How a Family of 4 Flew Around the World for Under $10,000

Summary

For many families, flights are the single biggest expense when planning an overseas holiday. And when you’re travelling from New Zealand, that cost can feel even bigger.

Once you multiply flights by four people and start adding multiple destinations, baggage fees, airport transfers and travel extras, it can quickly feel out of reach.

But with patience, flexibility, careful planning, and a willingness to do the research, we managed to fly*around the world as a family of four for under $10,000 NZD.

Our trip took us from Auckland to Los Angeles, London, Germany, Croatia, Türkiye, Bali, and home again.

We flew a combination of full-service and low-cost airlines, booked flights over a period of months rather than all at once, travelled with carry-on luggage only, used Airport Dollars to reduce our long-haul flight costs, and relied on our Wise card while travelling to keep our overseas spending efficient and simple.

This post shares exactly how we approached booking our flights, what worked well for us, and the practical strategies that helped keep costs down without compromising the experience.

If you’re planning a family holiday and trying to make your budget stretch further, I hope this gives you ideas and confidence, to start planning.

Intro: Yes, It’s Possible

If someone had told me a few years ago that our family of four could fly around the world for under $10,000, I’m not sure I would have believed it.

As a family based in New Zealand, we know firsthand how expensive international flights can be.

The reality is, getting off our island is rarely cheap, especially when booking for multiple people.

Once you start pricing flights to Europe or the US for four, it can feel overwhelming very quickly.

But we also knew this trip was important to us. Travel has always been about more than just ticking destinations off a list.

For our family, it’s about shared experiences, seeing the world together, stepping outside routine, and creating memories that stay with you long after you get home.

So instead of assuming it would cost too much, I approached the flights differently.

I started researching early. I stayed flexible. I looked at different routes, airlines and stopovers. I booked flights individually over time rather than trying to lock everything in at once.

And slowly, piece by piece, the trip came together.

What we ended up with was not just an affordable way to travel around the world but an incredible family adventure across multiple countries that cost far less than many people expect.

And yes, it’s absolutely possible.

1. Our Route Around the World

Our route took us across multiple continents, several airlines, and some of our favourite destinations we’ve ever visited as a family.

We flew:

Auckland → Los Angeles – Air New Zealand 

Los Angeles → London Heathrow – Virgin Airlines

London Heathrow → Stuttgart – British Airways

Berlin → Zadar – Ryanair

Dubrovnik → Istanbul – Turkish Airlines

Istanbul → Bali – Turkish Airlines

Bali → Auckland – Jetstar

One of the biggest decisions we made early on was not booking a traditional round-the-world ticket. Instead, I researched and booked each flight leg separately.

This gave us far more control over the route and opened up a huge number of pricing opportunities that wouldn’t have been available through one single booking.

Booking this way also meant we could mix premium long-haul airlines with budget carriers where it made sense.

For example, we prioritised comfort on long-haul sectors while using lower-cost airlines for shorter flights within Europe.

It also gave us flexibility to stop where we wanted rather than where an airline route dictated.

In the end, our flight path wasn’t just about getting from A to B. It became part of the travel experience itself.

2. Flexibility Saved Us Thousands

If there’s one thing that made the biggest difference to our flight budget, it was flexibility.

Being flexible with travel doesn’t mean completely changing your plans or sacrificing destinations you really want to visit.

Sometimes it simply means adjusting dates by a day or two, flying from a nearby airport, or considering a stopover rather than the fastest route.

And those small adjustments can lead to surprisingly big savings.

Our best example of this was our flight from Dubrovnik to Bali.

Originally, we had planned to fly through Istanbul with only a short connection, just enough time to transfer before continuing on.

It was straightforward, efficient, and exactly what we thought we needed.

But after spending more time researching options, I found that by extending our stopover in Istanbul and staying for a couple of nights, we could save around $1,500.

Not only did it reduce our flight costs significantly, but it also gave us the chance to properly experience Istanbul as a family.

And what an incredible bonus that turned out to be.

