Michelle and Charlie are a couple from the USA — a lawyer and a scientist — who took a round-the-world trip from June 2004 to June 2005, at ages 29 and 36.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 29 and 36
- Nationality: USA
- Location: USA
- Duration: About 1 year (June 2004 – June 2005)
- Occupation: Lawyer / scientist
- Original budget: US$ 35,000 for two travelers (approximately USD 61,100 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Africa, South America, Oceania, Middle East, Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Michelle and Charlie shared about their RTW journey:
How did your travels affect your career when you got back?
We got back yesterday, so I have not a clue.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
We met a couple 3 years ago climbing Kilimanjaro. They were on a shorter, more luxurious RTW trip…
Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip and why?
Not one, there were lots of interesting people out there.
How much planning and preparing did you do?
Just Enough.
What was your favorite piece of gear?
None.
What did you bring, that in hindsight you could’ve left at home?
Almost everything.
How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?
Too early to say.
Are you planning more trips and travels for the future? Are you planning another round-the-world trip?
Sure. Next time we will sail RTW. Most of the upsetting moments are results of looking for a decent place to stay/transportation. The boat is both.
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?
I am not sure if they should. Actually I would rather recommend doing longer regional trips, like 4-6 months of South America or SE Asia. It is easy to get burned out on a longer trip…
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of US$ 35,000 would equate to approximately USD 61,100 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 74% inflation over the intervening years.