Renee Berling – Around-the-World Traveler

Renee Berling is a 19-year-old student from Wisconsin, USA, who took a round-the-world trip in 2000.

I wanted something different in my life. I was sick of sitting in classrooms hearing about all these great adventures, and decided it was time to build my own.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2000
• Age at departure: 19
• Nationality: USA
• Location: Wisconsin, USA
• Duration: About 1 year (January 2000 – February 2001)
• Occupation: Student
• Original budget: Not disclosed
• Regions: Europe, South America, Caribbean, North America

The Route

Many places in Europe including Paris, Amsterdam, and London, then Brazil, Jamaica, and Mexico, before returning home to Wisconsin.

In Their Words

Here's what Renee Berling shared about their RTW journey:

What is your advice for other travelers?

Don’t plan it, just go.

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

It does not cost that much.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler did not disclose a budget; early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026 (roughly 80% cumulative inflation).