Roger Beattie

Roger gets a quick self-snap on the Great Ocean Road, outside Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

1. When did you go on your RTW trip?
   April 1999-????

2. How old were you when you took this trip?
   35

3. Nationality
   Australia

4. Where do you live now?
   Hong Kong

5. Occupation
   
   Before your trip: Self-Employed Consultant
   
   Now: Tai Tai... or perhaps Guy Tai
   

   How did your travels affect your career when you got back?
   I haven't made it back yet. I have bought 3 RTW tickets and been wandering around for the past couple of years.

   What is the route you took/places you visited?
   Normally ex-Australia through the US, UK, Asia then back to Australia.

   Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go?
   My girlfriend is from the Washington DC area and I am living with her on the road. Each time we head back to the US the fares make it cheaper to continue around the world rather than a straight return.

   Out of all your experiences traveling around the world, what was the:
   

   • Best Moment
     Taking someone who had never travelled from the US right around the world and seeing him awaken to the world.

   • Worst Moment
     A very small and expensive room in Reading, UK.

   • Biggest Hurdle, Obstacle or Difficulty?
     Inability to work here in Hong Kong because I can't get an ID card.

   • Biggest surprise?
     How clean, efficient and helpful hospital staff in Bangkok are.

   Who is the most memorable person you met on your trip and why?
   No particular person. As this is currently my life I have formed a number of friendships in many countries, but there was this very funny old bloke in an Irish pub. Just like the cliche!

   How much planning and preparing did you do?
   Winged it a lot

   What was your favorite piece of gear?
   Laptop computer with global dialup.

   What did you bring, that in hindsight you could've left at home?
   At least half of my clothes.

   How did your round-the-world trip change your life? How did it affect and change you as a person?
   It is still changing it, making me realise that each day is a new opportunity and I should take them while I have them.

   If you had to sum up your round-the-world trip in one sentence, what would it be?
   Something that everyone should do just to get a better understanding of how similar we all really are.

   Are you planning more trips and travels for the future? Are you planning another round-the-world trip?
   Yes, I feel that my life has become a journey in the most literal sense. Being the support crew for a serious road warrior businesswoman it never stops... nor is it predictable.

   Why do you think people should go on round-the-world trips? Why not just take a regular old one- or two-week vacation instead?
   It gives you a greater understanding and tolerance for others and yourself. In a short trip you can see a few sights but you are not forced to assimilate to the same extent.

   What is the most valuable thing you learned?
   To be flexible and rely on the kindness of strangers. I guess it is like realising that karma is real and you will reap what you sow on the road.

   What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling?
   That there is a difference between travelling and touring. It is all just a matter of attitudes. Some of the most abhorrent things I have seen are abuses by low-budget travellers of places that are now "on the trail."

   Why do you like to travel?
   To keep opening up the mind to new places, peoples and experiences. Each day away from home (wherever that may be) is a unique chance to do something, meet someone or go somewhere.

   What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip?
   I did no real planning because I wasn't sure where I was going... but remember everything takes longer than you think. There is no point going to a place to do the one "big thing." Give it time and realise that everyone can be interesting for at least a few minutes.