Erica Takeuchi

1. When do you leave?
   April 2003

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

3. How much have you saved?
   Hmm...about $11,000 usd. Wish I had more.

4. How old are you?
   24

5. Nationality
   USA

6. Where do you live now?
   Out of my backpack.

7. Occupation
   None...previously retail manager

8. 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

9. Have you traveled around the world before?
   No

10. What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
    in case you're reading this...i'm ON my rtw... Australia (east coast), Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, Paris/London (?), Portugal, Spain, Italy. Maybe Holland.

11. Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
    Orginally wanted to revisit/live in Italy after studying there a few years ago...then I figured if I was going to be out anyway, might as well add a few things as well. Also, had never been to Asia before, except Japan (to visit family), which is definitely not a deep look at Asia.

12. What is your biggest fear about this trip?
    Hmm...no fears. Just wish I had more money. Before I left, I was worried I didn't have enough money.

13. Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
    Yup. Everyone thinks it's great I'm going to see and experience all kinds of new things. Some more concerned than others, but overall very supportive. Most people's biggest worry is that I'm by myself.

14. How much planning and preparing have you done?
    Just Enough

15. What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
    Most indispensable...I guess my backpack. And my camera...oh yah, and I am really glad I have a really really great pair of comfy shoes.

16. 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 opening up more and more to new experiences. And hopefully will prepare me for a career of travel (in the fashion industry).

17. If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
    Every day is a new adventure.

18. 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?
    1 or 2 week vacations really don't give you the flexibility of time and place to experience the spontaneity of every day life in a new place. Longer trips give you the time to just BE.

19. What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
    Hmm...I think people believe RTW traveling is an incredibly lonely and solo type of traveling, but you really do meet a lot of peole along the way - like I said earlier, every day is an adventure!

20. Why do you like to travel?
    I love being in new places, really seeing how life is different in other countries and cultures - and also how life can be so similar as well! I love experiencing new foods, new places. and new friends! I love to discover great hideaways down little alleys while wandering around. It all gives me a rush!

21. What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
    Plan whatever makes you happy and just follow your interests - you'll be sure to end up with a trip you love. And just remember - it's a lot easier than you probably thought it would be.