Around the World Flights   via North America

Explore North America

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Product Details

"Around the world tickets" (a.k.a 'Round the World' or 'RTW' tickets) are a series of single flights built into one ticket. Valid for 12 months - this ticket literally takes you "Around the World" - making this one of the cheapest way to do a big trip to Australia.

How do they work?
Simple - choose the regions / countries you want to visit on your way to Australia and then on the way back. You can build your own ticket - for example - the most popular route is:

London - Los Angeles [USA] - Fiji - Cook Islands [Pacific Islands] - New Zealand - Australia - Singapore - travel overland to - Thailand - London

Price guide:
- Basic routes (4-6 stops) leaving off peak (April-August) cost as little as £800 (incl. taxes*)
- Many stops on many Continents leaving at peak times (Nov-Dec) could cost £2,500+ all-in
- Most people: leave Sept, Oct, Jan-March and pay £1,500-£1,800 (incl. taxes*)

* BEWARE! Watch out for 'Fr' or 'From' [e.g. Fr £566] and what look like really cheap RTW tickets. Once you include taxes and your travel dates the price will be similar to above.

Around the world via North America

These round the world routes take you through North America, as well as loads of other exciting destinations. Most of them include a stretch of overland travel through the USA - so you might land in LA and make your own way to New York where you'll catch your next flight. What an amazing way to see this incredible continent!

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"BUILD YOUR OWN" AROUND THE WORLD TRIP: 3 easy steps

1. Read below what gapyear.com users have to say about North America
2. Find out what you can do and where
3. Decide whether to build this region into your RTW ticket

When you're ready to compare the routes you like, or if you're struggling and need assistance, simply call 0845 3 447 667 or enquire through our online system and we'll help you with the rest. Details at the bottom of this page.

1. THE KEY RTW STOPS IN NORTH AMERICA:

CANADA: Toronto (East Coast), Vancouver (West Coast)
USA: Boston, New York, Florida (East Coast), Los Angeles, San Francisco (West Coast)

2. POPULAR ROUTES THAT INCLUDE NORTH AMERICA:

London - Bangkok [Thailand] - travel overland to - Singapore - Bali [Indonesia] - Sydney [Australia] - Christchurch - travel overland to - Auckland [New Zealand] - Fiji [Pacific Islands] - L.A. - travel overland to - New York [USA] - London

London - Bangkok [Thailand] - travel overland to - Singapore - Darwin - Cairns - travel overland to - Sydney [Australia] - Auckland [New Zealand] - Fiji [Pacific Islands] - San Francisco - travel overland to - New York [USA] - London

London - Johannesburg [South Africa] - Ho Chi Minh City [Vietnam] - travel overland to - Bangkok [Thailand] - Sydney [Australia] - Christchurch - travel overland to - Auckland [New Zealand] - Fiji - Cook Islands [Pacific Islands] - L.A. - travel overland to - San Francisco [USA] - London

London - Johannesburg [South Africa] - Singapore - Bali [Indonesia] - Brisbane - travel overland to - Melbourne [Australia] - Christchurch [New Zealand] - Fiji - Cook Islands [Pacific Islands] - L.A. - travel overland to - New York [USA] - London

London - Hong Kong [China] - Auckland [New Zealand] - San Francisco - travel overland to - LA [USA] - London

3. THINGS TO SEE & DO IN NORTH AMERICA:

1. Shop on 5th Avenue
2. Climb the Empire State Building (NYC)
3. Get a photo in front of the Hollywood sign (LA)
4. Go whale watching from Boston
5. See Monument Valley

1. The Rocky Mountains
2. Head up to Alaska
3. Go husky sledding
4. See Niagara Falls
5. See bears in the wild
6. Some of the best snowboarding/skiing in the World

The most popular trip around this region:

Arrive in New York, fly to L.A.

