Graeme Mulvaney is a programmer from Ireland based in Coventry, England. The trains in England are terrible, expensive and unreliable – I used to commute the 100 miles to London blowing 80 quid a day on the train I wanted to see how far I could get on £1600 (basically one months fares).
It started out as a bit of a joke, but the more I looked into it, the easier it was to put together a route that hit places I’d been dying to visit.
When I get back I’m off to uni to train as an architect, what better way to get a handle on how cities work than to visit 30 of ’em. 😀
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 32
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania
The Route
Am going to catch a train in London and hopefully end up in Singapore, then across Australia and the USA/Canada by train before catching a slow boat back across the Atlantic via Iceland.
Note: Originally planned for 2006, this route represents the traveler's intended RTW journey.
The planned route through Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania reflects a strategic approach to experiencing vastly different cultures, climates, and ways of life. Each region offers distinct advantages for travelers: rich historical sites, contemporary culture, unique cuisines, and opportunities for meaningful connections with local communities.
In Their Words
Here's what Graeme Mulvaney 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? The trains in England are terrible, expensive and unreliable – I used to commute the 100 miles to London blowing 80 quid a day on the train I wanted to see how far I could get on £1600 (basically one months fares). It started out as a bit of a joke, but the more I looked into it, the easier it was to put together a route that hit places I’d been dying to visit. When I get back I’m off to uni to train as an architect, what better way to get a handle on how cities work than to visit 30 of ’em. 😀
What is your biggest fear about this trip? Two things worry me: Trains… I never have any luck with them. Oceans… I haven’t figured out how to cross them yet – trains only go so far. oh, yeah and offending people – i.e. tipping at the wrong time, wearing shoes/being barefoot in the wrong places, wearing orange, etc.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip? Talk to everybody – local travel agents are a great source of information – and worth the extra cost.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be? …a very long sentence
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling? That it’s difficult to plan… Having said that I’m probably going to arrive in Cambodia in the middle of a festival as my itinerary starts to unravel – but I guess that’s why they invented ‘standby tickets’.
Why do you like to travel? You can only get so much from reading books or websites – I’d read all about the las vegas, but that doesn’t prepare you for the 48’C afternoon blast furnace that is ‘the strip’ in July.
Reflections on RTW Travel
Round-the-world travel represents a significant undertaking that combines careful planning with flexibility and adaptability. Graeme's experience demonstrates the importance of balancing preparation with spontaneity, understanding both the practical and emotional dimensions of extended travel. Whether traveling solo or with companions, the RTW journey offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, cultural understanding, and expanded global perspective. The stories and advice from travelers like these continue to inspire new generations to explore the world.
2026 Context
- Travel landscape: Since 2006, global travel patterns, visa requirements, and infrastructure have evolved significantly, impacting how travelers plan and execute RTW journeys.
- Legacy perspective: The original concerns, excitement, and travel advice captured here reflect a specific moment in travel history and offer valuable insight into how traveler motivations and planning approaches have evolved.