David Lyle is a 36-year-old clinical computer analyst from Scotland who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2003 with his partner.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2003
- Age at departure: 36
- Nationality: Scotland
- Location: Scotland
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Clinical computer analyst
- Original budget: Not reliably recorded (source figure appears corrupted)
- Regions: Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, Oceania, North America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what David Lyle 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?
Trip of a lifetime, will probably be a one off, and travelling with my partner. Just need a career break, if we decide we really like somewhere, when we get back we may think of immigrating there.
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 sure it will. I’m open to change.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That something awful happens to family or friends back at home, no specific fears about the trip itself.
Have you traveled around the world before?
No.
Why do you like to travel?
‘Cause it broadens your life experience, make life more interesting.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Don’t go till you have enough money to enjoy it as you want to in your ideal situation. We waited till we had enough money, so we can do everything we wanted to do, the last thing we wanted to do was work during our trip. Decide where you really want to go and compromise as little as possible, don’t choose a set ticket just cause it’s cheap.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget was not reliably recorded (the source figure appears corrupted), but early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026, reflecting roughly 75-85% cumulative inflation.