Colleen Banto was 25 years old when planning their round-the-world journey in 2007. Based in Ontario, Canada, Colleen was working as dancer before embarking on their adventure. About the journey, Colleen shared, "I believe i am calling it a quarterlife crisis."
The Snapshot
Age: 25
Nationality: Canada
Duration: 3-6 months
Budget: CAD 5,000 (approximately 6000 USD in 2026)
Departure: 2007
The Route
Regions: Southeast Asia
South east asia- rough idea is…
Thailand
Cambodia
Laos
Vietnam
and all the little places in between.
Spanning multiple continents, Colleen's itinerary covered southeast asia, offering exposure to diverse cultures, landscapes, and travel experiences.
Note: This interview was conducted in 2007. The travel landscape, accommodation costs, transportation infrastructure, visa requirements, and accessibility have evolved significantly by 2026.
In Their Words
Q: How long do you plan to be away?
1-6 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
5000 CAD
Q: What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
South east asia- rough idea is…
Thailand
Cambodia
Laos
Vietnam
and all the little places in between.
Q: Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
I believe i am calling it a quarterlife crisis.
Q: What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That I wont want to come back, besides that, not a damn thing.
Q: Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Most have been supposrtive, however a few have not been. My immediate family is all for it, and know I can do it. My boyfriend of 8 years, yes that’s right 8 years. is not crazy about it, but this is kind of my awakening to him, shit or get off the pot…I’m not getting any younger, I want to start a family and get married. Maybe when I’m gone, (for three months.) he will realize how much he wants to spend the rest of his life with me, and he will shit or get off the pot. LOL
2026 Context
- This profile reflects round-the-world travel perspectives from the mid-2000s. The original budget of CAD 5,000 would require approximately 6000 USD in 2026 when accounting for inflation and increased travel costs.
- The destinations and routes mentioned have experienced significant changes in accommodation costs, transportation infrastructure, visa policies, and overall accessibility to travelers.
- The RTW travel community, available travel tools, digital connectivity, and shared travel resources have evolved considerably over the past two decades, creating both new opportunities and challenges for contemporary travelers.