Jimbo Lee – Round-the-World Traveler

Jimbo Lee is a 23-year-old from Los Angeles, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2006
• Age at departure: 23
• Nationality: USA
• Location: Los Angeles, USA
• Duration: 6-12 months
• Occupation: CEO of a cubicle
• Original budget: USD 8,000 (approximately USD 13,100 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: Southeast Asia, Asia, South Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Europe, Africa, South America

The Route

Not sure of the exact route — thinking a Southeast Asia route first. Maybe start in Bangkok, then South Korea, New Zealand, or the Philippines, then on to Australia, Laos, Cambodia, China and Tibet, Nepal, India, Turkey, maybe Greece, Egypt perhaps, then off to South America — Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Chile.

In Their Words

Here's what Jimbo Lee 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?

Its always been a dream or an inner voice calling for me to do it… the older I get, the louder that voice calls. When I travel, its a time where I feel the most alive, on the road.

What is your biggest fear about this trip?

Like everyone else, the fear of running out of money. Everything else considered a fear or “something bad happening to me” is not bad at all, just a learning experience.

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

I haven’t told the family yet… I don’t think they’d be too wild about the idea. Friends are very supportive.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 8,000 would equate to approximately USD 13,100 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 64% inflation over the intervening years.