Jennifer Hanner is a 26-year-old engineer from the USA who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2002.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 26
- Nationality: USA
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Engineer
- Budget: approximately USD 36,700 in 2026 dollars
- Regions: Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, South America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Jennifer Hanner shared about their RTW journey:
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?
I was raised on travel. I wanted to take some time and see a lot of the places I’ve never been before.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
My knee blowing out, or getting really sick. I can work around everything else.
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 don’t believe it will be life changing. I do believe it will help me relax and return to work clear-headed again.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Look at all the cool places I get to go hiking/diving/eating.
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?
It would depend on the person; their ability to travel, finances and job. Not everyone should take a RTW trip. Or they should take one over a shorter period of time. And depending on a person’s level of confidence outside of their comfort zones, would determine where they should travel. I take 2-week vacations all the time. And they aren’t “regular” vacations.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: In today's money this traveler's round-the-world budget equates to approximately USD 36,700, reflecting roughly 84% cumulative inflation since the 2002 departure.