Kirsty McLeod is an 18-year-old recent high-school graduate from Aberdeen, Scotland, who set off on a round-the-world gap-year trip in 2004 before starting university.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 18
- Nationality: Scotland
- Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
- Duration: Not specified
- Occupation: Student (gap year before university)
- Original budget: $8,000 (approximately $14,000 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Kirsty McLeod 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 decided to take the trip because I didn’t want to go straight to University from High School (yes, I am lazy). I wanted to see the world. Meet new people. I’m quite a shy person so I hoped to build more confidence and get a more realistic take on life.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Go for it.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
that it’s a big drugs fest. I never witnessed one drug (and I went to Goa) If youre not looking for it, you wont find it
Why do you like to travel?
because i like being Kirsty, the foreigner, rather than that local girl. I love meeting new people and seeing different things
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $8,000 would equate to approximately $14,000 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 75% inflation over the intervening years.