Eric A. Olear – Round-the-World Traveler

Eric A. Olear is a 35-year-old teacher from New York, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2006
• Age at departure: 35
• Nationality: USA
• Location: New York, USA
• Duration: 3-6 months
• Occupation: Teacher
• Original budget: USD 15,000 (approximately USD 24,600 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: Africa, Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, South America

The Route

New York to Africa (Mt. Kilimanjaro, Cairo), Europe (Greece, Croatia, Russia), Asia (Beijing, Vietnam, Bali), Australia (Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef), and South America (the Galápagos, Rio).

In Their Words

Here's what Eric A. Olear 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?

Started with a few trips to Europe, need more.

What is your biggest fear about this trip?

Traveling from Mt. Killi to Cairo (fly?), and being overwhelmed by the number of people in Asia. alone. Visas. they seem elusive.

Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?

They are all supportive. they are either envious or seem indiferent.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 15,000 would equate to approximately USD 24,600 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 64% inflation over the intervening years.