Gavin Rice is a 24-year-old software developer from England who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2002.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 24
- Nationality: England
- Location: England
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Software Developer
- Original budget: approximately USD 26,400 in 2026 dollars
- Regions: Southeast Asia, Asia, Oceania, North America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Gavin Rice shared about their RTW journey:
Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
It’s my career.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Well I have to hold my hands up. I used to be Mr Package Holiday, but last October I decided to go the Australian Motorcycle GP. Obviously being in the UK I couldn’t just go for the weekend so I booked three weeks off work and decided that backpacking was my cheapest option. The original idea was to plan the whole thing out, but it didn’t really work out that way. I think the fact that I didn’t have any constraints made the trip more enjoyable. I even think that losing all my credit/debit cards added to the excitement. The trip gave me more self-confidence and the feeling that nothing is impossible if you really want it. So with my newfound confidence I decided that I should now tackle the rest of the world.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
If you had asked me this question this time last year I would have said, “Giving up my job, my house and leaving everyone behind. Not to mention being on my own for so long.” Now, with all honesty I don’t think there is anything that bothers me about going. Apart from not being able to go.
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 know for starters that my email inbox will always be brimming with emails from people I’ve met on my travels. As for changing my life, well that’s difficult to answer, but it will definitely put a tick in my lifetime goals box. I reckon it will have a big effect on me. Meeting new people always broadens your horizons, and I don’t think there will be a shortage of new people.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
You have to do something with your life, why not this.
Why do you think people should go on round-the-world trips? Why not just take a regular old one- or two-week vacation instead?
I think it’s whatever floats your boat, to be honest. If people like 2 weeks away then cool. I can’t really answer this question. I’m not sure there is a right answer. Very individual.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original round-the-world budget equates to approximately USD 26,400 in 2026 purchasing power.