97 Days, 4 Continents, One Way: What a 3-Month Travel Taught Me About the World (and Myself)

In December 2022, I had an opportunity from work in between projects to take a sabbatical. As I sat down to plan, I asked myself a simple, framing question: “What are the things I’ve always wanted to do, and the places I’ve always wanted to visit?”

I spent the next month and a half planning like crazy after my regular work hours, packed up my entire apartment, and officially hit the road.

The final itinerary? 97 days around the world in one continuous loop.

Heading east, I crossed 4 continents and 11 countries using entirely one-way flights—a logistical puzzle designed to maximize perfect weather windows, time, cost, and overall fun. Along the way, I climbed mountains I’d only ever read about online, navigated driving on the opposite side of the road, stood in awe before legendary architecture, and chased adventures in corners of the world I had never touched before.

Here is what that whirlwind looked like, what it cost, and what it changed.

  • Catalina Island

  • Catalina Island

  • El Chorro Rock Climbing

  • Tapas in Malaga, Spain

  • Kilimanjaro summit

  • With Kilimanjaro mountain

  • Bus from Tanzania to Kenya

  • Rock climbing Mount Kenya

  • Safari in Masai Mara

  • Masai Mara Safari

  • View of Everest from Kala Patthar

  • Early season on the EBC trail

  • Taj Mahal palace

  • Paragliding with my dad

  • Taiwan night market

  • Sydney, Australia

  • Tour of New Zealand glow worms

  • Sunset in Tahiti

The Human Element: Life-Changers on the Trail

While the landscapes were breathtaking, it was the people who truly defined this journey. We are all life-changers in our own ways, and I was constantly reminded of the impact a single person can have on your path.

I was deeply touched by:

  • The leadership of my guides on Kilimanjaro and the pure kindness and gentleness of the Tanzanian porters.

  • The courage of the friend I multi-pitched with on Mt. Kenya, and the unique perspectives shared by my driver in Kenya.

  • The steady companionship of my Everest Base Camp (EBC) porter, and the shared memories of exploring the trails with a new friend I met along the way.

  • The unwavering support of old friends who flew out to venture into the unknown with me.

Sensory Overload & Staying Safe

Live.

Every country was a masterclass in culture. I was completely blown away by the rich, intense flavors of the curries in India, and I ate to my heart’s content exploring the night markets in Taiwan. As I stood before Big Ben, the Taj Mahal, and the Sydney Opera House, I felt like a child again—marveling at the beautiful integration of East and West, and the merging of vibrant cultures.

When you travel solo and fast, you have to find a balance between vulnerability and vigilance. I trusted strangers, but I also practiced sharp awareness and kept my valuables close.

The payoff? I didn't get hurt, nothing was stolen, I entirely avoided food poisoning, and I managed to get through the entire 97 days without a single accident (or fistfight! 😆).

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The Real Cost (And the Wild Logistics)

Let’s talk numbers. In real life, I spent $15,000 out of pocket. The actual trip cost a bit more, but a significant portion was offset by leveraging credit card travel benefits.

To put that into perspective: in major US hubs, it is remarkably easy to burn through $5,000 a month just on rent, groceries, and basic living expenses. Trading three months of routine for a lifetime of global memories was an absolute bargain. Every single dollar was worth it.

I splurged on comforts and luxuries when my body needed a break, and I brewed my own morning coffee whenever I could. I experienced the entire spectrum of global travel logistics:

Where I slept: Tents, teahouses, hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and a few unforgettable airport floors.

How I moved: Cars, planes, local buses, high-speed rail, trains, subways, ferries, and a helicopter.

What I ate: Aside from local staples, I tried exotic meats including ostrich, crocodile, yak, and camel.

What I spoke: I learned new words in Swahili, significantly improved my Chinese, and reignited my journey to learn French.

The Final Route

If you’re looking to map out your own global loop, here is exactly how my 97 days broke down:

  • United States: California/Catalina Island – 5 days

  • Spain – 5 days

  • United Kingdom – 3 days

  • Tanzania – 8 days

  • Kenya – 11 days

  • Nepal – 20 days

  • India – 5 days

  • Taiwan – 12 days

  • Australia – 4 days

  • New Zealand – 9 days

  • Tahiti – 4 days

Closing Thoughts

There are great trips, there are great journeys, and there are great adventures. But the greatest of them all are the ones that fundamentally change you. The ones that push you beyond your self-imposed limits, test your resiliency and focus, and pull out your inner courage and boldness.

May we always seek them.

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