Beate Orgas is a 39-year-old financial planner from Germany, based in Portland, Oregon, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.
My US work visa expires, and instead of having to face a difficult move back to Germany with the constant comparisons of my life here versus there, I decided to fulfil a childhood dream and travel before moving back. This way, I have enough distance to both places and won’t constantly compare one with the other for living. My travel funds will come from selling most of my personal belongings (and car) prior to my departure. My brother is a world traveller and a great source of information and influence.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 39
- Nationality: Germany
- Location: Portland, OR, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Financial planner
- Original budget: Not yet saved (trip funded by selling most belongings and car)
- Regions: North America, Central America, South America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Asia, South Asia, Africa
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Beate Orgas shared about their RTW journey:
Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
It’s my career.
Have you traveled around the world before?
No.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler had not saved a set budget, planning to fund the trip by selling most of her belongings and car; mid-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026 (roughly 60-70% cumulative inflation).