Gavin Rice is a England software developer embarking on a round-the-world journey.
The Snapshot
- **Departure:** 2002
- **Duration:** 1-2 years
- **Age:** 24
- **Budget:** $26,400 USD (2026 equivalent)
- **Nationality:** England
- **Occupation:** Software Developer
The Route
Today I’m thinking London, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Island, USA, Canada, London. But tomorrow I will probably have changed my mind again.
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania
2026 Note: Travel conditions, visa requirements, and costs have evolved significantly since this profile was originally recorded.
In Their Words
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
- This profile was recorded before departure. Many travelers never return home quite the same.
- This journey is now 24 years in the past. The world has changed significantly.
- Exchange rates and travel costs have shifted considerably since the original planning date.