Sandra Nisbet – Around-the-World Traveler

Sandra Nisbet is a 31-year-old retail manager from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2003.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2003
• Age at departure: 31
• Nationality: Canada
• Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Occupation: Retail management
• Original budget: USD 5,000 (approximately USD 9,000 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: North America, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, Oceania

The Route

From Winnipeg out to Vancouver, then New York, London, Madrid, Italy, Greece, and Egypt (possibly), on to Thailand via Singapore, then Vietnam, off to Australia and New Zealand, a Pacific island (Tonga), and back home to Winnipeg before a planned move to Oz.

In Their Words

Here's what Sandra Nisbet shared about their RTW journey:

Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?

My boyfriend from Australia has the same ticket approx..and is in Canada..I’m leaving with him!!

What is your biggest fear about this trip?

Cash … Work visas for Thailand/Austalia…Meeting the future husband’s family!!

What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?

I’ll let you know when I get back!!

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

It’s impossible!! Mortgages ..Jobs..Bills..You can always find another home and another job!!

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

Minimal clothes…indispensible MY JOURNAL..and digital camera!!

If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?

If you’re not sure where your life is heading it doesn’t matter which fork in the road you take!!

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 5,000 would equate to approximately USD 9,000 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 80% inflation over the intervening years.