Natasha Dunne is a 30-year-old receptionist/admin from Co Kildare, Ireland, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2005.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2005
- Age at departure: 30
- Nationality: Ireland
- Location: Co Kildare, Ireland
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Receptionist/Admin
- Original budget: EUR 9,000 (approximately USD 18,360 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Southeast Asia, Oceania, North America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Natasha Dunne shared about their RTW journey:
Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
One more paycheck and I’m gone.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
It’s something I’ve always dreamed about and I knew if I didn’t follow this dream I’d always regret it. U gotta follow your dreams!!
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
I’m scared I’ll run out of money! Female travelling solo so there’s the safety aspect too.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
They’re all supportive but some are worried about me going on my own. They think I’m a bit mad but also know it’s something I have to do.
How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just enough.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
As little as possible..(but I haven’t started packing yet!!)
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 it’s going to have so many positive affects on me, meeting new people and seeing interesting places can only be a good thing. I think it’ll make me even more independent and a better person in some way.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Scared, excited and nervous!
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?
2 weeks is fine.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of EUR 9,000 would equate to approximately USD 18,360 in 2026 purchasing power.