Matt Harris – Around-the-World Traveler is a pre trip from UK, England. Currently working as a Engineering Sales Manager, this 24-year-old from England is preparing for one of life's greatest journeys: traveling around the world.
About the Journey
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
Age: 24
Nationality: England
Location: UK, England
Planned Duration: 6-12 months
Original Budget: GBP 14,000
2026 Equivalent: USD 40200
The Route
you plan to visit? UK – South Africa (Cape Town, Garden Route, Pretoria, Jo’Burg) – Australia (Pick up a camper van in Perth and then drive all around the North right round to Sydney) – New Zealand (Christchurch – Camper Van all the way to Auckland) – Fiji – Malaysia – Thailand – Vietnam – Nepal – UK.
Regions: Southeast Asia, Africa, Oceania
Note: Profile collected in 2003. Budget figures inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD.
In Their Words
Q: When do you leave?
September 2003
Q: How long do you plan to be away?
6-12 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
£14000
Q: How old are you?
24
Q: Nationality
England
Q: Where do you live now?
UK, England
Traveler's Insights
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, and enjoy it as much as you can and listen and learn always and never be afraid to share your own views with others as life is one big learning experience. Material goods come and go but memories remain forever.
Packing essentials: Very basic and buy what else we need when we are away. Underwear, T-shirts, shorts, 1 pair of trousers, sandals and walking boots, basic toiletries, medical kit, 1 towel each and the trusty MP3 player jukebox . This is in-despensable for those long drives or train journeys.
Common misconception: That everywhere is dangerous that does not 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’ reutation as “The land of smiles” as evryone was so friendly and helpfull. Stay aware but not always defensive as a smile can get you everywhere.
2026 Context
Budget inflation: The GBP 14,000 from 2003 now requires approximately USD 40200 in 2026, a 79% increase reflecting global economic changes and rising travel costs.
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.