Janelle Dianne Tilden was 53 years old when planning their round-the-world journey in 2007. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Janelle was working as science communicator before embarking on their adventure. About the journey, Janelle shared, "Want to go to conference in Italy, visit friend in USA and return to the Indian Himalaya (where I’ve been twice before). My job finishes just before I leave. It will probably be my last chance to do a trip of this kind."
The Snapshot
Age: 53
Nationality: Australia
Duration: 3-6 months
Budget: USD 10,000 (approximately 15900 USD in 2026)
Departure: 2007
The Route
Regions: Europe, Asia
Brisbane to New York (to catch up with a friend) travel around in USA, USA to New Delhi with friend (want to visit places in the Indian Himalayas. Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh), London (jump off point for other parts of Europe) keen to travel around a lot in Europe including Greece, Croatia, Czech Rep, Slovakia, finishing up in Italy for a conference in May. Could also travel after conference, depending on timing. Will return to Brisbane at the end of May.
Spanning multiple continents, Janelle's itinerary covered europe, asia, offering exposure to diverse cultures, landscapes, and travel experiences.
Note: This interview was conducted in 2007. 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?
1-6 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
10,000
Q: What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
Brisbane to New York (to catch up with a friend) travel around in USA, USA to New Delhi with friend (want to visit places in the Indian Himalayas. Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh), London (jump off point for other parts of Europe) keen to travel around a lot in Europe including Greece, Croatia, Czech Rep, Slovakia, finishing up in Italy for a conference in May. Could also travel after conference, depending on timing. Will return to Brisbane at the end of May.
Q: Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
Want to go to conference in Italy, visit friend in USA and return to the Indian Himalaya (where I’ve been twice before). My job finishes just before I leave. It will probably be my last chance to do a trip of this kind.
Q: What is your biggest fear about this trip?
I can’t think of any fears. Maybe that my health won’t stand up to it. It’s a long time for an old bag like me to be travelling around. The longest I’ve been overseas before is 5 weeks, trekking in Kashmir and Ladakh in 1984.
Q: Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
They are very supportive.
2026 Context
- This profile reflects round-the-world travel perspectives from the mid-2000s. The original budget of USD 10,000 would require approximately 15900 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.