Sarah Jane Armitage is a massage therapist from England based in Leeds, England. have worked in turkey, greece and thailand before and owned restaurant in India (south goa)for a year with my partner but have always wanted to do rtw trip to see more of whats out there. there are quite a few places i have always been interested in.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2007
- Age at departure: 23
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Original budget: $1,600 (approximately $2,500 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, Russia/Trans-Siberian
The Route
erm… i think i am flying to florida to see family first, then overland through americas, fly to nz or oz, fly to asia – maybe singapore, overland through asia, trans siberian railway to moscow and then couple places in europe before back here. very interested in brazil, china and russia – would like to see thailand again.
Note: Originally planned for 2007, this route represents the traveler's intended RTW journey.
The planned route through Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, Russia/Trans-Siberian 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 Sarah Jane Armitage 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? have worked in turkey, greece and thailand before and owned restaurant in India (south goa)for a year with my partner but have always wanted to do rtw trip to see more of whats out there. there are quite a few places i have always been interested in.
What is your biggest fear about this trip? that my funds will run out and will have to miss out on things
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip? have fun planning it – it makes the trip so much more exciting then the whole experience lasts for longer. also avoid monkeys. they are not cute they are just evil balls of fur and in no way resemble king louis from the jungle book as i first thought.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be? On the road again,just cant wait to be back on the road again..
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling? that they will ‘find’ themselves
Why do you like to travel? all the usual reasons but also theres a little bit of me that loves it and i dont know why. its all i have ever been interested in – maybe because i am looking for somewhere that i love to stay.
Reflections on RTW Travel
Round-the-world travel represents a significant undertaking that combines careful planning with flexibility and adaptability. Sarah'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
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $1,600 would equate to approximately $2,500 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 56% inflation over the intervening years.
- Travel landscape: Since 2007, 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.