In 2023, I lived out a dream: traveling around the world in just 50 days. What made the experience even more unforgettable was doing it in style—flying business class on all my long-haul flights. Even better, I booked most of these premium flights using Qantas Frequent Flyer Points, making what would normally be a very expensive trip surprisingly affordable.
From relaxing in premium lounges like The Pier (Cathay lounge) in Hong Kong, to enjoying lie-flat beds that let me actually sleep in the sky, every part of the journey was designed for comfort. Instead of arriving jet-lagged and drained, I stepped off flights feeling refreshed and ready to explore, thanks to shower access during layovers, attentive in-flight service (especially memorable on the British Airways route from São Paulo to London), and priority treatment at airports. Add in generous baggage allowances and a glass of champagne at takeoff, and the journey became as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
Here’s a breakdown of the flights I took during this incredible adventure:
| Flight | Airline | Travel Class | Origin | Destination | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QF 27 | QANTAS | Business | SYD | SCL | Points + Tax |
| LA 770 | LATAM | Premium Economy | SCL | GIG | Cash |
| JJ 3791 | LATAM | Economy | SDU | BSB | Cash |
| AD 6001 | Azul Brazilian Airlines | Economy | BSB | CGH | Cash |
| BA 246 | British Airways | Business | GRU | LHR | Points + Tax |
| BA 1484 | British Airways | Economy | LHR | GLA | Points + Tax |
| U2 204 | easyJet | Economy | GLA | BRS | Cash |
| BA 109 | British Airways | Business | LHR | DXB | Points + Tax |
| RJ 615 | Royal Jordanian | Business | DXB | AMM | Points + Tax |
| RJ 101 | Royal Jordanian | Business | AMM | FCO | Points + Tax |
| AZ 426 | ITA Airways | Economy | LIN | HAM | Cash |
| AY 1424 | Finnair | Business | HAM | HEL | Points + Tax |
| JL 48 | JAL | Business | HEL | HND | Points + Tax |
| JL 29 | JAL | Premium Economy | HND | HKG | Points + Tax |
| QF 30 | QANTAS | Business | HKG | MEL | Points + Tax |
The Journey
This trip was truly an unforgettable adventure—something I never imagined doing before turning 30. Circumnavigating the globe felt like a dream, especially as it was my very first time setting foot in South America and the Middle East. What made it even more special was the warmth and hospitality of local friends and family I was lucky to have in many of the countries I visited.
One of the highlights was finally seeing the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro—not just as a photo in a textbook, but towering before me in real life. In Scotland, I had the incredible chance to attend the historic 150th Anniversary football match between Scotland and England, a rare spectacle for any fan. As if that wasn’t enough, I even ran into Emerson Royal, the football star, during one of my flights—what a surreal moment!
Another magical experience was boarding the famed "Harry Potter train"—the Jacobite Steam Train—which crosses the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s the very same bridge featured in the film scene where Harry and Ron race the Hogwarts Express in their flying car.
In Dubai, my friend and I went dune bashing across the golden sands—a thrilling ride that felt like a rollercoaster in the desert. We also tried camel riding and even went indoor skiing, proving that Dubai’s extremes are truly unmatched.
Italy felt like walking through a living history book. Standing in front of the Colosseum in Rome and wandering through UNESCO-listed towns was deeply moving. The country’s coastal gems, like Cinque Terre, offered a perfect contrast—stunning cliffs, pastel villages, and the raw beauty of the sea. And of course, Italian food and wine need no introduction—each meal was a celebration of flavor and tradition.
Back in Asia, Tokyo was as vibrant and efficient as ever. Japan remains one of my all-time favorite destinations, and despite this being my third visit to Tokyo, the city’s order, charm, and convenience continue to amaze me. There's always something new to discover.
The final stop was my original home—Hong Kong. I had a packed schedule catching up with friends and family, soaking in every moment. Speaking Cantonese again, indulging in beloved local dishes, and just being in the heart of the city I grew up in felt deeply comforting. Time with my parents was especially precious, as I only get to see them once or twice a year since moving to Melbourne.
Looking back, this journey wasn’t just about the miles traveled, but the memories made—the people, places, and moments that stitched together a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So, how much did all my flights cost?
Thanks to the oneworld® Classic Flight Reward, I was able to book all my long-haul business class flights for just 318,000 Qantas Points (+ taxes and fees). Although this reward will increase to 365,800 points from 5 August 2025, it still offers exceptional value for such an extensive itinerary.
My redemption covered flights from Sydney to Santiago, São Paulo to Glasgow via London, London to Dubai, Dubai to Rome via Amman, Hamburg to Tokyo via Helsinki, and finally, Hong Kong to Melbourne.
I did make a few itinerary changes along the way, which added an extra 20,000 points to the total. On top of that, I redeemed 34,500 points for a last-minute premium economy seat from Tokyo to Hong Kong.
Across all award bookings, I paid approximately AUD 2,500 in taxes and carrier fees, and I also spent about AUD 1,100 on various cash fare flights throughout the journey. Had booked all of these flights with cash, the cost could have easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars — making this one of the best value redemptions I’ve ever made.
✈️ Final Verdict: A Dream Trip, Redefined by Points
Embarking on a round-the-world adventure in just 50 days was a dream I never imagined achieving so soon—let alone in such comfort and style. Flying long-haul business class, staying refreshed between continents, and experiencing some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and cultures, all while redeeming Qantas Points, made this trip not only memorable but remarkably cost-effective.
By strategically using 318,000 Qantas Points (plus a few extras for itinerary changes), paying around AUD 2,500 in taxes and fees, and spending AUD 1,100 on short-haul cash fares, I unlocked a travel experience that would have cost tens of thousands of dollars at full price. The value of frequent flyer points is often underestimated, but this trip showed just how powerful they can be when used smartly.
More than the luxury cabins and seamless transits, it was the moments—watching sunsets in Cinque Terre, seeing Christ the Redeemer up close, riding the Jacobite Steam Train, or simply spending quality time with my family—that made this journey truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re a points beginner or a seasoned traveller, let this be a reminder: with a bit of planning and flexibility, the world really can be yours—without breaking the bank.
Lastly, I've put together a video of my trip featuring some footage captured along the way—hope you enjoy it!
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