Instead of rushing through an airport terminal, we got to explore one of the world’s most fascinating cities together, wandering through the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, and adding another unforgettable destination to the trip.

That experience reminded us that sometimes slowing down actually creates the best memories.

3. How We Used Airport Dollars to Save Nearly $2,000 on Flights

One of the biggest ways we reduced the cost of this trip before we even left New Zealand was by using Airport Dollars we’d built up over time.

We used close to $2,000 in Airport Dollars, which went toward paying for our Auckland to Los Angeles to London flights, one of the most expensive parts of the journey.

That saving made a huge difference to our overall budget.

Those Air Points Dollars came through everyday spending using an Air points earning credit card. We weren’t spending extra just to earn rewards.

Instead, we used it for normal household expenses we were already paying for anyway, things like groceries, fuel, bills, family expenses, and online purchases.

Over time those rewards accumulated, and when it came time to book flights, they became incredibly valuable.

For families thinking about future travel, this can be one of the easiest ways to offset some of those big long-haul costs.

Starting early matters, because those balances build gradually.

By the time we were ready to book, it felt like we already had part of the trip paid for.

4. Start Early and Keep Searching

I started researching this trip around eight months before departure.

And even then, I wasn’t ready to book everything immediately.

Instead, I treated it as an ongoing project.

I watched pricing across different airlines, tracked route options, tested different combinations of dates, and kept checking back regularly.

Some flights were booked early. Others I waited on while monitoring prices.

I never booked all the legs at once.

That was intentional.

Booking flights individually over several months gave me the ability to move when I saw a good deal instead of locking everything in too early.

One of the biggest lessons from this trip was that research doesn’t really stop.

The best deals rarely appear in one quick search.

They come from repetition.

Checking again. Comparing again. Trying another date. Looking at another airport. Reworking the route.

That time investment paid off over and over again.

5. Best Flight Search Tools We Used

Throughout the planning process, I used a handful of flight search tools regularly.

The main ones were:

– Skyscanner

– Google Flights

– Momondo

– Trip.com

– Secret Flyer

Each one gave slightly different results, which is why I never relied on just one.

My usual process was to start broad, searching the route across a wide date range, then narrow things down from there.

I’d compare one-way fares against return fares, check surrounding dates, look at alternate airports nearby, and test different stopover combinations.

Once I found the route and price I liked, I’d usually go directly to the airline’s own website and search it there before booking.

The search platforms were incredibly useful for discovery.

But the airline website was usually where I’d finalise the booking.

6. Why We Usually Book Direct with Airlines

Where possible, we prefer booking directly with airlines.

Especially when travelling as a family.

When everything runs smoothly, it doesn’t matter much where you booked.

But when flights change, delays happen, schedules shift, or cancellations pop up, that’s when booking direct becomes valuable.

Dealing directly with the airline can be far easier than going through a third-party booking platform.

For long-haul flights or important connections, that peace of mind matters.

If the airline website was only slightly more expensive than a booking site, we would almost always book direct.

That said, if the difference was significant, sometimes $300 to $500 or more, we’d definitely weigh it up.

Sometimes the savings were worth it.

It really came down to balancing convenience, flexibility, and overall value.

7. Travelling Carry On Only as a Family

One of the things that surprised people most about this trip was that we travelled with carry-on luggage only.

As a family of four.

And honestly, it made the whole trip easier.

With multiple flights, transfers between countries, trains, ferries, and moving between accommodation, travelling light gave us so much flexibility.

We didn’t need to wait at baggage claim.

We didn’t have to worry about lost luggage.

We didn’t pay extra baggage fees on budget airlines.

And we could move quickly through airports without the stress of managing large suitcases.

Everyone had their own carry-on and a small personal bag, and we did laundry along the way.

For a trip involving this many destinations, it was one of the best decisions we made.

8. Why the Wise Card Was One of Our Best Travel Decisions

While Airport Dollars helped us save before we left, our Wise card became one of the most useful tools we had while actually travelling.

