Jennifer Hanner is a USA engineer embarking on a round-the-world journey.
The Snapshot
- **Departure:** 2002
- **Duration:** 6-12 months
- **Age:** 26
- **Budget:** $36,700 USD (2026 equivalent)
- **Nationality:** USA
- **Occupation:** Engineer
The Route
I have a couple of routes I’m debating on right now. I’m leaning towards Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Argentina. But I think this may be too much in the time period allotted.
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, Middle East
2026 Note: Travel conditions, visa requirements, and costs have evolved significantly since this profile was originally recorded.
In Their Words
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
- This profile was recorded before departure. Many travelers never return home quite the same.
- This journey is now 24 years in the past. The world has changed significantly.
- Exchange rates and travel costs have shifted considerably since the original planning date.