever possible.

During a round-the-world trip or any long-term trip, we try to favor local transport as much as possible, while avoiding taking the plane too often. To find out more about local means of transport, you can read our article about transport in China .

Benoit tried to convince me to discover South America by bike but being hopeless on two-wheelers, I kindly declined! In short, we did South America by bus instead! Well, I did spend a week cycling in Taiwan , which wasn’t bad, was it?

When it comes to food , we love to try out all the flavors of the countries we visit ( street food , small authentic restaurants ), but we also love to explore local markets and supermarket shelves to prepare our own little picnics. After more than a year and a half on the road around the world, we can’t say enough about what we’ve enjoyed!

la nourriture en tour du monde

The best way to know how much your round-the-world trip will cost is to break down your expenses by estimating each item as closely as possible. In this section, we look at all the expenses you need to take into account before your big departure .

Travel insurance

For a worry-free trip, it’s important to be well-insured . The range of insurance options is vast, and we’ll devote an entire chapter to it below. To give you an idea of the cost, travel insurance ranges from 300 to 2000 euros a year, depending on the services you require.

So, as you can see, the differences between the budgets of different travelers can already be considerable! For our part, we opted for WorldNomads for 1980 euros per year for 2, or 990 euros per person. But to tell you the truth, if we had to do it all over again, we’d change our travel insurance. Today, we’d opt for TrueTraveller instead, but we’ll let you compare 😉. After this round-the-world trip and other long-term travels, we’ve scoured a good number of insurances and created an ultra-complete guide with a travel insurance comparison .

Vaccine budget

vaccines for a trip around the world

Here too, the financial gap can continue to widen; vaccines are unique to each individual. You’ll come across many travelers who have decided to leave without any vaccinations. Others will be vaccinated against diseases that don’t even exist in the region where they’ll be staying, but have decided to go all out. But we don’t want to get into that debate.

The best thing to do is visit your doctor for advice tailored to your needs. We’ve also prepared a special section on vaccines later in this guide. For our part, the cost was just under 700 euros per person to refresh our essential vaccines and get a few destination-specific vaccines, but that was in Austria. And Austria is not particularly known for its cheap medicine! Expect to pay between 270 and 500 euros for your vaccinations, depending on the hospital… However, for our Swiss friends, we’ll let you guess why we decided to do it in Austria…

Equipment budget for a trip around the world

our backpacks to travel around the world

Clothes, hiking gear and computers

A bit like insurance, there’s something for everyone. You can, for example, choose to equip yourself only with the big trekking and mountain brands , or use your old clothes and complete your wardrobe a little by going to Decathlon or buying online. The equipment cost can be multiplied fivefold depending on which option you choose! On the whole, quality and lightness come at a price… We invite you to read the chapter about backpacking gear for a round-the-world trip , in which we detail exactly what we pack in our backpacks.

The same applies to computer equipment. We decided to leave with our laptops, a camera, an external hard drive, a camera, and so on… So obviously, this adds to the budget of a round-the-world trip if you need to buy the necessities. And don’t forget that it’s in your interest to have your valuable computer equipment insured for a trip like this. The more your equipment is worth, the more it will cost to insure it in case of loss or theft.

Our gear budget

Financially, we spent around 320 euros per person , buying mainly jackets (softshell and fleece), as well as small equipment (padlock, kit, gas burner, protective cover, rucksack, storage, universal adapter, travel crockery, etc.) from Decathlon . We’ve both decided to take our existing electronic equipment (laptop, cellphone and camera) with us, so there’s no need to invest in that before departure.

our backpacking gear for our round-the-world trip

A piece of advice: buy only the bare essentials ! Your hiking pants giving out? No problem, you’ll probably find the same in South-East Asia. We’ll come back to this in the dedicated article, but you’ll find everything you need along the way, so there’s no need to plan “just in case” 😉.

The transportation cost

The transportation budget is the expense item that is generally greatly underestimated in a round-the-world trip cost. Assuming you’re going by plane (and not by van, boat, bike or on foot), tickets will make up the majority of the transportation expense item. When it comes to plane tickets, there’s an initial choice to be made: round-the-world ticket or individual purchase?

Round-the-world tickets

Round-the-world tickets are very flexible , which is good, but it also means that their price can vary enormously! In fact, it all depends on your desires, but you should know that the price is calculated according to the following points:

  • number of kilometers covered;
  • number of continents;
  • country or even city of departure;
  • number of destinations.

To give you an idea, a round-the-world ticket generally costs between 2500 and 5000 euros . Ours cost 3078 euros each for this itinerary: Lyon – Beijing – Canton – Taipei – Hong Kong – Bangkok – Jakarta – Sydney – Santiago – Easter Island – Santiago – Punta Arenas – Bogota – Lyon.

plane

Airline tickets are purchased as you go along

Of course, you can also choose not to purchase a round-the-world ticket and buy your plane tickets as you go along (or buy them all before departure). We explain why we decided not to make this choice in this article .

All in all, I think that round-the-world tickets may make you a little less flexible than individual plane tickets. Still… They’re quite adaptable: we changed almost all our flight dates ! In any case, they’ll save you from tearing your hair out along the way when you want to leave a country or region and can’t find a reasonably-priced flight for the dates you want.

Please note: if, like us, you leave with a round-the-world ticket but decide to extend your trip, you’ll automatically lose your last flight! In fact, round-the-world tickets are not valid for more than 12 months ! We had a return flight from Bogota to Lyon in August 2014, which we didn’t take. So we had to buy another ticket for our return to Europe!

So, round-the-world tickets or tickets as you go? We’ve devoted a chapter of the e-book to choosing your itinerary and plane tickets for a round-the-world trip , so you can make up your own mind. It’s really a question of choice, we simply decided that we wanted to leave with peace of mind, without having to spend our evenings on flight comparison sites looking for the next best deal…

Our pre-departure budget

The visa budget.

Visas are an expense item to think about when planning your round-the-world trip, but they’re not the most expensive, at least not for the countries we visit most often. And as long as you avoid Bhutan (the visa costs 5433 euros for one month! OK, the visa costs 20 dollars plus a fee of 200 dollars per day), you shouldn’t have any nasty surprises! The most expensive visas are to be found in Asia , but they are often quite reasonable. To give you some examples, here are some costs:

Visas in Asia

  • China : 126 euros for 30 jours with double entry
  • Taiwan : visa exemption for stays of less than 90 days
  • Thailand : visa exemption for stays of less than 30 days
  • Vietnam : visa exemption for stays of less than 15 days, otherwise 25 $ for 30 days
  • Cambodia : 30 euros for a visa on arrival for stays of less than 30 days
  • Laos : 40 euros for a visa on arrival for stays under 30 days
  • Malaysia : visa exemption for stays under 3 months
  • Indonesia : 30 euros for 30 jours

Mont Hua, Chine

Visas in Oceania

  • Australia : visa exemption for stays under 3 months

Visas in South America

  • Chile : visa exemption for stays under 3 months
  • Argentina : visa exemption for stays under 3 months
  • Peru : visa exemption for stays under 3 months
  • Bolivia : visa exemption for stays under 90 days
  • Colombia : visa exemption for stays under 90 days

Please note that these prices have been updated but may vary. For exact and detailed prices, we recommend you visit the websites of the embassies in question, or the Bureau of Consular Affairs for Americans, the FDFA for Swiss, or the Federal Public Service for Belgians.

There are a considerable number of online agencies that “take care of your visa” for you. We advise against using this system. Handy for business travelers who have no time to waste and who write off their expenses, the bill can quickly become expensive, especially for backpackers! What’s more, it’s often easy to apply for a visa on your own . Always check the official embassy websites first. If the visa has to be applied for in advance, or if you need an e-visa , the procedure will usually be well-detailed.

Patagonia Argentina

Local transport

Most of the time, people setting off on a round-the-world trip include their plane tickets in their transport budget , but often forget about local means of transport ! Even if buses, trains and tuk-tuks aren’t very expensive in Asia, you still need to think about budgeting for them. What’s more, in South America and Australia, getting around can quickly add up, especially in countries like Chile, Argentina and Brazil!

What do you think is the average percentage of our expenses devoted to transport (excluding flights)? Well, local transport accounted for 17 % of our expenses , which is not to be overlooked when planning your round-the-world budget! Oh, and one more thing to keep transport costs down during your trip around the world, especially in Asia: ne-go-ciate ! It can be an annoyance after a while but assume that locals always charge tourists more…

transport tour du monde

Accommodation budget

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses on a round-the-world trip. Your accommodation budget can vary greatly depending on your comfort requirements. Some decide to sleep under the stars for a budget close to 0 €, while others opt for 4-star hotels. We’re more into youth hostel dormitories and cheap hotels, with a sprinkling of couchsurfing !

If you’ve decided to set off in a spirit of discovery, with expectations of comfort that aren’t too high, but still want to spend nights in safety and, if possible, on more or less clean sheets, then you won’t blow your budget! To budget for accommodation, you can use the figures found in travel planners or refer to our figures. But we’ll come back to this a little later in the article. In fact, your accommodation budget during your round-the-world trip will vary considerably depending on the expensive and affordable countries you’ve chosen to visit and the time you’ve decided to spend there!

As far as hotels are concerned, we tended to arrive in villages and look for small guesthouses on the spot. However, we also sometimes booked in advance when arriving at night, in big cities or during high season. When it comes to booking accommodation, we have several recommendations to make sure you don’t blow your round-the-world trip cost :

  • Hostelworld : this is THE reference site for youth hostels! You’ll find beds in dormitories, but also double rooms. Why them? Because they offer so many hostels at the best prices. Being the biggest isn’t an advantage in itself (we don’t even care), but the advantage is that there are lots of reviews of the accommodation!
  • Booking : Booking needs no introduction… It remains THE site for booking a guesthouse, hotel room or studio at the best price. We also opt for apartments or small studios when we’re out and about. They’re not necessarily cheaper than hostels, but having a kitchen at your disposal cuts costs.

logement tour du monde

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The extras budget

Don’t forget to leave a little margin in your round-the-world budget to treat yourself along the way, or simply to make up for a last-minute glitch. It can always happen, and you’ll be glad to be able to take care of your needs. We kept 2×100 dollars with us at all times, hidden in Fabienne’s bra and a pouch belt. Among the extras, we count:

  • hairdressing;
  • small treats such as more expensive excursions (diving, climbing a volcano in Bolivia, multi-day treks), a short cruise, postage to send parcels home, etc.
  • a night in a slightly more luxurious room from time to time;
  • a good restaurant!

In the end, we didn’t really do the extras we’d planned. Well, yes… Of course, we did do a little shopping , but much less than planned, and we rarely splurged on more luxurious hotels.

BUT, we did have a few unplanned expenses ! I bought myself a MacBook Air in Hong Kong to replace my computer, which had given up the ghost. And… following a beautiful proposal on the Great Wall of China , we took the opportunity to have our wedding clothes made in Vietnam and sent back to Switzerland. In short, having a little spare cash means you can treat yourself to a wide variety of things, believe me!

essayage chez Kimmy tailleur à Hoi an

As far as activities are concerned, we took advantage of being in mountainous regions to go trekking , which does add to the price. A word of advice: compare prices online and on-site to avoid paying much more than you should… We recommend you look on Getyourguide or Civitatis . These two sites offer many activities around the world, often at attractive prices.

hygiene in a trip around the world

The hygiene budget

You might not think about it, but depending on the length of your trip (around the world or not), you’ll need to buy the basics of your toiletry kit . Shower gel (or solid soap), shampoo, toothpaste, sun cream, moisturizer, sanitary towels… In short, you’ll need to renew these essentials if you’re going to be on the road for several months. The good news is that you’ll find everything you need on the road, even outside the big cities! Well, it’s clearly not what’s going to explode your total budget, but to put a figure on it, keep in mind the costs of the products you usually buy. In Asia, you’ll probably pay less, but the trend is reversed in Oceania and America.

Internet budget and SIM cards

When traveling, it’s also important to keep in touch with family and friends . Nowadays, with a smartphone, the problem of communication is quickly solved! WhatsApp, Messenger and Signal are the most common applications for sharing your trip with loved ones.

Although wifi is available just about everywhere in tourist areas, you may still need data . Whether it’s to get GPS on your smartphone, book accommodation or take a video call in the wilderness, buying a local SIM card can come in really handy. Prices vary from country to country but expect to pay around ten euros for several gigas of data, equivalent to 1 month’s travel within the country. That’s not much on the total budget of a round-the-world trip, but it’s still worth taking into account.

apps for communicate from everywhere around the world

The budget for bank charges

The question of banks is often a little underestimated in a round-the-world budget. Intuitively, we tell ourselves we’ve got a bank, a credit card and we’re all set. Well, that’s true in theory! But on a long-term trip, the bank card is an area where you can make big savings if you take a little interest. The situation will obviously depend on your country of residence or rather your tax domicile.

credit cards

To determine the best solution, we compared the main banks by subjecting them to a round-the-world scenario. We compared withdrawal fees, transaction fees, and card fees for a 1-year trip , based on an average of 8 withdrawals and 20 online payments per month.

Before leaving, we had a Raifen account and a Credit Suisse account, respectively. We quickly realized that the costs would be considerable over a year’s travel. So we opted for PostFinance and its Private Plus account. Withdrawals are free and unlimited abroad, and card payment fees are 1.2% for foreign currency transactions. With 2 credit cards (for online payments) and 2 debit cards (for free withdrawals), this comes to 130 CHF per year:

  • 110 CHF/year (1 credit card) or 130 CHF/year (2 debit cards) if you have more than 25 000 CHF in your account;
  • 194 CHF/year (1 credit card) or 214 CHF/year (2 credit cards) if you have less than 25 000 CHF in your account.

We’re really delighted with our choice of PostFinance ! Our Plus card has enabled us to withdraw absolutely everywhere in the world, and we’ve never needed to make a single withdrawal with a credit card. In fact, we kept this bank after our trip! In 2020, in addition to Postfinance, we opted for a Neon account . It allows us to make card payments free of charge! In short, we think PostFinance and Neon are a perfect combination! We’ve devoted an article to Neon that explains everything 😉.

Traditional banks

Most banks offer their services online and allow you to manage your accounts from a mobile or a customer area. This is a good thing! The catch is that traditional banks often charge high fees for withdrawals… These fees can either take the form of a fixed amount per withdrawal or a percentage of the amount withdrawn . The simplest thing to do is to ask your current bank about the conditions. Once you have these figures, estimate the cost of your trip.

Be aware that, in most countries, withdrawal amounts are limited , so you may have to withdraw regularly. So it’s best to avoid a fixed fee per withdrawal model.

Mobile banks and neobanks

The concept of a mobile bank is that you get a physical card , but then everything happens from your mobile! It is the most practical option when you’re traveling! Before signing up, we advise you to determine your needs by comparing fees.

N26 a neobank to travel around the world

To do this, take note of the number of withdrawals, the number of payments per card, the transaction volume and the withdrawal or payment limits. Some banks have higher fixed fees, but this reduces the commissions/fees for withdrawals. All in all, it’s well worth comparing according to your needs!

There are several new-generation banks (Wise, Revolut…) but the one most used by travelers is N26. In a nutshell, N26 is:

  • N26 : the classic free account. No monthly fees. 5 withdrawals are free, then you pay 2 euros per withdrawal (within the eurozone). Outside the eurozone, the withdrawal fee is 1.7%.
  • N26 You : the You option costs 9.90 euros per month and offers the same conditions as the eurozone. Outside the eurozone, however, withdrawals are 100% free, and cardholders also benefit from travel insurance covering medical expenses, among other things.

All in all, if you do the math, the You card is worth it if you withdraw more than 580 euros a month. Which, let’s face it, travels fast 😉! If you’d like to find out more about this neobank, you can read our page dedicated to N26 .

