Phil Donachie – Around-the-World Traveler is a post trip from London, England. Currently working as a Before your trip: Student, this 18-year-old from England is preparing for one of life's greatest journeys: traveling around the world.
About the Journey
I wanted to work in America for my gap year, but couldn’t get the visas, so decided on Australia. STA Travel in London told me about RTW tickets, so I decided to go to some cool places. I wanted to see Electric City, Tokyo, was planning on working in OZ, and have family in New Zealand, and the rest of the trip fell into place. I got to see the places I had always dreamed about, Bondi Beach, Hawaii, New York, and the prospect of going to ‘unknown’ Asia seemed interesting as well.
The Snapshot
Age: 18
Nationality: England
Location: London, England
Planned Duration: Not specified
Original Budget: GBP 4,000
2026 Equivalent: USD 11900
The Route
Star Alliance: London – Tokyo – Bangkok – Singapore – Brisbane – Sydney – Christchurch – Wellington – Auckland – Honolulu – LA – Chicago – New York – London. Also train from Singapore to Malaysia (Langkawi) and back.
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania
Note: Profile collected in 2001. Budget figures inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD.
In Their Words
Q: When did you go on your RTW trip?
September 2001-April 2002
Q: How old were you when you took this trip?
18
Q: Including your air ticket and other expenses (from accommodation to souvenir-buying), about how much did your trip cost?
£4000?
Q: Nationality
England
Q: Where do you live now?
London, England
Q: Occupation
Before your trip: Student
Traveler's Insights
Advice for other travelers: Pack light, you can always buy pretty much anything en route. Don’t plan too much detail. You will find your ideas may well change once you get there. Don’t put it off until after university etc, (be like me and have a gap year before AND after.) Follow your dreams. If there’s somewhere you really want to go and see, or something you really want to do, do it. Whether it be sky diving over the Australian rainforest, elephant riding in Northern Thailand, shopping in New York, or sleeping on a beach in Hawaii.
Common misconception: “It’s far too expensive to go jetting off round the world”. It’s cheaper than you think. A thatched bungalow with marble floor, double bed, with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom, for £4 on the edge of one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. You also meet so many new friends, and basically have the time of your life.
2026 Context
Budget inflation: The GBP 4,000 from 2001 now requires approximately USD 11900 in 2026, a 85% increase reflecting global economic changes and rising travel costs.
This post 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.