Bob Pedersen – Around-the-World Traveler

Bob Pedersen is a former restaurant manager, now a self-described “starving writer,” from Eugene, Oregon, USA, who took a round-the-world trip in 2001 at age 55.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2001
• Age at departure: 55
• Nationality: USA
• Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
• Duration: About 6 months (May–October 2001)
• Occupation: Restaurant manager
• Original budget: USD 14,000 (approximately USD 25,500 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: Asia, Europe, Middle East

The Route

I traveled around the world without ever getting on an airplane. A dream since childhood, I went from Oregon to Los Angeles by train, and across the Pacific by freighter to Hong Kong. From Hong Kong, I traveled by train through China and Mongolia to Russia, across Russia on the Trans-Siberian railway to St. Petersburg, and finally to Helsinki. I then traveled by train south through Eastern Europe to Istanbul. From Istanbul to selected Greek Islands by ferry, and ferry from the Greek mainland to Italy. On the train again for the northerly trip through Western Europe to Liverpool, England. I then boarded another freighter bound for Philadelphia, and trained from Philly to Eugene, Oregon.

In Their Words

Here's what Bob Pedersen shared about their RTW journey:

How did your travels affect your career when you got back?

I have never really had a “career” to speak of, so my trip did not really cause any interruption. I’ll just have to go out and find another job.

Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?

I have wanted to travel around the globe since childhood. After 30 years of travel to over 50 countries, I came up with the idea of doing the trip without ever boarding an airplane. From where does this wanderlust come? Probably too many evenings as a child with nothing but National Geographic for entertainment.

What was the best moment of your trip?

Meeting new friends

What was the worst moment?

Getting struck by a car in Milan, Italy

What was your biggest hurdle, obstacle, or difficulty?

Inter-island ferry travel in Greece

What was your biggest surprise?

How much I enjoyed Russia

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 14,000 would equate to approximately USD 25,500 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 82% inflation over the intervening years.