Michelle Moreno is a 23-year-old from Los Angeles, California, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2004.
I first backpacked across Europe in 2002 for about 5 weeks w/ a friend of mine. Then in 2003, I decided – my job isn’t going anywhere, might as well travel – so I backpacked Europe again for 3 months…this time alone. I returned to the States in August and have been home a month. I find myself tired of living in L.A. and have a strong desire to do a RTW trip for a year. As for the influence – it was mainly meeting people who have done RTW trips.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 23
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Currently unemployed
- Original budget: None reported
- Regions: Europe, Asia, Oceania
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Michelle Moreno shared about their RTW journey:
What is your advice for other travelers?
Don’t have any right now – ask me after my trip.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
JOURNAL....., CAMERA, PASSPORT, ATM/Credit Card, moneybelt, and sleepsheet…oh and some clothes.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler had not yet saved a travel budget at the time of the interview, so no 2026 inflation-adjusted figure applies.