Mary Dowling – Around-the-World Traveler

Mary Dowling is a 25-year-old engineer from Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland, who is planning a round-the-world trip departing in 2002.

I’ve always loved travelling and living in other countries and am always planning my next journey. I’ve been wanting to do this for ages.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2002
• Age at departure: 25
• Nationality: Ireland
• Location: Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Occupation: Engineer
• Original budget: EUR 6,000 (approximately USD 12,700 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: Southeast Asia, Oceania, South America

The Route

Fly to Bangkok and spend two months around Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, then down through Malaysia to Singapore, where the flight leaves for Melbourne — a year travelling and working in Australia, some time in New Zealand on the way home, and, if funds allow, some time in South America.

In Their Words

Here's what Mary Dowling shared about their RTW journey:

What is your advice for other travelers?

Start saving as soon as the idea pops into your head.

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

That they don’t have the time or money to do it. You only have one life, you might as well enjoy it.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of EUR 6,000 would equate to approximately USD 12,700 in 2026 purchasing power.