Kelly O’Laughlin is a 23-year-old temp worker from the USA who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2004 with her boyfriend.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 23
- Nationality: USA
- Location: USA
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Occupation: Temp
- Original budget: USD 6,000 (approximately USD 10,500 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania, North America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Kelly O'Laughlin 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?
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
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 6,000 would equate to approximately USD 10,500 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 75% inflation over the intervening years.