So much is spoken about all these cheap carriers. Everyone tells me that they can fly all the way around the world for 10 bucks and still have enough change left to do a airport check-in with RyanAir.

So, let’s put it to the test.

The challenge is to fly around the world for the least amount of money. There are some rules:

1. The trip must include a touchdown in Europe, Middle East, Far East, Africa, Indian sub-continent, Australasia, Northern and Southern Continental America. You can start from where you like, but your start and finish must be at the same airport.

2. The itinerary must be fly-able. For example, if you connect from a legacy carrier to a low-cost carrier, the connection must be practical.

3. Backtracking and anything else is allowed.

4. There is no time limit, but extra points awarded for the fastest trip.

Prizes – we need some. So would any airline or hotel group who would like to contribute some free flights or hotel nights, please let me know. Now would be good. So, won’t cost you any money just some flights and hotel nights! And a lot of Twitter/ Social Networking promotion.

These are the basics. So, before we launch away, if anyone has any comments suggestions or tweaks, let me know now. The prize, by the way, would be for the cheapest workable itinerary – you don’t actually have to fly it (unless an airline will sponsor such a prize!)