Caroline Mason completed an around-the-world journey starting in 2002. Their experiences across multiple continents reshaped how they see the world and travel.
Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age: 32
- Budget: USD 15,000 (USD 15,000, or USD 27,500 in 2026 dollars)
- Location: Kent, England
- Occupation: Before your trip:Sales
The Route
Canada, Vancouver Island, USA, Arizona, Nevada, LA. Visting Disney World, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Santa Monica, Las Vegas. Cook Islands, New Zealand 6 week tour most major towns, Taupo, Queenstown, Wanaka, Bay of Islands, Kaikora, to name but a few, through to Bali, then home.
In Their Words
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Earning a bit of money on a house and deciding rather than to invest materially to invest in knowledge. Excellent opportunity and worth every penny.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Use the internet. By planning you will save fortunes on accommodation. Always barter on price.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That all travellers live out of ruck sacks.
How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?
It has changed me totally. I now know that the world is a huge but welcoming and accessible place. I know that England is not the best place to live financially, and I know that I am moving to the most beautiful country, in my view, in the world: New Zealand.
If you had to sum up your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Life-changing adventure.
2026 Context
- Southeast Asia backpacker infrastructure has grown significantly, with better accommodation standards and higher prices than in the early 2000s.
- Digital nomad visas have transformed countries like Thailand and Vietnam, increasing costs but improving connectivity.
- Visa situations have shifted: India now requires advance visa applications, and overland routes are more restricted.