Philip Bell

Round-the-World Traveler

Round the World Travel Guide
Your One-stop Source to Plan & Book Around-the-World Trips

When do you leave?
February 2003

How long do you plan to be away?
1-2 Years

How much have you saved?
£30K

How old are you?
33

Nationality
England

Where do you live now?
Kent, England

Occupation
Sales

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 are in the midst of planning now. Certain places are known: Sri Lanka, working at the elephant sanctuary, Butan and a few more. We plan to leave the UK, go to North Africa, then to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, then off to Thailand and Laos, Australia. From there up to China, Hong Kong, then South America, Lima, Rio, up to Cancun, New Orleans, New York, returning to London, with a short trip to Iceland to see the whales.

Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I have been in the same job for about 8 years now. I tried to take holidays every year, but you can’t help but get caught up in the London rat race. It has been in my mind for a couple of years now, and it is just about the timing. I have travelled quite a lot already, but as the opportunity is here I don’t want to have any regrets.

What is your biggest fear about this trip?
No fears at the moment, unless “may not return” is one.

Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Everyone I have spoken to about this have all been very supportive, even quite envious. Might end up with a couple more companions.

How much planning and preparing have you done?
Control Freak

What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
It is early stages for that yet. But will take my laptop to keep in touch with those at home.

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 am a pretty levelled person, but totally fed up with chasing the dollar, so I am looking for a chance to see what else is out there.

If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
If you’re going to do it, do it well, and ENJOY.

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 is a must to go RTW, it will broaden your horizons and show you different aspects of yourself. If you have ever travelled, even just a little, you realise life does not stop at the end of your road, or your office. To go on a one- or two-week holiday is fine, but it is there more to recharge the batteries for the forthcoming year as opposed to having a great adventure.

What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That is hard to answer, having not done it yet. But I would probably say, the biggest myth is: that it is not for me, or I couldn’t do it… rubbish!

Why do you like to travel?
I like to experience different cultures, getting the “wow factor” when you see amazing scenery. Meeting new people that you end up keeping in contact with.

What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
As I want to be prepared, as much as you can be, do your homework. Hence finding this great site. But the biggest advice is enjoy.

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