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Tom Guiney – Round-the-World Traveler

Tom Guiney is a 31-year-old electrician from New York City, USA, who was planning a round-the-world trip.

I spend my life working, not seeing the rest of the world. New York feels small. Have saved some dough; my career is one I can return to. Work to live, not live to work.

The Snapshot

  • Age at departure: 31
  • Nationality: USA
  • Location: New York City, USA
  • Duration: 1-2 years
  • Occupation: Electrician
  • Original budget: $10,000 (approximately $17,900 in 2026 dollars)
  • Regions: Southeast Asia, Asia, Africa, Europe

The Route

New York to Southeast Asia, overland up to Beijing, Beijing to Johannesburg, overland to Cairo, then fly to Berlin (or maybe Barcelona), and – who knows – come home?

In Their Words

Here's what Tom Guiney shared about their RTW journey:

What is your biggest fear about this trip?

Will I run out of money? Will I suffer from pointlessness and anomie?

What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?

Haven’t done it.

If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?

I want to open up my mind and my senses to what else is out there besides work in NY.

What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?

I have no idea.

Why do you like to travel?

It’s eye opening and constantly stimulating and interesting.

2026 Context

  • Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $10,000 would equate to approximately $17,900 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 79% inflation over the intervening years.