Anyone done round-the-world WITHOUT round-the-world ticket?

[KatieB28]

My boyfriend and I are going round the world shortly for 12-18 mths and don't want to buy structured round the world tickets for 2 reasons - 1) we have family in the airlines so are getting a free flight to SE Asia to start & 2) we want maximum flexibility as we're the sort of people who may drastically change our plans en route (rather than just be altering the odd date).

Has anyone else just bought tickets as they went along?? My main concern is that we may have problems at border control (previous experiences of USA customs spring to mind!) if we don't have onward tickets.

Any advice please?!

Many thanks

[weas]

you must have an exit ticket to enter new zealand other wise we found it quite easy

[dzug]

To enter the USA (except by land) you either need a visa or an onward ticket.

Many other countries have similar rules about onward tickets but their immigration officials have more discretion over enforcing them and may for example accept evidence that you have the means to pay for the ticket instead.

Immigration in any country is going to turn iffy if your plans are sufficiently vague for them to think (rightly or wrongly - it's their shout) either that you are planning to stay or or work illegally or are so disorganised that you don't know what day it is. So have definite plans when you arrive somewhere. Change them later if you want.

[Trotbot]

Some countries fine airlines for allowing passengers to board flights without either a visa or an onward ticket, so you might have difficulties actually getting on a plane. (I have had to sign unlimited indemnity waivers for airline liability to be able to travel on a single ticket, which made me nervous going through immigration!).

Also, it may work out a lot more expensive even with the free ticket to Asia. Unless you spend a lot of time in hot, airless travel agents trying to find cheap flights, singles are an expensive way of travelling.