Plan your Around the World or Complex Trip

Not necessarily. Visa requirements vary widely depending on your passport, nationality, and the countries you plan to visit. Some countries allow short stays visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, while others require applying in advance.
When planning a round-the-world (RTW) trip, it's smart to:

• Check each country's entry requirements early (including transit stops).
• Plan for countries that might require proof of onward travel or sufficient funds.
• Remember that visa rules can change — we recommend confirming with each country's official embassy or using a visa service before departure.

AirTreks' trip planners can flag any destinations that commonly require advance visas and help you sequence your route to minimize hassle.

Yes - absolutely recommended. But strictly speaking, no.
RTW travelers face unique risks: delayed flights, missed connections, lost luggage, or unexpected medical issues far from home. A solid travel insurance policy should cover:

• Medical emergencies (including evacuation if needed)
• Trip interruption or cancellation
• Lost or stolen belongings

Many long-term travelers also choose policies that cover multiple countries and long durations.
AirTreks can connect you with trusted providers who specialize in extended, multi-country coverage.

In most cases, yes — but with conditions.

Airline alliances and custom AirTreks routes are flexible, but fees or fare differences may apply. Changes typically include:

• Adjusting dates or times (often allowed with a fee)
• Modifying destinations (possible, but sometimes more restrictive)

AirTreks' support team helps you manage mid-trip changes — we know travel plans evolve, and we design itineraries with flexibility in mind.

It depends on your route, travel style, and timing.

For complex, multi-continent journeys, RTW tickets (especially custom ones from AirTreks) often save money and time compared to booking one-way flights individually.
You'll benefit from:

• Consolidated pricing across airlines
• Expert routing to avoid expensive detours
• Support before and during your trip

If your trip is short or focused on one region, booking flights separately might be more economical — but for true globe-trotting, RTW tickets usually win on value and convenience.

The three main airline alliances that offer RTW programs are:

• Star Alliance Round the World
• Oneworld Explorer
• SkyTeam Go Round the World

Each has its own rules, mileage limits, and route networks, which can be restrictive.

AirTreks, by contrast, builds RTW trips using multiple airlines (not limited by alliance), allowing more creative routing, better pricing, and local carriers — so you're not confined to alliance rules.

Start with your dream destinations — then work backward.

Here's a simple roadmap:

• List your top places or experiences.
• Think about seasons, weather, and visa timing.
• Set a budget and timeline.
• Explore sample routes with AirTreks' TripPlanner tool or talk with a travel expert.

Once you have a rough route, our team helps optimize it — making sure flights flow logically, costs stay balanced, and your dream becomes a doable plan.

There's no universal "best," but your comfort and timing matter:

• Eastward: Shorter flights between continents, but more jet lag.
• Westward: Longer travel days, but easier body-clock adjustment.

Most travelers choose based on seasons — chasing good weather or avoiding monsoons and winters. AirTreks' advisors can help choose the direction that fits your route and goals.

This depends on the visa rules of that country, not your ticket.

Most tourist visas range from 30 to 90 days, with some allowing extensions or long-stay permits.

RTW tickets themselves are usually valid for up to 11 months from your first flight, giving you freedom to linger — as long as you respect each country's entry limits.

Yes, in many cases — but it depends on the airlines used and fare type.

If your RTW trip uses major carriers, you'll often earn miles for each segment. AirTreks can help you:

• Choose routes that maximize mileage earnings
• Link your loyalty programs when booking
• Understand which flights qualify for points

Not every discounted or mixed-airline fare earns miles, but we can flag those for you.

If you're buying a traditional alliance RTW ticket, yes - those usually require one continuous global direction (east or west) and no backtracking between continents.

However, AirTreks' flexible approach doesn't follow those rules.
You can:

• Fly in and out of the same region
• Loop back to favorite spots
• Customize your pace and order

Our itineraries are built for real-world travelers, not airline bureaucracy.