Caroline Ulmer 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: 24
- Location: Stuttgart, Germany
- Occupation: Before your trip:Student
The Route
visited?USA- East Coast, West Coast
New Zealand- both Islands
Australia- all the way around and through the middle
Thailand- Centre and North
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?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
- 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.