Most round the world travellers only ever get to see the airport at Los Angeles, a bit of Venice Beach, Sunset Boulevard and a bit of Hollywood. L.A. is the gateway to the Pacific Islands, i.e. you have to stop there for more fuel to fly to the Pacific. The only problem is that most backpackers arrive between November and February when it's cold and probably raining. Two to four days later they are back on the plane again. Not the best time to see the sights of LA.

Other US options include stops in New York or Florida (beware of spending all your cash on your first stop!). Or you could choose the Canadian option of Toronto and Montreal on the east coast (very easy to travel between these cities and also to take in Niagara, Ottawa and Quebec) or Vancouver on the West coast. For the skiers amongst you January and February will be kicking off nicely in Banff as you pass through (again, a wallet warning here - don’t spend all your cash before Oz!). Our view is that the US and Canada could maybe be done as a separate trip later on, so you could literally zip through LA and head to Fiji.

If you do want a North American experience then fly into New York, Boston or Toronto and spend a few weeks making your own way round Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, New York and Boston. Easy to do by bus or train and a great ‘North American experience’ to add to your round the world trip.

Why North America?

Even if you've never been to North America, you've been brought up with it. Our culture is infused with American influences. So why not check out the land of cowboys and Indians, rock-stars and movie-stars, mounties and irritatingly good-looking flat-sharing New Yorkers, and see if it lives up to the hype?

North America also has happening cities, iconic landmarks, and nature on a grand scale. You can't fail to be impressed by the Rockies, Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon.

What others say about this region...

Terry O'Brien: "The Canadian Rockies blew me away; after being in New Zealand and seeing the stunning scenery there I never thought it could be beaten, but the Canadian Rockies were something else. Especially Lake Peyto, absolutely brilliant..."

Zoe Squire: "I have to say that I was sucked straght in by Hollywood and did all the typical tourist things, like hands in the handprints of the stars, as well as ooh-ing and aah-ing at the Hollywood sign. You can't beat seeing the things that you've seen so many times on TV in person..."

Los Angeles

Tom Griffiths writes...
Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, Venice ‘Baywatch’ Beach and then get on the plane! It is a great place to do the tourist thing (star spotting, checking out film sets.. and the like!), but the rest is massive, spread out and not worth it.

There is ‘better America’ inland or on the other coast, there are better beaches in the Pacific Islands, Australia, South East Asia etc (where you are probably going on this trip) and more memorable places and events waiting for you on your travels.

In RTW terms, LA is the ‘Gateway to the Pacific Islands’: you’ll probably need to go through here if you want to take in the Pacific Islands on your RTW trip, but try not to stop too long. If you want to see more of the US then (a) head up to San Francisco and then back down to catch the plane, (b) fly into New York and then make your way across or (c) fly into Canada and then make your way overland to fly out of LA.

Tom's Top 5 things to do:

1. Hollywood (and the obligatory photo in front of the sign)
2. Sunset Boulevard
3. Take a tour to see movie stars’ homes - nosy but fun
4. Universal Studios, an amusement park and massive film and TV studio
5. If you have a bit longer, head down into Mexico

Summary

LA is the 'gateway airport to the Pacific Islands', so chances are you have to go through here if you're going there. A big city with some great beaches and a few major sites e.g. Hollywood and Sunset Boulvard, you will either love it or hate it. More expensive than Thailand, cheaper than Sweden. Dangerous place to spend your money in.

Boston

Tom Griffiths writes...
Not too far from New York if you were interested in starting your US tour here and with easy access to Canada, Boston is a nice city with a bit of history. There is a great trail which you can follow to live the history of the infamous Boston Tea Party and of course there is the obligatory photo opportunity outside the original ‘Cheers’ Bar (although a quick trip inside will show you that it doesn’t look the same inside as in the show).

Tom's Top 5 things to do:

1. Watch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park
2. Visit Cambridge, home to the world-famous Harvard University
3. Do the ‘Freedom Trail’ to learn loads about Colonial and Revolutionary history
4. Take a Whale Watching cruise in Massachusetts Bay
5. Pose outside the original ‘Cheers’ Bar

Summary

Not as much to see as say New York, but a nice place to come to for the full American city flavour without all the pace of a massive city. Not many backpackers pass through, so maybe limit your time here to do the basics and then head on. If we're being really honest - photo opporunity place only.

