For all the unwavering optimism there’s no denying it’s still tough out there for our finances. Even your humble AirTreks Travel Blogger makes do with non-brand name ketchup. But tight travel budgets never dissuade those of us who pine to put round the world tickets in our pockets. Why would it?
Last year I wrote a post called 5 Sensible Round-the-World itineraries, which by the way is a gripping read and comes highly recommended, but to up the danger quotient this time around I’ve set a price point, $4000, an amount you can do a surprisingly lot with.
Like last year I’ve assembled 5 sample trips with a few things in mind: price, efficiency, value and popularity of the destinations. (Thailand is very popular, by the way.)
These are in no particular order, with the first two coming straight from the AirTreks specials section. And all but one start in New York, for lack of a better starting point. Yours can start from wherever you are. If you happen to be in New York, you’re in luck! These prices will be very accurate.
*Note on price ranges: All TripPlanner trips have a price range (not a specific price). Since prices differ depending on seasonality, passenger load and a host of other variables, a range is given. Nine times out of ten the final cost of your trip will fall within the TripPlanner range. For more on TripPlanner, click here.
The $4000 limit used for this post is a HIGH season price. So it is very likely yours will come in under the $4K ceiling no matter what time of year you travel. Traveling in low season will make your RTW ticket even cheaper.
Click on the maps to be taken to TripPlanner where you can tweak the route or submit it to a Travel Consultant.
New York – London – Bangkok – overland to Phuket – Hong Kong – Beijing – New York
A simple yet thrilling jaunt around the world. As I’ve said in the past the tinier your steps the more you get from your travels. This trip allows for a slow and steady march around bringing you to the most popular spots in the east finishing up with afternoon tea (and everything else) in jolly old England.
Cost: From USD $1924 to 2624
New York – San Francisco – Hong Kong – Singapore – overland to Kuala Lumpur – Delhi – overland to Mumbai – Cairo – Istanbul – overland to Athens – Vienna – overland to Paris - Reykjavik – New York
This is a personal favorite. And yes I will be envious of anyone who takes this trip. Starting out in our favorite city in the world San Francisco (you thought otherwise?) and bringing you to Asia, the Subcontinent, then giving you the entire continent of Europe to do as you please. A trip for folks who have a little extra time to travel.
Cost: USD $2389 to 2889
New York – Cairo – Nairobi – Bangkok – overland to Koh Samui – Hong Kong – Seoul – New York
Didn’t think you could get around the world with a stop in Africa for less han $4000? This trip proves that not only is it possible but you can get 5 other stops along with it. This trip keeps you close to the tropics, so feel free to leave the North Face at home.
Cost: USD $2859 to 3916
New York – Paris – overland to Nice – Bangkok – overland to Singapore – Cairns –overland to Sydney – Fiji – Los Angeles – New York
Didn’t think you could include Australia in your RTW for less than 4 grand? This one gives you a chance to dive in the great barrier reef followed by a trek across the Malay peninsula and a sojourn in France, forever one of the world favorite countries.
Cost: USD $2730 to 3740
New York – Casablanca – Rome – Dubai – Delhi – overland to Kathmandu – Bali – Taipei – New York
This seemingly simple RTW could very well change your life. Like number 3 above but including Nepal. Never underestimate the transformative powers of the Himalayas.
Cost: USD $2735 to 3733
If you have a limited budget to use for your RTW tickets, have no fear, our Personal Travel Consultants are familiar with working around a dollar amount. Take the first step and use TripPlanner to find a trip that fits inside your personal budget!
Image credit: Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the BPL