- When do you leave?
- How long do you plan to be away?
1-2 Years - How much have you saved?
$50,000 - How old are you?
38 - Nationality
USA - Where do you live now?
Tucson, AZ, USA - Occupation
Machinist & Teacher - Is this job one that you actually like, or are you only doing it to pay for the trip?
It’s my career - Have you traveled around the world before?
No - What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
Very rough itinerary a this point: From Phoenix, AZ to Europe; North, East, & Southern Africa; Asia; Southeast Asia; Australia; New Zealand; Cook Islands; South America; back to Phoenix - Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
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. - 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. - Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Yes, most are supportive. Those that aren’t will come around eventually, I’m sure, and if they don’t… oh well. - How much planning and preparing have you done?
Just Enough - What are you packing? What do you consider your most indispensable item(s)?
Still looking into this. We’ve read over and over not to pack too much. Will try to follow this advice. - How do you think your round-the-world trip will change your life? How do you think it will affect and change you as a person?
It will give new perspective to life. I don’t know that we will come back to the “old” lives that we are living now. I think it will open up our minds to new possibilities. At least that’s what I’m hoping for. - 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. - Why do you think people should go on round-the-world trips? Why not just take a regular old one- or two-week vacation instead?
I don’t think a RTW trip is for everyone but I do think if you want to do it you shouldn’t wait for the “right” time. If it’s a priority in your life than you can make it happen. - 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. - What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
I’ll borrow Nike’s saying: “Just Do It”
June 2006