Flying around the world is certainly an exciting way to travel, and round-the-world flights may cost much less than you think! This week our members explain how to book a cost-effective trip around the world using either money or frequent flyer points.

There are numerous ways to book round-the-world travel. The most flexible option using Qantas and other Oneworld alliance airlines is the Oneworld Explorer ticket. This specialised fare offers fantastic value when used to its full potential. Up to 15 stopovers are allowed, and you’ll be able to travel to anywhere in three, four, five or six continents! Oneworld Explorer prices vary depending on the country where you begin the trip, as well as the number of continents visited and variations in taxes. So, while beginning the journey in Australia may be convenient, our members suggest that significant savings can be had by starting the trip in certain overseas countries such as Japan or South Africa.

Star Alliance and the SkyTeam alliance also offer round-the-world fares. The main difference is that the total price depends on the number of miles flown, rather than the number of continents visited.

Want to use your Qantas points to fly around the world? You can! Qantas Frequent Flyer offers a fantastic redemption called the “oneworld award”. This gem can be used to fly around the world with up to 5 stopovers. At 140,000 points for an Economy “oneworld award”, or 280,000 points in Business class, this is truly one of the best value ways to use your points. But as with all award travel, flight availability can be limited. So it pays to begin planning well in advance.

Read all about our members’ round-the-world travel experiences and advice HERE.

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
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