Mike Mayer is a 58-year-old craftsworker from Annapolis, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 58
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Annapolis, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Craftsworker
- Original budget: $30,000 (approximately $49,100 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia
The Route
Portugal, Spain, Morocco, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China.
In Their Words
Here's what Mike Mayer 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?
Previous world travel, traveller’s tails, Ed Buryn, wanderlust, smash the cocoon.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Sickness, incapacitation.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Go now.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Escape from the machine – mind prisons to a renewed sense of abundance.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
Coffee table picture book perfect and easy.
Why do you like to travel?
Because it’s there.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $30,000 would equate to approximately $49,100 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 64% inflation over the intervening years.