Sally Carroll is a 22-year-old database administrator from Hertfordshire, England, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2002.
I graduated from university last year and decided I wanted to travel before committing to a career. So while others around me applied for sensible jobs I set my sights on something more adventurous. I’ve travelled before, but never for this length of time, and I am looking forward to full immersion in the travelling culture.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 22
- Nationality: England
- Location: Hertfordshire, England
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Database administrator
- Original budget: Not specified
- Regions: North America, Oceania, South America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Sally Carroll shared about their RTW journey:
What is your advice for other travelers?
Make a wish-list of where you want to visit and then go and see a specialist travel agent to discuss an itinerary. You’ll be surprised what you can do, even on a tight budget. Don’t assume you are constrained by the typical RTW ticket, you’ll be amazed how flexible they can be.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
With a good pair of walking shoes and a travel journal there isn’t much else you can’t acquire along the way.
What is the biggest myth people have about round-the-world travel?
If you don’t want to eat guinea pig, swim through leech-infested swamps and career through the mountains chauffeured by bus drivers on a death wish, you don’t have to. Though many of us choose to put ourselves in these situations, people shouldn’t be put off by thinking that it’s compulsory.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler did not specify a budget, but early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026 (roughly 70-80% cumulative inflation over the intervening years).