Fieke Brouwer - Round-the-World Traveler

When do you leave?
March 2005

How long do you plan to be away?
6-12 Months

How much have you saved?
6000 euro

How old are you?
33

Nationality
Netherlands

Where do you live now?
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Occupation
HR assistant

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?
Starting off in Hanoi, Vietnam then travel through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand,Malaysia and Indonesia

Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Almost a year ago I decided to really start planning, but I have been thinking about doing it for about 5 years. It never seemed like the right time nor did I have the guts before to give up all the securities I have.

What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That I'll run out of money before I'm ready to leave.

Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Some of my friends are suppotive. My parents don't want to talk about me leaving as my mom would rather I stay close to home. Secretly I think my dad likes the idea of me going on another adventure but he doesn't tell me that. He might even be a bit jealous...

How much planning and preparing have you done?
Winged it a lot

What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
I'm packing just enough for a week. I would like to travel light but that means leaving all my scuba gear behind and I'm not sure if I end up doing 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 have no idea how it will affect my life but all in all I hope it makes me a nicer person.

If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
A bit anxious, but sooo glad I'm getting out of the ratrace for awhile.

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?
It's the way to experience other cultures more indepth.

What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
It costs a lot of money and the world is too dangerous a place to travel in.

Why do you like to travel?
It's in my genes I guess. I have been travelling all over the planet ever since I was 6 months old.

What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Don't plan too much !!!

Related RTW Articles » Mark Gummel - Round-the-World Traveler » Adrian Cook - Round-the-World Traveler » NG - Round-the-World Traveler	Related RTW Categories » Pre-Trip (tag)
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