Elise Laing is a youth worker from Australia who set off on an around-the-world trip in 2003 at age 24.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2003
- Age at departure: 24
- Nationality: Australia
- Location: Australia
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Original budget: AUD 10,000 (about USD 6,500; approximately USD 11,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: North America, Europe, Southeast Asia
The Route
US (Los Angeles – Chicago), Canada, Scotland, Singapore, and back home to Australia.
In Their Words
Here's what Elise Laing 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?
Always wanted to – parents took me travelling when younger.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Losing money – not having enough money.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Talk to as many people who have been as possible.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That it is dangerous.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Rainbird Goretex jacket.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Very happy to be finally going…looking forward to seeing what is going to happen.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of AUD 10,000 (about USD 6,500) would equate to approximately USD 11,700 in 2026 purchasing power.