Jed Tooke is a 67-year-old retiree from Tucson, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2005.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2005
- Age at departure: 67
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Tucson, USA
- Duration: 1-6 months
- Occupation: Retired
- Original budget: USD 1,500 (approximately USD 2,550 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: North America, Europe, Africa, South America, Central America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Jed Tooke 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
Have you traveled around the world before?
Yes
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I have been travelling off and on since 1971. I have missed some countries and would really take a complete RTW, lacking funds but plenty of time. May be my last chance at my age.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Insufficient funds due to living completely from retirement pension.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Does not matter, I have always decided what I want to do.
How much planning and preparing have you done?
To the Nth Degree
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
first aid kit, blood pressure medicine (6 mos supply), minimum clothes, writing material, 3 credit cards, several picture ID’s
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 will grow even more, satisfy life-long dreams of freelance travel and writing and teaching.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
I am a citizen of the world and planet Earth is my home
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 satisfy their dreams and know first hand what you have always wondered and wanted to do.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 1,500 would equate to approximately USD 2,550 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 70% inflation over the intervening years.