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There are two main expenses with family international travel... lodging and airfare. If you can reduce these two, you are leap years ahead of everyone else that does it wrong. The airfare will simply be a third to a fourth of your overall travel budget... and depending on where you go, when you go, and how you go will suck money from your wallet or store it for a better opportunity.

The Good News!
RTWFamilyTravel.com has done a "crap load," yes that is a technical word, of research, information that will save you hours and hours of time... time better spent on determining which tropical island to stay on.

Each section below describes the tricks of airfare and how to make it more economical.

"I'm Leaving On An Airplane"
Airfare for international, months long, trip is not something you just do. It takes a lot of planning: where do you want to go, which direction around the globe are you taking, when are you going? So let's look at each one carefully... and get straight to the meat of the information.

"Where To Go?"
This may be the most difficult decision of the whole planning session. How does one choose Macchu Picchu over Rome... or vice versa? It usually boils down to the few "have-to-go" countries and flying to them through the "would-be-great-to-go" countries. Price will dictate some places that are just so remote that it becomes prohibitive; however, don't let your imagination lose momentum at the start. Scribble down all the places you want to go to, circle the three or four "have-to's," and choose the others based on time and route. The other problem is you have to whittle your list down to a few first world countries (expensive), a few mid-priced countries, and a few third world countries (economic). Doing this sorting is almost necessary financially unless you have a sunken treasure you just discovered.

"Which Direction?"
Some believe you need to go East on a RTW trip. Some say going West is easier on your jet lag. We say "who cares?" As long as you are going to your choice locations during the prime and cheap times of the year, have fun. You can't avoid jet lag, so make your direction purposeful based on off season, cultural celebrations, good weather, and your timing.

"When To Go?"
When you do extended travel, you can go to places when the peak tourist season is gone... Time is your greatest ally. Italy in September, Buenos Aires in November, New Zealand in October. These are spring and fall times for each of these countries... times where airplanes, hotels, and rentals have massive openings. Look at when each country has school out for break, when tourist season is at its peak, and when the rainy season is heaviest... and avoid those time periods like the plague. You will end up frustrated and poor... a horrible combination.

Be sure to take advantage of mid-week travel also, as it is the cheapest time to fly. This trick works domestically and internationally.

"The Folks In The Know-How"
Ok... it's always hard to give control over to other people... but when it comes to international, extended travel... and it's up to you to get you and your family from this "off the charts place" to that "off the charts place"... It's a no-brainer that a seasoned advisor is worth their weight in Sushi. Not only can they work the details out, they can re-arrange travel plans, places to see, and which direction to go after that place... and most importantly, do it for a great price.

RTWFamilyTravel.com has found some awesome companies that specialize in this type of travel, and here they are:

	Airtreks.com is one of the best website / international travel agencies around. Customer service is rock-solid, their knowledge is superb, and they have a great travel planner to get a start on your trip of a lifetime.
	STA Travel, the largest student and youth travel agency on the planet, has been around for over 30 years. They know their nitch like few others... and will get you pedalling in the right direction.
	AroundtheWorldTickets.com has a simple website and good deals. Check out their "circle the globe" tab.
	AirBrokers.com have a great RTW trip section, where you can get advice and purchase your tickets.
	Vayama.com is a cool website with some real power. International flights are just minutes away using their cool flight map application.
	OneTravel.com has been around awhile, and is one of the most trusted travel websites out there.

"How The Big Airlines Design RTW"
Alliances among the major airlines is one of the coolest round the world options out there. Their difficulty gravitates around a limitation on miles used, a limit on stops in geographic areas, and direction of travel. There are two main airline alliances out there, with subtle differences and prices between each's plans. You will choose one over the other based on countries served and price:

	Star Alliance.com has a great application to determine the fare and route. It is really fun to use this website for planning the route.
	oneworld.com has their own trip planner and cost estimator. They list over 700 destinations to fly to... wow!

"The Leftover Info"
Misc #1: If you are a teacher or student, you can apply for a teacher / student discount. This discount can be up to 20% off the ticket price. Be sure to get an ISIC or ITIC card before you go... they are proof if required.

Misc #2: Children under the age of 12 can get discounted flights. This is why it is a tragedy that most want until their kids are older teens to go traveling the world. Food, lodging, airfare, ticket prices... they all are more expensive when your children are older. And don't worry... they will remember most of the trip... how could they not?

Misc #3: Get your travel / medical insurance along with your flights... not only does it cover emergency evacuation scenarios, it protects you for the medical and travel emergencies you can't forsee. A bit of piece of mind goes a long way... and it's cheap.