HS is a 24-year-old from Northern Ireland, based in Southampton, England, who took a round-the-world trip in 2000.
I felt in a rut and wanted to escape and see more of life. I also talked a big game of learning Spanish. Still working on that one…
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2000
- Age at departure: 24
- Nationality: Northern Ireland
- Location: Southampton, England
- Duration: Not specified
- Original budget: GBP 3,500 (approximately USD 10,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: South America, Oceania
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what HS shared about their RTW journey:
How did your travels affect your career when you got back?
During my travels I decided it was time to do what I'd always wanted to do in the back of my mind – go back and be a student! So, long-term hopefully it will have enhanced my career prospects.
What was the best moment of your trip?
One of two. Firstly after a night partying in Brazil I was alone at sunrise on the most beautiful beach, and it hit me I was starting an amazing journey. Two: when our beloved Subaru, Synthia, was rescued by every friendly fisherman on a 90-mile beach in New Zealand in pitch black.
What was the worst moment?
Cairns, Australia, where I felt old and not in the public school year cliques.
What was your biggest hurdle, obstacle, or difficulty?
Moving on from countries, found leaving amazing places very hard, as well as ever-changing cultures.
What was your biggest surprise?
How my travel buddy and I never seemed to run out of things to talk about and never having a cross word.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of GBP 3,500 would equate to approximately USD 10,700 in 2026 purchasing power.