Avihu Kiselsteinn is a 60-year-old marketing consultant from Rosh Pina, Israel, who was planning an open-ended round-the-world trip in the early 2000s.
The Snapshot
- Departure: Not specified
- Age at departure: 60
- Nationality: Israel
- Location: Rosh Pina, Israel
- Duration: Indefinite
- Occupation: Marketing consultant
- Original budget: USD 8,000 (approximately USD 14,300 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Avihu Kiselsteinn shared about their RTW journey:
Why did you decide to take this trip?
I dreamt about this trip in high school when I had to write a piece about what is the thing I like to do best and of couse it was travelling the world. I decided to make this trip alone in order to get to know myself better. I always travelled with another person and it is a different experience. What influenced me was the knowledge that time is going by [I am 60], and if I won’t do it now, I probably will never do it. I am in good shape physically and I want to live life to the fullest. What influenced me to go was my partner in life. She did it twice and she told me about the different exeperiences she had.
Why do you think people should go on round-the-world trips?
Taking RTW trip can change a person. A person sees how the rest of the world lives and he can appreciate that “his bag” is not so difficult, especially when you see how other people live. Also you can start understanding that the assets that you accumulated are not that important. As a matter of fact they can hinder you in the voyage of life.
How do you think your round-the-world trip will change your life?
I believe that it will broaden my exeperience in life, enjoy and appreciate cultures that are different than mine. I want to study Buddhism and mostly I want to connect with earth and the people from all over the world.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
“I believe that what I am saying is true for me at this stage in my life. A person have many stages in his life.” – Gail Sheeny in her book
What are you packing?
A good back pack and sleeping bag, a good fleece jacket, cloth and souveneirs from Israel that I want to give as presents.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 8,000 would equate to approximately USD 14,300 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 79% inflation over the intervening years.