Brian Setzer – Round-the-World Traveler

Brian Setzer is a 29-year-old mine superintendent from Oklahoma, USA, who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006.

Have always wanted to go to Australia for an extended trip and found a bunch of other places that I want to see also.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2006
• Age at departure: 29
• Nationality: USA
• Location: Oklahoma, USA
• Duration: 6-12 months
• Occupation: Mine superintendent
• Original budget: USD 30,000 (approximately USD 49,100 in 2026 dollars)
• Regions: North America, Oceania, Southeast Asia

The Route

From Oklahoma through the Boundary Waters, Glacier National Park, Portland, and San Diego, then out to the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, and around Southeast Asia before returning to the USA.

In Their Words

Here's what Brian Setzer shared about their RTW journey:

What is your biggest fear about this trip?

Staying healthy. I have ulcerative colitis and know that it will be difficult to deal while being on the road for a year.

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

Extrememly supportive by everyone. My family and friends are all for it and jealous. My company gave me a year leave of absense with no hassles what so ever and are bringing back to the same position.

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of USD 30,000 would equate to approximately USD 49,100 in 2026 purchasing power.