- When do you leave?
- How long do you plan to be away?
6-12 Months - How much have you saved?
Not enough - How old are you?
28 - Nationality
USA - Where do you live now?
Seattle, Washington, USA - Occupation
Research Scientist - Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
One more paycheck and I’m gone - Have you traveled around the world before?
No - What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
Thailand, Nepal, Africa (Kenya down to South Africa), Australia, New Zealand, Fiji - Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Why not? I had always wanted to travel and after listening to friends’/relatives’ stories, I decided no better time than the present. - What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That I will not want to come back or stop traveling. And, my safety, as always. - Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
For the most part they are, some immediate family are very scared for me, i.e. mom. But, most other people think it is great and tell me they have always wanted to do that and are very envious. Or that they will live vicariously through my experiences. Or, wow, what a trip of a lifetime, wish I could do that. I say, if you want to do it, then make it happen! - How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just enough - What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Will try to not pack very much. Trying to pack very versatile clothing, one versatile jacket. Small sleeping bag, sleep sheet, medical kit, poncho, camel back, water bottle, pack-locks, books/journals. Indispensable item? Ah, maybe jacket, medical kit, pocket knife… we’ll see. - 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 feel I am a very open and loving person and very independent. But, I hope it will make me more so, even more accepting of other cultures, people, etc. I hope it will inspire me to continue to help others whenever possible and to never stop experiencing the wonderful world we live in. - If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
I must be traveling on now, there’s so many places I’ve got to see. - 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?
With RTW trips you can experience so much more, learn about people, learn about yourself, discover new things… one or two weeks is not long enough to really delve into a place, if that is what you want… - What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That’s it’s too impossible to plan and way too expensive and that they can’t take time off to do it. - Why do you like to travel?
There is just so much this world has to offer, I cannot imagine living my whole life and never seeing it. Why not explore? The people you meet are amazing, the places are amazing, the experiences are life-changing. For those who never travel, I seriously wonder why? - What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Plan as much as you can beforehand, but don’t stress yourself out about it. Pack lightly, take essentials, remember you can always buy things while you travel and then you have a permanent souvenir. Talk to people, make connections. Browse the internet, there are some great resources out there, especially this one.
April 2002