Mike Flappan is a 23-year-old student and sales rep from Lawrence, Kansas, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2006
- Age at departure: 23
- Nationality: USA
- Location: Lawrence, KS, USA
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Occupation: Student / sales rep
- Original budget: USD 18,000 (approximately USD 29,500 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Mike Flappan 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?
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.
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.
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
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 18,000 would equate to approximately USD 29,500 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 64% inflation over the intervening years.