Current fees

It’s important not to overlook any recurring charges you may have at home while you’re away. Whether it’s a car loan , a loan repayment , your taxes , car or household insurance , water and electricity bills , your telephone package…

Check all your contracts carefully and try to limit these costs as much as possible by canceling anything you don’t need in good time. Consider renting or subletting your apartment or house while you’re away so that you don’t have to pay rent or mortgage repayments.

The cost of a round-the-world trip in a nutshell

The cost of our trip around the world.

Here’s our little summary table of everything we spent on this round-the-world trip ! Yes, banking secrecy may be a Swiss thing, but we’ve decided to open our account books to you!

In other words, a round-the-world trip that cost us 35 882 euros for 2 people , including all expenses , for just over 18 months . Seen like that, I’ll grant you that’s a hefty sum! But believe us, we don’t regret spending several years saving up for this trip . Every penny was well worth it! Some people decide to buy a new car at that price, but we preferred a round-the-world trip!

If we break down the daily budget per person, we can see that out of the 32 euros:

  • 6.3 euros are dedicated to accommodation (19,7 %);
  • 5.4 euros to transportation (16,7 %);
  • 11.8 euros to food (36,9 %);
  • 4.4 euros to sightseeing (13,9 %);
  • 4.1 euros to extras (12,9 %).

If you’re planning to travel a bit like us and would like to use the figures to estimate your round-the-world budget, feel free to drop by the articles linked in the table above. You’ll find much more detail for each destination! We’ve even created a special category on budgets by country !

visit Angkor in Cambodia when you're traveling around the world

How much do you need to budget for travel around the world?

As you can see, the subject of a long trip cost is a vast one. An ultra-insured person, vaccinated against everything, in possession of a plane ticket with many destinations and with the latest equipment, will have no problem spending close to 15 000 euros even before departure.

I’m not particularly fond of averages, but you should know that the price of a round-the-world trip like the one we took is usually around 15 000-20 000 euros per person . This depends on the activities/extras you decide to indulge in (diving, trekking, cruises, parachute jumping, quad biking, etc.) and the countries on your itinerary. Once you’ve established your budget, don’t forget to add a 10% safety margin for small extras. This will give you an excellent estimate!

After all, these figures are VERY theoretical. You’ll always find someone who left with 150 euros in their pocket and traveled for 3 years, just as you might hear people tell you that at less than 100 euros a day, travel isn’t fun. In short, take these figures as pure indicators and try to make up your own mind.

After this trip and many others, we’ve listed here 9 tips for saving money when traveling . By paying a little attention to certain points, you can really save money and enjoy your trip for longer!

at the top of the parinacota

Another thing to bear in mind is the difficulty of imagining how you’re going to manage your travel budget when it’s your first trip of this kind. Before we took the plunge, accommodation was my biggest fear. I told myself that we were bound to want to go to hotels that were a bit nicer from time to time. Besides, I’d always told myself that I’d never be seen sleeping in anything with bugs everywhere. Well… Once on the road, I quickly changed my mind. I’d much rather forgo a little character to have more budget available for activities or a glass of wine. As long as the place was safe and reasonably clean, I was generally delighted!

For most long-term travelers, this is an expense that usually is overlooked. But it’s essential to set aside a little to tide you over when you return. We were lucky enough to be able to stay with our parents for a few weeks on our return, but it was still handy to have a small budget for outings and the first expenses associated with settling in before getting paid!

It’s hard to give you an ideal amount… It may vary depending on your country, how long you think it will take you to find a job again , or whether, like us, you have parents who are cool enough to put you up for a while. In short, we put 2500 euros each into an account for the return. That may sound like a lot, but in Switzerland, you don’t get very far with that!

return of our trip around the world, back to zurich!

To tell you the truth, everything happened very quickly. Knowing that we’d be looking for work, we started the process 2 months before our return. After a few rounds of first interviews online, I had second interviews the day after we arrived in Switzerland. We first lived with our parents for 15 days, then moved 250 km away for me to start my new job. The result? Before I got my first salary, we had to be in a strong enough financial position:

  • 3 months deposit on the apartment ;
  • our transport passes to get to work (to the interviews for Benoit);
  • a first wave of furniture to at least have a bed and a table in our new home;
  • small purchases that quickly add up: dishes, vacuum cleaner, sheets… We certainly picked up a few things left and right, but the shopping list was still long!

In short, don’t forget to include a small sum dedicated to your return in your round-the-world budget!

One of the most common reactions we hear before we leave is:

How can you afford to travel around the world? Did you win the lottery?

The answer is clearly no, unfortunately. On the other hand, we’ve been saving up to travel . But how? By changing our lifestyle a little before we left. Let’s just say we continued to live a bit like students, despite being salaried.

What makes me smile is that 90% of the people who remark on our so-called fortune would have the budget to do a round-the-world trip in less time than it would take if they made a few small sacrifices…

Fabienne and Ben in Finland

In any case, there’s no miracle when it comes to saving money : either you spend less, or you earn more! The best way is to do a bit of both, and here are our ideas on how to afford the trip of your dreams!

Limit meals out a little

Young employees tend to go out to restaurants regularly to “have a bite to eat”. This little something never costs much, but it’s always more expensive than a good meal at home . At lunchtime, opt for meals brought from home rather than going to the canteen/corner restaurant/fast-food restaurant. It’s cheaper and much healthier too!

Instead of going to the movies, consider having a movie night at home, or if you decide to go to the cinema, take a small snack and a drink with you so you don’t break the bank by buying popcorn.

Stop smoking

It sounds silly, but 1 pack a day for 1 year is at least equivalent to the value of a round-the-world plane ticket… That’s right!

Rethink car use

Sometimes, I agree, it’s indispensable. But if you live in the city, couldn’t a transit pass do the trick for a year? With the value of the car, insurance, gas, repairs, parking, and so on, I guarantee that the savings potential alone already represents a good part of a round-the-world budget! So get out those bikes and build up those calves! They’ll come in handy when you’re on the road anyway 😉.

If it’s impossible to change your means of transport, one option is to offer carpooling . In addition to making your journeys more profitable, you might even meet some nice people!

old car in ecuador

Stop the superfluous

Some of my friends who used to comment on my budget are addicted to going to the beautician for waxing, the hairdresser every two months, the manicurist every 3 weeks, the relaxing massage twice a month… All in all, the beauty costs represent more than 200 euros a month!

Learn how to hold a nail polish brush and an epilator, and let me grow this hair out! You’ll see that it won’t make any difference when you travel!

Limit shopping

Those who know me will know that this is where I’ve made the most effort. I used to be what you might call a shopaholic . But then, I REALLY reined myself in for 2 years, which has led me to be quite a minimalist today! At the same time, you had to be a tad more rational to pack a bag for a trip. In my closet, I had enough to fill 30 backpacks, and until the last news, I only took one on a round-the-world trip. So, let’s take it easy and learn to think about the real purpose of yet another little T-shirt before buying it.

Reichenbach valley

Stop all unnecessary subscriptions

You know that gym you promise yourself you’ll go to 3 times a week, and you’re happy if you go twice a month? The same goes for paid subscriptions: Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime and co. Yes, it’s cool, but clearly dispensable.

Force yourself to write down expenses

It sounds silly, but I guarantee you that keeping a little notebook where you write down all your expenses helps you realize where you can save.

To illustrate, here’s a real-life example! I used to have a habit of buying a small Diet Coke on my way back to work after lunch, which amounted to 2 euros every lunchtime. But if I bought the Coke in 12-packs at the supermarket, it would cost me less than 1 euro each. In short, I didn’t give up my Coke, but I took it from home. Saving 1.1 euros every lunchtime for a year’s work, or 251 working days, gives a saving of 280 euros on my Diet Coke alone. To give you an idea, 280 euros represents almost 2 weeks’ travel in Asia !

cost of a round-the-world trip

Saving to travel is great, but earning more isn’t bad either! What if we told you that there are plenty of ways to earn a little more?

Work overtime

It’s not always possible, but if you can, go for it! By working an extra 20 minutes a day , you’ll be able to help finance your trip!

Do odd jobs

That’s easier said than done, but why not look for a little evening or weekend work to supplement your income? Waitressing, sales, warehousing, going to the market on Saturdays, pet-sitting, house-sitting, babysitting, etc., the possibilities are endless! And when you’re fed up, remember that for 15 euros you can live for a whole day in many Asian countries, including accommodation, food and transportation. That should keep you motivated for a few months!

Offer your knowledge

Are you bilingual? Web programming holds no secrets for you? Are you a talented graphic designer? Is writing your hobby? Do you know how to find the best flight deals on the net? Offer your services on community sites such as Upwork , Fiverr or Comeup .

We all have dozens hundreds of things at home that we no longer use! So don’t hesitate to put them up for sale online! Got an old iPhone sitting in your drawer? Withdraw a hundred euros or so: you’ll make someone happy and you’ll have financed 1 week in Asia! Personally, I’ve made over 1000 euros selling only things I no longer use. Old iPad, handbags, perfumes, clothes, paintings, mirrors, various pieces of furniture, decorative items, blankets, old curtains, lamps, and so on. Today, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selling online : Gumtree, Marketplace, eBay, Vinted and many others! If you have lots of knick-knacks, you might also consider selling them at a flea market.

Leaving everything behind and planning a round-the-world trip is not the only way to discover the world. If giving up your income completely or the prospect of “doing nothing” doesn’t appeal to you, rest assured that there are plenty of options for traveling the world while working. Here’s a quick roundup of the best jobs for travelers !

nine-coliving-coworking

Working abroad or applying for a WHV

We’re starting this list with a form of compromise. This is the option we chose when we moved to Vienna, Austria in 2011. During our expatriation , we found a permanent position in the Austrian capital and took a furnished apartment (we only wanted to stay for 1 or 2 years). In short, a sedentary life with all the comforts that go with it, but abroad ! The advantage? We have a regular salary and plenty of options for getting out and about on weekends or vacations! From Vienna, we were able to travel to Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and, of course, all over Austria. We’ll do it again in Chiang Mai in 2016, after our round-the-world trip. Then we became digital nomads, and we explain it all in this article !

Abroad, with a WHV

Granted, Vienna probably isn’t the most exotic option! We also know people who have decided to move to Hong Kong or Taipei. As a result, long-weekend getaways tend to be in the Philippines or Indonesia!

If you’re under the age of 30-35 , you can apply for a WHV (Working Holiday Visa). You’re bound to find a country that appeals to you, aren’t you? 😉 Many young working people opt for this visa, which reconciles vacations with work as its name suggests. In short, it’s a great way to spend several months or even years in a new country! To find out all you need to know about the WHV, we refer you to the excellent Pvtistes website .

Sydney opera in Australia

Working online

There are plenty of options here! The Internet allows you to be 100% mobile , and depending on your profession, you can quite easily consider pursuing all or part of your business on the road! Here are a few examples of professions or activities that enable you to earn money while working from a computer:

  • graphic designer, illustrator, or web designer : a full-fledged profession that can be practiced from anywhere. Zoom appointments with customers, beautiful landscapes for inspiration and, of course, a good Internet connection to send your work are all part of the daily routine.
  • web developer : developer is still a very popular profession, and demand from both private and corporate clients remains strong. Even when traveling, a developer can easily continue to find customers. What’s important? To have a good address book before you leave, as well as a web presence offering your services. This is what we do with Novo-media , in addition to our blog.

digital nomad around the world

  • freelance translator : a job that can be done from anywhere! Are you perfectly bilingual and have impeccable spelling? Why not offer your services online to help companies and individuals with their translations?
  • freelance journalist : a great way to put into words what you see and discover on your travels!
  • freelance travel blogger/web copywriter : we’d warn you about this one though… Making a living from blogging is possible, but it requires a lot of time, a good dose of talent and a dash of luck. If you persevere, your blog can add a little extra to your round-the-world budget! Alternatively, you can offer your services as a web copywriter through platforms such as Malt or those mentioned above.
  • SEO consultant : you’re an expert in the web and SEO? Perfect! Offer your services online to other companies: website audit, the definition of positioning keywords, creation of a web strategy… To make yourself known? A well-referenced site on the subject!
  • community manager : a new profession born 100% of the Internet! A community manager is a person who manages various social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.) on behalf of a client. A great way to make ends meet! You’ll just have to watch out for time zones because, on social networks, the time of publication is almost as important as the content. Your customer probably won’t be happy if you always post at 3 a.m. local time because you’re on the other side of the world!

on travail même sous tente sur novo-monde

The word “Woof” stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms . It’s a network that connects people who want to work on farms with farmers who need labor for a given period. This type of travel provides you room and board , to save money, but also to discover a country’s way of life and meet new people! For more information, visit the official website . Over the years, several other networks have developed, offering similar activities, such as HelpX and Workaway .

Do you have specific knowledge? Why not take advantage of your trip to share a little of your knowledge ? Whether you’re a language, dance, yoga, diving, skiing, snowboarding, or music teacher, the options are endless! Here’s an example: a friend of ours managed to get hired as a ski instructor for a season in Whistler, Canada. An absolute dream for a ski fan, and a great way to replenish the coffers before hitting the road again! Another example: a friend had gone to Mexico to travel. There, she took her scuba diving exam and never came back! She now travels all over Latin America teaching diving in different spots. On the other hand, with rare exceptions, teaching means you’ll have to settle in one place for a few weeks or even months. But you have to admit, there are worse things!

Being a humanitarian aid worker

There are many large organizations where a wide range of skills are in demand: doctors, nurses, administrative staff, lawyers, interpreters, firefighters, logisticians, project managers, etc. The list goes on! Find out more about the humanitarian organizations that appeal to you, and see if they offer missions abroad. Very often, these jobs require you to travel regularly all over the world for periods ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

being a humanitarian aid worker to travel around the world

Doing odd jobs on the road

If you’re traveling in backpacking mode and decide to stop in a city, several jobs can be done depending on the season. During our round-the-world trip, we saw many advertisements in youth hostels offering to work in the hostel (cleaning, reception, bar, etc.) in exchange for free accommodation and sometimes even food or a small salary.

Otherwise, you always have the option of browsing the shops and bars . It’s not uncommon for them to be looking for waiters/vendors for the few weeks of high tourist season.

Being a travel photographer

Are you good at photography ? Really good? Then maybe selling your photos taken on the road could be a good way to earn some extra cash! But let’s not kid ourselves: photography is a profession in its own right, and the likelihood of “amateur” photos finding takers is relatively low. But if you’re a professional or a confirmed amateur, it can be a very good idea!

being a travel photographer to travel around the world

Being a skipper

You’re not seasick and you know a thing or two about sailing ? Skipper could be the job for you! Let’s face it: if you’re a skipper , you’ll spend most of your time at sea. That said, it could be a great way to reach a new continent and make a little extra money at the same time.

Reveal your inner artist

If you have artistic talent (unlike us), why not put it to good use on the road? Here’s a small list of activities from travelers we came across on our trip:

  • hairdresser : yes! Offering your services in a hostel to other travelers can be an original way to earn a few euros.
  • street artist : juggling, music, dance, acrobatics, etc. If you’re good at it, go for it!
  • craftsman : we came across several travelers selling handmade jewelry or knitted hats to other tourists in hostels or on the street. Again, probably not a great fortune, but a nice way to earn a bit of money. Try to choose a touristy spot, and you’ll maximize your chances of earning a few euros!

Are you still with us after this chapter about the cost of a round-the-world trip ? If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments section. In the next chapter, we’ll explain in more detail how to plan a round-the-world itinerary !

  • Leave everything and travel
  • The Itinerary
  • Round-the-world Tickets
  • Health and travel insurance
  • Travel gear
  • Checklist and schedule

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About Fabienne

I'm the female part of the pair. A little stubborn, spontaneous and passionate about the digital world and the tourism industry, I am also the one addicted to numbers and practical information in our couple. I carefully keep all our travel budgets . Then we are reassured, sometimes I drop my Excels sheets for a nice hike! With the well-deserved artesanal beer at the end... of course!

