Ready to hop on a jet and fly around the world? Whether you’re looking to go all out or you’re working with a smaller budget, there’s a version of the around-the-world dream trip that’s right for you. Here’s our guide to the best.
Economy: Choose your own adventure with AirTreks’ multidestination flight-planning tool, or book one of the round-the-world consultant’s pre-planned itineraries, which depart from major U.S. hubs and make stops in Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Paris, and beyond, often at a discount. From $1,850. airtreks.com
Economy Plus: Book your around-the-world trip through an airline alliance for a gift that keeps on giving. Not only will you be able to travel across continents at a relatively affordable price, but every airline you fly also will be affiliated—meaning, hello, miles. (Don’t forget to sign up for the mileage program before you leave.) Star Alliance, whose member airlines include Air Canada, Swiss Airlines, and United, offers some of the most competitive deals: Even an 11-leg excursion can cost you less than $4,000. From $3,800. staralliance.com
Business Class: Four Seasons calls its March 2018 around-the-world trip “Timeless Encounters”—and the itinerary is full of just that. The Four Seasons private jet takes guests on a 24-day exploration of the world’s most sought-after destinations, including Bora Bora, Sydney, India’s Taj Mahal, London, and Kona, Hawaii. At each stop, guests stay in a Four Seasons hotel. As for those timeless encounters? They include helicopter rides, private yacht cruises, and city tours from local guides. From $135,000. fourseasons.com
First Class: For its early 2018 around-the-world trip, luxury outfitter Abercrombie & Kent is partnering with four New York Times alumni, including foreign special correspondent Alan Riding and former chief diplomatic correspondent Elaine Sciolino, who will share firsthand insights into the cities dotting the route. The 26-day trip stops in Marrakech, Easter Island, Havana, and Isfahan, Iran, as well as five other spots. From $135,000. abercrombiekent.com
Private Charter: This August, the billionaire-servicing travel company DreamMaker will fly its first “Passport to 50" jet experience, which transports the buyer and 49 of his or her besties in a private Boeing 767 airplane to 20 cities in 20 days. DreamMaker has even employed an onboard hypnotherapist, who will supplement the jet’s flat beds and sleep-tracking wearable tech to make sure you’re fresh for your time on the ground. From $13,875,000. passportto50.com
