How much is a round trip around the world?

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A comfortable round-the-world (RTW) trip averages around $24,000 for a year. Budgeting monthly, expect to spend approximately $2,000 per person to cover travel, accommodation, food, and activities. Actual costs vary widely based on travel style and destination choices.
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Round-the-world trip cost: How much does it truly cost?

Okay, so, a year-long trip around the world... seriously? The cost is, like, the big question, right? I get it.

Average cost for a year RTW trip: $24,000. Monthly cost: about $2,000 per person.

Honestly, $24,000 sounds... low? Like, seriously low. I tried backpacking through Southeast Asia back in '18 (Bangkok mainly), for 3 months, and I burned through nearly $6,000. I remember haggling for everything, eating street food (so good, tho!), and sleeping in, let's just say "interesting" hostels.

I saw a hand-woven bag for $20 at Chatuchak Weekend Market, but I got it down to $15. Bargain!

So, depending on how you travel, that $2,000 a month could be way off. Think about flights – those can eat up a HUGE chunk of the budget. Especially the big long-haul ones across oceans. Also the price of accommodation can vary a lot.

Don't get me started on visas... those sneaky little costs add up FAST. I needed a visa for Vietnam, that took nearly $100 and was a major headache.

Plus, "comfortable" is subjective. My "comfortable" might involve the occasional splurge on a fancy hotel (we all need that sometimes!), or a really nice meal. That kinda thing. You know, like when I had that amazing sushi in Tokyo? Expensive but worth it.

Basically, you gotta do your research, figure out your travel style, and pad that budget. Like, seriously pad it. Trust me on this one. You want to make sure you plan for "surprise" expenses. Always.

How much do I need for a round the world trip?

Ugh, $25,000? For a YEAR?! That's insane. Seriously, who's doing that? Backpackers? I'd need way more, like, at least double. My standards are higher than ramen noodles every night.

Think of flights alone! And visas. Don't forget those pesky visa fees. Plus, I'm not staying in hostels. No way. Hotels, at least decent ones.

$50,000-$60,000? That feels more realistic. That's still a lot of money though. But, hey, luxury travel! I want comfy beds and maybe even a few massages. Okay, several massages.

  • Flights: $5,000 minimum, probably more like $8,000.
  • Accommodation: $15,000 easily. Think nice hotels, occasionally a cute Airbnb.
  • Activities: Museums, tours...$10,000. I wanna see the Northern Lights, and that ain't cheap.
  • Food: $5,000 - I don't want to eat street food all the time, unless it's exceptionally good, but some fine dining is a must.
  • Miscellaneous: Visas, unexpected expenses... $7,000. Always something unexpected.

Seriously considering this though. 2024 is my year! This is happening. Gotta start saving immediately. $60,000 isn't a fortune these days.

I mean, what about travel insurance? That's important, right? And then there's shopping... I'm kidding, mostly... Okay, maybe not. A few souvenirs. Lots of souvenirs! Need new luggage too. This whole thing's gonna cost me a fortune. But worth it. Absolutely worth it.

How much is a round trip ticket around the world?

Okay, so, a round-the-world ticket? Man, it's crazy expensive! I saw one for my cousin last year – she wanted to go to Thailand, Australia, and then back through Europe – like, a seriously epic trip. It was around $4000, maybe even a little more. But that was using AirTreks, and they're, like, the place to go for that kinda thing. Totally worth it though, she said.

It depends SO much on your dates. Flying during peak season? Forget about it. Think way more than five grand. But if you’re flexible, you can snag something for, maybe, closer to three thousand. But really, $3500-$5000 is a pretty safe bet. It's all about planning and being willing to compromise. I'm talking, like, budget airlines, maybe some less-than-ideal flight times, and potentially longer layovers.

  • Booking site: Use AirTreks, or similar sites specialized in this.
  • Season: Peak season is WAY more expensive, always. Avoid summer and holidays.
  • Flexibility: Being flexible on your dates and route will save you serious cash.
  • Airlines: Mix and match budget and regular airlines, I mean seriously.

Seriously, my buddy, Mark, he got a killer deal last month, around $3200 using some points he had. But he's a points-hoarding ninja, so. Yeah, anyway. Don't expect miracles. Expect to spend a bunch! But totally worth it. Plan ahead, man, plan ahead.

Is an around the world ticket worth it?

Ugh, round-the-world tickets. So much hype. Is it really worth it? My friend Sarah did it last year, business class. Jealous much? She raved about it. Said it was a steal.

Seriously, though, the miles thing… that's a key point, right? 26,000 to 39,000 miles, that's insane. Think of all the places. I'm eyeing South America. Maybe Argentina. Plus, business class. Gotta have that comfort.

Price per mile is crazy low. That’s what got me thinking. A return trip to, say, Japan? Cost more. Way more. For less distance, even! Economy is hell, business class is the only way to fly for those long hauls.

Business class makes it worth it. Think luxurious lounges. Free drinks. Amazing food. Sleep. Actual sleep on the plane. God, I need a vacation. Seriously, I'm booking a trip next month.

Need to check those airline alliances again though. Star Alliance? OneWorld? SkyTeam? So many options. This is stressing me out! I'm already overwhelmed! This is way harder than I expected. Must...plan...trip...

  • Mileage: The sheer number of miles covered justifies the cost.
  • Business Class Comfort: Makes the long flights bearable. Seriously, a must.
  • Cost per Mile: The best deal you'll get.
  • Airline Alliances: Research this before booking! Don't be like me and forget this important detail.
  • Destinations: endless possibilities. My dream is to see the Taj Mahal and the Serengeti. Probably not possible on one trip though, huh?

How long would a round-the-world flight take?

Circumnavigating the globe? Roughly 42 hours in the air. Give or take. Speed? Commercial jets clock 575-600 mph. No hot air balloons, sadly.

Phileas Fogg? Ancient history. Modern travel shatters his 80 days. Who has that kind of time now?

  • Fastest theoretical time: Varies based on route, winds, and layovers.
  • Fuel stops are mandatory. Obvious.
  • Time zones? A killer. Adjust accordingly.

My longest flight? 22 hours. Never again. That seat…a torture device.

  • Cost: Eye-watering. Private jet territory.
  • Consider altitude restrictions.
  • Weather: A capricious mistress. Expect delays.

Don't forget airport security. Another circle of Hell. Trust me.