Sian Harris is preparing for an around-the-world journey starting in 2003. Ready to explore multiple continents and experience diverse cultures.
Snapshot
- Departure: 2003
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Age: 24
- Budget: GBP 5,000 (USD 8,000, or USD 14,300 in 2026 dollars)
- Location: Gloucester, England
- Occupation: Boring Job!
- Traveled before: No
The Route
Fly to Calgary – travel overland to Vancouver seeing the National Parks (Banff, Jasper) and the Rockies. On to LA – to travel around California & Las Vegas, Grand Canyon – Yosemite, San Fran etc. Then a couple of weeks in Samoa. On to New Zealand, then to OZ – hopefully working in OZ, and finally on to Vietnam!
In Their Words
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I met up with some friends in Singapore in August 2001. They were on the last leg of their rtwt – and I wished I had gone with them. Had a fantastic time travelling overland through Malaysia and up to Bangkok. Decided shortly after that to go for it!
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Feeling totally alone, as I am going on my own.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Think positive and have faith in yourself. If I can do it anyone can!!
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
Ask me when I’ve done 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 hope it will give me the confidence to do anything I want to, and a major sense of achievement.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Haven’t decided what to pack yet; toying with the idea of not taking many clothes, as they are heavy! There isn’t much that is indispensable. A camera? The tickets, my passport! Most things can be replaced.
2026 Context
- Southeast Asia backpacker infrastructure has grown significantly, with better accommodation standards and higher prices than in the early 2000s.
- Digital nomad visas have transformed countries like Thailand and Vietnam, increasing costs but improving connectivity.
- Visa situations have shifted: India now requires advance visa applications, and overland routes are more restricted.