Bobbi Aqua is a 60-year-old acupuncturist and herbalist from East Hampton, New York, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2003.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2003
- Age at departure: 60
- Nationality: USA
- Location: East Hampton, New York, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Acupuncturist and Herbalist
- Original budget: "Enough" (not specified)
- Regions: Oceania, Africa, South Asia, Europe, South America
The Route
NYC – South Pacific – New Zealand – Australia – Africa – Asia – Europe – South America – USA.
In Their Words
Here's what Bobbi Aqua shared about their RTW journey:
Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
It’s my career.
Have you traveled around the world before?
No.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I am at a crossroads in my life and am on a part spiritual vision quest and part research project. I am working on gathering material about Indigenous People and their healing techniques particularly herbal medicine.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
I don’t know if I have a biggest fear. I have some concern about staying healthy, loneliness, certain living conditions and finding the people for my research.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Yes, very!!
How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just Enough.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Herbal and Western Medicine and supplies. Just enough clothing and money. Technical equipment. Proper Medical Supplies is the most important. Also the equipment to document what I find.
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 really have no idea but I hope it will greatly expand my consciousness and help me to find more ways of being in service in the world.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Awesome adventure with unlimiting potential.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler described the budget only as "enough" and did not give a figure; early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026, reflecting roughly 70–80% cumulative inflation.