Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in March 2016.
Ten airlines, nine countries, eight days, one journey. Those are the vital statistics that cover the round-the-world trip Richard Quest undertook this month.
Oh, one more twist: He did it all on low-cost carriers. The final airfare tab: $2,345. Click on the interactive above for details about each leg of the flight.
Low-cost carriers – or budget airlines – generally offer cheaper fares and cut business costs by offering fewer amenities than traditional airlines.
”These airlines have democratized flying, and are now the backbone of short-haul travel in Europe, Asia and America,” says Quest, who was recently appointed CNNMoney’s Editor at Large.
Spiced-up perks, more benefits and long-haul routes are changing what has long been a largely utilitarian field, Quest adds.
The budget marathon began and ended in London, with Quest making his first stops in Belgium and the Czech Republic before going east to the United Arab Emirates.
From there, he made a leap across the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka, then on to Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. Flying over the Pacific Ocean, he reached Hawaii before heading to Los Angeles and then New York. The final leg took him back to London.
Budget airlines: 10 things to learn from Richard Quest
Can’t afford to fly round the world? Think again!
Adventure finished on March 20
#Flywithquest: Reports from the field
Quest and his team reported on CNN.com and CNN International throughout the trip while documenting its finer (and any not-so finer) moments on social media.
The globe-trotting adventure will be showcased in a special edition of CNN Business Traveller, first airing on CNN International on April 14 at 0930 BST/1030 CET. This border-crossing expedition follows strict rules.