New York

Tom Griffiths writes...
If you haven’t been to New York and it is on your ‘must-see’ list of destinations, then what better start or end to your RTW trip.

‘Up-sides’ include a city packed with history, tourist attractions, film and TV locations, Broadway, amazing baseball stadiums, famous shops, interesting people and the sort of food you only see fat cops order on the telly.

‘Down-sides’ include spending all your money on the first leg of your trip, not taking enough time to see it all and missing some of the best stuff by not planning your time there properly. However, we can’t think of a better way to get your first taste of America is this is your first time.

Tom's Top 5 things to do:

1. Climb the Empire State Building
2. More climbing - up the Statue of Liberty
3. Stroll through Central Park
4. Stand and gawp in Times Square
5. Take a tour of the locations used for Friends, Sex and the City and Sopranos

Summary

New York doesn't need a rating system. If you're going to this region and you haven't been here, you will come here. Loads to do and see, dangerous venue for shopaholics, photo opportunities are immense, so take plenty of film or disk space. Not one of the cheapest destinations on your RTW (more expensive than Australia) plus the opportunities to spend money doing / seeing stuff are immense, so plan and budget this stop well to avoid zilch cash by the time you get to Oz / Asia.

Florida

Tom Griffiths writes...
Chosen by a few as one of the first stops on their round-the-world trip because they are after sunshine and beaches. Considering that your trip will probably take you to Australia via some Pacific Islands, then this might not be a top reason to go here.

Disneyland (well, if you haven’t been and you’ve always wanted to go - why not!), and the Kennedy Space Station are usually the top reasons for stopping by and checking out ‘The Keys’ can be great if you have the time and your own car. Failing that, you will probably find everything you can get there and more on the rest of your trip. Leave this one until you have kids or are working out where to play golf when you retire.

Tom's Top 5 things to do:

1. Meet Mickey and friends at Disneyland
2. Check out the Kennedy Space Station
3. Explore the Florida Keys
4. Swim with dolphins at the Marathon Dolphin Sanctuary
5. Meet alligators, crocs rare & colourful birds, in the swamps of Everglades National Park

Summary

The 'fun sunshine state' scores well on beach life, but less well on affordability and stuff to see and do that doesn't have the word 'Disney' in front of it. As a backpacker you will find this place expensive and a distraction, unless of course you are working there and have cash coming in. There are better places to be with better beaches and diving. Not as many backpackers as you would have thought, but nightlife is great. Avoid unless you have a massive urge to go here.

San Francisco

Tom Grifiths writes...
Welcome to one of the most cosmopolitan places on Earth. Or that’s what they want you to believe anyway. Worth checking out. The choice for you will be either to stop here or to stop in Los Angeles. That said, if you have the time, it’s not too far in between to see them both.

Apart from the obvious attraction of the Golden Gate Bridge, most people head to ‘San Fran’ (yup - you have to be cool) to check out the amazing streets used on many a film set and the unique trams, also used on the film sets. You might have to wait a few days to see a real life cop in a brown undercover car flying through the air over the massive jumps in the road, clutching a donut in one hand and his balls in the other - or a de-railed tram sliding down the road with Mel Gibson in hot pursuit - but no doubt it will happen. You could always re-watch the films before you head off and plan some great photo-ops. San Fran is certainly cool, can be done in a few days and you’ll talk about it loads when you get back.

Tom's Top 5 things to do:

1. Check out the Golden Gate Bridge
2. Do a tour of Alcatraz Island
3. Look around the Asian Art Museum, one of the biggest & best of its kind
4. Head out to Yosemite National Park for unmatched scenery, bears...
5. Check out the entertainments - and the 800 sea lions - on Pier 39

Summary

San Fran doesn't have the icons of somewhere like New York, but it scores highly for city life in general, and American city life is one of the main reasons you'd go to the US in the first place, right? Come here to soak up the atmosphere, consider wearing some flowers in your hair, and move on...

