Nicole Garcia is a 27-year-old loan processor from Danville, California, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2005.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2005
- Age at departure: 27
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Danville, California, USA
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Occupation: Loan processor
- Original budget: $7,500 (approximately $12,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Nicole Garcia 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?
I’ve always wanted to travel throughout Southeast Asia. I finally decided that there’s no better time than the present. It’s time that I stop dreaming and just do it.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That I’ll get sick or run out of money and have to return home before I’m ready to.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Get advice from others, but remember that your way could be better.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Bring it on, baby
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That everything has to be planned down to the smallest detail. Flexibility is key.
Why do you like to travel?
To experience new things, people, places, foods, sights, smells… You get the picture.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $7,500 would equate to approximately $12,700 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 69% inflation over the intervening years.