Bryan and Sara Tarn are a machinist and a teacher from Tucson, Arizona, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.
We both decided we didn’t want to “wait” any longer. We both have dreamed of traveling RTW our whole lives, and there will always be reasons why it’s not a good time… so why not NOW.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 38
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Occupation: Machinist & teacher
- Original budget: $50,000 (approximately $81,800 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, South America
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Bryan and Sara Tarn shared about their RTW journey:
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
The unknown. It’s all scary, but that’s part of the reason to do it. Overcoming those fears is a part of the growth experience.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
I’ll borrow Nike’s saying: “Just Do It.”
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Exciting and scary.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
I don’t know, because we haven’t been RTW yet. I would guess that most people think it’s too expensive.
Why do you like to travel?
It changes your perspective and opens your mind. It helps to find yourself in meeting and experiencing others.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $50,000 would equate to approximately $81,800 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 64% inflation over the intervening years.