Debbie Ashby is preparing for an around-the-world journey starting in 2002. Ready to explore multiple continents and experience diverse cultures.
Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Age: 23
- Budget: AUD 40,000 (USD 26,000, or USD 47,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Occupation: Senior UNIX Operator
- Traveled before: Yes
The Route
We are flying from Melbourne to Bangkok. Spending a few weeks on the islands we haven’t been to before (Koh Chang, Phi Phi, Samet). Then we are travelling overland into Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville) the into Vietnam. Travelling up the east coast of Vietnam and then into Laos (Luand Prabang, Vientiane) and then back in to Thailand. Then going through Malaysia (Perhentian Islands and Kuala Lumpur only) and flying out to Bombay from Singapore. Travelling all over India for 3 months and then 1 month in Nepal (Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp trek). Next it’s back to the UK and Madrid before heading off to Mexico. Travelling overland through Mexico, Central America and the west coast of South America, ending up in Buenos Aires (god willing), to fly back to Melbourne.
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 had done an RTW trip previouslyand I enjoyed it so much that I always knew I wanted to do another. Two and a half years and a lot of hard work and saving later, we are ready and raring to go!!
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Flying! I know, it’s irrational and unavoidable, but I have always had a fear of flying and the events of Sept. 11 have done nothing to help.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Research your destinations well. Make sure you keep up to date on current situations in countries you will be visiting. Try and make a list of the main things you want to accomplish while you are away and stick to it. Budget well for each country you are in.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
People think you must be really rich, but more often than not that is not the case. All it takes is some saving, planning and an open, adventurous mind.
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?
It makes you appreciate how lucky you are to have grown up in the Western world when you see how hard it is for some people just to live day to day. I try and absorb as much as I can of their culture without forgetting where I am from. It will definitely change me for the better.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Trying not to pack as much as last time as I had to dump most of it on the way ’round. Swiss Army knife is definitely indispensable, and probably my journal so I can keep writing.
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.