How to Travel Around the World (Literally)

A hundred years ago, around the world travel was best undertaken by a combination of hot air balloon, steam train, and ocean liner. Thanks to The Brothers Wright, those days have long since past. However, with airline prices on the rise and cancellations becoming more commonplace, it might seem like a traveler is undertaking something just as substantial as Phileas Fogg did.

The advent of internet travel sites like Travelocity and Expedia has made it easier to organize your own trip around the globe. However, these sites are not likely to uncover the best deals.

Some travel agencies specialize in around the world airfares. Though prices may fluctuate depending on where travelers decide to stop, an around the world package is, in general, cheaper than anything you could piece together yourself. If you let the company choose your destinations, prices can get even cheaper. (As of this writing, a set itinerary from Air Brokers International was $1099 from New York to LA the long way around, with stops in London, Berlin, Bangkok, and Hong Kong). For $2000, travelers can stop over on each continent (save Antarctica).

The catch?

You have to fly on the dates given and, though you get to choose from top destinations, your choices are limited to two or three destinations per continent.

Also, this may sound like a free spirited undertaking, but once your itinerary is set, any changes will cost you. So if you fall in love in Paris, you’ll still have to leave at the scheduled time unless you want to pony up the penalty fee and the inevitable rise in the fare.

Other companies, like Airtreks, offer more destinations and have themed packages like an itinerary that includes stopovers in Asia’s or Europe’s most popular cities. Bootsnall, the budget travel web site has a handy tool which allows you to choose your destinations and then get an instant quote from Airtreks.

Star Alliance has the widest range of destinations and a basic around the world ticket includes up to 15 stopovers. They might not offer the cheapest prices, but they do offer, by far, the most choices for destinations. 15 stops could keep you on the road for more than a year.