CB & JC – Round-the-World Travelers

CB and JC are a couple from North Carolina, USA — CB an event planner and chef — who set off on a round-the-world trip in 2006 at age 35.

We are looking for some adventure. We would like to experience something besides going to working every day. We have traveled internationally a little and are looking to explore some more.

The Snapshot

• Departure: 2006
• Age at departure: 35
• Nationality: USA
• Location: North Carolina, USA
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Occupation: Event planner/chef
• Original budget: To be funded by a house sale (amount not specified)
• Regions: Oceania, Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe

The Route

Route still undetermined, but the plan: Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, India, Egypt, Israel, Russia, Turkey, and Vietnam.

In Their Words

Here's what CB & JC shared about their RTW journey:

What is your biggest fear about this trip?

C: We will kill each other. We have never spent this much time together. J: Not being able to finish the trip.

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

Of the people we have told, the most common response is “Do it while you are young.”

2026 Context

• Budget inflation: This couple planned to fund the trip from the sale of their house rather than a fixed budget; mid-2000s round-the-world costs are substantially higher in 2026 (roughly 55-65% cumulative inflation since 2006).