Lianne Mellor is a 25-year-old production engineer (an English teacher before the trip) from Den Haag, Netherlands, who took a round-the-world trip in 2005.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2005
- Age at departure: 25
- Nationality: Canada
- Location: Den Haag, Netherlands
- Duration: Not specified
- Occupation: Production engineer (English teacher before the trip)
- Original budget: $5,000 (approximately $8,400 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Asia, Europe
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Lianne Mellor 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?
When I decided to move to Europe from Japan, I loved the idea of going overland this way. The goal was not to fly. It would have been cheaper, sure. But I learned long ago (traveling around Asia) that you see, learn and experience so much more traveling overland than just flying. Flying has its time and place, but if you have time and really want to see a place, don’t fly.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Research the places that you might want to go before you go. Think of some possible routes that might be interesting. Get a ticket to the first place on your route and leave the rest to be planned as-you-go. Only ever have a maximum of 2 books with you; a phrasebook for the place you are now/going to next, and a reading book. Don’t bring the guidebook. Read it before you go, and maybe copy a couple emergency info pages, but they’re too damned heavy and you’ll rely on them too much. Leave them at home. If you find you REALLY need a guidebook sometime, they’ll probably sell them there, or ask another traveler.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
That it’s difficult. Or that you can’t do it alone.
Why do you like to travel?
I want to see the whole world. I love adventure and new experiences. Traveling’s FUN.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $5,000 would equate to approximately $8,400 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 68% inflation over the intervening years.