Round The World Travel

TerryH_2

My daughter and her friend hope to do a 10 month round the world tour starting in November 2006. Currently thinking of South Africa, Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, USA and home. Does anyone have any advice on what the best flight package would be, what "internal" flights she could use on route (e.g. I understand there is one in Thailand called 12go and flights appear to be circa £50 for a return from Bangkok to Phuket). Also interested to know of places to see and stay. Have been doing some research but would appreciate any MSE help.

Thanks

Terry

mr_fishbulb

I would suggest having a read and asking questions on here:
http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/

It helped me loads when I went away.

It does take quite a bit of planning, but they'll have a great time.

albalad

for some optionss for internal flights , have a look at this thread

pin

I second using Thorntree and hitting the specific country forums, as they will have useful info on what internal airlines to you.

BTW in Thailand I've used Bangkok Airways a few times. Decent fares, great service. I suggest she goes to Samui Airport, its the best and most unique airport in the world!!

mr_fishbulb

pin wrote:

BTW in Thailand I've used Bangkok Airways a few times. Decent fares, great service. I suggest she goes to Samui Airport, its the best and most unique airport in the world!!

Agree with Bankgkok air. Very nice airline with lounges! check out their dicovery pass:
http://www.bangkokair.com/discoveryairpass/

Samui is a great airport. Reminded me of the flintstones

TerryH_2

Thanks To Everyone So Far - Some Good Advice Here.

Any Chance Of Cheap Flights Around Singapore?

Terry

mystic_trev

Agree with all that's been said aboit Bangkokair there a brill Airline.

Regarding the RTW flights. Star Alliance have a nice little RTW Flightplanner tool you can download. Then plan your route / flights and cost.

https://www.staralliance.com

UnitedFlyer

Agree that Star Alliance are good.
I done a very similar trip 2 years ago.
Flight prices vary by the number of stopovers you have and in which country. I beleive they range from £700ish up to £1900.

A cool website you might want to check is http://www.geocities.com/fourontour/

Its 4 people by me that tried to go round the worl without airplanes and they logged everything in a diary - some very useful info on there!

If doing the Pacific Islands, the one place I would SO SO recommend is Bora Bora.
Its a tiny island not too far away from Tahiti buts its awesome.
Places to stay are called "Pensions".
Flights go from Tahiti every day, but can be expensive, but its so worth it!!
My best tips will be on USA.
Assuming that they will fly from the Pacific Islands straight to USA, I'm guessing they will land in Los Angeles.

Depending on the time they have there, and stopovers, I would recommend the following:
Las Vegas is a must! 40 min flight from Los Angeles. Domestic flights in US are very cheap.
For a cheap place to stay, try https://www.motel6.com
Not 5* luxury by any stretch, but very suitable for £27 per night.

New York is fantastic.
For cheap stays, i'd suggest staying in Brooklyn or uptown eastside (around 90th St.) and then getting the subway to the "touristy" spots.

Other places to visit are Miami - very hip and trendy.
Chicago - big big city, and fairly close to Mall of America (https://www.mallofamerica.com)

Hope that helps.

TerryH_2

What Can I Say - Fantastic - So Much Information!

Thank You - We Will Be Spending The Next Few Weeks Looking Over This Lot.

Great Stuff

Terry

pin

A cheaper option of Star Alliance RTW is the Great Escapade which is run by Singapore Airlines, Silk Air, Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic.

Cats_pajamas

Hello Terry,
I have been planning a 6 month RTW (starting in October) trip for a few weeks. Itenerary looks like India (Delhi, Shimla, (boyfriend will be studying there so he can settle me in), Mumbai, Goa, Trivandrum), Thailand, Vietnam (hopefully Hanoi, down to HCMC and Phuket), Australia (Perth or Sydney (cant descide)), NZ, Cook Islands, Los Angeles (been told to leave quickly and see San Fran), Boston (brother's family live there), London. I am more keen on the Asia part than the Oz/NZ part at the moment but that may change...
Trailfinders and STA seem to have given me the best offers so far (approx £1300 including taxes) but I haven't spoken to the other agents yet and it seems so much better talking to people even on the phone.
Best of luck.
Cat