Jake Stroudley – Around-the-World Traveler

Jake Stroudley is an IT sales professional from England who first took a round-the-world trip from 1989 to 1992, at age 22, and is planning another.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 1989
• Age at departure: 22
• Nationality: England
• Duration: About 3 years (October 1989 – August 1992)
• Occupation: IT sales
• Original budget: Not specified
• Regions: Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, North America, South America, Central America, Caribbean

The Route

Last time (1989–1992): India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and home. This time: India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China, Tibet, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Chile, Peru, Belize, the Caribbean, South America, and onwards — maybe four or five years.

In Their Words

Here's what Jake Stroudley 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?

Last trip: Fell out of a long-term relationship. It was something I always wanted to do, an adventure. This trip: Because I got the bug, and I can. I don’t like the UK… there are other places in this world I would rather be.

Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip and why?

Last trip: The Dalai Lama. This trip: Chris the mad Dutch bloke.

How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?

Can I ask a friend? I was more open-minded, free of all this materialistic ownership crap, I had more “have a go.” My outlook was so much more chilled, you couldn’t get me stressed or angry for anything. It didn’t last though…

If you had to sum up your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?

It gets under your skin in a way you can’t shake it.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler did not specify a budget; late-1980s to early-1990s travel costs are far higher in 2026 (roughly 140% cumulative inflation).