Lauren Fowler is a 27-year-old student and waiter from New Mexico, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006 with her fiancé.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 27
- Nationality: USA
- Location: New Mexico, USA
- Duration: 1-6 months
- Occupation: Student / waiter
- Original budget: USD 500 (approximately USD 850 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Oceania, Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Europe
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Lauren Fowler shared about their RTW journey:
Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
I’ll come back if they’ll have me.
Have you traveled around the world before?
No.
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Been travelling for extended amounts of time since I was 16. Longest stay: 1 year, that was in the comfortable country of Spain though. I am going with my husband to be. We have been backpacking/camping for a while and this is something that we have both wanted to do for years. The only problem is time, money, and trying to decide exactly where to go! We want to see everything.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Haven’t planned much yet…lots to do!!! Running out of money. Only seeing a small part of the world.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Yes. They have always known that this is something that I would eventually do. They think it seems fun and adventurous. They are of concered of my safety, which is normal I think. It is hard to not see your family (or in this case, not even talk to them) for more than a month. My fiancee is very supportive too…of course.
How much planning and preparing have you done?
Control freak.
What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Packing light. Backpack, sleeping bag and mat, stove, mess kit, cooking pot(s), headlamp…I am still working on the list.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 500 would equate to approximately USD 850 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 70% inflation over the intervening years.