Moving through the USA, the UK, Europe, Türkiye and Bali meant dealing with multiple currencies across one trip.

Instead of constantly changing cash or relying on poor exchange rates through traditional banks, the Wise card made it simple.

We used it for meals, groceries, transport, day-to-day purchases and cash withdrawals when needed.

It was easy to manage through the app, easy to top up, and gave us a clear view of what we were spending.

One small tip that made a difference every time we used it: always choose to pay in local currency, not NZD.

That gives you the better exchange rate and avoids the often expensive conversion offered by the payment terminal.

Across multiple countries over several weeks, those small savings add up quickly.

9. My Biggest Tips for Families Booking Flights

If I had to narrow everything down into a few practical tips for families planning a trip, this is what I’d say.

Start researching earlier than you think you need to.

Give yourself time to compare prices, watch fare changes, and learn how the routes work.

Stay flexible wherever possible.

Even shifting dates by one day can make a noticeable difference.

Don’t be afraid of stopovers.

Sometimes a longer connection or a few nights in another city can save money while adding another amazing experience to your trip.

Check nearby airports.

Compare one-way and return options.

Mix airlines if it works.

And keep searching because pricing changes constantly.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to book it yourself.

With enough research, it’s absolutely possible to build an incredible trip tailored specifically to your family.

Need Help Planning Your Flights Without Spending Hours Researching?

I genuinely love the research side of travel planning.

Finding better routes, comparing prices, building itineraries, discovering great stopovers, and piecing together how a trip can work, it’s something I enjoy.

But I also know it takes time.

A lot of time.

And for many families, finding hours to research flights just isn’t realistic.

Between work, school schedules, sport, and everyday life, trip planning can quickly feel overwhelming.

That’s exactly why I offer travel planning support through 4 Degrees Travel Planner.

For people who don’t have the time to spend researching flights, routes, itineraries and logistics themselves, I can help take that pressure off.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a multi-country adventure, or simply trying to work out the best way to get somewhere without overspending, I can help build a personalised plan based around your travel style, budget and priorities.

This can include:

• flight route planning
• stopover ideas
• itinerary building
• destination recommendations
• practical travel advice
• family-friendly suggestions
• ogistics and timing support

You still make the bookings yourself but with a researched plan in place, saving you hours of work and uncertainty.

If you’ve got a trip in mind but don’t know where to start, I’d love to help.

Final Thoughts: It’s Worth the Effort

This trip took a huge amount of research.

There were plenty of late nights comparing flights, reviewing routes, adjusting dates, and starting again.

But every bit of that time was worth it.

Because what we gained wasn’t just cheaper flights.

It was time together as a family.

New experiences.

Unexpected stopovers.

Conversations and moments we’ll remember for years.

And memories made across the world together.

If you’re planning a big family adventure, my biggest advice is simple:

Start early.

Stay flexible.

Keep researching.

And don’t be afraid to build the trip your own way.

Because the savings are out there and sometimes the best part of the trip is the part you never originally planned.

And remember, while most travel prices are influenced by demand and seasonality, recent increases in global fuel surcharges linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have also contributed to higher baseline airfare costs, making smart planning and flexibility even more important than ever.

The deals are still out there, you just need the right approach to find them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did your round-the-world flights cost?

We spent under $10,000 NZD on flights for our family of four but we also used about $1800 in air points. 

How far in advance did you book?

We started researching around eight months before departure.

Did you book all flights together?

No. We booked different legs separately over a period of months.

What saved you the most money?

Flexibility with dates, booking individual legs separately, using Airport Dollars, and adding strategic stopovers.

Did you travel with checked luggage?

No, carry-on only.

Was carry-on manageable with kids?

Yes and it made travelling much easier.

Would you do it this way again?

Absolutely. Without hesitation.

About

Meet the Family

Privacy Policy

Disclosure Policy

Copyright 2025 4 Degrees of Destination

 

Travel

New Zealand

Destinations

Family Travel Stories

Blog