Megan Woods – Around-the-World Traveler is a pre trip from London, England. Currently working as a Bond Marketing, this 27-year-old from South Africa is preparing for one of life's greatest journeys: traveling around the world.
About the Journey
Technically I have been travelling since 1997. I left South Africa to travel and have only been home on short visits since. After my Middle East and Africa trips I just kept finding more and more places that had to be done. This kind of travel is not easy to shake – it’s on my long list of bad habits.
The Snapshot
Age: 27
Nationality: South Africa
Location: London, England
Planned Duration: 6-12 months
Original Budget: GBP 8,000
2026 Equivalent: USD 23500
The Route
Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, North America
Regions: Southeast Asia, Oceania
Note: Profile collected in 2002. Budget figures inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD.
In Their Words
Q: When do you leave?
February 2002
Q: How long do you plan to be away?
6-12 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
£8000
Q: How old are you?
27
Q: Nationality
South Africa
Q: Where do you live now?
London, England
Traveler's Insights
Advice for other travelers: Be very flexible when it comes to making plans – the best times are always the unplanned ones.
Packing essentials: Heavy-duty tick spray. It’s the strongest anti-everything-that-crawls, but mostly it is a bedbug and flea terminator. Otherwise I’m travelling so light that I could skip around the world on my tippy toes…
Common misconception: That they will be giving up too much for it to be worthwhile.
2026 Context
Budget inflation: The GBP 8,000 from 2002 now requires approximately USD 23500 in 2026, a 83% 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.