Sarah Imogen Watkins is a 27-year-old public relations professional from London, England, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2002 with her husband.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 27
- Nationality: England
- Location: London, England
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Public relations
- Original budget: GBP figure reported as "15" in the source (appears truncated)
- Regions: Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Sarah Imogen Watkins 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 partner and I have just got married and have always talked about doing this, but it never felt like the right time. However, with the economy the way it is, now is the best time ever and it’s our last adventure before we do our bit for repopulating the planet!
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Not having enough money to do everything we would like (within reason!) Also, getting ripped off, as I’ve heard a few scary stories about South Africa.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Make sure you set a date ASAP, otherwise it’s easy to keep postponing it – there is no time like the present! Also, use the local advisors on BootsnAll for any questions you have about places you are visiting as it can save you time and money and is more reliable than your travel agent, who has probably never been!
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That it’s too hard to organise, or that they are too old to do it. Once you put your mind to it, you can achieve amazing things, and there is nothing that can’t be sorted out.
How do you think your round-the-world trip will change your life? How do you think it will affect and change you as a person?
I’m hoping it will stop me being so materialistic, and also help me to meet lots of different people, as living in London makes you so unfriendly and suspicious of everyone! I’m also looking forward to seeing so many different ways of life, and to gain an understanding of other cultures in a positive way.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
I’m packing mainly summer clothes as most of the places we’re going will be hot, plus they don’t take up so much room. I think my hooded fleece must be my most important item, as it’s very warm and cosy, and I hate the cold! I’m also taking a hairdryer and straighteners, although my husband thinks I’m mad – they are only old so can easily be thrown away, but I can’t break my addiction to them just like that!
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's reported budget figure appears truncated in the source, but early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026 (roughly 75-85% cumulative inflation).