Jimbo Lee was 23 years old when planning their round-the-world journey in 2006. Based in Los Angeles, USA, Jimbo was working as ceo of a cubicle before embarking on their adventure. About the journey, Jimbo shared, "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."
The Snapshot
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Duration: 6-12 months
Budget: USD 8,000 (approximately 13100 USD in 2026)
Departure: 2006
The Route
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, Oceania
I dunno the route. I am thinking about a SE Asia route first. Maybe start at Bangkok, S Korea, New Zealand, or Philippines, then make my way to Australia, Laos, Cambodia, China-Tibet, Nepal, India, Turkey, maybe Greece… Egypt perhaps. then off to S. America- Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Chile
Spanning multiple continents, Jimbo's itinerary covered europe, southeast asia, south america, africa, oceania, offering exposure to diverse cultures, landscapes, and travel experiences.
Note: This interview was conducted in 2006. 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?
6-12 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
$8,000 USD so far… Hoping for 15K
Q: What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
I dunno the route. I am thinking about a SE Asia route first. Maybe start at Bangkok, S Korea, New Zealand, or Philippines, then make my way to Australia, Laos, Cambodia, China-Tibet, Nepal, India, Turkey, maybe Greece… Egypt perhaps. then off to S. America- Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Chile
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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
- This profile reflects round-the-world travel perspectives from the mid-2000s. The original budget of USD 8,000 would require approximately 13100 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.