Henry Becker is a USA before your trip:personal finance embarking on a round-the-world journey.
The Snapshot
- **Departure:** 2000
- **Duration:** Unknown duration
- **Age:** 31
- **Budget:** $49,800 USD (2026 equivalent)
- **Nationality:** USA
- **Occupation:** Before your trip:Personal Finance
The Route
Our route was westward from Baltimore. The countries visited were (in order): Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, India, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Spain.
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Oceania
2026 Note: Travel conditions, visa requirements, and costs have evolved significantly since this profile was originally recorded.
In Their Words
When did you go on your RTW trip? August 2000-July 2001
How old were you when you took this trip? 31
Including your air ticket and other expenses (from accommodation to souvenir-buying), about how much did your trip cost? US$26,000
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go? The short version of why we took this trip could be summed up as 50% wanderlust and 50% hating being chained to a desk. I guess the biggest influence would be that I had someone that shared the same dream. What got me into this type of travel was a prior backpacking trip through Europe. I met great people and had a ton of fun learning about the world, other people, and me.
Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip and why? Gerard, the owner of the Funky Green Voyager hostel in Rotorua, New Zealand. Besides being cool as all get-out and a great talker, he helped us get tickets to the Auckland v. Wellington Rugby match in “The Tank” in Wellington. As well, he helped with the play-by-play at the game.
How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person? I feel more in tune with the world. I have a better understanding of diversity in practice, not in lip service. As well, I realize how fortunate I am for my family, friends, and the gross amounts of excess we Americans call necessity. The trip has made me a more self-assured and assertive person. There was not a day that our little team of two did not have to get up and work together at understanding ourselves, each other and our surroundings. This kind of environment fosters personal growth.
2026 Context
- This traveler completed their journey around 2002 to 2003.
- Travel conditions and costs have evolved significantly since their return.