Leigh Johnson – Round-the-World Traveler

Leigh Johnson is a 23-year-old account manager (a personal assistant before the trip) from Durban, South Africa, who took a round-the-world trip in 2003.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2003
• Age at departure: 23
• Nationality: South Africa
• Location: Durban, South Africa
• Duration: Not specified
• Occupation: Account manager (personal assistant before the trip)
• Original budget: $2,200 (approximately $3,900 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: Southeast Asia, Oceania, North America

The Route

London to Saigon, overland from Saigon to Cambodia, over to Thailand, overland down to Malaysia and Singapore, flew to Sydney, overland up to Cairns, flew to New Zealand, overland around the South Island, flew out of Auckland to LA, overland to Las Vegas, flew to San Francisco, flew back to London.

In Their Words

Here's what Leigh Johnson 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?

My visa for the UK was up, so we had to head home. We had traveled through Europe quite a lot and loved it, and knew it very expensive from South Africa, so decided on our way home, was the time to do it.

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

Go for it – if I knew my job would be here in 6 months time, i’d leave tomorrow – and seriously, if I could do, anyone can.

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

That only certain people can backpack.

Why do you like to travel?

A new adventure everyday, meeting people, seeing places you never thought you see or experience.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $2,200 would equate to approximately $3,900 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 77% inflation over the intervening years.