Bartek Kwieciszewski is a 29-year-old scientist from Seattle, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2003.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2003
- Age at departure: 29
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Seattle, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Scientist
- Original budget: USD 18,000 (approximately USD 32,300 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, South America, Central America, North America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Bartek Kwieciszewski shared about their RTW journey:
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
My (incomplete) packing list: Good hiking boots and sandals Journal Digital camera with plenty of flash memory 3 pairs of pants 3 shirts/t-shirts 3 changes of sox and boxers personal hygene stuff money passports I’ll think of other stuff later, but I’m not leaving without my journal to write in.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
There are too many reasons to list in such a short space. This is a Walkabout for me, a journey of discovery, shedding a lifestyle, prejudices, getting over problems and hangups… It’s about 1/3 pure wanderlust, 1/3 escapism and 1/3 catharsis and therapy.
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?
RTW trip is not a vacation. It can be a great learning experience for the traveller: learning to live on a shoestring, learning to accept others, learning about yourself…
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 hope it will make me more confident, more friendly and more optimistic about life and people. I hope to find my true self, as I have been lost in the recent years.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
I haven’t told many people yet, but most of the ones that I’ve shared the plan with are very supportive.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 18,000 would equate to approximately USD 32,300 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 79% inflation over the intervening years.