Kelly O'Laughlin is a USA temp embarking on a round-the-world journey.
The Snapshot
- **Departure:** 2004
- **Duration:** 3-6 months
- **Age:** 23
- **Budget:** $10,500 USD (2026 equivalent)
- **Nationality:** USA
- **Occupation:** Temp
The Route
you plan to visit?
We are flying into London then starting our trip from there.
London - Singapore - Bangkok - Singapore - Sydney - Queenstown - Auckland - Rarotonga - Tahiti - LA - London.
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania
2026 Note: Travel conditions, visa requirements, and costs have evolved significantly since this profile was originally recorded.
In Their Words
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
My boyfriend is a hard core traveler, and I have done traveling but nothing as extentive as this. We are sick of living in this crappy town in this little apartment. He is dying to go and although am a worrywart, I know in the end that I will love it.
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 think it will change me completely. I worry that when I get home, how will I ever be able to just work at a boring job again??
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
I am totally scared because I’ve never gone places without a real plan. I don’t know HOW to just go somewhere, make friends, hang out for a few weeks, go wherever you feel like, etc etc. I fear getting sick or being in bad situations. I worry too much.
Have you traveled around the world before?
No
Why do you like to travel? I LOVE to learn and experience things I never new existed.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Well, I can’t really give advice until I’ve taken mine already… then we’ll see if I did a good job in planning.
2026 Context
- This profile was recorded before departure. Many travelers never return home quite the same.
- This journey is now 22 years in the past. The world has changed significantly.
- Exchange rates and travel costs have shifted considerably since the original planning date.