Susan Taylor completed an around-the-world journey starting in 1995. Their experiences across multiple continents reshaped how they see the world and travel.
Snapshot
- Departure: 1995
- Age: 24
- Budget: GBP 6,500 (USD 10,400, or USD 18,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Location: England
- Occupation: Before your trip:IT Support
The Route
We flew to Singapore and then travelled overland to Malaysia and Thailand. We flew from Bangkok to Bali and then on to Perth in Australia. We travelled up the West Coast of Australia to Darwin and then down to Alice Springs. We travelled across to Cairns and then down the East Coast. We flew out of Sydney to Christchurch in New Zealand. We travelled through the South Island and onto the North Island. We flew to Los Angeles and drove through California, Nevada and Arizona. We flew to New York and then home.
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?
My husband had always wanted to go backpacking round the world, so I agreed to go but had no idea what I was letting myself in for.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Don’t let anyone put you off of going. Even if you’ve got a mortgage, you can still go. Read as much as you can on a country and read other travellers’ travelogues to get an idea of what it will be like. I always carried a Lonely Planet guide to the country I was travelling through. Even the most boring places on paper can become the little gems you will always remember visiting.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That it is impossible to find a job on returning and that your career is ruined. A few female friends had trouble believing you could travel without hair products, a hair dryer, cosmetics, and a mirror – and not be bothered about it.
How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?
I came back far more adventurous and broad-minded, and have spent the last three years saving up forthe next trip.
If you had to sum up your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Way beyond my expectations.
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.