Sarah Kenworthy is a 28-year-old research scientist from Seattle, Washington, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2002.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Age at departure: 28
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Research scientist
- Original budget: Not specified
- Regions: Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Oceania
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Sarah Kenworthy 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?
Why not? I had always wanted to travel and after listening to friends’/relatives’ stories, I decided no better time than the present.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That I will not want to come back or stop traveling. And, my safety, as always.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Plan as much as you can beforehand, but don’t stress yourself out about it. Pack lightly, take essentials, remember you can always buy things while you travel and then you have a permanent souvenir. Talk to people, make connections. Browse the internet, there are some great resources out there, especially this one.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That’s it’s too impossible to plan and way too expensive and that they can’t take time off to do it.
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 feel I am a very open and loving person and very independent. But, I hope it will make me more so, even more accepting of other cultures, people, etc. I hope it will inspire me to continue to help others whenever possible and to never stop experiencing the wonderful world we live in.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Will try to not pack very much. Trying to pack very versatile clothing, one versatile jacket. Small sleeping bag, sleep sheet, medical kit, poncho, camel back, water bottle, pack-locks, books/journals. Indispensable item? Ah, maybe jacket, medical kit, pocket knife… we’ll see.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler did not report a specific budget, but early-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026 (roughly 75-85% cumulative inflation).