Christine Veleber is a USA before your trip:publishing exec embarking on a round-the-world journey.
The Snapshot
- **Departure:** 2001
- **Duration:** Unknown duration
- **Age:** 31
- **Budget:** $65,200 USD (2026 equivalent)
- **Nationality:** USA
- **Occupation:** Before your trip:publishing exec
The Route
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Malta, Greece, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, Costa Rica, one month “wind-down tour” of Southern USA.
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania, Central America
2026 Note: Travel conditions, visa requirements, and costs have evolved significantly since this profile was originally recorded.
In Their Words
When did you go on your RTW trip? April-November 2001
How old were you when you took this trip? 31
Including your air ticket and other expenses (from accommodation to souvenir-buying), about how much did your trip cost? US$35,000 for 2
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go? It began with this question, “Before we have kids and get tied down, what would be our biggest dream to fulfill?” Today we ask, “How small do they make backpacks, and how much weight can a child carry?” My biggest influence was my imagination. I never knew anyone who did such a thing. I found people on the internet who did and thought, “Me too.” I’ve always been fascinated with the world and wondered if I had it in me to partake in such an endeavor.
Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip and why? Our fellow passengers and crew of the ill-fated cruise on the Princes Monika in Turkey, and Lyn, our 7-year-old guide in Cambodia.
How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person? I feel like a citizen of the world, not just my country. I will never look at myself or my country the same way again. I am calmer, more confident, more patient, and have more respect for life and death. I could go on and on… but I should note that I feel that I’ve changed in ways that people at home cannot understand, and it does feel a bit isolating at times.
2026 Context
- This traveler completed their journey around 2003 to 2004.
- Travel conditions and costs have evolved significantly since their return.