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Nomadic Matt: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Better

The In-Depth Guide to Buying an RTW Ticket

Last Updated: February 7, 2023

A lone commercial airplane flying against the bright blue sky

When it comes to planning an entire trip around the world , travelers have essentially two options: buy flights as you go or plan your route in advance.

Buying as you go gives you flexibility but risks you losing out if a flight is sold out (or overpriced).

Planning in advance requires more work upfront but makes for a more relaxing trip since all your planning is done before you go.

Both options have a place in your travel toolkit, but today, I want to focus on the latter.

Simply put, round-the-world (RTW) tickets are one of the most convenient ways to travel around the world. They make planning your trip simple and straightforward, allowing you to visit the destinations you want to see without having to worry about booking flights along the way.

You just plan your route, book your RTW ticket, and that’s it! They really take the hassle out of planning a complex trip over multiple continents and are a great choice for novice travelers who might not be comfortable improvising a trip on the fly.

And to top it all off, by purchasing your ticket in one bulk RTW package, you can usually save yourself some money too — which is always a plus in my book!

That said, knowing if a RTW ticket is the best way to get around the world really depends on the kind of trip you are taking. Round the world tickets come with many rules and conditions that might not work for you.

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to help you decide if a RTW ticket is the right choice for you and your next globetrotting adventure.

Table of Contents

How Do Round the World Tickets (RTW) Work?

Star alliance round the world tickets, oneworld round the world tickets, skyteam round the world tickets, how much do round-the-world rickets cost.

  • Where Can You Book an Around the World Ticket?

Are RTW Tickets Worth Buying?

  • Book Your RTW Ticket

Before we begin, what exactly is an RTW ticket? RTW tickets are actually airline alliance flight passes. An airline alliance is a partnership in which airlines share seats on planes, passengers, and elite status benefits. You buy a ticket from one airline that can be used with them and their partners for one price that lets you travel around the world on that one ticket.

For example, if you book with United Airlines (Star Alliance), your ticket is only good for airlines that United partners within that alliance.

And if you book with American Airlines (which is part of the Oneworld airline alliance), you can only use their partners.

Since American Airlines doesn’t fly everywhere in the world, you’ll need to rely on its partners. Say you need to get from New York City to Nairobi, Kenya (a destination American doesn’t serve). You may technically book your flight with American Airlines for that route, however, you will actually fly one of its airline partners on the sections of the journey that American Airlines doesn’t fly.

It’s important to remember that none of these alliances include the world’s budget airlines such as Ryanair (Europe), Southwest (US), Air Asia (Asia), or Tiger (Asia/Australia). These airlines offer fewer amenities and cheaper fares than the “major” airlines of the world (i.e. large, international carriers that are part of an alliance).

But they also are less comfortable too, which is the trade-off.

RTW tickets can be purchased for seats in economy, business, and first-class. They also come with a number of terms and conditions. Generally speaking, a RTW ticket is valid for one year from the start date and requires you to end in the same country you start in. You don’t need to end in the same city but you need to end in the same country.

Here is a breakdown of the rules for each major airline alliance’s round the world ticket:  

The Star Alliance RTW ticket booking homepage

Journeys need to start and end in the same country and go one direction: east or west. You’ll need to cross both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and can only do so once (so no doubling back).

You’ll get up to 16 flights on your ticket and the ability to cover up to 39,000 miles (which is enough to get you to almost every continent). They also provide free rebooking should you need to make any changes once you’re on the road (there are some caveats to that, which you can read int heir terms here .

Using their booking map, you’ll be able to create a 100% unique itinerary based on where you want to go. They also provide several thematic suggestions based on world history, romantic getaways, world wonders, food and wine, and more. Be sure to check them out for ideas and inspiration to get the ball rolling.

You can also have up to 5 “surface” sections in your itinerary. This just means you can travel from one destination to another 5 times outside of your RTW itinerary.

For example, you can fly to London as part of your RTW ticket and then have your onward flight depart from Paris . That will allow you to get to Paris from London via a cheaper flight or train ticket, allowing you to save money.

The distance between “surface” sections is still counted toward your overall 39,000 miles but surface sections can save you money when cheaper budget options are available (or if you’d just prefer to travel overland in certain regions/countries.)

They also have a second RTW ticket option, though it’s not a traditional RTW plan. It’s called Circle Pacific and it lets you travel in a circle around all of the countries that border the Pacific Ocean. So, instead of going around the globe you’ll be looping around the Pacific Ocean, starting and ending in the same destination.

The journey is good for up to 6 months (compared to the 1 year offered by their standard RTW ticket). Some of the most popular countries and regions included in this plan are Australia , New Zealand , Fiji , China , Japan , Southeast Asia , Vanuatu , Hawaii (and the rest of the US), and Canada .  

The Oneworld Alliance RTW ticket homepage

Oneworld Explorer is their segment-based pass, which focuses on continents. You can choose plans that offer access to 3, 4, and 6 continents. The more continents you plan to visit, the more expensive your ticket.

The plan also includes up to 16 segments (same as Star Alliance), however, there are no overland penalties. And since it’s continent-based, there’s no maximum mileage limit either. One of the benefits of this option is that every segment is counted the same — whether it’s a two-hour flight or a ten-hour flight — so you can really maximize long-haul flights and cover a lot of ground.

Their Global Explorer plan is the mileage-based pass (similar to the Star Alliance option). It has four options for milage: 26,000, 29,000, 34,000, and 39,000. Those (very roughly) translate to 3, 4, 5, and 6 continents.

The third option is Oneworld’s version of the Circle Pacific, which is effectively the same as the Star Alliance option.

Overall, Oneworld has access to slightly fewer destinations than Star Alliance (1,100 compared to 1,250) but all of the major regions are within reach. Unless you’re looking to get far from the tourist trail and visit obscure destinations, Oneworld will be able to get you to wherever you want to go.  

SkyTeam is the third option for RTW tickets. They have a plan similar to Star Alliance’s RTW ticket, however, they offer a rather limited version of it. The carriers and destinations are not nearly as comprehensive as either Star Alliance or Oneworld.

Personally, I wouldn’t even bother looking at their options. Both Star Alliance and Oneworld have much better products.  

A map of the world with a camera and passport resting on it

On most RTW tickets, you can change the dates and times your ticket at no extra charge — as long as you don’t change the destinations.

For example, if you have a Tokyo to Los Angeles flight that you want to change, you can change the date and time without a fee. However, if you decide to fly from Tokyo to San Francisco instead then you have to pay a fee (usually around $125 USD).  

Where Can You Book a Round the World Ticket?

While you can book RTW tickets directly with the airlines above, you can usually find a better deal by booking through a third party.

Third-party bookers don’t just deal with one alliance — they mix and match from all available airlines (excluding budget airlines) to find the lowest price, which saves you money. Moreover, the overland mileage doesn’t count against your flight because there is no mileage limit.

In short, you’ll want to compare booking direct with booking via a third-party company, though it’s most likely that the third party site will have the better price.  

That depends.

RTW tickets are great for people with a set schedule. If you know your travel dates and destinations and don’t plan on changing your trip very much, an RTW ticket will save you a lot of time and a bit of money.

RTW tickets cost a lot, but if you pick one of the popular travel routes, you will find that you will save money in the end. Buying a ticket on a route like this will most likely cost less than if you were to book all your flights separately. You’ll also get more peace of mind since you have a company to help you with any changes you need to make, not to mention the fact that you’ll have everything planned before you leave home so that, once out in the world, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself.

You should buy a RTW ticket if…

  • You’re happy to fly on a set schedule
  • You don’t plan to change your dates a lot
  • You’re buying tickets for a big group like a family
  • You don’t like budget airlines
  • You’re visiting a lot of far-flung destinations and taking lots of long-haul flights
  • You’re already a frequent flier and are looking to gain perks

If you are any of the above, a round the world ticket will probably save you at least 15-25% off the price of point-to-point tickets.

You should NOT buy a RTW ticket if…

  • You want to fly a lot of budget airlines
  • You don’t care about points or miles
  • You have not set plan
  • You’ll be gone longer than a year

If your trip matches any of these points, booking on your own, using budget carriers, and waiting for deals is going to work out a lot cheaper than buying a RTW ticket.

However, there is no definitive answer as to whether or not you should buy one of these tickets. It really depends a lot on your specific trip. A lot of people swear by around-the-world tickets and I believe that for the right trip, these tickets can be PERFECT.

You just have to figure out if your trip is the right trip for this kind of ticket.

To do that, use the interactive booking tools on the booking sites above. They all have websites where you can plan your route and get price estimates. That’s going to be the best way to compare prices and figure out which option is best for you.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

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Explore Some Ready Made Around The World Trips

Lax-par-ist-bkk-tyo-lax.

Los Angeles, Reykjavik, Munich, Bangkok, Los Angeles

Mountains, Beaches and Wifi

Miami, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Foz de Iguassu, overland, Iguazu ew, Buenos Aires, Cuzco, Lima, Denpasar Bali, Chiang Mai, overland, Bangkok, Tokyo, Los Angeles

Big Beautiful World

Los Angeles, Barcelona, Luqa, Hurghada, overland, Sharm El Sheikh, Phuket, Tawau, Denpasar Bali, Cairns, overland, Hamilton, Brisbane, Honolulu, Los Angeles

Off The Beaten Path Travel Destinations

Los Angeles, Melbourne, Tel Aviv, Catania, overland, Palermo, Porto, Florianopolis, Medellin, Los Angeles

Hike Around the World

New York City, Seattle, Las Vegas, Taupo, overland, Wellington, Sydney, Alice Springs, Beijing, Verona, Bergen, overland, Oslo, New York City

Hit Reset On Your Life

New York City, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Split, Berlin, New Delhi, Denpasar Bali, Kahului, New York City

Far Corners Of The Earth

New York City, Copenhagen, Ljubljana, Tokyo, Auckland, Punta Arenas, overland, El Calafate, New York City

Around The World Delight

Los Angeles, London, overland, Paris, Florence, overland, Venice, Athens, Singapore, Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles

Work And Travel DIY

New York City, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Berlin, Denpasar Bali, Chiang Mai, New York City

The Wanderland Family World Tour

Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Denpasar Bali, Chiang Mai, Dar es Salaam, Cape Town, Paris, Barcelona, New York City

The Big Around The World Family Trip

New York City, Rome, Zagreb, overland, Dubrovnik, Athens, Tel Aviv, overland, Amman, Johannesburg, Mahe, Mumbai, overland, New Delhi, Bangkok, Los Angeles, Bogota, overland, Quito, New York City

Take Your Family Around the World

Los Angeles, Honolulu, Melbourne, Denpasar Bali, Chiang Mai, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cancun, Los Angeles

Around the World with Kat

Miami, San Jose, Cancun, Vancouver, Sydney, Denpasar Bali, Amphoe Ko Samui, Cape Town, Seville, Lisbon, Miami

Chris's Transformative Trek

Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Nadi, Singapore, overland, Bangkok, Rome, overland, London, Los Angeles

Justin’s Transformative Trek

San Francisco, Kahului, Auckland, Antananarivo, Cape Town, Dubrovnik, Prague, Campo Grande, San Francisco

Meditate Around The World

New York City, Shannon, Rome, New Delhi, San Francisco, New York City

Natural Wonders Of The World

New York City, Reykjavik, Flagstaff, Cairns, Kathmandu, Nairobi, Livingstone, overland, Victoria Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, New York City

Beach Hopping

Miami, Cancun, Lima, Los Angeles, Rarotonga, Auckland, Gold Coast, overland, Cairns, Denpasar Bali, Athens, Lisbon, Miami

Some Like It Hot

New York City, Marrakech, Lisbon, Split, Barcelona, Medellin, New York City

The Resolution Route

New York City, Medellin, Rio de Janeiro, Lisbon, Marrakech, Paris, Dublin, Reykjavik, New York City

Asia + Australia + USA from London

London, Bangkok, overland, Singapore, Sydney, overland, Melbourne, Los Angeles, overland, San Francisco, London

Business Class RTW Journey of Discovery

San Francisco, New York City, Cairo, Dubai, New Delhi, Singapore, Hong Kong, San Francisco

Explore South & Central America

Miami, Guatemala City, Bogota, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lima, Miami

New World Wine Tour

San Francisco, Santiago, Mendoza, Wellington, Adelaide, San Francisco

Old World Wine Tour

New York City, Bordeaux, Frankfurt, Milan, Florence, overland, Florence, Barcelona, Porto, New York City

Wine Round-The-World Tour

New York City, Bordeaux, Florence, Cape Town, Adelaide, San Francisco, New York City

Nomadic Matt's Circle Pacific

Los Angeles, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, overland, Krabi, Singapore, Gold Coast, overland, Brisbane, Christchurch, overland, Auckland, Los Angeles

Big Gap Year

San Francisco, Nadi, Auckland, Sydney, Singapore, Saigon, Bangkok, New Delhi, Dubai, Moscow, Athens, Rome, Madrid, London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, San Francisco

The Grand Escape

New York City, Milan, Dubai, Johannesburg, Mahe, Mumbai, Bangkok, New York City

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world trip price

Destinations

Experiences.

  • Photography

Plan Your Trip

Plan your rtw trip.

Finding the right round the world trip planner can be difficult. This is first and foremost because many such tools on the internet are only for planning (and, in some cases, booking) RTW flights. The truly difficult part of planning a trip around the world is deciding where to go, how long to stay and how to arrange your trip, so the content deficit (let alone how rare it is to find a quality world trip planner) is frustrating for many travelers.

The good news? Whether you want to travel all around the world, or simply want to visit multiple continents during a single trip, this guide covers all the bases you’ll need to hit as you plan your trip.

Of course, I’ll also touch on the particulars of buying a RTW ticket, including a somewhat contentious recommendation on my part. I’m about to share a great deal of information with you, but I promise: Planning a RTW trip is much, much easier than it looks.

Booking Round the World Flights

Many a round the world trip planner (which to say, any airline alliance website create for the purpose of selling flights) will tell you that booking a single RTW ticket is essential for a round the world trip. However, I don’t agree with this. In addition to the fact that having a single travel the world for a year itinerary (even a flexible one) can lock you in on a trip that will be anything but predictable, it’s often more cost effective to book individual segments, particularly if you have some miles or points to play with.

world trip price

Let’s say, for example, that you live in the United States and want to fly around the world westward. After taking advantage of a rock-bottom one-way flight from the US to Japan or China , you can take advantage of low-cost flights as you explore Southeast Asia and Australia , then gradually make your way to Europe (and from there, Africa ), flying to South America before returning home, often for only a few hundred dollars per segment. A round-the-world ticket, on the other hand, which often only includes long-distance flights, can easily cost between $2,000-3,000. And that’s without the fees you’ll certainly have to pay to change it as your plans evolve.

How Long Does a Round the World Trip Take?

Whether or not you work with an around the world trip planner, you should keep in mind that as you plan a round the world trip, the issue of timing can be surprisingly far in the back of your mind, particularly if you’ll be traveling to regions of the world you’ve never visited. While two weeks traveling through Japan or Western Europe can allow you to cover a lot of ground, it’s woefully insufficient in places like India , Africa or even much of South America. In general, it’s safe to assume you’re probably underestimating how long you’ll need to devote to your trip.

world trip price

Broadly speaking, I’d say the best round the world holidays last a minimum of six months, though I have personally taken epic trips in a shorter amount of time than that. On the other hand, I’d caution against traveling for longer than a year at a time, as being away from your “real life” for such a period can have other impacts on your well-being, ones you might not be able to anticipate right now.

How Much Does a Round the World Trip Cost?

Another deficiency of many a round the world trip planner (which is once again to say a flight booking tool) is that it provides only a piece of the cost puzzle—your round the world trip isn’t only going to cost a few thousand dollars. Generally speaking, the average cost of traveling anywhere in the world is between 50-150 USD per person, per day, which means that a conservative estimate for the cost of the ultimate around the world itinerary for a six-month trip (without your “big” flights) is between $9,000-27,000. Not cheap!

world trip price

Of course, there are ways to decrease the cost of a travel around the world itinerary, whether you manage to find the cheapest round the world ticket, take advantage of opportunities for free or discounted stays (whether you couch surf or do some sort of volunteer program) or simply keep your dining out and shopping to a minimum. In general, however, I’d recommend over-estimating your budget than under-estimating it, if only so you don’t end up as a “begpacker.”

