Pat Short – Around-the-World Traveler is a pre trip from Birmingham, England. Currently working as a Fundraising Manager for a children’s Charity, this 53-year-old from England is preparing for one of life's greatest journeys: traveling around the world.
About the Journey
I have reached a cross roads in my life. As I said before wonderfully, blissfully divorced. My children have grown up and my job has run it’s course. So this for me is the ideal time. I have travelled to South America twice and having met travellers there and talked to so many freinds who have travelled – the bug has bitten and it is something I just have to do.
The Snapshot
Age: 53
Nationality: England
Location: Birmingham, England
Planned Duration: 6-12 months
Original Budget: GBP 10,000
2026 Equivalent: USD 28000
The Route
you plan to visit? I fly to Rio, Brazil in January next year, after 3 days I intend to travel overland to Venezuala. Back to meet a friend in Rio for Carnival. I have given myself approx. 5 months in South America, then on to New Zealand for 1 month, Australia for 2 months. From Darwin I fly to Singapore and spend the remaining 4 months travelling through Asia. I will travel overland to Bangkok, on to Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong – into China. Back to Hong Kong and fly to Delhi. Onwards to Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet back into India and see as much as I can before flying home via Dubai.
Regions: Southeast Asia, South America, Oceania, Middle East
Note: Profile collected in 2004. Budget figures inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD.
In Their Words
Q: When do you leave?
January 2004
Q: How long do you plan to be away?
6-12 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
£10,000
Q: How old are you?
53
Q: Nationality
England
Q: Where do you live now?
Birmingham, England
Traveler's Insights
Advice for other travelers: Go for it – now...
Packing essentials: This is all so new to me. I am told to pack the barest minimum and buy as I go. So that sounds good enough for me.
Common misconception: I don’t know – perhaps I’ll find out on my travels and prove them wrong.
2026 Context
Budget inflation: The GBP 10,000 from 2004 now requires approximately USD 28000 in 2026, a 75% 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.