It’s the big question, the one we get asked most often, and even industry veterans have little insight into the arcane algebra behind around the world or multi destination tickets.

This is the most important thing you need to know when it comes to dates and prices for your around-the-world or multi-stop air travel: Buy your plane tickets anywhere from 4 to 6 months prior to your departure for complex travel.
This will give yourself the best chances of getting the least expensive multi destination tickets possible.

Here are the reasons why:

• A good lead time puts you at an advantage over other people who wait until the last minute to start shopping for tickets. There’s less competition and therefore less demand, usually adding up to a lower price for you.
• You’re more likely to get the dates you want. Especially in peak season (the holidays or summer months), you’ll get your pick of the most coveted dates. Waiting will mean choice dates will cost a premium, if they’re even available. Many of the amazing routes we’re able to put together even for travelers on a tighter budget are possible because the traveler shops far enough in advance we can find discounted seats on flights (which are usually the first ones to go). Stay ahead of the game so we can help you snatch these up before the everyone else does.
• The sooner you book your RTW flights, the sooner you can move on to fun stuff like activities and accommodations.

While last minute deals may exist, AirTreks doesn’t specialize in them, or suggest that travelers wait for them to appear. Especially if would-be travelers have limited availability and specific destinations they want to see, we just don’t think waiting for a last-minute deal is worth the stress and the risk of ending up not going anywhere, or missing out on a place you’ve been dreaming about visiting your whole life.

You know you want to take the trip. Why wait? Save yourself the aggravation and sidestep any disappointment when you find out that competitive RTW fare you found is gone.