Owen Whitford is preparing for an around-the-world journey starting in 2004. Ready to explore multiple continents and experience diverse cultures.
Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Age: 25
- Budget: GBP 2,500 (USD 4,000, or USD 7,000 in 2026 dollars)
- Location: Cardiff, Wales
- Occupation: Civil Servant (ha ha).
The Route
you plan to visit?London – Bangkok – (Vietnam/Cambodia) – Australia – NZ – Chile – (Argentina) – Peru – USA and
finish off in Canada (with my sis).
In Their Words
Why did you decide to take this trip? What
got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?A very bad case of the travel bug… love visiting new places and meeting
new people and need see to the world.
What is your advice for people planning
their own RTW trip?Shouldn’t really advise as I haven’t done it myself yet, but just to enjoy
the experience.
What is the biggest myth that people have
about round-the-world traveling?Everyone will rob you and that you need money to have a good time.
What are you packing? What do you consider
your most indispensable item(s)?Socks, pants and knife. The rest I guess you can get cheap in SE Asia. Also
my tent probably…despite the fact I won’t need it till S. America.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings
about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would itbe?It’s been a long time coming.
2026 Context
- European travel has become significantly more expensive, with accommodation and transport costs rising across the continent.
- Open borders within the Schengen area remain consistent, but Brexit has added complexity for UK travelers.
- Southeast Asia backpacker infrastructure has grown significantly, with better accommodation standards and higher prices than in the early 2000s.