Updated 2026
You'll see both terms in travel circles: ATW and RTW. They're not the same thing, though people sometimes use them interchangeably incorrectly.
RTW: Round the World
RTW means traveling around the world - visiting multiple continents and countries in an extended journey. The literal geographic perfection of circling Earth isn't required. RTW is the extended travel lifestyle.
RTW could be Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and home. RTW could be South America, West Africa, Asia, and home. The specific route matters less than the extended duration and cultural immersion across regions.
ATW: Around the World
ATW and RTW are essentially the same thing. Around the World travel is the same concept as Round the World travel. The terminology is interchangeable.
Both refer to extended travel involving multiple continents and countries.
Why People Mix Them Up
ATW and RTW are used inconsistently. Some people prefer one term. Others use them identically.
Historically, RTW was the more common term, probably because "Round the World Trip" flows better than "Around the World Trip."
But both terms mean the same thing: extended travel across multiple regions.
In Practice
For planning purposes, the terminology doesn't matter. Whether you call it ATW or RTW, you're doing the same thing. Planning extended global travel.
When researching, use both terms. You'll find resources using either. Blogs, forums, communities - some use ATW, others use RTW. Using both search terms finds more information.
The Regional Alternative
Sometimes you'll see terms like "Southeast Asia trip" or "European backpacking." These are regional travel, not ATW/RTW.
Regional travel focuses on one geographic area. You might spend two months in Southeast Asia. That's regional, not ATW/RTW.
RTW/ATW travel involves multiple regions. You're not staying in one zone.
Common Misconceptions
People sometimes think ATW/RTW requires specific duration or specific destinations. Neither is true.
ATW/RTW is the extended travel across multiple regions. Six months counts. Two years counts. Three months might not count. But there's no official definition.
Attempting Precision
If you want to be technical:
RTW = Round the World (literally circling the planet, though the exact path varies)
ATW = Around the World (similar to RTW, possibly allowing non-circular routes)
But in practice, people use them identically. Don't stress the distinction.
Why It Matters
For planning and communication, it's useful to know these terms. When you tell people you're doing an RTW trip, they understand you're doing extended global travel.
When you're researching, knowing both terms helps you find relevant information and communities.
The Simple Answer
ATW and RTW mean the same thing: extended travel across multiple continents and countries. Don't overthink the terminology. Focus on the travel itself.