Mike Flappan was 23 years old when planning their round-the-world journey in 2006. Based in Lawrence, KS, USA, Mike was working as student / sales rep before embarking on their adventure. About the journey, Mike shared, "A couple of friends and I got together and started talking about how cool it would be to take a year off after college and go around the world. Then it just started to happen."
The Snapshot
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Duration: 6-12 months
Budget: USD 18,000 (approximately 29500 USD in 2026)
Departure: 2006
The Route
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Middle East
Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Morocco Germany, Italy, England, Holland, Poland, Czech Rep., Greece, Romania, Egypt, Israel, India, SE Asia, Thailand, Japan, China, + possibly more
Spanning multiple continents, Mike's itinerary covered europe, southeast asia, africa, middle east, 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?
18000
Q: What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Morocco Germany, Italy, England, Holland, Poland, Czech Rep., Greece, Romania, Egypt, Israel, India, SE Asia, Thailand, Japan, China, + possibly more
Q: Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
A couple of friends and I got together and started talking about how cool it would be to take a year off after college and go around the world. Then it just started to happen.
Q: What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Not quite sure. I really don’t have too many fears about the trip at this point.
Q: Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Friends that aren’t going are jealous. Family is supportive but pretty concerned
2026 Context
- This profile reflects round-the-world travel perspectives from the mid-2000s. The original budget of USD 18,000 would require approximately 29500 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.