Stephanie Warren is a 30-year-old executive from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, who set off on an around-the-world trip in 2005.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2005
- Age at departure: 30
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Executive
- Original budget: USD 10,000 (approximately USD 16,900 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, Central America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Stephanie Warren 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?
I have always wanted to travel and wished I would have done it when I was younger. I continued to use my job as an excuse until I decided I am done with the corporate world. I have no children, husband, or pets; therefore, I have no more excuses. I thought 3 weeks in Peru (May 2004) and 3 weeks travel every year thereafter would satisfy me until retirement. It actually did quite the opposite.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Missing my family. I don’t fear anything about the trip itself, because I will enjoy all experiences good or bad. I should probably worry about money, but I plan to teach English in China and Costa Rica.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Research. I was amazed at the lack of research people did before going to Peru. You can’t survive off of Amex and ATM cards. Yes, there really are cities that do not have banks and ATMs.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
I think people think it is for hippies, bums, lost souls, etc. I think it is for those possibly a little more in touch with life.
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?
It will, at the least, give me a better understanding of other cultures. One can read about other countries and cultures, but I don’t think one can actually grasp it without seeing it. I think it will make me even more compassionate and more grounded. It took me years to realize that I would be happier making a liveable income and living my life than making a ton of money and living my job. I hope that I will realize more about myself and what I want to do with my life. I am trying to redirect my instincts from being money-hungry to being intent on happiness.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Likely too much, but I will try to keep it light. Whatever I can stuff in one backpack and one day pack. My passport, digital camera, and ipod (for storage too) will be the indespensable items. Oh yes, money too.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 10,000 would equate to approximately USD 16,900 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 69% inflation over the intervening years.