Deborah Busch is a 44-year-old book-publishing sales rep from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, who took a round-the-world trip in 2004 in search of an endless summer.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 44
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Duration: About 4 months (February–May 2004)
- Occupation: Sales rep, book publishing
- Original budget: USD 10,000 (approximately USD 17,800 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Oceania, Southeast Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Deborah Busch shared about their RTW journey:
How did your travels affect your career when you got back?
I knew before I left that I would probably want to change. Researching ideas currently for my own business. Travel related?
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Hey, I’m a pretty happening chick but, I dare any of you to hit your mid-40’s and not feel some burn-out. Detested my job, had a wad of FF points and enough financial resources. So…… why the hell not…..as if it would be more fun in my 50’s or 60’s?
Out of all your experiences traveling around the world, what was the best moment?
1) the people connections….be they arbitrary or prearranged and 2) the extraordinary scenic wonder of this planet…..you can never get enough of it.
What was the worst moment?
Sorry, but I guess it would have to be Egypt in general. I’ve decided that if that country didn’t have such an unusual history and a ton of preserved artefacts it would be just another African wasteland no one would talk about.
What was your biggest hurdle, obstacle or difficulty?
Probably just the language barrier in Southeast Asia. English may be the international default language but, they didn’t speak much of it…..I’m talking in tourist-related businesses.
What was your biggest surprise?
Really just how doable it is. Sometimes stressful and effing annoying…..but it’s definitely not as big a hurdle as you may think.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 10,000 would equate to approximately USD 17,800 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 78% inflation over the intervening years.