Erica Takeuchi is preparing for an around-the-world journey starting in 2003. Ready to explore multiple continents and experience diverse cultures.
Snapshot
- Departure: 2003
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Age: 24
- Budget: USD 11,000 (USD 11,000, or USD 19,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Location: Out of my backpack.
- Occupation: None…previously retail manager
The Route
you plan to visit?in case you’re reading this…i’m ON my rtw…
Australia (east coast), Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia,
Singapore, Bali, Paris/London (?), Portugal, Spain, Italy. Maybe Holland.
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?Orginally wanted to revisit/live in Italy after studying there a few
years ago…then I figured if I was going to be out anyway, might as well
add a few things as well. Also, had never been to Asia before, except
Japan (to visit family), which is definitely not a deep look at Asia.
What is your biggest fear about this
trip?Hmm…no fears. Just wish I had more money. Before I left, I was worried
I didn’t have enough money.
What is your advice for people planning
their own RTW trip?Plan whatever makes you happy and just follow your interests – you’ll be
sure to end up with a trip you love. And just remember – it’s a lot easier
than you probably thought it would be.
What is the biggest myth that people have
about round-the-world traveling?Hmm…I think people believe RTW traveling is an incredibly lonely and
solo type of traveling, but you really do meet a lot of peole along the
way – like I said earlier, every day is an adventure!
What are you packing? What do you consider
your most indispensable item(s)?Most indispensable…I guess my backpack. And my camera…oh yah, and I
am really glad I have a really really great pair of comfy shoes.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings
about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would itbe?Every day is a new adventure.
2026 Context
- European travel has become significantly more expensive, with accommodation and transport costs rising across the continent.
- Open borders within the Schengen area remain consistent, but Brexit has added complexity for UK travelers.
- Southeast Asia backpacker infrastructure has grown significantly, with better accommodation standards and higher prices than in the early 2000s.