Bob Goetz is a retired pediatrician from the USA who took a round-the-world trip in 2002–2003 at age 61.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 61
- Nationality: USA
- Location: USA
- Duration: About 1 year (February 2002 – February 2003)
- Occupation: Pediatrician (retired)
- Original budget: USD 25,000 (approximately USD 46,000 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Bob Goetz shared about their RTW journey:
How did your travels affect your career when you got back?
Not at all – travelled at retirement – now know that unless there is economic disaster I will not work again.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Had done international adventure travel previously – wanted a bigger dose – put our home up for rent and when it rented we were forced to vacate/take off…
What was the best moment of your trip?
the smiles
What was the worst moment?
lost passport
What was your biggest hurdle, obstacle, or difficulty?
patience with bureaucracy/perceived inefficiency
What was your biggest surprise?
was able to save money while travelling
Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip, and why?
A pleasant surprise were individuals in their late teens to early 20s – usually students and quite bright who were inquisitive about the world, Americans and invariably wanted to practice their English – and somehow related to/bonded with someone of my age group.
How much planning and preparing did you do?
Winged it a lot
What was your favorite piece of gear?
Digital camera – taking and immediately being able to show people their image opened many doors – invariably made them smile/laugh.
What did you bring that, in hindsight, you could’ve left at home?
Clothing for every climatic contingency – better to purchase in route as the need arises.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 25,000 would equate to approximately USD 46,000 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 84% inflation over the intervening years.