Joshua Lee Goldstein is a 27-year-old management consultant from the USA who took a round-the-world trip from February to September 2003.
The Snapshot
- Departure: February 2003
- Age at departure: 27
- Nationality: USA
- Duration: About 7 months (February–September 2003)
- Occupation: Management Consultant
- Original budget: USD 40,000 (approximately USD 71,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: North America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Europe
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Joshua Lee Goldstein 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’ve always had a love of travelling going back to my youth. I’m fortunate to have a good job that pays pretty well and gives me a lot of time off. I’ve always wanted to take an extended leave and travel around the world, so I went to my employers and got a leave of absence.
Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip and why?
Alia - we just clicked the moment we met and were perfect travel buddies. I wound up going to Malaysia and styed with her and her family for a week, then went on to Bali with her for 10 days with some of her friends. Both these places were not in my itinerary and Bali wound up being my 2nd favorite place on the whole trip. Alia and I are still good friends, though on other sides of the world….love her and miss her lots..
How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?
It has opened my eyes up even more to how cultures differ all over the world and how people differ as well. At the same time, I also learned how similar so many travellers are that all come from different backgrounds and cultures all over the world.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 40,000 would equate to approximately USD 71,700 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 79% inflation over the intervening years.