Marta Cidraes vaz de Sousa – Around-the-World Traveler

Marta Cidraes vaz de Sousa is a 28-year-old cinema-production worker from Lisbon, Portugal, who took a round-the-world trip in 2002.

I was tired of Portugal, of my job, of feeling old. I got some unexpected money and was lucky enough to have a good friend to come along.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2002
• Age at departure: 28
• Nationality: Portugal
• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Duration: About 6 months (February 2002 – July 2002)
• Occupation: Cinema production
• Original budget: EUR 7,500 (approximately USD 15,800 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: Europe, South America, Oceania, Southeast Asia

The Route

By plane: Lisbon, London, Lima, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Melbourne, Bangkok, London, and back to Lisbon. By land: three months between Lima and Buenos Aires, three weeks from Sydney to Cairns and back to Melbourne, and a month around Thailand.

In Their Words

Here's what Marta Cidraes vaz de Sousa shared about their RTW journey:

What is your advice for other travelers?

Don´t rush from place to place. Stick to the countries really different from your own. Don´t carry too much weight. Choose your companion carefully.

What is the biggest myth people have about round-the-world travel?

That you get to see it all.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of EUR 7,500 would equate to approximately USD 15,800 in 2026 purchasing power.