The Travel Philosophy of a Nomad Wannabe

I. The Evolution

I am no longer a seeker of hardship. Gone are the days of mountains and grueling treks. At heart, I am a city dweller who finds joy in bookstores, flea markets, and the local rhythm of cafés. As a student of history, politics, and economics, I am drawn to political oddities and the subtle pulse of local business opportunities.

Yet, the wilderness still calls. I hold a deep affinity for spectacular scenery located "in the middle of nowhere." I will brave some minor discomfort for a remote destination, valuing the journey itself more than the arrival. However, I have traded endurance for efficiency; I now prioritize comfortable routes to reach the world's most exotic locales.

II. The Flashpacker

With age, comfort has become a priority. I have long since abandoned the noise of hostels for the privacy of boutique hotels. I am, in every sense, a "Flashpacker"—one who began with a backpack but upgraded for quality and aesthetics.

III. The Professional Nomad

I am a regular chap with a 9-to-5 life—a university lecturer and consultant. In the past decade, I have become a father to two young children. While the spirit of the nomad remains, I now balance my wanderlust with fatherhood, generally limiting my solo forays to no more than two weeks at a time.

IV. The Mission

I don't stay two months in a single country; my commitments don't allow it. Instead, I use extensive pre-trip research to ensure every moment on the ground is meaningful. My goal is to prove that independent travel is accessible to everyone. I am a man with a regular job who takes public transport. If I can do this, so can you.

On October 28, 2025, I completed my journey through all 193 UN member states. Achieving "UN Grandmaster" status in Basra was a milestone, but the journey continues.