When to Take a Round the World Trip

When you travel around the world will depend upon where you want to go. While most of the sample round the world routes I’ll recommend in the next section are fairly evergreen, some destinations are better during certain months than others, and planning according to this can influence the rest of your travel trajectory.

world trip price

For example, let’s assume you want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan , probably the world’s most famous seasonal spectacle. Whether you choose from my round the world trip ideas below or commission a custom 6 month travel itinerary, you’ll want to arrange the rest of your RTW trip to optimize the weather in all your destinations. You might head to Nepal after Japan, for instance, to trek when the country’s famous rhododendrons are blooming, or visit Australia and New Zealand before Japan to catch the tail end of warm weather Down Under.

Round the World Trip Ideas

The best of six continents.

Most round the world trip planners will want to see the “whole world” on their trips—all six inhabited continents, and potentially even Antarctica. Regardless of where your RTW travel originates, the general path you will follow is North America-Asia (Australia/New Zealand)-(Middle East/India) Europe (Africa)-South America-North America, or maybe in reverse depending upon where you start and what time of year you’re traveling.

world trip price

In terms of a general flight path, this might look something like the following: Los Angeles-Vancouver- Tokyo – Bangkok – Sydney – Dubai – Paris -Cairo-Cape Town-London-Buenos Aires- Bogota -Houston. Needless to say there are countless variations, from a 6 month round the world trip to ones much longer!

Wonders of the World

Rather than taking a comprehensive approach (which can lead to a year or even longer on the road—again, not an option for the majority of travelers), you can start your world travel planner based on a finite list of world wonders, be it classic ones you find on an Asia trip planner like the Great Wall or ones you designate yourself, such as Barcelona ‘s Sagrada Familia church or Ethiopia’s “Door to Hell.”

world trip price

Assuming you take a more classic route for your around the world itinerary, you might go about planning a round the world trip between wonders as follows. From Chicago to Beijing (for the Great Wall), then to Delhi (for the Taj Mahal), to Cairo (for the Pyramids ), to Athens (for the Acropolis), to London (for Stonehenge), to Rio de Janeiro (for Christ the Redeemer) to New York (for the Statue of Liberty). Again, this is highly customizable!

The Backpacker’s Trail

I’ve taken great pains within this round the world trip planner to be honest and sober about the cost of traveling around the world, but this is still a sort of trip that people on the backpacking spectrum can take. Specifically if you decide to string together affordable destinations like Southeast Asia, India, Eastern Europe, Andean South America and Central America.

world trip price

For instance, if you’re seeking a cheap around the world itinerary, you might fly from Denver to Kuala Lumpur (via China, as Chinese airlines are the cheapest), then fly to Mumbai or Delhi for a month or two there. From there, head to Ukraine or Poland to begin a month or so backpacking Eastern Europe (I particularly like the Balkans ), before taking a flight (probably a multi-leg one) to Lima (where Peru and Bolivia await) or Cancun, from which can you head south to affordable Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Five-Star Frolic

On the other end up to the spectrum for a world trip itinerary, travelers without a set budget can enjoy a round the world business class (or even first class) romp that pulls out all the stops. Rather than focusing on a set range of destinations, you can plan your trip based on luxurious hotels and experiences, be it a Tanzania safari from the opulent Four Seasons Serengeti , sampling award-winning in-flight products and services from airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines or dining in foodie capitals like Tokyo and Paris.

world trip price

If you’re planning a luxury round the world trip, it makes sense to enlist the help of a professional (me or someone else), since the price of such assistance (usually between $100-200 per week of travel) is minimal compared to the overall cost of such a RTW trip.

Other FAQ About RTW Travel

How many stops do you get on a round the world ticket.

Whether you’re planning a 6 month round the world trip or plan to stay on the road for years, I am a proponent of piecemeal booking of air travel, rather than committing yourself to a RTW ticket. Therefore, I consider the number of “stops” permitted on such a ticket to be superfluous.

How do I plan a trip around the world?

Unless you are a very experienced global traveler, I recommend against trying to plan a trip on your trip. Rather, work with a professional (such as Yours Truly) to arrange a travel the world for a year itinerary. Or for longer than a year, or shorter—you get the idea.

Are round the world tickets worth it?

No! As I’ve expressed many times during this round the world itinerary, I am not a fan of RTW plane tickets. They rarely cost less; booking and changing them requires a pedantic phone call—or rather phone calls, since you’ll have to call in every time you want to make a modification.

Round the World Trip Planning

The best round the world trips are the ones where you get out on the road and go where the wind takes you, but that’s not realistic for most people. Whether because of finite funds or a “real life” you need to get back to, round the world trips require more planning than you’d probably like, even if you’re generally an adventurous and spontaneous traveler.

“So,” you might be asking, “can you plan my round the world trip for me?” The answer is yes, though there are a couple caveats. Because of the length and breadth of most RTW trips, many travelers want a more skeletal version of my typical “Travel Coaching” itinerary, which is typical extremely detailed and includes day-by-day recommendations. As a result, my pricing for planning RTW itineraries differs from what I’ve published on my Travel Coaching page , so I’d advise emailing me directly with any inquiries.

The Bottom Line

No matter how extensive a round the world trip planner you’ve been seeking, I’m confident that mine has met your needs. For most travelers, it’s simply a matter of learning your RTW flight booking options, assessing the cost of your RTW trip and deciding upon destinations and routing. However, others might want to hire a world trip planner (or a least a skeleton of it, which puts in place a broad trajectory) on their behalf.

world trip price

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All four corners, one epic voyage.

The Ultimate World Cruise

The most epic world cruise ever to set sail.

Get ready to see the world in a whole new light — introducing the Ultimate World Cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas®. You can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents. Or pick a corner of the globe and explore every inch of it on one of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — each an immersive voyage of 60+ nights. Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination.

Or call your local travel advisor . For more information, call the Ultimate World Cruise Contact Line at 800-423-2100.

Santorini, Greece

Dive deeper into the world's wonders

Ultimate world cruise.

Visit 150+ destinations and 8 World Wonders, across 7 continents and 60+ countries. The Ultimate World Cruise features four distinct segments that traverse the globe in one incredible journey.

36 Destinations, 64 Nights

Dec 10th – Feb 11th

Ultimate Americas Cruise

40 Destinations, 87 nights

Feb 11th - May 9th

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

39 Destinations, 63 Nights

May 9th - July 10th

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

40 Destinations, 63 Nights

July 10th - Sep 10th

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

World map showing routes

Chichén Itzá, Cozumel, Mexico

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Machu Picchu, Lima, Peru

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia

Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

The Taj Mahal, Cochin, India

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Berlin, Germany

Copenhagen, Denmark

New York, New York

Dec 10th 2023 – Feb 11th 2024

Venture across Three Continents

36 Destinations, 64 Nights

Arica, Chile

Arica, Chile

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins December 2023, embarking from in Miami on the first segment of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ — the Ultimate Americas Cruise. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores—including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena.

Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada.

world trip price

Feb 11th 2024 - May 9th 2024

Far East. Down Under. And up for anything

40 Destinations, 87 nights

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal, India

world trip price

Venture miles from ordinary in Australia and Asia on this leg of the Ultimate World Cruise SM . Explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Set out for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. And discover the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo, then take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.

May 9th 2024 - July 10th 2024

Beauty beyond belief

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise

39 Destinations, 63 Nights

world trip price

Walvis Bay Sandwich Harbour

Explore the orange sand dunes of the world’s oldest desert in Namibia. Bask in the beauty of idyllic beaches in Cape Town. And hike mist-topped rainforests along the Ivory Coast. Plus, go back in time as you wander through the Colosseum in Rome and get lost in the Venetian-style streets of Corfu.

Then your journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and the cobblestoned streets of Barcelona, Cannes and Provence.

world trip price

July 10th 2024 - September 10th 2024

Set a course for the north

40 Destinations, 63 Nights

Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive cultural exploration starting in the Med heading north. Discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Família. Savor flavors across continents — like a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco.

Go from taking in fjords in Norway to biking through Copenhagen. Finally, experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York and Perfect Day at CocoCay on your way back to Miami.

world trip price

Amenities Included in your entire adventure

Join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and amenities — all included in your adventure. So you can complement back-to-back discoveries onshore with all your favorite comforts onboard, plus thoughtful touches to elevate every moment.

*New World Wonders Shore Excursions included for Crown & Anchor® Society Platinum members & above

Business Class Airfare

Premium Transportation Between Airport, Hotel and Ship

Pre-cruise Hotel & Gala

New World Wonders Shore Excursion*

Deluxe Beverage Package

Wash & Fold Laundry Service

VOOM Surf & Stream

A World Wandering Fleet Favorite

Designed with acres of glass offering panoramic vistas of sea, sky and land, Serenade of the Seas® is the perfect ship for scenery-scoping. Take in captivating views of Norway’s majestic fjords, gaze at glaciers in Antarctica, and soak up the sun and the sights while cruising through French Polynesia. In between adventures onshore, you can unwind poolside or tee off on the mini golf green. Settle in for dazzling entertainment or dance until dawn beneath the stars. And with top-notch restaurants onboard, every meal turns into a global taste-tour that’s as immersive as your Ultimate World Cruise.

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Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Cruise Details & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultimate World Cruise?

The Ultimate World Cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that takes you on a 274-night journey around the world from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024. The adventure begins and ends in Miami, Florida, visiting all 7 continents, 65 countries, 150 ports of call, with 16 overnights and 8 World Wonders. More than 40 of the ports you’ll visit are either rarely available on our other itineraries or brand new to Royal Caribbean, so get ready for the exploration of a lifetime. Book The Ultimate World Cruise early to ensure the best accommodation throughout the entire voyage.

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise and its 4 individual segments?

Ultimate World Cruise Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your 274-night Ultimate World Cruise fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate World Cruise complimentary amenities like business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel and gala, Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and more.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 USD per person are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

Ultimate World Cruise Segments Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What are the 8 World Wonders the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments will visit, and on what dates?

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024

Chichen Itza: via Cozumel Dec 13, 2023

Christ the Redeemer: via Rio de Janeiro Dec 31, 2023

Iguazu Falls: via Buenos Aires Jan 5, 2024

Machu Picchu: via Lima Jan 29-30, 2024

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024

Great Barrier Reef: via Airlie Beach and Cairns March 13-14, 2024

Great Wall of China: via Beijing April 7-8, 2024

Taj Mahal: via Cochin May 1, 2024

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024

Colosseum: via Rome July 1, 2024

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024

There are no World Wonders visited during this Ultimate Cruise segment.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Will I receive the same stateroom for the entire duration of my Ultimate World Cruise or Ultimate Cruise segment?

Our Ultimate World Cruise team will ensure that you get the same stateroom for the entirety of the cruise when purchased within the exclusive booking window through November 2021. If you are purchasing your Ultimate World Cruise after the Ultimate Cruise segments have opened for sale, our team will work with you to make every effort to secure the same stateroom for your entire time onboard, based on the remaining available inventory.

What is the payment schedule for the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

To reserve a stateroom on the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments a non-refundable deposit is required. Final payment must be received by Royal Caribbean 180 days prior to cruise departure. For bookings created within 180 days prior to cruise departure, final payment must be received within 48 hours of booking.

How long do I have to place my deposit for the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

If outside of final payment, our Ultimate World Cruise and Ultimate Cruise segment guests are able to place a two-week hold to lock in their preferred stateroom and price before deposit is required. Your deposit must be placed within the two-week offer period to secure your selected stateroom.

Are there travel insurance options available on the Ultimate World Cruise or the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

There are travel insurance options available to guests who meet certain qualifications. For more information, please call 800-423-2100 or contact your Travel Advisor.

Why are the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments only offered as nonrefundable?

Our Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments are a unique adventure that has never before been offered by Royal Caribbean and we want to ensure that our guests who are committed to sharing this experience with us receive priority placement. To preserve this unique experience, all sailings onboard Serenade of the Seas from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024, will be offered as exclusively nonrefundable.

Explore More

12 epic around-the-world cruises that will check off all your bucket list travel destinations

Janice Wald Henderson

Imagine the joys of traveling seamlessly from one bucket list country to another without packing and unpacking, switching hotels, boarding countless flights or even doing laundry.

Think it's a fantasy? It's actually a world cruise, the nirvana of many ocean-going devotees. As a bonus, most of these around-the-world voyages include enviable perks, like pre-cruise hotel stays, alcohol, shipboard credit, exclusive-access shore excursions — and, yes, laundry service.

Retired, taking a job hiatus or working remotely? A world cruise is a safe, easy and exhilarating way to score a global adventure beyond compare. You might even make new lifelong friends sharing similar interests.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

So, pull out your travel wish list and find an itinerary for those coveted destinations.

Here, you can learn more about what's involved in an around-the-world cruise and drool over 12 terrific choices across a range of fares for an incredible monthslong voyage at sea.

What is a world cruise?

Never mind the moniker, a world cruise may visit several continents but not circumnavigate the globe. Cruise lines usually designate one ship (a few offer two) to sail about 100 days or longer — some even sail more than 200 days — without repeating ports.

World cruises traditionally start in January and end around April or May. They sail round-trip from one American city, such as San Francisco or Miami, or offer a choice of starting points on both coasts, making access easy.

What to know about world cruises

With so few world cruises available, book far in advance. Bookings open roughly two years in advance, and some small-ship cruises sell out within hours. You'll need the extra time to make arrangements to leave your home for months. For that reason, this story will focus on 2025 world cruises.

Related: Hot cruises you'll need to book at least 1 year in advance — maybe even 2!

Around-the-world cruise cost

Such lengthy sailings cost plenty. The bigger ship lines offer the lowest fares, although extra fees for what's not included (such as shore excursions and alcohol) can add up quickly. If contemplating a big-ship voyage, read the inclusions carefully, as they vary among lines.

Luxury vessels bundle many costly amenities into the fare, like business- or first-class plane tickets and luxury hotel stays, and charge the most. They also deliver fine dining, pampering service, glam surroundings and impressive special events. (Silversea Cruises has previously rented out an entire island to entertain its world cruise guests.)

Thus, expect considerable price differences. Count on spending about $20,000 per person minimum to score an entry-level accommodation on the bigger ships and approximately $80,000 to $90,000 per person for an ultraluxury vessel.

Note that for the poshest lines, "entry-level" may mean a spacious, elegant suite with a veranda. For other lines, the most basic cabin is a small, windowless room.

Read on to discover where you can sail to in 2025 on a world cruise.

world trip price

World Voyage

Thanks to an overwhelming response to its 2024 world cruise (which is currently waitlisted), Azamara announced itineraries for both 2025 and 2026, both aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward.

Azamara Onward is the newest ship to join the Miami-based line's four-vessel fleet. The ship's size provides an intimate experience and allows it to call on small towns bigger ships can't access.

For 2025, the 155-night, 37-country voyage begins in San Diego and ends in Southampton, England, with visits to exciting locales in French Polynesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Italy, France and others.

Along the way, world cruisers can sample authentic Hawaiian cuisine; explore the unspoiled beaches and the lush rainforest on Stewart Island, New Zealand; and visit the world's largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia.

The itinerary will include a pre-sailing welcome party, exclusive cultural events, concierge service and other upscale perks.

The 2026 world cruise sets sail from Miami and concludes in Barcelona. The itinerary for this 155-night expedition features some of the world's most iconic landmarks and sites.

