Which US Presidents travelled around the world?

Question

Shortly after President Grant left office, he went on a round-the-world journey, with stops all over Europe, in Russia, through the Suez Canal, to China and Japan, arriving in San Francisco and then crossing the North American continent. I believe he was the first US President (or former President) to do so. Please correct me if I am wrong. I am guessing such journeys have become more common as travels have gotten easier and cheaper (Grant spent something like $25,000 for his journey). Which other Presidents have made a round-the-world journey as a single trip? My information about President Grant is from Jean Edward Smith's wonderful *Grant*.

Answer 1

No, Ulysses S. Grant was not the first American president to travel the world. The first American president to do so was Theodore Roosevelt, who embarked on a world tour in 1905-1906. During his trip, Roosevelt visited Panama, Japan, the Philippines, and several European countries. He was accompanied by his wife, Edith, and a large entourage of diplomats, journalists, and military officers.

Are you interested specifically in knowing what U.S. presidents traveled the world after leaving office?

If so, then what I've found in my research, to answer your question, is that the following presidents all traveled the world after leaving office:

Herbert Hoover: After leaving office in 1933, Hoover traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Harry S. Truman: Truman traveled to Europe in 1953, shortly after leaving office, to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He also visited several other European countries during his trip.

Dwight D. Eisenhower: After leaving office in 1961, Eisenhower traveled to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to meet with political leaders and promote international peace and understanding. He visited countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, India, and Japan.

Jimmy Carter: After leaving office in 1981, Carter has traveled extensively as a humanitarian and peace advocate.

Bill Clinton: Since leaving office in 2001, Clinton has traveled widely as a public speaker and advocate for various causes, including global health, climate change, and economic development.