- When do you leave?
- How long do you plan to be away?
1-2 Years - How much have you saved?
GBP£9000 - How old are you?
24 - Nationality
England - Where do you live now?
Leicester, England - Occupation
Software Developer - Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
It’s my career - Have you traveled around the world before?
No - What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
Today I’m thinking London, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Island, USA, Canada, London. But tomorrow I will probably have changed my mind again! - Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Well I have to hold my hands up. I used to be Mr Package Holiday, but last October I decided to go the Australian Motorcycle GP. Obviously being in the UK I couldn’t just go for the weekend so I booked three weeks off work and decided that backpacking was my cheapest option. The original idea was to plan the whole thing out, but it didn’t really work out that way. I think the fact that I didn’t have any constraints made the trip more enjoyable. I even think that losing all my credit/debit cards added to the excitement. The trip gave me more self-confidence and the feeling that nothing is impossible if you really want it. So with my newfound confidence I decided that I should now tackle the rest of the world. - What is your biggest fear about this trip?
If you had asked me this question this time last year I would have said, “Giving up my job, my house and leaving everyone behind. Not to mention being on my own for so long.” Now, with all honesty I don’t think there is anything that bothers me about going. Apart from not being able to go. - Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
I find people are split into two categories when I tell them. There are those who list all the bad points about going and those who think it’s wonderful. The latter being the ones who wished they had done it. I think the others are jealous, personally. I reckon the people who actually care about me are the ones that think it’s a fantastic idea. - How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just Enough - What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
As little as possible. I find that it’s a pain in the arse to carry a lot of things around with you. Clothing for example. Take the bare essentials. If you feel like you really need something while you are out and about then you can always buy it. As for indispensable items, I guess this really depends on where you are going. I think if an area is not particularly Westernised then a decent guide/language book is a must. - How do you think your round-the-world trip will change your life? How do you think it will affect and change you as a person?
I know for starters that my email inbox will always be brimming with emails from people I’ve met on my travels. As for changing my life, well that’s difficult to answer, but it will definitely put a tick in my lifetime goals box. I reckon it will have a big effect on me. Meeting new people always broadens your horizons, and I don’t think there will be a shortage of new people. - If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
You have to do something with your life, why not this! - Why do you think people should go on round-the-world trips? Why not just take a regular old one- or two-week vacation instead?
I think it’s whatever floats your boat, to be honest. If people like 2 weeks away then cool. I can’t really answer this question. I’m not sure there is a right answer. Very individual. - What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
I’ll tell you when I get back. - Why do you like to travel?
Very good question. How long do you have? I seem to get a natural high from travelling. I have to do a reality check every now and again. Let’s face it: If you are doing something that makes you go “I can’t believe I’m actually here!” every five minutes, it must be a good thing. It’s good when you need some quiet time too. - What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Make lists, then make some more lists. It’s a good idea to simply write down the things that you would like to see and the places you’ve always wanted to go to. Eventually you’ll become realistic about what’s achievable with the timeframe and the money that you have to spare. If you are like me, you will probably find that there is at least one place you want to visit that doesn’t fall into your logical route around the world, no matter how you try to squeeze it in.I think keeping an open mind about places is a good idea too. Try and make your onward tickets date-changeable. You might think at the moment that a week in Peru is long enough – until you get there! If you are still struggling then you could try someone like STA Travel, who for a tenner (£10) will advise you on the best routes for you. If this doesn’t work out, then at least you will have enough lists to make a squadron of paper aeroplanes!
May 2002