The 12-month westbound route that chases summer and low costs, with a real USD budget, country-by-country visa map, and your US passport at the center of the plan.
The 12-month westbound route that chases summer and low costs, with a real USD budget, country-by-country visa map, and your US passport at the center of the plan.
Realistic total budget: USD 32,000 to 40,000 per person over 365 days for a "premium backpacker" profile.
A Star Alliance Round-the-World ticket runs USD 4,500 to 7,500 with 15 segments and up to 39,000 miles in economy.
Southeast Asia holds at USD 30 per day; Australia and New Zealand climb to USD 90 per day (3x more expensive).
Americans enter Schengen Europe visa-free for 90 days, Japan for 90 days, and most of Africa and Asia visa-free or via e-visa.
Australian ETA costs AUD 20, Indian e-visa USD 25, and Chinese e-visa USD 30 (2026 rates).
The 12-month westbound route that chases summer and low costs, with a real USD budget, country-by-country visa map, and your US passport at the center of the plan.
