Sarah Ivory was 24 years old when planning their round-the-world journey in 2006. Based in North Carolina, USA, Sarah was working as refugee case manager before embarking on their adventure. About the journey, Sarah shared, "There’s nothing in the world I’d rather do with my time or money and it’s always been a dream to do more extensive travelling. Plus I’m at a point in my life where I don’t have any attachments that stop me from doing this. I work with refugees, have studies IR, and lived abroad, all of these experiences have influenced my decision."
The Snapshot
Age: 24
Nationality: USA
Duration: 6-12 months
Budget: USD 10,000 (approximately 16400 USD in 2026)
Departure: 2006
The Route
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Oceania
Eastern Europe/Mediterranean -> India -> S.E. Asia ->Africa. Definitely including Turkey, Croatia, Greece, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Possibly including other European countries, China, Vietnam, Kenya, New Zealand.
Spanning multiple continents, Sarah's itinerary covered europe, southeast asia, africa, oceania, offering exposure to diverse cultures, landscapes, and travel experiences.
Note: This interview was conducted in 2006. 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?
6-12 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
10000
Q: What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
Eastern Europe/Mediterranean -> India -> S.E. Asia ->Africa. Definitely including Turkey, Croatia, Greece, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Possibly including other European countries, China, Vietnam, Kenya, New Zealand.
Q: Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
There’s nothing in the world I’d rather do with my time or money and it’s always been a dream to do more extensive travelling. Plus I’m at a point in my life where I don’t have any attachments that stop me from doing this. I work with refugees, have studies IR, and lived abroad, all of these experiences have influenced my decision.
Q: What is your biggest fear about this trip?
That we’ll get caught in a traveller’s circuit, doing touristy things or hanging out only with Americans. Also that my travel partner and I will have too many different ideas about what, where, how etc.
Q: Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Most are supportive though some believe it’s irresponsible financially and career wise.
2026 Context
- This profile reflects round-the-world travel perspectives from the mid-2000s. The original budget of USD 10,000 would require approximately 16400 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.