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GoNOMAD MINI GUIDE

The Ins and Outs of Around-the-World Tickets

Did you know that sometimes it’s cheaper to fly around the world, stopping in a number of different locations than it is to fly round-trip to a single destination? It is.

And did you know that you can purchase an around-the-world, multi-continent, multi-stop or circle-the-pacific airplane tickets easily? You can.

Have you ever just dreamed of taking off and going around the world for an extended journey? Dream no more.

Airline ticket agencies that specialize in around-the-world, multi-stop and multi-continent trips are the hottest thing out there in alternative travel. Using their services, you can customize a trip that will take you almost anywhere you want to go with more added value than a regular, round-trip ticket.

GoNOMAD’s Mini Guide to Around the World Plane Tickets will give you the basics to help you get started on planning that trip of a lifetime (or even just a less expensive way to get where you want to go). To price out your trip now go to the AirTreks TripPlanner for multi-stop international and around the world airfare estimates.

WHAT IS AN AROUND-THE-WORLD (RTW) TICKET?

An Around-the-World (RTW) or Multi-Stop ticket is a series of individual airplane tickets strung together and designed to take you to a number of destinations at discount fares. Some mileage-based tickets have set itineraries and rules (continuous travel in one direction, etc.).

But with a special, customized, routing-based ticket you can fly from New York to London, then on to Rome, Nairobi, Johannesburg, New Dehli, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Syndey, Bali, LA, and then back to New York. Or you can customize any itinerary you might want, beginning and ending wherever, stopping wherever and backtracking or overlanding wherever you want. You can travel for one week or one year, or any length of time in between.

Because these tickets are bought at discount rates, the cost is usually substantially cheaper than purchasing the tickets individually from the airlines themselves. Some RTW tickets have specific dates and flights (especially for the first leg of the flight) and steep penalties for changing, while others–particularly those in the middle of your trip–are open-ended or changeable at no cost. Most have a one-year limit. There are also discounts for seniors and children.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Around-the-world ticket agents work with a number of airlines to find you the best fares and schedules for your itinerary. Essentially, the agent is purchasing a series of one-way tickets–or round-trips with stopovers, each valid for a year from purchase. Some have specific dates and reservations, while others are open-ended, and you must make reservations when you are ready to fly, which may not always be available. Whenever possible, get confirmed, reserved tickets for specific dates: you can always change them, if you have to.

Basically, you decide where you want to go and when. Select your destinations and when you would like to depart. You can also decide when you would like to arrive and depart specific destinations, but it pays to be flexible. Certain routes may be cheaper than others: for example, it may be cheaper to fly from New York to London to Johannesburg, than it is to fly New York-Johannesburg-London. It may also be cheaper to arrive in a destination during off-season, rather than peak.

Read about a couple who planned their trip around volunteer opportunities in different parts of the world.

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Penny Mason suggests twelve things to do before you leave.

Read articles about great destinations around the world on GoNOMAD.com.