A to Z: Fares

High Season

High Season, as we call it, is the most popular time to travel and therefore the most expensive. The price difference is generally dictated by seasons (i.e. the Northern Hemisphere summer or Christmas time) and there can be a $200 - $500 variance, depending on the fare that’s chosen. The seasonality of a Round the World fare is only based on departure date and is not affected by subsequent flights.

Low season

Traditionally, this refers to the cheapest time to depart. Fares are based on the departure date and are not affected by subsequent flights. So if you have some flexibility, plan around your ideal time to visit the ‘hot spots’ on your list – arriving a week or two earlier (or later) might just save you a few hundred dollars!

Negotiated fare

In addition to the "published" Round the World fares that all travel agents have access to, STA Travel has negotiated specific deals that allow greater flexibility as well as more mileage for your dollar.

For example, Round the World fares are generally very comprehensive, with some fares offering more destination options than the traveler needs. STA Travel can now offer restricted versions of a published Round the World fare and reduce the price accordingly, rather than just take off the destination(s) you don’t have the time or the inclination to get to.

Price

This is the better bit… for the cost of a "point-to-point" fare that will simply get you from A to B, STA Travel can get you Round the World! But make sure it’s the complete price you’re looking at - this is the final cost that includes all flights, booking charges and most taxes. There are some flight taxes collected directly at certain airports, so make sure you know before you leave whether this applies. STA Travel will advise you prior to departure if additional taxes apply, and what the cost will be.

Quote

Make sure you approach a few travel agents and get quotes before purchasing your Round the World ticket (and remember to include the cost of taxes and charges). We’d be surprised if anyone else can better than STA Travel fare for price, flexibility and value.

Taxes and Charges

These include costs imposed by airlines such as fuel surcharges as well government departure tax, noise levies and airport security charges. Remember that some countries have international departure taxes that need to be paid at the airport prior to going through customs, so keep some local currency handy.

Up-front Payment

If you can, this is the best way to pay for your ticket. It stops you being affected by increases in taxes and charges imposed by airlines, which they can do at short notice.

Value-for-money

This is the main advantage of a Round the World ticket. For a similar price to a straight fare that will only get you from A to B, a Round the World fare provides a huge range of destinations that can be added to your trip.