Laura Clark – Around-the-World Traveler is a pre trip from London, England. Currently working as a Work in a sales office, and I have a part time bar job, this 21-year-old from England is preparing for one of life's greatest journeys: traveling around the world.
About the Journey
I’ve been to a fair few different places, but I’ve never travelled extensively. When I was at uni I met so many people who had taken time out to travel – they’d been to the most amazing places, and it really inspired me to do the same. I went to Australia for 3 weeks in 2000 and loved it, and I’m desperate to explore further.
The Snapshot
Age: 21
Nationality: England
Location: London, England
Planned Duration: 6-12 months
Original Budget: GBP 4,000
2026 Equivalent: USD 10800
The Route
you plan to visit? From London to Bangkok, travelling around Thailand for around a month. Then down to Perth for a little while, flying to Melbourne, and then overland from there to Cairns for about 6 months, stopping at Sydney (working there for a month or so), Canberra, Brisbane and other places on the way up. Flying over to Auckland, travelling around NZ for 6wks to 2months, then from there to America to see the family on the way home in San Fransisco, Denver and Boston (to get completely spoilt on the way back home when I’m broke.). Then back to rainy old Blighty. Boooooooo.
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania
Note: Profile collected in 2005. Budget figures inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD.
In Their Words
Q: When do you leave?
January 2005
Q: How long do you plan to be away?
6-12 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
So far £4000. Will have around £8-9000 by the time I go
Q: How old are you?
21
Q: Nationality
England
Q: Where do you live now?
London, England
Traveler's Insights
Advice for other travelers: Take every oppoutunity that arises.
Packing essentials: I’m still at the stage where I’m looking at what to take and leave behind – BootsnAll’s advice pages and boards are very useful for this. My most indispensible items will prob be my (cheap.) camera, so I can make everyone at home jealous with all my snaps, my mosquito repellent, and my combination padlocks..
Common misconception: That, if travelling alone, you’ll be lonely, or if with someone else, you’ll get sick of one another. You will always, always meet people of a like mind.
2026 Context
Budget inflation: The GBP 4,000 from 2005 now requires approximately USD 10800 in 2026, a 68% increase reflecting global economic changes and rising travel costs.
This pre trip profile captures round-the-world aspirations from the early 2000s. Modern travelers following similar routes should verify current visa requirements, safety conditions, and infrastructure in each destination.
Timeless principles: The planning foundations emphasized by this traveler remain essential. Thorough budgeting, visa research, family communication, and thoughtful preparation continue to support successful round-the-world journeys.