Bear Falugo is a 27-year-old baker from North Miami Beach, Florida, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2004.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 27
- Nationality: USA
- Location: North Miami Beach, Florida, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Baker
- Original budget: Not specified
- Regions: Southeast Asia, South Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Bear Falugo shared about their RTW journey:
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’m not sure, but I can’t wait to find out! It will definitely slow my pace down and it will expand my mind. When you live on the road you learn things everyday, and find out that you don’t need much to live and be very, very happy. Just a backpack!
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?
If taking a RTW trip won’t hurt someone else’s life (children or spouse) then I think everyone should find out what they’re made of. Otherwise, go ahead and take that one or two week vaca, it ain’t that bad!
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I’ve been traveling my whole life and the last few trips I’ve been on I really thought about just staying (on vacation). There are too many reasons to go on this trip and just one reason to stay – my steady job. Enough said!
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
You will destroy everything you’ve worked for. You need $50,000. You have to plan every single step of the trip. You can wait till you’re retired (how depressing).
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Just friggin’ go! Don’t try to see too much. If you like where you’re at then stay longer, the next place isn’t always better and you don’t always go back. Start planning now!
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler did not report a specific budget, but early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026, reflecting roughly 75% cumulative inflation over the intervening years.