Dawson McCall was 24 years old when planning their round-the-world journey in 2008. Based in Cleveland, OH, USA, Dawson was working as nothing important before embarking on their adventure. About the journey, Dawson shared, "Dreams"
The Snapshot
Age: 24
Nationality: USA
Duration: 1-2 years
Budget: USD 3,000 (approximately 4600 USD in 2026)
Departure: 2008
The Route
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, Oceania, Central America
From US overland Central America. Down through Panama and Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Veneuela. Fly to England, travel continent by train. End up in Southern Spain, cross to Moroccoo, and travel African continent ending in Cape Town. Fly to India, up through Nepal, Southern China, Mongolia, Korea, down through Beijing. Fly to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia. Over to Australia and back to US with a stop over in Pacific Ilsands.
Spanning multiple continents, Dawson's itinerary covered europe, southeast asia, south america, africa, oceania, central america, offering exposure to diverse cultures, landscapes, and travel experiences.
Note: This interview was conducted in 2008. 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?
1-2 Years
Q: How much have you saved?
$3000 & Counting (But not fast enough as far as I’m concerned)
Q: What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
From US overland Central America. Down through Panama and Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Veneuela. Fly to England, travel continent by train. End up in Southern Spain, cross to Moroccoo, and travel African continent ending in Cape Town. Fly to India, up through Nepal, Southern China, Mongolia, Korea, down through Beijing. Fly to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia. Over to Australia and back to US with a stop over in Pacific Ilsands.
Q: Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Dreams
Q: What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Beign away from family/friends
Q: Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Mostly supportive, but many think I’m crazy and that I’ll never do it.
2026 Context
- This profile reflects round-the-world travel perspectives from the mid-2000s. The original budget of USD 3,000 would require approximately 4600 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.