John V is a software engineer from San Francisco, USA, who took a round-the-world trip in 2001–2002 at age 29.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2001
- Age at departure: 29
- Nationality: USA
- Location: San Francisco, USA
- Duration: About 1 year (April 2001 – March 2002)
- Occupation: Software Engineer
- Original budget: USD 13,000 (approximately USD 23,400 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Europe
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what John V shared about their RTW journey:
How did your travels affect your career when you got back?
Although I lost some ground in the career making, my company asked me to return. I was more refreshed and did not care about missing out on business opportunites. In fact, I was way more chill about work.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I had been planing this trip since I was 15. When I finally had the money and the partner and my gut said it was time there was no stopping me.
What was the best moment of your trip?
So many but I will say climbing Mt. Rinjani on Lombok.
What was the worst moment?
Almost breaking up with my girlfriend in a hotel in Kathmandu.
What was your biggest hurdle, obstacle, or difficulty?
Not working surpirisingly and missing friends and family.
What was your biggest surprise?
How easy it was.
Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip, and why?
While in Vietnam I met an Aussie, Gideon. We hit it off and became great friends. My girlfriend and I had the chance to move to Sydney after the trip for a year and became the best of friends with Gideon. But we met tons of great people everywhere.
How much planning and preparing did you do?
Just Enough
What was your favorite piece of gear?
My backpack.
What did you bring, that in hindsight you could’ve left at home?
The warm clothes that take up so much space. I ended up ditching them in Indonesia then buying cheap fleece and stuff in Nepal.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original trip cost of USD 13,000 would equate to approximately USD 23,400 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 80% inflation over the intervening years.