Cruisers will have the opportunity to explore the great pyramid of Kukulcan and other ancient Mayan sites in Chichen Itza, Mexico; wander among Rio de Janeiro's architectural gems and experience the awe of Iguazu Falls in Brazil; sample Peruvian cuisine and soak in the landscape of Machu Picchu in Cusco; scale the Great Wall of China; and enjoy other bucket-list worthy adventures.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2025. Prices start from $89,001 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start from $85,141 per person.

world trip price

World Cruise

If luxury and unparalleled personal service are important to you, consider Crystal 's 2025 world cruise aboard Crystal Serenity .

The beloved upscale line went bankrupt and stopped sailing in 2022. However, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent acquired it and brought it back to life with a $150 million glow-up, starting with 740-passenger Crystal Serenity.

With newly renovated expansive suites, an array of social areas and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity offers ultimate comfort, quality and personalization. Every cabin comes with a butler ready to assist with reservations, laundry and any other needs you have during your global odyssey.

Beginning in Fort Lauderdale and concluding in Barcelona, the sailing spans 123 nights with visits to 31 countries. The cruise kicks off with a welcome celebration, and guests can enjoy themed onboard and shoreside events and gala dinners throughout the sailing.

Exciting destinations along the way include Belize, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Jordan. Passengers can get a close-up look at Argentine tango through performances, enjoy street food in Sri Lanka's capital city and celebrate like a Greek god on Mount Olympus, among other events.

Custom excursions and pre- and post-cruise tours organized by Abercrombie & Kent are available along the way (for an additional cost).

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $66,200 per person.

Cunard Line

world trip price

Be among the first to explore the world aboard Queen Anne, the line's first new ship in 12 years. Scheduled to launch in May 2024, the 2,996-passenger ship will take over Cunard 's world cruise duties in January 2025.

Queen Anne's maiden World Voyage in 2025 will span 111 nights, beginning and ending in Hamburg, Germany. Along the way, guests can explore historic churches in the Old Town of Lubeck, Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage site; visit the historic city of Antigua, Guatemala's original capital; and indulge in retail therapy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's bustling shopping hub.

Passengers will enjoy spectacular new elements on this ship. The vessel's main pool area, The Pavilion, is topped with a gorgeous retractable glass roof that will act as a showpiece and also a functional structure to keep poolgoers dry on rainy days.

If you're seeking the most luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences on board, book Princess or Queens Grill suites. Fares include outstanding amenities such as private dining rooms, coffee and specialty tea service, priority boarding, and a private outdoor lounge area.

Queens Grill suite passengers receive butler service, too. However, many lovely inclusions, such as white-gloved servers presenting complimentary daily tea, are available for all guests.

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $17,799 per person.

Holland America

world trip price

Grand World Voyage

Holland America 's 124-day Grand World Voyage on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam cruises round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. The enticing itinerary ventures far from Florida to must-visit cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore and Istanbul. The ship will also traverse the Panama Canal.

Many included overnights allow opportunities to dive deep into local cultures and experiences. Spend extra time in Kobe, Japan; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; and Singapore. As a bonus, Zuiderdam will take guests to incredibly remote locales, such as the Amazon.

On board, relish music venues like Billboard Onboard and BBC Earth in Concert, where a live orchestra plays before a huge backdrop of spectacular wildlife footage. Step One Dance Company presents works by noted choreographers. Count on a buzzy casino, fine dining at specialty restaurants and a professionally staffed fitness center.

Departs Jan. 4, 2025. Prices start from $24,999 per person.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

MSC Cruises

world trip price

MSC Cruises is doing something a little different with its 2025 world cruise. It's offering a choice of four embarkation ports — Rome and Genoa in Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona. Passengers will return to the same port they left from.

The 2,550-passenger MSC Magnifica is the home base for the 116-night journey. The itinerary features port calls at 50 destinations across 21 countries in the Mediterranean, South America, the South Pacific, Australia and Asia. Among the cities you'll explore are Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro; Casablanca, Morocco; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Phuket, Thailand; Broome, Australia; and Auckland.

Spend your port days ogling at Genoa's majestic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence and Doge's Palace; exploring the peaceful mountaintop monastery in Montserrat, Spain; and wandering through the restored ceremonial village of Orongo, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a World Heritage Site.

Departs Jan. 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2025 (depending on your embarkation port). Prices start from $14,469 per person.

Oceania Cruises

world trip price

Around the World Cruise

The lovely 656-passenger Insignia sails a whopping 200 days from Miami to New York for Oceania Cruises ' 2025 world cruise. It might seem a long way away, but inside cabins and some suites are already waitlisted for the sailing.

Prepare to tear up any bucket list on a cruise this long. The ship begins in the balmy Caribbean islands, ventures to the Brazilian Amazon, explores more of South America and then heads off to Africa and Asia. Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii and Latin America round out the itinerary before Insignia circles back to the Caribbean (different ports on this end) and sails triumphantly back to Miami.

Oceania Cruises is renowned for fine dining. Expect to eat and drink exceptionally well on board.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $54,099 per person.

Princess Cruises

world trip price

Princess Cruises promises an unforgettable journey on its 116-day world cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale (or Los Angeles, as an alternative embarkation port) on the 2,200-passenger Island Princess.

This ship delivers many onboard activities like cooking and dance classes, trivia contests, enrichment programs and games of basketball, volleyball and tennis on the sports court. A putting green ensures golf games stay sharp.

You can also expect outdoor movies, original musical productions and onboard wellness features such as a spa and fitness center.

World cruisers can visit 26 countries with 51 destinations across six continents; the exciting port of call include Lisbon; Bali; Naples, Italy; Milan; and Haifa, Israel. With late-night stays in 11 ports of call and a Dubai overnight, you can relish multiple opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy the nightlife ashore.

For 2025, Princess offers two 116-day world cruise itinerary options on Island Princess, one round-trip from Fort Lauderdale and the other round-trip from Los Angeles.

From Fort Lauderdale: Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $16,225 per person.

From Los Angeles: Departs Jan. 20, 2025. Prices start from $16,298 per person.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

world trip price

Navigate the World

World cruises prove perpetually popular on this ultraluxe line. They often sell out in the blink of an eye.

Availability is limited on the 2025 150-night world cruise on the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner, sailing round-trip from Miami to San Francisco. This itinerary includes cruising in Antarctica, the Chilean fjords, French Polynesia, Taipei and Bali.

Perhaps because its 2025 sailing is nearly sold out, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the first cruise lines to announce its 2026 world voyage, also on Seven Seas Mariner.

This journey will be the line's longest, sailing for 154 nights and visiting 77 ports in 41 countries across six continents. The itinerary includes three new ports of call for Regent, including Lifou Island and Mare of the Loyalty Islands in the New Caledonia archipelago. Count on visiting 47 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Robben Island in South Africa.

For all its around-the-world cruises, Regent piles on primo inclusions — first-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, luggage service, an open bar and a visa package are among countless amenities.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $87,999 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 10, 2026. Prices start from $94,999 per person.

Related: The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

world trip price

Grand Africa Voyage

Wander the majestic Grandmaster's Palace in Malta. Snorkel the pristine waters along the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Ogle the tropical beauty of the 115-island archipelago of the Seychelles. Soak up the beauty of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain.

You'll find many pinch-me moments on Seabourn 's 90-day, 26-country Grand Africa cruise in late 2024 and early 2025. It takes place onboard the 450-passenger all-suite Seabourn Sojourn and sails round-trip from Barcelona. (The line is not currently offering a more traditional world cruise in 2025.)

On the ultraluxurious vessel, you can expect exclusive VIP celebrations, like a Caviar in the Surf party. (Note that complimentary Champagne and caviar flow freely on board, too, adding to the happy vibe.)

There's much to love about Seabourn Sojourn. Its intimate size allows truly personalized service from a polished, attentive crew. Seabourn Square, a living room-like venue, is a magnet for affable passengers who quickly make new friends. Count on superb dining and 24-hour room service among a slew of upscale amenities.

Departs Nov. 30, 2024. Prices start from $38,999 per person.

Related: 7 extremely decadent things you can do on a luxury cruise vacation

Silversea Cruises

world trip price

Controtempo

Silversea Cruises ' 2025 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn looks amazing. The around-the-world cruise is designed to visit far-flung and more remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds.

This 136-day voyage sails from Tokyo to New York and explores 59 ports in 30 countries. Count on visiting enchanting cities, including Istanbul, Naples and Stockholm. Wonderfully remote ports, like Cochin, India; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Nuuk, Greenland, tempt travelers to come aboard for the long haul.

Silversea's world cruises are known for showcasing exceptional special-access events, and this sailing is no different. On this cruise, applause goes to a private tour of Cairo's 500-room Abdeen Palace and an inimitable evening at Versailles in lavish Marie Antoinette style (pre-guillotine, of course).

Silver Dawn is a wowser with a game-changer spa , all-suite accommodations, tux-clad butlers for all passengers and complimentary caviar service anytime, anywhere. Expect many fare inclusions, such as business-class flights, shore excursions and private transfers.

Controtempo departs Jan. 13, 2025. Prices start from $81,900 per person.

The Three Oceans

Silversea recently announced a new 80-destination world cruise for 2027, also aboard Silver Dawn.

Departing from Los Angeles for a 149-night voyage, the ship will visit 35 countries and five continents before ending in Copenhagen. The itinerary features 80 port calls, more than any sailing in Silversea's history, and it will also include 20 new destinations for the line.

Passengers can enjoy extended time in select ports with 11 overnight calls in Honolulu; Cairns, Australia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Cape Town, South Africa; and Bordeaux, France, among others.

The Three Oceans cruise departs Jan. 8, 2027. Prices will be available beginning from June 10, 2024.

world trip price

Viking World Voyage II

Imagine the joy of ticking many bucket list boxes on Viking World Voyage II, Viking 's 163-day world cruise on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky in 2025. Book quickly; availability is extremely limited, with many suites and penthouses already sold out.

The Los Angeles-to-New York voyage visits 29 countries and 78 ports.

Palm-tree ports are plentiful, including Moorea, French Polynesia; Bay of Islands, New Zealand; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You'll cross many seas, such as the Tasman, Arafura and Arabian, and take your pick of a plethora of possible excursions, including a visit to a Balinese Hindu temple in Indonesia and a tour of the ancient Elephanta Caves in India. You can pretty much do it all on this world cruise.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $74,995 per person.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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World Tour Packages

We have an excellent reputation when it comes to delivering our promise of planning a great holiday at an economical rate. A lot of our customers vouch for our international tour packages as they have had the best experiences of their life without any hassle and stress of planning a holiday. All they need to do is book their international holiday packages with us and pack their bags. We have a plethora of world tour packages to choose from, and our hottest selling destinations include pristine Mauritius, clean and green Singapore, buzzing Thailand and exotic Bali. A lot of Indian travelers love to book their first international holiday package to these destinations, as they offer them something more than meets the eye within their budget.

While India is home to a lot of beautiful destinations, it is always interesting to know what lies beyond. The world is blessed with beautiful places and sights, which will have you gasping in disbelief as you fawn over their natural beauty. So, whether you’re looking for a romantic escapade or family vacation or an adventure tour, we will never fail to amaze you with our exclusive tailor-made packages. Your budget, luxury and business trips abroad are sorted with us, as we are well-known in the travel industry for providing our customers with the best service and exceeding expectations.

A holiday in a completely foreign land is enough to make memories that are everlasting and cherishing. Everyone wishes to explore the world around them; marvel at its beauty, appreciate its architecture and art, experience different cultures, make new friends, and learn about their culture. For those who want to experience International Travel, the world is at their feet. And to satiate the curiosity, we at Thomas Cook, have got some spectacular international holiday packages. From affordable international tour packages to Maldives and Thailand to the very famous Dubai Shopping Festival , luxury cruise packages and oh-so-romantic Europe holiday packages, we have got it all for you.

With a world full of fascinating destinations, choosing the perfect place for vacation can be a little challenging. But Thomas Cook takes care of all your niggling travel worries. We offer an extensive range of both standard and customized deals on world tour packages for most destinations across the globe. Why? That’s because we understand the needs and demands of new age travellers. So, stop scouring the internet, as on thomascook.in you will find travel destinations and holiday packages for all the best international destinations.

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Disney World Cost Calculator

It’s no secret that one of the biggest considerations when planning your Disney World vacation is how much it will cost.  With so many things contributing to the price of the trip , it’s easy to get overwhelmed or forget to account for something.  With that in mind, we offer our Disney World Cost Calculator to help simplify the process for you.

Our Disney Cost Calculator automatically figures in the costs of items directly under Disney’s control, such as tickets and hotel rooms.  But there are some prices we’ll have to ask you directly for, such as what you expect to pay for flights, or how much you’ll be spending on lodging if you’re staying somewhere other than Disney’s hotels.

Our tool is a great way to get a general estimate on the cost of your Disney vacation.  But for the most accurate price based on your exact travel plans, you’ll want to get in touch with a travel agent who specializes in the Walt Disney World Resort, such as The Vacationeer .

Note: the calculator assumes everyone is staying in the same hotel room; if your group is large enough to need multiple rooms, you’ll want to separate the group and run the calculator once for each of the rooms.

Want to see your exact price?

Our calculator is a great first step towards figuring out how much your Disney World vacation will cost.  If you like the numbers you’ve seen so far, it’s time to take the next step in planning your trip by getting an exact quote.

Contact the Disney World experts at The Vacationeer .  Their team of 90+ Authorized Disney Vacation Planners can provide you with an exact price quote for your vacation and discuss payment plan options .

It won’t cost you anything extra to use their services, and there’s never any obligation to book.

What does the trip cost calculator’s estimate include?

Our Disney World Cost calculator factors in these items when providing you with an estimated Disney vacation cost:

Time of year

We factor seasonal pricing into your estimated costs, based on the general time of year you expect to travel to Disney World.  This primarily affects the cost of hotel rooms and Disney theme park tickets.

Theme park ticket prices

We calculate estimated prices of Walt Disney World theme park tickets, based on how many days you’ll go to the Disney World parks, whether you’re upgrading your tickets to include the Park Hopper option, how many Adult and Child theme park tickets are needed, and seasonal pricing for the general time of year you expect to travel to Disney.

Hotel costs

For Disney World Hotels , our calculator factors in an estimated cost based on the general time of year you expect to visit, how long you’re staying, and whether you’ll be staying in a Value, Moderate or Deluxe Resort, or in one of the Disney Deluxe Villas.

For offsite hotels (those not located on Disney World property), we ask you to directly enter the nightly cost of your hotel so we can include that amount in the estimated final total expenses.

Transportation to and from Disney World

For those traveling b y plane , we ask you to directly enter the cost of your flight to Orlando so we can include it in the final total.  We also factor in the estimated cost of ground transportation from the Orlando International Airport to Disney World based on your input.

For those who are traveling by car , we ask you to directly enter the driving distance between your home and Disney World.  That allows our calculator to factor in an estimated travel cost (based on average gas mileage and average fuel cost) when calculating your total vacation cost estimate.

Parking fees

If you indicate you’ll be driving, we’ll factor in the cost of Disney’s parking fees .

Disney Dining Plans are currently suspended ( returning 2024 ).  In the meantime, we ask you to tell us your general plans for Disney World dining (such as if you expect to have a table service meal on most days, or if you’ll bring your own food ); we use that information to factor an estimated cost of food and drink into your overall estimated trip price.

Possible discounts

For those who indicate they qualify for some of the most common Disney discounts, we factor those savings into the overall total estimated vacation costs.

What is not included in the Disney World cost calculation?

There are a few things that we don’t try to account for in our calculator when providing an estimated cost of your Disney World trip.  Some of these are simply impractical to provide in the calculator, and others are left out because they don’t apply to everyone (so be sure to budget for them separately if you plan to include them in your vacation).

Exact costs based on your exact dates of travel and room/ticket type

Our tool provides a range of estimated average costs based on some general information you provide.  For an exact quote, you’ll need to do some further research or contact a travel agent specializing in Disney.

