Caroline Ulmer is a 24-year-old student from Stuttgart, Germany, who took a round-the-world trip in 2002.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 24
- Nationality: Germany
- Location: Stuttgart, Germany
- Occupation: Student
- Regions: North America, Oceania, Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Caroline Ulmer 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?
I have studied international business, therefore have lived abroad for a while and love travelling. Once the travel bug has you it will never leave you again! I decided to do a world trip about two years before the end of my studies and started saving money. The time in between studies and your first job is ideal, a once in a lifetime chance. You are young, you are free, what holds you back??
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Don’t hesitate, dont wait for anyone to join you, start saving, and go to the places you always wanted to see.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That it is always fun and great…there will be hard times too, but they are important because you will grow personally.
How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?
It didn’t really change my life, I have travelled before, but I have grown personally and have achieved something for myself.
If you had to sum up your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Something worth to be repeated.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler did not disclose a budget; early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026, reflecting roughly 80% cumulative inflation.