Vancouver

Tom Griffiths writes...
Vancouver is a surprisingly cool place to visit which literally ‘has it all’, depending on the time of year you’re heading through. It’s the gateway to the Rockies for amazing skiing in Banff and Whistler in the winter and national parks in the summer. Vancouver Island just off the coast is great for a quick look-see (I suggest camping on the beach at Tofino) and for those with time on their hands and a bit of adventure, think about taking the ferries up through the islands to Prince Rupert before you head back to Vancouver. You’re likely to see killer whales from the ferries, bears in the woods and eagles in the skies, but only if you look carefully.

The city itself has a brilliant nightlife, an active China Town and a vibrant, young, studenty atmosphere. It’s easy to nip down into the US to see Seattle. However, the best way to see Vancouver is following a trip right across Canada from Toronto. Vancouver is probably the closest you are ever going to get to Alaska, so if you’re there at the right time have a think about heading up for polar bears, more snow than you have ever dreamed of and an ‘I’ve been there’ boast that noone in the pub will ever be able to match.

Tom's Top 5 things to do:

1. Visit Vancouver Island
2. Explore The Rockies
3. Head up into Alaska
4. Paddle along Vancouver’s coastline in a kayak
5. Stroll round the University of British Columbia's campus

Summary

As a gateway to one of the best winter sports venues in the world, this place gets top billing. As a gateway to some spectacular scenery, an efficiently run 'outdoors' scene, friendly locals and a quick tour around a bit of North West America, also top billing. Cost-wise it is on a par with the US, not as many backpackers pass through as somewhere like Thailand (which is a good thing) and the city life is OK if you have cash and a central location. Great place to work, easy to travel around. Suggest you use this place to launch yourself on a trip across to Toronto. If you're not a fan of the US, get the North American flavour here. If you are going to the US, it would be a crime not to pop into Canada for a look-see.

Toronto

Tom Grifiths writes...
Many would view Toronto as Canada’s version of San Francisco. A good nightlife, vibrant atmosphere, very cosmopolitan - it is quite a cool place to hang out. As a backpacker on a round-the-world trip you should view it more as a gateway city.

Niagara Falls and the wine region just to the south, great lakes within spitting distance (although that may be an illegal activity, unless you’re spitting into the American ones...), the capital city Ottawa just to the north (go and skate on the frozen Rideau Canal in the winter) and the amazingly ‘French’ cities of Montreal and Quebec, which you should shoot yourself if you land in Toronto and fail to visit. This is easily the best bit of Canada, and all in one small area. And if you want to see a bit of the US as you pass through, Boston, New York, Detroit and Chicago are accessible from here for a round trip.

Tom's Top 5 things to do:

1. Niagara Falls - wow
2. Montreal
3. Quebec City
4. Ottawa
5. Any of the major lakes

Summary

Top marks for city life, night life, gateway to winter sports and also as a gateway to pop down to New York, Boston, Chicago etc. The Great Lakes are on your doorstep and the awesome cities of Montreal and Quebec are just up the road. The capital city, Ottawa, is also only a stone's throw, with Niagara just below. So in terms of being in the middle of it all, brilliant stop-over choice, so well worth considering. Cost-wise, on a par with the US, more expensive than Thailand. Not that many tourist attractions, but you will find it expensive if you like to party. Easy to get around, friendly locals, awesome photo opportunity with Niagara Falls.

NORTH AMERICA: SUMMARY

North America is a stop-over destination for those of you who want to tick off with a load of sights that you have always wanted to see. The language and culture make it easy to get around, and it is slightly cheaper than the UK, but more expensive than Thailand. Easy peasy destination to explore, eat massive portions of food and find nice photo-ops to hang on the wall at home.

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