How to Maximize Your RTW Airfare for the Best Global Adventure

A round-the-world ticket could be your special pass to a remarkable adventure – but only if you understand how to utilise it properly. For Australians with an intense desire for travel and a hunger for international encounters, maximising your RTW airfare involves strategic planning, wise selections, and adaptability.

Keep reading to learn how to make the most of RTW airfare deals and design a journey that provides incredible value.

1. Understand How RTW Airfares Work

Airline groups such as Star Alliance and SkyTeam commonly provide RTW tickets. On average, they include up to 16 flights with a total mileage limit (frequently somewhere between 26,000 and 39,000 miles). Also, your journey must be in one direction—either east or west.

The trick is in the rules: backtracking is limited, overland segments count towards your miles, and you often need to start and finish in the same country.

2. Prioritise High-Cost Routes

Use your RTW ticket to cover expensive long-haul flights that would otherwise burn a hole in your pocket. Think of Sydney to South America or Africa to Europe. Short regional hops in Southeast Asia or Europe are cheap with local budget airlines, so you can book those separately and save your RTW segments for the priciest legs.

For example, flying from Sydney to Santiago can cost thousands. Add that to your RTW itinerary, then use low-cost carriers or trains for exploring within a continent.

3. Choose Well-Connected Cities

Pick major hub cities that offer lots of connections and open-jaw opportunities. Some destinations are perfect RTW stops. You can visit many countries from these cities by taking short and inexpensive flights or travelling overland.

For example, if you travel to Bangkok by flight and leave from Ho Chi Minh City, you can journey across Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam without using your RTW flight sections.

4. Plan for Seasons and Festivals

Time your itinerary to make the most of local seasons and cultural events. Research festivals like Holi in India or the Cherry Blossom season in Japan.

The bonus? If you plan your trip during the shoulder seasons, it helps avoid the crowds and provides accommodation and experiences at a lower cost.

5. Mix Big Cities with Hidden Gems

RTW tickets make it easy to hit iconic spots, but don’t overlook lesser-known cities that pack a punch. Swap London for Edinburgh, or LA for Austin. These alternative cities are often cheaper, less crowded, and just as culturally rich.

Better yet, add a wild card—somewhere unexpected. Ever thought about Tbilisi, Georgia? Or Medellín, Colombia? They’re affordable, fascinating, and still under most tourists’ radars.

6. Get Help from an Expert

Planning an RTW trip can get complex, so don’t hesitate to lean on professionals. Some Aussie-based travel agencies have RTW specialists who know the rules and can build a killer itinerary that fits your budget and interests.

If you’d rather DIY, use tools like the Star Alliance RTW Planner or OneWorld’s online booking system. Just be ready for a bit of a learning curve.

7. Be Flexible but Have a Plan

The best RTW adventures combine a solid framework with room for spontaneity. Lock in major flights and must-see cities, but leave space for detours and discoveries. Many RTW tickets allow date changes with little or no fee, so use that to your advantage. Just keep an eye on visa rules, local holidays, and seasonal closures.

Conclusion

A well-planned RTW airfare is the blueprint for your dream adventure. Your journey can be as epic and diverse as your imagination allows.

So, prepare with minimal luggage, have expansive thoughts and prepare to gather stamps and tales on your journey.