Nicki Cornwell is a 24-year-old waitress and ESL teacher from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 24
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Occupation: Waitress / ESL educator
- Original budget: USD 6,500 (approximately USD 10,600 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Nicki Cornwell 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?
My roommate and I have decided that since we’ve graduated college, we may as well avoid the “real world” of work, by getting out to experience the real world.
What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Running out of money.
Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
They have all been extremely supportive, most have expressed a “Wow, I wish I could do something like that.” To which one must reply, “You Can.”. The others think I’m a little crazy, but well, things are more fun that way.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 6,500 would equate to approximately USD 10,600 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 63% inflation over the intervening years.