Mary Weatherburn is a student from England, now based in Kumamoto, Japan, who took a round-the-world trip in 1999 at age 18.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 1999
- Age at departure: 18
- Nationality: England
- Location: Kumamoto, Japan
- Duration: About 8 months (November 1999 – June 2000)
- Occupation: Student
- Original budget: GBP 5,000 (approximately USD 14,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: North America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Mary Weatherburn shared about their RTW journey:
How did your travels affect your career when you got back?
Not really applicable. I always do temping work during holidays from uni to earn money for travelling – usually working as a secretary/PA through employment agencies.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Wanted adventure, and a gap year before university seemed an excellent time to go, before I had any responsibilities which might tie me down. Not that this will probably stop me from travelling now – I’m hooked!!
What was the best moment of your trip?
Sky-diving.
What was the worst moment?
Saying good-bye to the school I’d worked at.
What was your biggest hurdle, obstacle, or difficulty?
When I’m travelling, the hard moments seem to add to the experience, and I’ve been lucky enough not to have anything important stolen, get too ill, etc.
What was your biggest surprise?
How easy it was.
Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip, and why?
We arrived in Darjeeling late at night, having just crossed the border from Nepal. There was something big going on so ALL accommodation was full-up with Indians. A kind family (guy from Mumbai, wife from Tibet, babe in arms, little girl) took us into their tiny, tiny dingy little cupboard of an apartment, even though their parents were staying there too and there was no room AT ALL. (In the end their friends managed to put us up in their guest-house, but it was the sincere gesture that stuck out.)
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of GBP 5,000 would equate to approximately USD 14,700 in 2026 purchasing power.