  • Hotel rates vary on a nightly basis. Different hotels within the same category of resort can have different prices for the same night.  Some rooms charge a premium based on view. Prices for the exact same room on the exact same night can vary depending on how soon or how late you book. With that in mind, our calculator factors in an estimated average cost, but cannot produce an exact cost.
  • Theme park tickets are priced based on a demand calendar, so different days have different pricing. Also, each park is priced differently; February 13 at EPCOT is priced differently than February 13 at Magic Kingdom.  Our calculator uses an estimated average cost based on the time of year and price range among the parks, but does not produce an exact cost.

Multiple hotel rooms

Our Disney calculator presumes that everyone will be staying in a single hotel room.  If you have a larger travel party, this may not be possible.  While Disney World does have some Disney Deluxe Villa accommodations that hold a large number of people, most regular rooms hold 4-5 people.  If you need more than one hotel room, you should divide your party up and run the calculator once for each hotel room.

Discretionary Spending

There are plenty of options to spend “just a little more” inside a Disney World theme park or around the area.  Each individual item isn’t necessarily that expensive, but they can add up over the length of your vacation.  For example, Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane access allows you to avoid some of the lines for rides.  You might want souvenirs like a pair of Mickey Mouse ears or a Walt Disney World t-shirt.  Or perhaps you’ll play some mini golf while you’re here.  If you think you’ll purchase any of these, don’t forget to pad your budget accordingly.

Non-Disney experiences

Ticket purchases for days in non-Disney theme parks — such as Universal , SeaWorld, LegoLand, FunSpot, Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center, and other Orlando and Central Florida attractions — are not included.  If you plan to spend a day or more outside of the parks, factor those costs separately from the total we show you here.  Also, note that this calculator is optimized specifically for Disney World in Florida; it is not programmed for Disneyland in California, which has its own rates for hotels and tickets.

How can I calculate the exact price of my vacation?

If you want to go beyond the estimates we provide here and figure out the exact cost of a vacation, you have a few options:

Research each component of your Disney World Vacation separately

Our articles How to Plan a Disney Vacation and How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World cover information about each of the major price factors you’ll need to budget for.  Using those lists as a guide, you can then visit the Disney World website to get specific prices for tickets , hotels , dining , recreation, tours, and more all based on your exact travel plans.  Don’t forget to factor in crowd levels and make a note of when you’re able to begin actually making dining reservations .

Let a travel agent handle your Disney World Planning

If you’d rather not do all of the leg work yourself, you can always enlist the completely-free services of a travel agent who specializes in Disney .  We’ve extensively covered why you should use a Disney travel planner in the past, but as a quick reminder:

  • Most agents don’t charge a planning fee for their services.
  • The trip won’t cost more than if you’d booked on your own; you might even find it’s cheaper !
  • They know all the tips and tricks, including any Disney discounts you might not be aware of.
  • They’ll provide you with an exact price quote based on your travel preferences, with no obligation to book .
  • Your travel agent will make all of your Disney reservations for you, so there’s no getting up early, waiting on hold for hours, or struggling with websites.
  • A good Disney travel agent will monitor your reservations after they’ve been booked, and automatically apply new discounts as they become available.

We believe The Vacationeer is the best Disney travel agency .  Their team includes more than 90 travel agents who specialize in all things Disney — get in touch with them now for a free quote:

Does Disney World offer a payment plan?

It’s no secret that going to Disney World can come with a bit of a sticker shock.  When you combine the price of hotels, tickets, food, and everything else, it’s likely your trip will cost at least a few thousand dollars.

That’s a lot of money to come up with all at once.  Fortunately, Disney World offers very flexible payment arrangements for their vacation packages.

In most cases, all that’s required to make your Disney reservations is a small deposit of $200.

Once you’ve made your deposit, you can pay Disney on any schedule you like, as long as you’re paid in full by 30 days prior to your vacation.  There are no minimum payments, and there are no payment milestones that Disney requires to be met prior to the date that final payment is due.

Note that this payment plan is offered only for Disney World Hotels, and for any Disney theme park tickets that are bundled into your Disney hotel vacation package.  If you’re not staying on-site at Disney World, any tickets you purchase will have to be paid in full at the time of purchase.  Ticket costs also have to be paid in full if you’re buying them separately from your Disney hotel reservation.

It also goes without saying that the costs of anything you’re not buying from Disney itself cannot be bundled into a Disney payment plan.  Tickets for non-Disney theme parks, airline tickets, off-site hotels, ground transportation from the airport, and other third-party services would be subject to whatever payment options those providers offer.

You might be able to pay your off-site hotel over time, but it’s reasonable to expect to pay in full (or at least charge the full amount to your credit card) for plane tickets, ground transportation, and non-Disney theme park tickets.

How can I budget for my visit to Disney World?

The fact that Disney allows you to essentially make your own payment plan for your vacation is great, but it also means that a big part of your Disney World planning is figuring out how to budget for your vacation; Disney is not going to tell you that you must pay a certain amount each month.

Our Disney trip cost calculator will give you a range of what you can expect to spend to go to Disney World, but it’s up to you to break that down into a reasonable method to save up that amount.

The most simple way to decide how much to budget for your vacation is to take the estimated cost from our calculator and then divide it by the number of months between now and your vacation’s start date.  Or, you might determine how many times you’ll get a paycheck between now and then, and divide by that number instead.

You might need to further adjust those smaller payments to account for bigger sums you might be able to apply towards your vacation (such as a tax refund or holiday bonus), or to make up for months when you might not be able to pay Disney as much as you’d like (perhaps due to seasonal employment changes).

Of course, breaking your vacation expenses down into smaller amounts is only part of the equation.  You also need to be able to actually come up with that money.  There are plenty of ways to find extra cash or adjust your vacation plans slightly so they’re more affordable.  Even making slight adjustments to your Disney World food costs or hotel plans can make a significant difference.  We offer 9 tips for cutting costs to get you started with saving on Disney.

Final Thoughts

Planning a visit to Disney requires budgeting for a number of factors.  Not only are there the obvious expenses like Disney park tickets, but there are also expenses that might not be so obvious, like parking fees and ground transportation.  Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save on your Disney World vacation . And with proper planning for each of these costs well in advance of your stay, you can make sure that your visit to Disney doesn’t become a financial burden.  That’s why we created this tool; we want to make sure everyone who wants to go to Disney knows how much it’ll cost and doesn’t wind up with any nasty financial surprises along the way!

Ready to book your Disney World trip?

We hope our Disney World Cost Calculator tool has helped provide you with an accurate baseline estimate on how much your Disney World vacation will cost.

To get an actual cost and to book your Disney World vacation, we recommend contacting the Disney travel experts at The Vacationeer .

There’s no charge for their Disney planning services, and there’s never any obligation to book.

Related Posts:

A laptop computer and phone, the only required equipment to become a Disney Travel Agent

  • Best overall
  • Best for exotic trips
  • Best for trip interruption
  • Best for medical-only coverage
  • Best for family coverage
  • Best for long trips
  • Why You Should Trust Us

Best International Travel Insurance for June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning your next vacation or trip out of the country, be sure to factor in travel insurance. Unexpected medical emergencies when traveling can drain your bank account, especially when you're traveling internationally. The best travel insurance companies for international travel can step in to provide you with peace of mind and financial protection while you're abroad.

Best International Travel Insurance

  • Best overall: Allianz Travel Insurance
  • Best for exotic travel: World Nomads Travel Insurance
  • Best for trip interruption coverage: C&F Travel Insured

Best for medical-only coverage: GeoBlue Travel Insurance

  • Best for families: Travelex Travel Insurance
  • Best for long-term travel: Seven Corners Travel Insurance

How we rate the best international travel insurance »

Compare the Best International Travel Insurance Companies

As a general rule, the most important coverage to have in a foreign country is travel medical insurance , as most US health insurance policies don't cover you while you're abroad. Without travel medical coverage, a medical emergency in a foreign country can cost you. You'll want trip cancellation and interruption coverage if your trip is particularly expensive. And if you're traveling for an extended period of time, you'll want to ensure that your policy is extendable. 

Here are our picks for the best travel insurance companies for international travel.

Best overall: Allianz

Allianz Allianz Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good option for frequent travelers thanks to its annual multi-trip policies
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Doesn't increase premium for trips longer than 30 days, meaning it could be one of the more affordable options for a long trip
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans include free coverage for children 17 and under
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Concierge included with some plans
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Coverage for medical emergency is lower than some competitors' policies
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Plans don't include coverage contact sports and high-altitude activities
  • Single and multi-trip plans available
  • Trip cancellation and interruption coverage starting at up to $10,000 (higher limits with more expensive plans)
  • Preexisting medical condition coverage available with some plans

Allianz Travel Insurance  offers the ultimate customizable coverage for international trips, whether you're a frequent jetsetter or an occasional traveler. You can choose from an a la carte of single or multi-trip plans, as well as add-ons, including rental car damage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) , adventure sport, and business travel coverage. And with affordable pricing compared to competitors, Allianz is a budget-friendly choice for your international travel insurance needs. 

The icing on the cake is Allyz TravelSmart, Allianz's highly-rated mobile app, which has an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. So, you can rest easy knowing that you can access your policy and file claims anywhere in the world without a hassle.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

Best for exotic trips: World Nomads

World Nomads World Nomads Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Coverage for 200+ activities like skiing, surfing, and rock climbing
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Only two plans to choose from, making it simple to find the right option
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can purchase coverage even after your trip has started
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your trip costs more than $10,000, you may want to choose other insurance because trip protection is capped at up to $10,000 (for the Explorer plan)
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer coverage for travelers older than 70
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option
  • Coverage for 150+ activities and sports
  • 2 plans: Standard and Explorer
  • Trip protection for up to $10,000
  • Emergency medical insurance of up to $100,000
  • Emergency evacuation coverage for up to $500,000
  • Coverage to protect your items (up to $3,000)

World Nomads Travel Insurance  offers coverage for over 150 specific activities, so you can focus on the adventure without worrying about gaps in your coverage. 

You can select its budget-friendly standard plan, starting at $79. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie seeking more thrills, you can opt for the World Nomads' Explorer plan for $120, which includes extra sports like skydiving, scuba diving, and heli-skiing. And World Nomads offers 24/7 assistance, so you can confidently travel abroad, knowing that help is just a phone call away. 

Read our World Nomads Travel Insurance review here.

Best for trip interruption: C&F Travel Insured

C&F C&F Travel Insured

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
  • C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

C&F Travel Insured offers 100% coverage for trip cancellation, up to 150% for trip interruption, and reimbursement for up to 75% of your non-refundable travel costs with select plans. This means you don't have to worry about losing your hard-earned money on non-refundable travel costs if your trip ends prematurely. 

Travel Insured also stands out for its extensive "reasons for cancellation" coverage. Unlike many insurers, the company covers hurricane warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here.

AJM Global Inc GeoBlue Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. A subsidary of Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers strong medical plans as long as you have a regular health insurance plan, but it doesn't have to be through Blue Cross
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers long-term and multi-trip travel protection
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Multiple complaints about claims not being paid or being denied
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Does not provide some of the more comprehensive coverage like CFAR insurance
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Buyers who do get claims paid may need to file multiple claim forms

GeoBlue Travel Insurance offers policies that covers emergency medical treatments when you're abroad. While GeoBlue lacks trip cancellation coverage, that allows it to charge lower premiums than the other companies on this list. 

GeoBlue plans can cover medical expenses up to $1 million with several multi-trip annual plans available. It offers coinsurance plans for trips within the U.S. and 100% coverage for international trips. It also has a network of clinics in 180 countries, streamlining the claims process. It's worth noting that coverage for pre-existing conditions comes with additional costs. 

Read our GeoBlue Travel Insurance review here.

Best for family coverage: Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex Travelex Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

  • Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
  • Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
  • Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance offers coverage for your whole crew, perfect for when you're planning a family trip. Its family plan insures all your children 17 and under at no additional cost. The travel insurance provider also offers add-ons like adventure sports and car rental collision coverage to protect your family under any circumstance. Got pets? With Travelex's Travel Select plan, you can also get coverage for your furry friend's emergency medical and transportation expenses. 

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Best for long trips: Seven Corners

Seven Corners Seven Corners Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
  • Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

Seven Corners Travel Insurance offers specialized coverage that the standard short-term travel insurance policy won't provide, which is helpful if you're embarking on a long-term trip. You can choose from several plans, including the Annual Multi-Trip plan, which provides medical coverage for multiple international trips for up to 364 days. This policy also offers COVID-19 medical and evacuation coverage up to $1 million. 

You also get the added benefit of incidental expense coverage. This policy will cover remote health-related services and information, treatment of injury or illness, and live consultations via telecommunication. 

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

How to Find the Right International Travel Insurance Company 

Different travelers and trips require different types of insurance coverage. So, consider these tips if you're in the market to insure your trip. 

Determine your needs 

Your needs for travel insurance will depend on the type of trip you're taking. You'll need to consider your destination and what you'll be doing there, either business, leisure, or adventure traveling. Policies covering adventure sports and activities will cost more. Longer, more expensive trips will also cost more. 

Research the reputation of the company 

When researching a company, you'll want to closely review the description of services. You'll want to see how claims are handled, any exceptions, and limitations.

You'll also want to look at the company's customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, BBB, and Squaremouth, as this will provide insight on the quality of customer service and the claims process. You should also take note of whether companies respond to customer reviews.

Compare prices

You can get quotes through a company's website or travel insurance aggregators like InsureMyTrip and VisitorsCoverage. You'll need to be prepared to provide the following information about your trip:

  • Trip destination(s)
  • Travel dates
  • Number of travelers
  • Traveler(s) age/birthday
  • State of residence
  • Total trip cost

For companies that offer travel medical insurance, you'll also want to play around with the deductible options, as they can affect your policy premium. 

Understanding International Travel Insurance Coverage Options

Travel insurance can be confusing, but we're here to simplify it for you. We'll break down the industry's jargon to help you understand what travel insurance covers to help you decide what your policy needs. Bear in mind that exclusions and limitations for your age and destination may apply. 

Finding the Best Price for International Travel Insurance

Your policy cost will depend on several factors, such as the length of your trip, destination, coverage limits, and age. Typically, a comprehensive policy includes travel cancellation coverage costs between 5% and 10% of your total trip cost.

If you're planning an international trip that costs $4,500, you can expect to pay anywhere from $225 to $450 for your policy. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find a budget-friendly travel insurance policy that meets your needs.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed International Travel Insurance Companies

We ranked and assigned superlatives to the best travel insurance companies based on our insurance rating methodology . It focuses on several key factors, including: 

  • Policy types: We analyzed company offerings such as coverage levels, exclusions, and policy upgrades, taking note of providers that offer a range of travel-related issues beyond the standard coverages. 
  • Affordability: We recognize that cheap premiums don't necessarily equate to sufficient coverage. So, we seek providers that offer competitive rates with comprehensive policies and quality customer service. We also call out any discounts or special offers available. 
  • Flexibility: Travel insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. We highlight providers that offer a wide array of coverage options, including single-trip, multi-trip, and long-term policies.
  • Claims handling: The claims process should be pain-free for policyholders. We seek providers that offer a streamlined process via online claims filing and a track record of handling claims fairly and efficiently. 
  • Quality customer service: Good customer service is as important as affordability and flexibility. We highlight companies that offer 24/7 assistance and have a strong record of customer service responsiveness. 

We consult user feedback and reviews to determine how each company fares in each category. We also check the provider's financial rating and volume of complaints via third-party rating agencies. 

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

International Travel Insurance FAQs

The best insurance policy depends on your individual situation, including your destination and budget. However, popular options include Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, and Travel Guard. 

You should pay attention to any limitations regarding covered cancellations, pre-existing conditions, and adventure activities. For example, if you're worried you may have to cancel a trip for work reasons, ensure that you've worked at your company long enough to qualify for cancellation coverage, as that is a condition with some insurers. You should also see if your destination has any travel advisories, as that can affect your policy. 

