Jacobien is a 25-year-old incident investigator from the Netherlands who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2004.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 25
- Nationality: Netherlands
- Location: Netherlands
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Incident investigator
- Original budget: Not specified
- Regions: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, North America, Central America, South America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Jacobien shared about their RTW journey:
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I wanted this for years. After I travelled through Asia by myself I was sure I wanted to do this. I worked for more than a year to save money. I have to look for a new job and I think the economy is going to be better in a year.
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 hope I will learn some other wisdoms of other cultures. And I will get more relaxed because I did what I have always wanted to do (travel around the world).
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That I get robbed of all my things and/or attacked, especially if it is at a moment I don’t know anyone who is willing to help me.
Have you traveled around the world before?
Yes.
Why do you like to travel?
So I can get to know other cultures.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Just do it. If you want to meet people and travel together, don’t plan too much. Let it be possible to change your travel plans. Keep in mind that traveling through developing countries goes very slowly (it can easily take 5 hours to travel 40km).
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler did not specify a budget; early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026 (roughly 75-85% cumulative inflation).