Daphne Laura Cook's Trip at a Glance
| | |
|---|---|
| Departure Year | 2003 |
| Duration | 6-12 Months |
| Route | Hawaii, Hong Kong, Beijing, Hanoi, Saigon, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Southern Thailand Beaches, Malaysia (unsure where yet need help), Indonesia (at least Bali, need help with locations safe for solo woman traveller) |
| Budget | $15K+ (~$25 in 2026 dollars) |
| Age at Departure | 35 |
| Occupation | Project Manager |
Route
Hawaii, Hong Kong, Beijing, Hanoi, Saigon, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Southern Thailand Beaches, Malaysia (unsure where yet need help), Indonesia (at least Bali, need help with locations safe for solo woman traveller).
2026 note: Route information from early 2000s travel planning; current conditions may differ significantly.
In Their Words
When do you leave?
September 2003How long do you plan to be away?
6-12 MonthsHow much have you saved?
$15K+How old are you?
35Nationality
USAWhere do you live now?
Chicago, Illinois, USAOccupation
Project ManagerIs this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
It’s my careerHave you traveled around the world before?
NoWhat is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
Hawaii, Hong Kong, Beijing, Hanoi, Saigon, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Southern Thailand Beaches, Malaysia (unsure where yet need help), Indonesia (at least Bali, need help with locations safe for solo woman traveller)Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Work not going so well, need an exteneded vacation, compelled to do this now. During one of my short flights, met this guy from India who talked about RTW vacation. I was inspired.What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Safety in Muslim countries like Indonesia although the experience will outweigh concerns, I think. Still need to do a load of research on Malaysia & Indonesia.Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Family is concerned for my safety, especially since the US is going to war.How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just EnoughWhat are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Bringing very little clothes, plan to dress like the locals, considering custom-made travel clothes in Hong Kong & Bangkok. Water purifier, headlamp, guidebooks, makeup, toiletries, binoculars.How do you think your round-the-world trip will change your life? How do you think it will affect and change you as a person?
I’m looking to grow personally, want to learn about other cultures & engage in a lifetime experience that I can share with friends & family. Should have done this right out of college, couldn’t afford it. Yes, I believe this will change m
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This profile was originally published on BootsnAll. Budget figures have been adjusted for 2026 context.