Typically, your regular health insurance won't cover you out of the country, so you'll want to make sure your travel insurance has adequate medical emergency coverage. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to purchase add-ons, such as adventure sports coverage, if you're planning on doing anything adventurous like bungee jumping.

Travel insurance is worth the price for international travel because they're generally more expensive, so you have more to lose. Additionally, your regular health insurance won't cover you in other countries, so without travel insurance, you'll end up paying out of pocket for any emergency medical care you receive out of the US.

You should purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after making payment on your trip. This makes you eligible for add-ons like coverage for pre-existing conditions and CFAR. It also mitigates the chance of any losses in the days leading up to your trip. 

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Protect Your Trip »

9 top compression socks for travel.

Compression socks are useful for a variety of travel activities.

Top Compression Socks for Travel

Legs and feet of cross country trail runner running with big steps over dry grass high up in mountains

Getty Images

Compression socks are particularly useful for air travel, when you have limited space to move your body for hours on end. These socks are designed to increase circulation, reduce swelling and help prevent blood clots – a common concern for many travelers.

Read on to discover the best compression socks for travel based on medical advice and recent reviews, as well as what you should consider before making your purchase.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Sockwell Women's Full Flattery Moderate Graduated Compression Socks

Sockwell's Women's Full Flattery Moderate Graduated Compression Socks in charcoal against white background

Courtesy of Sockwell

Compression level:  15-20 mmHg

The moderate level of graduated compression, seamless toe closure, ultra-light cushion sole and spandex throughout these socks make them a favorite for travel. Users especially appreciate the wide calf, saying this may be a good option for those with larger calves who find other compression socks painful.

Price: $29.99 or less

Travelsox TS1000 Original Travel Graduated Compression Socks

Compression level:  10-18 mmHg

Travelsox has designed compression socks specifically for travel. The company uses patented compression technology intended to stimulate circulation and ease swelling when you have to spend a long time in close quarters, making these socks potentially beneficial for your next long-haul flight. The Coolmax material provides superior moisture wicking and comfort. Recent buyers have been impressed with the quality and the way these socks helped their legs on airplanes and in other cramped spaces.

Price: $20.66 or less

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks in Pacific Blue design against white background

Courtesy of Bombas

These medium-level compression socks feature a seamless toe and a design that cradles the arch of your foot to give you the support you need. This product is also made with extra-durable cotton yarn for resisting wear and tear. As a bonus, for every pair of socks bought, Bombas donates one pair of socks to homeless shelters. Wearers of these compression socks love how comfortable they are.

Price: $28 or less

Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks

Comrad's Knee-High Compression Socks in rose against white background

Courtesy of Comrad Socks

Comrad's compression garments are lab-tested with Swisslastic MST Compression Devices, providing you with a moderate level of support and compression for your next flight. These knee-high nylon socks are moisture-wicking and made with thin, breathable fibers fitted to your leg, as well as a silver antimicrobial that eliminates odor. Travelers especially appreciate how easy they are to put on. The Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks are available in solid and ombre colors as well as stripes.

Price: $28 or less for one pair

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CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men

These knee-high compression socks come in packs of eight, so you won't have to worry about losing a pair before a big trip. With these socks available in a wide variety of solid colors and fun patterns, you'll be able to make a fashion statement while staying comfortable on the plane. These graduated compression socks have a no-slip cuff, reinforced heel and toe, ankle protection, and moisture-wicking fabric so you stay dry. Travelers praise the quality of compression you get for an affordable price.

Price: $23.99 or less for eight pairs

+MD 3 Pairs Bamboo Compression Socks

Compression level:  8-15 mmHg

These knee-high compression socks offer a lower grade of graduated compression, which could make them a good option for travelers seeking just a little extra support, particularly those who plan to spend a lot of time on their feet. Made with bamboo fiber and polyester, these +MD socks are moisture-wicking to keep your legs dry and have a nonslip cuff and cushioned heel. These garments come in a pack of three – set aside one to wear, a spare for your carry-on bag and a pair for the flight home. Recent users appreciate how comfortable they are, saying they are able to wear them all day long.

Price: $21.99 or less for three pairs

VIM & VIGR Moisture Wick Nylon Graduated Compression Socks

Shots of legs wearing VIM & VIGR's Moisture Wick Nylon Graduated Compression Socks in cashew against white background

Courtesy of VIM & VIGR

Developed in partnership with vascular surgeons and vein clinics and approved by the FDA, VIM & VIGR's compression socks are some of the best on the market. Made with moisture-wicking nylon, these compression socks are breathable and apply graduated pressure for increased circulation, so you won't have to worry about swelling. Users say they appreciate how they no longer have their usual swelling after a flight wearing these socks.

Price: $38 or less

Pembrook Women's Compression Socks

These Pembrook compression socks come in a six-pack of fun, bright colors, perfect for any adventure. The mild graduated compression up to your knee and breathable cotton-polyester blend are designed for top-notch comfort and function. Reviewers compliment the quality for the price and the comfortable compression these provide; they also appreciate that they're machine-washable.

Price: $29.95 or less for six pairs

Bropite Open Toe Compression Socks

These open-toe compression socks are a great option for those who don't want a full sock; the toeless design allows you to get all the benefits of a regular compression sock without scrunching up your toes. Other features include a breathable fabric, a reinforced heel for durability and a moderate level of graduated compression. These compression socks come in packs of two, and recent wearers call them well made and effective.

Price: $15.99 or less for two pairs

Medical-grade compression socks

While compression socks at a level of 20 mmHg or less may work well as nonmedical support for most flights and everyday needs, if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis or other medical issues, your doctor may prescribe you a higher compression level. If you have received specifications from a medical practitioner and are looking for 20-30 mmHg compression socks, here are some top options:

  • Figs Compression Socks
  • Physix Gear Compression Socks
  • Doc Miller Premium Open Toe Compression Socks

Frequently Asked Questions

Compression socks apply pressure to your legs and feet, aiming to improve blood flow and prevent swelling. These tightly fitting garments have a range of uses: Your doctor may recommend compression socks or stockings for specific medical conditions, but almost anyone can use mild to moderate compression socks for everyday support and comfort. Compression legwear may offer particular benefits for travelers, health care workers, pregnant women, athletes and more.

For some travelers, wearing compression socks can help during flights – when both inactivity and increased air pressure may cause discomfort or exacerbate medical conditions – as well as on long car rides and other methods of transportation. Here are some of the benefits of compression socks for travel.

Comfort:  Any frequent flyer knows that sitting in cramped quarters for hours on end is not the most comfortable way to spend your day. As your veins try to work against gravity to keep your blood circulating, the blood can end up pooling in your legs, resulting in swelling, according to Dr. Ravi N. Ambani, M.D., MBA , in Cleveland, Ohio.

Compression socks may be able to help with that issue and improve your travel experience by imitating the effects of moving around even when you're stuck stationary. "Movement and walking, even if for short bursts during a long flight, allows your calf muscles to contract and squeeze the blood in your veins back to your heart," Ambani explains. "Compression therapy mimics this process to a degree, leading to less swelling and leg fatigue."

While Ambani points out that "there is not strong evidence to support the routine use of compression therapy for travelers" for nonmedical reasons, you may want to try them out to see if compression socks can make your time on transportation a little more comfortable (as long as you confer with a medical professional about any skin or circulation issues).

  • Medical benefits:  Doctors may recommend compression socks or other compression garments for travel for "patients with a history of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), venous insufficiency, or a hypercoagulable disorder," Ambani says. Likewise, Adrian S. Banning, a certified physician assistant with a doctorate of health science and an associate professor at Delaware Valley University, says a  2021 Cochrane study  shows "good evidence to suggest that wearing compression stockings on a flight of at least four hours does reduce the chances of DVT" among other particular medical benefits.

You may encounter the term "graduated" in your search for compression socks. Rather than applying uniform pressure, graduated compression socks use a gradient, so the tightness of the garment varies along your leg. "The sock has a higher pressure farthest away from the heart and that pressure decreases as we travel up the leg," Ambani says. "By creating a gradient of pressure the compression sock helps to return fluid back to the heart where it can be recirculated." Since graduated compression socks give your lower legs the most support, they can be helpful on flights and other situations where your veins have to contend with gravity.

Another distinction is compression socks versus compression stockings or tights. "Compression socks and stockings are very similar products in that they are designed to provide measured pressure to the lower extremities," Ambani says. "Both socks and stockings can apply the same amount of compression, so the real difference lies in the material that they are constructed with and length." The stockings can go as far up as your thigh, while nonmedical compression socks usually go no higher than your knees.

Compression socks also come in varying levels of compression, so you'll need to select a compression level before you make your sock purchase.

A compression level of 15-20 mmHg is the most popular for travel; anything higher than 20 mmHg crosses into medical-grade territory and should not be purchased without consulting your doctor. But even if you're not seeking a high level of compression, Banning recommends speaking to your health care professional to find out what level would best suit your needs. "If the compression stockings are too uncomfortable to wear and so you don't wear them at all or if you wear them incorrectly, you won't get any benefit at all or you could possibly have side effects," she notes, citing a 2014 study .

Incorrect usage or excessive tightness can cause possible side effects such as skin damage or irritation – "especially for people with thin skin, like the elderly," Banning says. Check with your doctor for advice based on your medical history, especially if you feel you need medical-grade compression socks.

Once you have chosen what level of compression you need, you need to determine the size – be aware that sock sizing will vary by brand. Some companies will have typical small, medium and large socks, while others may go by calf size or other specific measurements. It's important to check the brand's size guide before making your purchase, so you know you are getting the correct size.

"You should wear them as long as you can tolerate," Ambani says. "In an ideal scenario, you would put them on first thing in the morning when your legs are the least swollen, keep them on during your entire travel period, try to walk around at least once an hour, and take them off after arriving at your final destination."

Keep in mind that you may have difficulty putting them on or taking them off within the confines of your airplane seat, so familiarize yourself with the compression socks beforehand and plan accordingly.

Note: The compression sock recommendations compiled by U.S. News are for primarily nonmedical use; this guide is not intended as medical advice, and you should consult your doctor for any medical concerns or questions.

You might also be interested in:

  • How to Get Airport Wheelchair Assistance
  • Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
  • The Best Travel Medical Insurance Options

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When pups fly: BARK Air, the world's first airline for dogs, take first flight

Bark air says that it has taken the 'white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches.' that experience comes at a cost..

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The first jet charter company in the world in which every passenger is a VIP (very important pup) is now off the ground.

BARK Air , launched by dog toy company BARK in partnership with a jet charter service, is a luxury airline for man's best friend that transports dogs of all sizes along with their owners “in comfort and in style,” CEO Matt Meeker said in a video provided by Reuters that takes the public behind the scenes of the new airline.

"We’re here to revolutionize flying for dogs," says BARK Air's website.

Tickets sold out for BARK Air's first flight , which took off at 4 p.m. ET from New York, headed to Los Angeles. And flights are filling fast for the month of June.

Here's what you need to know about the new airline, including how much flights cost.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Dogs take first Bark Air flight

BARK Air shared details of the company's first flight on Thursday in an Instagram post.

"Right now, at an altitude of 30,000 feet, there is a flight filled with dogs. Unlike any flight before it, these dogs are not merely an afterthought, nor are they treated as cargo or a burden to the crew and fellow travelers. Here, dogs are the foremost priority," the company posted.

BARK Air continued to say that the effort took 10 years, "but we are finally confident that we can provide all dogs with the air travel experience they deserve: one that puts them first."

One user commented that "this really is the pawfect flight!" Another said: "We woof to see this."

BARK Air's prices aren't cheap

Pet owners can expect to pay $8,000 for a one-way international flight and $6,000 one way for a domestic flight that covers both them and their dog.

For now, routes will serve the New York City metro area via Westchester County Airport (HPN), with flights to the Los Angeles area via Van Nuys (VNY) and London, England via Biggin Hill (BQH), according to BARK Air's website.

What to expect flying BARK Air

The company says that it has taken the “white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches.”

Meeker said that the airlines caters everything to the dog, "trying to lower their anxiety and their stress, so they have the most comfortable, fear-free experience on an airplane."

Food and water are provided for the pooches, and there's "even a spa treatment that happens in air," Meeker said.

BARK Air says that a concierge will learn a dog's temperament and sensitivities before the flight for the best placement on the plane. Dogs will not be caged or on leashes but will be free to sit on the seat, their human, a bed or wherever comfortable, the company says.

There are designated areas before flights for dogs to go potty and emergency pads will be available during flights.

How many dogs can fit on a flight?

Each flight fits 15 dogs and their humans, according to BARK AIR's website, but it never sells more than 10 tickets per flight. Space while flying is important to how animals roam, the company says.

Though there are additional tickets available if more than one human needs to accompany a dog, kids are not allowed to fly BARK Air. Each passenger must be at least 18 years old.

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20 Cheapest Places to Travel Around the World in 2024

Find your budget-friendly vacation in the U.S. or beyond.

The travel bug continues to bite in 2024, and data indicates growth in both domestic and international trips, along with a cost increase for hotels and transportation. But don't worry as it’s still possible to take an economical vacation whether you want to travel near or far.

Kayak , one of the world’s leading travel search engines, shared with Travel + Leisure a list of domestic and international destinations for low-cost trips. To determine the most wallet-friendly locations, the company analyzed flight searches from July 2023 through December 2023 for travel during 2024. The top 250 most-clicked destinations with the lowest average combined flight and hotel price were considered, excluding outliers based on certain criteria such as travel restrictions and security concerns. Prices and percentages are on average and subject to change.

With that in mind, here are some of the most affordable places to travel in the U.S. and around the world in 2024.

Denver, Colorado

With an average price of $486 for flight and hotel, the Mile High City features a walkable downtown with restaurants, museums, entertainment, and shopping. Low-cost rail service from Denver International Airport to Union Station is not only convenient, but it also takes travelers to the historic Beaux-Arts terminal, where there’s an array of restaurants, stores, and a hotel. Visitors can catch a major league baseball game in town or a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre .

Chicago, Illinois

In addition to its excellent restaurants, stunning architecture cruise on the Chicago River, and Navy Pier amusement area, Chicago offers museums like the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry . For an average price of $493 for hotel and flight, visitors can enjoy low-cost fun on Lake Michigan’s beaches, the Riverwalk , and Grant Park . Another favorite is Millennium Park, where the gleaming Cloud Gate sculpture — nicknamed “The Bean” — provides a popular photo op. 

Atlanta, Georgia

For an average of $495 for hotel and flight, vacationers can land in Atlanta, home of world-class restaurants and a lively cultural scene that includes concert venues, theaters, museums, and galleries. For a low-cost way to get to know the city, stroll among its murals and street art. You can also explore Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park , Centennial Olympic Park (which commemorates the 1996 Summer Olympics), the Georgia Aquarium , or Zoo Atlanta .

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kayak’s average of $503 for flight and hotel can be the start of an enjoyable affordable vacation in Minneapolis. A stroll through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center takes you through 11 acres of outdoor exhibits. Browse the 500-plus stores in America’s largest shopping mall, the Mall of America , or on a smaller scale, there’s the Midtown Global Market with food, crafts, and cultural events. Bike, boat, or jog at the Chain of Lakes Regional Park , or walk the enclosed elevated pathways of the 9.5-mile Skyway .

Portland, Oregon

Plan around Kayak's average of $509 for hotel and flight, and you can enjoy Portland’s culinary offerings without breaking the bank when you head for the food carts . When in the Rose City, explore the free International Rose Test Garden , home to more than 10,000 roses as well as great views of downtown and Mount Hood. If you visit between March and December, browse the Portland Saturday Market for art, crafts, and food. Book fans will want to check out Powell’s City of Books , the largest used and new bookstore in the world.

Charlotte, North Carolina

You don’t have to be a car fan to enjoy the Nascar Hall of Fame , where interactive exhibits and racing simulators entertain and educate. Your $512 average cost for flight and hotel will go far with meals at The Market at 7th Street , an indoor food court. At Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden , spend a relaxing day among flowers, fountains, and walking paths. There’s more action at Whitewater Center , which has more than 30 land and water activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more.

