Nicholas Alexander is a 23-year-old teacher from California, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 23
- Nationality: USA
- Location: California, USA
- Duration: Indefinite
- Occupation: Teacher
- Original budget: USD 17,000 (approximately USD 27,800 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Nicholas Alexander 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?
Just had to wait ’til I had enough money to start it out. I feel trapped if I’m not free to take off and go. I lived a very nomadic childhood – life was always a grand adventure. But now the whole ‘school, work, building a foundation for my future’ thing isn’t cutting it – I know there’s gotta be more to life than this.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That I may give in to the pull of social obligation (school, work, wettling down) and return to the type of life I know I can never be happy living.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
Reflect on your reasons for going, even if they’re vague. It seems to me that it’s more important to know why you’re going than the details about where and how.
If you had to sum up your thoughts/feelings about your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Anticipation – I’ve got a few more obligations I have to fulfill here at home, then I’m off.
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
Especially in the US, RTW travel (or travel in general, for that matter) is seen as an extravegance of the wealthy. Also, long-term travelers/ vagabonders don’t directly contribute to the work force and are therefore looked down upon socially (though envied by most of those in that very same work force).
Why do you like to travel?
Freedom of thought – I stop worrying about the future and enjoy the moment.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 17,000 would equate to approximately USD 27,800 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 64% inflation over the intervening years.