Rachel – Around-the-World Traveler

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Rachel is a 22-year-old ESL teacher, originally from the USA and based in Paris, France, who is planning a round-the-world trip in 2004.

I have the travel bug.

The Snapshot

  • Departure: 2004
  • Age at departure: 22
  • Nationality: USA
  • Location: Paris, France
  • Duration: 6-12 months
  • Occupation: ESL teacher
  • Original budget: USD 5,000 (approximately USD 8,700 in 2026 dollars)
  • Regions: Oceania, Southeast Asia, Asia, South Asia

The Route

New Zealand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, China, Tibet, Nepal, India, and back to Paris.

In Their Words

Here's what Rachel shared about their RTW journey:

What is your advice for other travelers?

Pack lightly, be good spirited, but keep your wits about you.

What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?

Packing light. Indispensable item is an open mind (and addresses of contacts).

What is the biggest myth people have about round-the-world travel?

That they cannot do it.

2026 Context

  • Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 5,000 would equate to approximately USD 8,700 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 74% inflation over the intervening years.