Jo Malcolm is a 28-year-old health promotion and fitness worker from Perth, Australia, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2004.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 28
- Nationality: Australia
- Location: Perth, Australia
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Health Promotion / Fitness
- Original budget: AUD 18,000 (approximately USD 30,600 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: South America, North America, Middle East, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Jo Malcolm shared about their RTW journey:
Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
I’ll come back if they’ll have me.
Have you traveled around the world before?
No.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Go now why there are no huge ties keeping me here. No boyfriend, no debt, enough experience in job to leave it and go while I can still get a UK work visa!
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Travelling alone was probably a fear at first but probably not so much anymore. No fears, just lots of excitement and nerves mixed together.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Supportive, jealous, worried and some just can’t get over why I have chosen some of the countries I have! Flatmate is worried as he knows I can’t stand the COLD and I am going to some COLD places in winter time (Canada!!!).
How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just Enough.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Probably camera as most indispensable for memories and WARM clothing!
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?
Will no longer have the security of a healthy savings account. Really have no idea, which is why I am going.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of AUD 18,000 would equate to approximately USD 30,600 in 2026 purchasing power over the intervening years.