Brooke Schoenman was 23 years old when planning their round-the-world journey in 2008. Based in Peoria, IL, USA, Brooke was working as it analyst before embarking on their adventure. About the journey, Brooke shared, "NOW OR NEVER. I feel like if I don’t do this now I’ll have a much more difficult time doing it in the future. I have always loved traveling and I studied in Italy for a semester in college (and that really changed me.). I cam back feeling different, more confident, patient, enlightened. Since I’ve been back, I feel like I’ve lost a little of that spice I gained and I miss it. I want to feel alive again 🙂"
The Snapshot
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Duration: 6-12 months
Budget: USD 3,500 (approximately 5400 USD in 2026)
Departure: 2008
The Route
Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, Oceania
US to Brazil. S.Africa. Egypt. Western Europe. Eastern Europe. India. Nepal. Thailand. Taiwan. China. Fiji. Australia. New Zealand
Spanning multiple continents, Brooke's itinerary covered europe, southeast asia, south america, africa, oceania, 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?
6-12 Months
Q: How much have you saved?
$3500 and counting
Q: What is the route you plan to take/places you plan to visit?
US to Brazil. S.Africa. Egypt. Western Europe. Eastern Europe. India. Nepal. Thailand. Taiwan. China. Fiji. Australia. 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?
NOW OR NEVER. I feel like if I don’t do this now I’ll have a much more difficult time doing it in the future. I have always loved traveling and I studied in Italy for a semester in college (and that really changed me.). I cam back feeling different, more confident, patient, enlightened. Since I’ve been back, I feel like I’ve lost a little of that spice I gained and I miss it. I want to feel alive again 🙂
Q: What is your biggest fear about this trip?
Getting sick. Getting malaria or having to go to a foreign hospital.
Q: Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc., supportive of you? What is their opinion of your going around the world?
Supportive. Understanding… I’ve been talking about this forever now. My boyfriend is actually planning on going with me 🙂
2026 Context
- This profile reflects round-the-world travel perspectives from the mid-2000s. The original budget of USD 3,500 would require approximately 5400 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.