Linh Altork – Around-the-World Traveler is a pre trip from North Carolina, USA. Currently working as a Dot com victim, this 33-year-old from USA is preparing for one of life's greatest journeys: traveling around the world.
About the Journey
As youthful as I wish I’d stay, I know my eggs are expiring and I need to get the wanderlust out of my system before we settle down and have kids. My original plan was to visit a foreign country every year til I die, but then the thought of dragging little kiddies along everywhere made that seem less appealing. So I’m doing it in one fell swoop. As important is that I love different cultures and languages. I want to experience the interaction of societies around the world because people are such fascinating creatures.
The Snapshot
Age: 33
Nationality: USA
Location: North Carolina, USA
Planned Duration: 1-2 years
Original Budget: None
The Route
Southeast Asia – Australia – India – Turkey – Europe – Russia – Transcontinental to China – side trips to islands.
Regions: Europe, Asia, Oceania, Russia/Trans-Siberian
Note: Profile collected in 2004. Budget figures inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD.
In Their Words
Q: When do you leave?
October 2004
Q: How long do you plan to be away?
1-2 Years
Q: How much have you saved?
Not much
Q: How old are you?
33
Q: Nationality
USA
Q: Where do you live now?
North Carolina, USA
Traveler's Insights
Advice for other travelers: Read other people’s experiences, take the sum of all their hints and tips, divide by 100 and you got yourself a formula. Keep peoples’ advice in the back of your mind so you’re aware, but don’t let the anxiety about all the things that could go wrong ruin your trip before it’s started. And if you could keep your mind open to all possibilities, then you can’t be disappointed.
Packing essentials: A couple of outfits and stuff here and there. I’m only packing a daypack and keeping it below 20 pounds, including our tent and sleeping bags, because we plan on alot of wilderness hiking where possible.
Common misconception: That the only way around is by air.
2026 Context
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.