Nicole Heyermann is a 23-year-old banker from Los Angeles, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2002.
For the adventure and the challenge.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 23
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Los Angeles, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Banker
- Original budget: None reported
- Regions: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, South America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Nicole Heyermann shared about their RTW journey:
What is your advice for other travelers?
I haven’t officially started yet, but my advice is not to sweat it. I got all worried about around the world tickets and what-not… but once I made up my mind to let the wind take me wherever it will I stopped stressing. Cheers.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Universal sink plug and washing line. Some Mary J. Blige of course. Flashlight, sunscreen, and I’ve been told that I will be grateful for my earplugs.
What is the biggest myth people have about round-the-world travel?
You can figure out the main destinations just by talking to people. Secondly, the adventure is in the journey. I’m all for planning certain things if that’s your style, but believe me, where there’s a will, there’s a way. It’s not as hard as people think to find accommodation and get around on the spot.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler had not set a fixed budget at the time of the interview, so no 2026 inflation-adjusted figure applies.