Matt Harris is a 24-year-old engineering sales manager from England who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2003 with his partner.
Me and my partner went travelling round Thailand for 2 weeks back in 2002 and loved it that much that we decided to sell our house and give up work and just do it for a year. We work very long hours and have decided that we have earned it and that life is too short to waste stuck in offices.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2003
- Age at departure: 24
- Nationality: England
- Location: UK, England
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Engineering sales manager
- Original budget: GBP 14,000 (approximately USD 40,200 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Matt Harris shared about their RTW journey:
What is your advice for other travelers?
Get a basic plan in mind and then just go for it. Winging it is far more fun and practical than planning everything down to the final detail, as your plans will change and then your whole neat schedule will go to pot. Most of all, pack light, enjoy it as much as you can, listen and learn always, and never be afraid to share your own views with others – life is one big learning experience. Material goods come and go but memories remain forever.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Very basic, and buy what else we need when we are away. Underwear, T-shirts, shorts, one pair of trousers, sandals and walking boots, basic toiletries, a medical kit, one towel each, and the trusty MP3 player jukebox. This is indispensable for those long drives or train journeys.
What is the biggest myth people have about round-the-world travel?
That everywhere is dangerous that doesn’t speak native English and that they are all out to rob you at any opportunity. This could not be any further from the truth in Thailand, which really did earn its reputation as "The Land of Smiles" as everyone was so friendly and helpful. Stay aware but not always defensive – a smile can get you everywhere.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of GBP 14,000 would equate to approximately USD 40,200 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 79% inflation over the intervening years.