Laura Clark is a 21-year-old from London, England, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2005.
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
- Departure: 2005
- Age at departure: 21
- Nationality: England
- Location: London, England
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Sales office / part-time bar job
- Original budget: GBP 4,000 saved (expected £8,000–9,000 by departure; approximately USD 10,800 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Southeast Asia, Oceania, North America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Laura Clark shared about their RTW journey:
What is your advice for other travelers?
Take every opportunity that arises.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
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 indispensable items will probably be my (cheap) camera, so I can make everyone at home jealous with all my snaps, my mosquito repellent, and my combination padlocks.
What is the biggest myth people have about round-the-world travel?
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: This traveler's original budget of GBP 4,000 would equate to approximately USD 10,800 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 68% inflation over the intervening years.