Jordan Bailey is a 24-year-old manager from San Francisco, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 24
- Nationality: USA
- Location: San Francisco, USA
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Manager
- Original budget: $20,000 (approximately $32,700 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Oceania, Southeast Asia, Europe
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Jordan Bailey 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?
It’s something that I’ve aspired to do for a very long time and the time was just right to finally pull the trigger. I felt like the longer I waited the more likely it’d be that I’d end up in some other pressing commitment that would prevent a trip such as this from ever taking place. Whether it be a girl, a career, or more school holding me at home I knew that something was creeping towards me day by day; something that would prevent me from having an experience that so few ever really experience.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Dying. (hahaha) Honestly, not too much. I really don’t know what to expect. I try not to think about aspects of the trip that “scare” me. Obviously it’s very important to be mindful of the potential risks associated with a trip of this magnitude, but mostly, I try not to dwell on them.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Go big or go home.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
A quote from my grandfather years ago. “Never plan ahead, you never know when it will rain.”
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
Dunno, I’ll get back to you in a year.
Why do you like to travel?
Haven’t really done it too much before this, but I guess it’s mostly because I want to see and do as much as I possibly can while my ticker is still tickin’.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $20,000 would equate to approximately $32,700 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 64% inflation over the intervening years.