Mark Yiin is a 25-year-old from New York, USA, who took a round-the-world trip in 2005, leaving a job as a software engineer and returning to work as a business analyst.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2005
- Age at departure: 25
- Nationality: USA
- Location: New York, USA
- Duration: Not specified
- Occupation: Software engineer (before) / business analyst (after)
- Original budget: USD 20,000 (approximately USD 33,800 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Oceania, Southeast Asia, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa
The Route
In Their Words
Here's what Mark Yiin 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?
It's something I always wanted to do. One morning, I woke up and decided it was time. I quit my job, bought plane tickets two weeks later, and soon found myself on my RTW adventure.
What was the best moment of your trip?
Getting involved in a relationship with someone overseas.
What was the worst moment?
An encounter with corrupt Russian police (at night, no less).
What was your favorite piece of gear?
My boots.
How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?
I've become more patient, and I appreciate many of the things I used to take for granted.
If you had to sum up your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
Unforgettable.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 20,000 would equate to approximately USD 33,800 in 2026 purchasing power.