Bitcoin Travelers Circle the Globe Using Only Cryptocurrency

Newlyweds Austin Craig and Beccy Bingham complete 100-day challenge to travel the world using only Bitcoin

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic Bitcoin wallet device, with intricate metallic components and neon blue and pink lighting, conveying the advanced technology underlying cryptocurrency payments.As Bitcoin adoption grows, the physical hardware powering cryptocurrency transactions becomes a key part of the global financial landscape.Provo Today

Newlyweds Austin Craig and Beccy Bingham have successfully completed a 100-day challenge to travel the world using only the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Starting in their hometown of Provo, Utah, the couple navigated the challenges of finding Bitcoin-accepting merchants in cities across America, Europe, and Asia. Despite some difficulties, they were often surprised by the willingness of individuals to accept Bitcoin for the first time, including a henna tattoo artist in Singapore. The journey was made possible through partnerships with travel agencies like Simply Travel, which became one of the first to accept Bitcoin bookings.

Why it matters

The couple's journey highlights both the growing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin as well as the ongoing challenges it faces as a viable global currency. While more businesses are starting to accept Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency still struggles with volatility, limited merchant acceptance, and a lack of consumer protections compared to traditional payment methods. The story provides a unique real-world case study on the current state of Bitcoin's usability for everyday transactions.

The details

Craig and Bingham began their 100-day Bitcoin-only travel challenge in July, starting in their hometown of Provo, Utah. They then traveled across America, through Europe, and into Asia, often facing difficulties finding merchants willing to accept the cryptocurrency. However, they were also pleasantly surprised by individuals, like the henna tattoo artist in Singapore, who were open to trying Bitcoin for the first time. The couple's journey was made possible through partnerships with travel agencies like Simply Travel, which became one of the first to accept Bitcoin bookings, allowing them to reserve hotels and flights using the cryptocurrency.

  • The couple began their 100-day Bitcoin-only travel challenge in July.
  • In mid-September, the travel agency Simply Travel became one of the first of its kind to accept Bitcoin, enabling the couple to book their travel.

The players

Austin Craig

A newlywed who, along with his wife Beccy Bingham, completed a 100-day challenge to travel the world using only Bitcoin.

Beccy Bingham

A newlywed who, along with her husband Austin Craig, completed a 100-day challenge to travel the world using only Bitcoin.

Simply Travel

A travel agency that became one of the first to accept Bitcoin bookings, enabling the couple to reserve hotels and flights using the cryptocurrency.

Gregor Amon

The CEO of Simply Travel, who decided to accept Bitcoin payments after hearing about the couple's challenge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When we first arrived in Stockholm, we were exhausted from our flight and just went to sleep. We woke up really hungry but couldn't find anywhere to accept bitcoin. We ended up having to wait until the hotel breakfast the next day.”

— Austin Craig

“Today we were walking through a market for the Divali festival and a woman asked me if I wanted a hennah tattoo. I really did. So I sat down and said to her, look I really want this but this is the situation. She was quite heistant at first but we offered to pay a bit extra and she said OK. She had a smartphone so we were able to set her up and do the payment right away.”

— Beccy Bingham

“Bitcoin has no risk of credit card fraud or credit card chargebacks. This is a huge problem for the travel industry because the payments are often large.”

— Gregor Amon, CEO, Simply Travel

What’s next

The couple plans to continue sharing their experiences and insights from their Bitcoin-only travel challenge through a documentary they are making.

The takeaway

The story of Austin Craig and Beccy Bingham's Bitcoin-only world tour demonstrates both the promise and the challenges of using cryptocurrency for everyday transactions. While more businesses are starting to accept Bitcoin, the currency still faces significant hurdles in terms of volatility, limited merchant acceptance, and lack of consumer protections compared to traditional payment methods. Their journey provides a real-world case study on the current state of Bitcoin's viability as a global currency.