Nick Wusz – Around-the-World Traveler

Nick Wusz is a 26-year-old mechanical engineer from Prineville, Oregon, USA, who took a round-the-world trip in 2002 with his partner.

We met so many people that had travelled like this while we were living in London. They inspired us and made us realize how little exposure travelling gets in the USA. Such a shame.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2002
• Age at departure: 26
• Nationality: USA
• Location: Prineville, Oregon, USA
• Duration: About 8 months (May 2002 – January 2003)
• Occupation: Mechanical engineer
• Original budget: USD 15,000 for two travelers (approximately USD 27,500 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: Europe, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Oceania

The Route

After two years living in London: Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, then Greece, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, on to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, then Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and finally Los Angeles.

In Their Words

Here's what Nick Wusz shared about their RTW journey:

What is your advice for other travelers?

There is such a thing as too much travelling. Remember to spread your plan out and be prepared for it to change. It’s OK to check out the Lonely Planets before you leave, but just remember, with or without those books, you will end up in the same places as everyone else. The travellers’ route is very deep and it is hard to get out of the rut of the route sometimes – do it though. Those are your best times, when you see and hear no other travellers.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 15,000 (for two travelers) would equate to approximately USD 27,500 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 83% inflation over the intervening years.