Amelia Brown is a 22-year-old retail worker from Sydney, Australia, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2003.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2003
- Age at departure: 22
- Nationality: Australia
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Duration: 1-6 months
- Occupation: Retail
- Original budget: AUD 10,000 (about USD 6,500; approximately USD 11,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Amelia Brown shared about their RTW journey:
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Desperate to take off overseas! Have been planning on this trip for nearly a year while finishing university – probably should have been studying instead of checking out the internet for ideas…! I decided to take this kind of trip because it is what I have been dreaming about for so long and now is the perfect time for me to escape!
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 think it will make me more aware of what’s going on around the world and hopefully broaden my horizons. I don’t know that it will ‘change me as a person’ but I assume I will pick up some invaluable tips and learn a few things along the way.
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 this one is obvious. But mostly I believe its a state of mind that changes the way you approach life and travel – it’s a certain type of person that chooses to go on a RTW trip.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Do a bit of research so that you have a vague idea about the place you a visiting and don’t have to spend time with your head stuck in an LP guide when you could be climbing up the Eiffel Tower or sampling the local brew at the pub down the road.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Very supportive – my parents seem almost too keen to help me prepare for the trip (trying to get me out of the house perhaps!!) Most people are envious that I’m going away.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Well, to be honest I haven’t given too much thought to packing – think I will just end up throwing a heap of stuff into the trusty Macpac and jump on the plane. Most indispensable item? Probably my pack.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of AUD 10,000 (about USD 6,500) would equate to approximately USD 11,700 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 80% inflation over the intervening years.