- When do you leave?
- How long do you plan to be away?
6-12 Months - How much have you saved?
£15K - How old are you?
27 - Nationality
England - Where do you live now?
London, England - Occupation
Public Relations - 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?
We’re starting in South Africa and plan to stay there for 2 months, then over to Australia for 4 months, New Zealand for 3 months and not sure after that, as Bali and SE Asia were next. Hopefully things will be a bit calmer by the time we’re ready to go there… - Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
My partner and I have just got married and have always talked about doing this, but it never felt like the right time. However, with the economy the way it is, now is the best time ever and it’s our last adventure before we do our bit for repopulating the planet! - What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Not having enough money to do everything we would like (within reason!) Also, getting ripped off, as I’ve heard a few scary stories about South Africa. - Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
My friends are all very supportive and even more jealous, and my family are supportive too, although I think they wish we weren’t going for quite so long, and the Bali incident has not helped my mother get used to the idea. - How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just Enough - What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
I’m packing mainly summer clothes as most of the places we’re going will be hot, plus they don’t take up so much room. I think my hooded fleece must be my most important item, as it’s very warm and cosy, and I hate the cold! I’m also taking a hairdryer and straighteners, although my husband thinks I’m mad – they are only old so can easily be thrown away, but I can’t break my addiction to them just like that! - 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’m hoping it will stop me being so materialistic, and also help me to meet lots of different people, as living in London makes you so unfriendly and suspicious of everyone! I’m also looking forward to seeing so many different ways of life, and to gain an understanding of other cultures in a positive way. - If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
The ultimate adventure with every day bringing more surprises and excellent memories for when I grow old. - 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 the only way to really experience a place, as it gives you enough time to explore it properly, rather than just seeing the airport and the hotel pool. It’s also key to take time out from work to reassess your life, and check you are still happy in what you are working towards. If so, you will look forward to going back, if not you can find new inspiration from the people you meet on your trip and use that to plan your future. - What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That it’s too hard to organise, or that they are too old to do it. Once you put your mind to it, you can achieve amazing things, and there is nothing that can’t be sorted out. - Why do you like to travel?
I love seeing new things and making friends in different places. We’ve got lots of good friends in many countries, and now is a chance to meet them all on their home turf. I just hope they are ready for it! - What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Make sure you set a date ASAP, otherwise it’s easy to keep postponing it – there is no time like the present! Also, use the local advisors on BootsnAll for any questions you have about places you are visiting as it can save you time and money and is more reliable than your travel agent, who has probably never been!
November 2002