Orlando, Florida

For an average of $516 for flight and hotel, you can get to Orlando, where you’ll find there’s more to enjoy than the famous theme parks. Get to know the historic Winter Park area on a cruise among lakes, canals, opulent homes, and wildlife. Rent a pedal-powered swan boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando or stroll through Lake Nona Sculpture Garden , an outdoor art gallery set among lush landscaping. When you get hungry, browse and nosh on fresh fruit and local specialties at one of Orlando’s farmers markets .

Tampa, Florida

Walk along Tampa’s 2.6-mile Riverwalk , visit the Tampa Museum of Art , hop on the Pirate Water Taxi , or tour the American Victory Ship . Save on these attractions and more with a Riverwalk Pass , making the most of the average flight and hotel cost of $534. At Armature Works on the river, you can grab a snack, shop, or enjoy the view. Take a walking tour of historic Ybor City, once the Cigar Capital of the World. Today, it's home to vintage buildings and Cuban restaurants.

Dallas, Texas

For an average flight and hotel cost of $553, you'll touch down in Dallas, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city from Reunion Tower . Then, head to the Arts District , which is home to museums and Klyde Warren Park . Hungry? Food trucks are there every day, and you might catch some live music or a fitness class. Visit one of the many Dallas parks or experience Trinity Groves for dining, entertainment, and views of the Trinity River.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The historic City of Brotherly Love offers museums, Independence National Historical Park , and public art such as the Rocky statue and Love sculpture for free and entertaining ways to get to know the city. For an average of $564 for flight and hotel, a trip to Philadelphia is also a delight for foodies. At Reading Terminal Market , there’s food from around the world along with vendors selling handicrafts. The open-air South 9th Street Italian Market ’s gourmet selection includes cheeses, meats, and chocolates — fun for both browsing and dining.

Mexico City, Mexico

For an average cost of $673 for flight and hotel, Mexico City offers an exciting getaway with museums, parks, restaurants, and history. You can spend a day in Bosque de Chapultepec , Mexico City’s largest park featuring a zoo, monuments, a lake with pedal boats, restaurants, and museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología . One of the city’s most popular museums is La Casa Azul , once the home of Frida Kahlo and now the place to see work from the artist and her husband, artist Diego Rivera.

Toronto, Canada

Both locals and visitors enjoy St. Lawrence Market in the historic Old Town, where there’s fresh produce, handcrafts, and gourmet specialties. But for an average flight and hotel cost of $692, Toronto offers even more to see and do, from lively nightlife and sports events. Browse the street art in the Kensington Market neighborhood, explore the Queen Street West area, and check out the shops, galleries, and dining spots in the popular Distillery District . You'll also want to visit Casa Loma , a 1914 castle in the heart of Toronto.

Montreal, Canada

For an average flight and hotel cost of $705, your trip to Montreal might start with one of the city’s famous bagels. Still hungry? Head to the open-air Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy, which sells fresh produce, spices, chocolates, cheeses, and more. At the (free) Barbie Expo , more than 1,000 dolls in designer outfits are on display. Parc du Mont-Royal is a year-round attraction with row boats on the lake during the summer and stunning city views from the top of the hill.

Panama City, Panama

You can arrive in Panama City for an average flight and hotel cost of $745. First-time visitors will want to see the Panama Canal, and the Miraflores Visitor Center houses a museum and viewing platform. Browse or tour Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo neighborhood, dating to 1673, with colorful buildings, restaurants, and nightlife. The Amador Causeway features views of the sea and city skyline, restaurants, an artisan market, and places to walk or bike.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

For $836 for a flight and hotel, you can enjoy a sunny escape to Puerto Vallarta. This vacation destination has plenty of free and low-cost entertainment, plus you can manage your budget with an all-inclusive hotel . Stroll along the Malecón bordering Banderas Bay to see sculptures, music performances, and street vendors. Visit the Zona Romántica for restaurants, shops, and the popular Los Muertos Beach. Los Arcos National Marine Park offers swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, gorgeous scenery, and marine life.

Cozumel, Mexico

You can get to Cozumel, off Mexico's east coast, for an average of $846 for flight and hotel, and once there, the beaches are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and water sports. Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park’s marine life and coral reef make it a favorite among divers and snorkelers. The Celarain Lighthouse at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is popular with hikers who come for the view and visitors who enjoy the museum.

Vancouver, Canada

Arrive in Vancouver for an average flight and hotel price of $863. One of your first stops in the city should be Stanley Park , an urban oasis with a nearly 20-mile seawall, views of the waterfront, walking paths, forest trails, and more — all for free. Granville Island , popular with locals and visitors, features boutiques, entertainment, restaurants, and an indoor public market . For skiing, ice skating, and year-round dining and entertainment, head to Grouse Mountain , which also has a zip line, a cinema, a wildlife refuge, and spectacular views.

San José, Costa Rica

At an average of $904 for a flight and hotel, San José, Costa Rica’s capital, is an exciting destination with incredible architecture, history, parks, and museums. The National Theater of Costa Rica offers tours of its opulent building with marble statues and plush decor, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens , about 1.5 hours outside the city, includes a butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, rain forest hiking trails, waterfalls, and the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica.

Cancun, Mexico

Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun is popular for its beaches, downtown, restaurants, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts . For an average of $935 for hotel and flight, you can arrive at Cancun International Airport for a sunny getaway. Explore Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá , take the ferry to Isla Mujeres, or find a secluded beach at Playa Delfines. Look for street food and live music at El Parque de las Palapas, a small downtown plaza.

Reykjavik, Iceland

For an average of $943 for flight and hotel, you can be in the land of the northern lights and Blue Lagoon . Iceland is home to the nearly 200-mile Golden Circle , where visitors can see waterfalls, geysers, volcanic craters, hot springs, and Thingvellir National Park . In downtown Reykjavik, there’s shopping and dining along Laugavegur, and the must-see Sun Voyager steel sculpture has gorgeous waterfront views.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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Travelers cope with crowds and high prices on the busiest day of Memorial Day weekend

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed the next few days as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend getaways and then return home.

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Airports around the country are bracing for the travel rush as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend. AAA predicts 43.8 million people expected to travel between Thursday and Monday. (AP Video: Tassanee Vejpongsa)

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Highways and airports are likely to be jammed this weekend, as Americans head out on Memorial Day weekend getaways. AAA says this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years.

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Travelers on Florida’s Turnpike are experiencing relatively light traffic at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, with no major congestion reported, allowing them to focus on their wallets instead of their anxiety about traffic. (AP video by Cody Jackson)

Travelers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Salt Lake City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Travelers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Salt Lake City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

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Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Michelle Winters plays the violin as passengers stand in line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cars drive through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Gasoline prices are displayed on a sign outside a service station as the Memorial Day holiday travel period kicks off Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Traffic slowly moves along Interstate 405 on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. Highways and airports are likely to be jammed in the coming days as Americans head out on and home from Memorial Day weekend getaways. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Travelers contended with big crowds and flight delays Friday, which was expected to be the busiest day of the Memorial Day weekend.

More than 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed by early evening on the East Coast, continuing a trend that has tested the patience of travelers all week. Cancellations were more modest, at slightly more than 200, according to tracking data from FlightAware.

There were delays on the highways, too.

Along Florida’s Turnpike, Wallis Tinnie said a traffic accident and road work slowed her drive to an African American history commemoration in the Florida Panhandle, the site in 1816 of the first battle of the Seminole Wars.

“But we’re comfortable with it,” the Miami woman said during a stop at Port Saint Lucie. “We left early, and our event is tomorrow. So hopefully — God willing, creek don’t rise — we’ll be there in plenty of time.”

The Transportation Security Administration predicted that Friday would be the busiest day of the holiday weekend for air travel, with nearly 3 million people expected to pass through airport checkpoints . TSA screened just under 2.9 million people Thursday, coming within about 11,000 of breaking the record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.

Pasha Pidlubniak waits for a domestic flight at Miami International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Miami. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Pasha Pidlubniak waits for a domestic flight at Miami International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Miami. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

“Airports are going to be more packed than we have seen in 20 years,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said.

Highways also are likely to be jammed as motorists head out of town and then return home. AAA predicted this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to roam at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday — 38 million of them taking vehicles.

FILE - The sun shines through the flags in the Memorial Day Flag Garden on Boston Common, May 27, 2023, in Boston. Memorial Day is supposed to be about mourning the nation’s fallen service members. But it’s come to anchor the unofficial start of summer and retail discounts. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, file)

The annual expression of wanderlust that accompanies the start of the summer travel season is happening at a time when Americans tell pollsters they are worried about the economy and the direction of the country.

“Memorial Day is a holiday weekend. I get to hang with family and friends, so I’d say that’s priceless, right?” Nene Efebo said during a two-hour wait for a delayed flight at Denver International Airport. “Anything to hang out with family and friends.”

Victoria Ramos Valdes of Miami was taking a driving vacation with her husband, Blake, and their children, ages 3 and 4 months old.

“We said, hey, we’re going to go for a $300 budget, and the hotel is around $150,” she said, but it has a water slide, providing plenty of entertainment. “We’re taking a nice family trip and doing our best to have the best Memorial Day weekend possible.”

Some travelers reported experiencing sticker shock when they booked their trips. Upon arriving at Philadelphia International Airport, Ciarra Marsh said the city “was not our original destination, but we chose here because it was cheaper.”

At Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Larisa Latimer of New Lenox, Illinois, said her airfare was reasonable but other expenses for a getaway to New Orleans were not.

Motorists travel along Interstate 24 near the Interstate 40 interchange Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Motorists travel along Interstate 24 near the Interstate 40 interchange Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“I just have to make the accommodation,” she said. “The rental car is up ... this year, the hotel accommodations were very unusually expensive.”

Kathy Larko of Fort Myers, Florida, used frequent-flyer miles — and some flexible scheduling — to pay for her trip to Chicago.

Travelers wait at a TSA checkpoint at the Los Angeles International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Los Angeles. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Travelers wait at a TSA checkpoint at the Los Angeles International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Los Angeles. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

“I’m really conscious of looking at the cost of the entire trip. We’re staying a little farther out than we normally would” to get a lower hotel rate, she said. “We’re also flying back a day later, because we could get cheaper miles.”

The weekend’s highway traffic and crowded airports could be a sample of what is to come for several more weeks. U.S. airlines expect to carry a record number of passengers this summer. Their trade group estimates that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31, breaking the record of 255 million set – you guessed it – last summer .

George Ridley, 4, left, rides on a suitcase as he and his father Chris Ridley make their way through the Nashville international Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

George Ridley, 4, left, rides on a suitcase as he and his father Chris Ridley make their way through the Nashville international Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

This story was previously updated to correct the spelling Fort Myers, Florida.

Cody Jackson in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Melissa Perez Winder in Chicago and Shelley Adler in Washington contributed to this report.

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Trek travel unveils new hiking and walking tours.

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Hiking near Manarola in Italy's Cinque Terre.

Trek Travel, a leader in cycling tours for more than two decades, has announced that it will offer new Hiking and Walking Tours as of the fall of 2024. Long established as one of the best biking tour companies in the world and lauded for creating memorable cycling vacations, Trek Travel is a subsidiary of Trek Bicycle Corporation, which has been around since the mid-1970s.

This style of travel seems like a logical extension of Trek Travel's expertise in cycling tours, which include everything from self-guided tours to Tour de France tours. The company plans to move seriously into hiking and walking, offering customers a new way to see the world with Trek Travel.

“For the past 20 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to perfecting your cycling vacations of a lifetime,” Tania Burke, president of Trek Travel, stated in a press release. “We’re bringing that same magic, expertise, hospitality, and commitment to our new adventure hiking and walking tours. As we step into this new journey, you can have confidence in our continued focus on providing a vacation of a lifetime, no matter how you travel with us.”

Trek Travel’s inaugural launch with hiking and walking trips features four classic and in-demand destinations. There are already plans to unveil and roll out additional itineraries later in 2024. Trek promises that each of these trips will have the same level of exceptional guides, luxury accommodations, expertly curated itineraries, unmatched flexibility, and deep-rooted local connections that their bike trips currently offer. All the new trips are planned for five nights and six days.

The four new hikes and walks include the Cinque Terre Hiking and Walking Tour . This is a chance to explore Italy’s remarkable Ligurian Coast, from Portovenere through the five villages known as Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Santa Margherita. Exceptional gourmet meals and luxurious boutique hotel stays are promised. Accommodations are at a luxury level, including Hotel Portonovere, Hotel Metropole, and Hotel Continental. Rated level 3 (out of 5), in terms of difficulty, it’s priced from $5399 (per person, based on double occupancy, land-only, as are all prices mentioned here).

Finally, The Internet Found ‘The Backrooms’

Nsa warns iphone and android users to turn it off and on again, will trump go to prison here s what happens now that he s been found guilty in hush money case.

Hiking Mt Brandon in Ireland's Dingle Peninsula.

The Scotland Hiking and Walking Tour is a chance to wander through Edinburgh, see the coastal Fife National Trail at St Andrews, explore the Scottish Highlands, including Cairngorms National Park, and see the historic Blair Atholl Castle and its Distillery. Accommodations include Rufflets Hotel and Dunkeld House. Rated level 2, the cost is $4,399.

Trek’s Portugal Hiking and Walking Tour is a journey through the Alentejo region, a vast area in the country's center famed for its cuisine. The trip goes along the Rota Vicentina, exploring the history and beauty of Lagos in the Algarve and remote beaches near Sagres. Hotels include Naturarte Campo Boutique Hotel and Cascade Wellness Resort. Rated Level 2, the cost is $3,999.

Finally, their new Ireland Hiking and Walking Tour is a West Coast traverse from the Cliffs of Moher to Dingle. The group visits Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, explores the Blasket Islands, and hikes a section of the Dingle Way to the peak of Mount Brandon. Accommodation is in Gregans Castle Hotel, Pax House, and Greenmount House. Rated Levels 2 and 3, the cost is $4,599.

Visit Trek Travel’s Hiking and Walking Tours for more information.

Everett Potter

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McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and news reports overstated its price increases

FILE - A McDonald's sign is seen, March 14, 2024, in Wheeling, Ill. McDonald’s is fighting...

(AP) - McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its  price increases .

In a post on the company’s website Wednesday, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger said reports suggesting the price of the average Big Mac has doubled since 2019 were false. McDonald’s said the average U.S. Big Mac was $4.39 in 2019 and now costs $5.29, a 20.5% increase.

“For a brand that proudly serves nearly 90% of the U.S. population every year, we feel a responsibility to make sure the real facts are available,” Erlinger said.

Erlinger acknowledged that he and many franchisees were frustrated by a post on X last summer about a Big Mac meal in Connecticut that cost $18, calling the price “an exception.” He noted that franchisees own and operate 95% of U.S. McDonald’s locations and set their own pricing but “work hard to minimize the impact of price increases.”

The average U.S. price of a Big Mac meal, which includes a sandwich, fries and a drink, currently is $9.29.

Still, the Chicago burger giant said the cost of some items have seen bigger price jumps than the Big Mac. The average price of medium fries was $2.29 in 2019 and is $3.29 now, a 44% increase.

McDonald’s said the average price of all menu items has risen 40% over the last five years, to account for a 40% average increase in the cost of labor, paper and food. That is higher than overall consumer prices, which have increased 21% since December 2019, according to government figures.

McDonald’s saw a marked slowdown in store traffic in the first three months of this year as inflation-weary customers in the U.S. and other big markets ate out less often. As a result, the company promised more deals.

Next month, McDonald’s is  expected to introduce a $5 meal deal  across the U.S. that will include a sandwich, a four-piece McNugget, small fries and a small drink.

Erlinger said he hopes customers will find the company’s upcoming deals “meaningful.”

“It’s clear that we — together with our franchisees — must remain laser-focused on value and affordability,” Erlinger said.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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