Caroline Mason is a 32-year-old sales worker from Kent, England, who took a round-the-world trip in 2002.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 32
- Nationality: England
- Location: Kent, England
- Occupation: Sales
- Original budget: USD 15,000 (approximately USD 27,500 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: North America, Oceania, Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Caroline Mason shared about their RTW journey:
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
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 15,000 would equate to approximately USD 27,500 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 83% inflation over the intervening years.