• Home >
  • RTW  >
  • Daphne Laura Cook – Around-the-World Traveler
Author: Sean Keener

Daphne Laura Cook – Around-the-World Traveler

  1. When do you leave?
    September 2003

  2. How long do you plan to be away?
    6-12 Months

  3. How much have you saved?
    $15K+

  4. How old are you?
    35

  5. Nationality
    USA

  6. Where do you live now?
    Chicago, Illinois, USA

  7. Occupation
    Project Manager

  8. Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
    It’s my career

  9. Have you traveled around the world before?
    No

  10. What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
    Hawaii, Hong Kong, Beijing, Hanoi, Saigon, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Southern Thailand Beaches, Malaysia (unsure where yet need help), Indonesia (at least Bali, need help with locations safe for solo woman traveller)

  11. Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
    Work not going so well, need an exteneded vacation, compelled to do this now. During one of my short flights, met this guy from India who talked about RTW vacation. I was inspired.

  12. What is your biggest fear about this trip?
    Safety in Muslim countries like Indonesia although the experience will outweigh concerns, I think. Still need to do a load of research on Malaysia & Indonesia.

  13. Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
    Family is concerned for my safety, especially since the US is going to war.

  14. How much planning and preparing have you done?
    Just Enough

  15. What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
    Bringing very little clothes, plan to dress like the locals, considering custom-made travel clothes in Hong Kong & Bangkok. Water purifier, headlamp, guidebooks, makeup, toiletries, binoculars.

  16. 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’m looking to grow personally, want to learn about other cultures & engage in a lifetime experience that I can share with friends & family. Should have done this right out of college, couldn’t afford it. Yes, I believe this will change my perception of the world. I will have a new appreciation of the US & other cultures.

  17. If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
    I’m excited and scared at the same time to face a new life time experience.

  18. Why do you think people should go on round-the-world trips? Why not just take a regular old one- or two-week vacation instead?
    To live outside of our everyday box. Never know until you try it, especially if you love to travel. I’m going to try it. 1-2 weeks is never enough time for a full experience.

  19. What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
    I think that it could be extremely lonely. Can’t imagine wanting to come home early.

  20. Why do you like to travel?
    Love food, new experiences & interaction with different cultures. Memorable conversations is what I remember most about my foreign travels.

  21. What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
    I think, try to prepare but not over-prepare to learn about the culture. Don’t force Western styles or behavior. In other words, when in Rome, do as the Romans, whether it’s traditions, learning the language, even a little, try something new like food. Be open to a new life-altering experiencee.