Philip Weston - Around-the-World Traveler

1. When did you go on your RTW trip?
   August-November, 1998

2. How old were you when you took this trip?
   38

3. Nationality
   Trinidad and Tobago

4. Where do you live now?
   Petit Valley, Trinidad and Tobago

5. Occupation
   
   Before your trip: Managing Director
   
   Now: Managing Director
   

   How did your travels affect your career when you got back?
   Lost a ton of money, You know what they say, "when the boss is away"

   What is the route you took/places you visited?
   New York, London, Delhi, Agra, Bombay, Maldives Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Bali, Hong Kong, China, and Japan.

   Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
   I love to travel, and I have always traveled extensively. I would do it more but children and business are preventing any exotic opportunities.

   Out of all your experiences traveling around the world, what was the:
   

   • Best Moment
     So many of them...

   • Worst Moment
     Beggars in India

   • Biggest Hurdle, Obstacle or Difficulty?
     Trying to travel Light

   • Biggest surprise?
     Didn't get Delhi Belly

   Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip and why?
   Lots of people. The most friendly people were in Bali.

   How much planning and preparing did you do?
   Just Enough

   What was your favorite piece of gear? What did you bring, that in hindsight you could've left at home?
   Camera was the most important item.

   How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?
   It makes you appreciative of what you have and how very lucky we are.

   If you had to sum up your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
   I still think about it most days with very fond memories.

   Are you planning more trips and travels for the future? Are you planning another round-the-world trip?
   Yes most definitely, When my youngest baby is five, in two years.

   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?
   A two-week package tour, is a holiday, from work. Traveling around the world exposes you in every way – culture, food, religion, climate, etc., etc.

   What is the most valuable thing you learned?
   Again. how fortunate we are.

   Why do you like to travel?
   It most certainly broadens your perspective and is one of the greatest learning experiences in life.

   What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
   Do it. Keep a very open mind and do not be impatient.