SM is preparing for an around-the-world journey starting in 2002. Ready to explore multiple continents and experience diverse cultures.
Snapshot
- Departure: 2002
- Duration: indefinite
- Age: 31
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Occupation: Self-employed
- Traveled before: No
The Route
From LA: Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, India, Nepal, East Africa, Egypt, Cyprus, Turkey, Greek Islands, Crete, Greece mainland. Up and around in Europe: Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, St. Petersburg, and whatever I feel like…
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?
Sick and tired of having no quality of life at my old job. Have always wanted to travel, volunteer internationally, start my own adventure company, etc… Love adventure.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Losing my laptop. Getting sick. Running out of money. Going to morocco and Egypt.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Research, research, research. See tourist type stuff but more off the beaten path.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
You have to have tons of money.
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 think this trip will change my life for the better, and realizing money doesn’t make you happy but it sure does give you freedom. It will affect me in many ways. History, quality of life and what’s really important to me, friendships, worldwide knowledge, intellectual, etc.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Backpacking stuff, laptop, cell phone, travel journal, etc… My shoes and laptop are most indispensable.
2026 Context
- European travel has become significantly more expensive, with accommodation and transport costs rising across the continent.
- Open borders within the Schengen area remain consistent, but Brexit has added complexity for UK travelers.
- Southeast Asia backpacker infrastructure has grown significantly, with better accommodation standards and higher prices than in the early 2000s.