Ivan & Nancy Albright are a couple from Seattle, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2005 at age 31.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2005
- Age at departure: 31
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Seattle, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Billing/accounting specialist & auto-body tech
- Original budget: Not specified
- Regions: North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Oceania, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, Caribbean
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Ivan & Nancy Albright 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?
We didn’t want to wait until we were old & falling apart to backpack & see the world, so we decided now was a good time. 🙂 What got us into this? We saw this show on Public Television called “ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS” about a man named Richard Proenneke who decides to go live in the mountains of Alaska alone. He makes everything from what’s around him — cabin, tools, etc. He is pretty much self-sufficient.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Getting very sick & us having to come back & cut our trip short!
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Use your resources… Ex: books (Lonely Planet), friends’ tips & invites to visit them, the web is awesome as well… and just go for it!!! You don’t need much & your life will be there when you get back! As I see it… when I’m old looking back on the memories… I can say I went RTW… it changed my life and I’m a happier, better person because of it! 🙂
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That you need alot of money and you don’t!
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 when we get back our life will have changed in that we will want to love life as much as possible (even more so) and live simply… giving more to others & thinking less of us! I also think it will change us & our views of any bodily & earthly possessions. I know that we take a lot for granted living in the US… it will change the way we view life & what we have… I have a feeling we won’t be taking much for granted after being out there… or at least think twice to appreciate it!
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
We are backpacking it, so: 2 pairs of everything needed to wear, Panchito (small monkey), camera, MP3 player (16 hours worth, baby), ER kit, ER meds, water pills, passport, and an open mind and a great attitude!
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler did not specify a budget, but mid-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026 (roughly 65-75% cumulative inflation over the intervening years).