Bear Grylls
National Geographic Traveller (UK)|January/February 2024
THE TV PRESENTER AND FORMER SAS OFFICER ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL, COMFORT ZONES AND EXPLORING THE WORLD ON HIS DOORSTEP
Bear Grylls

Tell us about your earliest memory of travel. My first real travel experience was going down to Dartmoor National Park, in southern Devon, with my dad. We went horse riding and wild camping, but it was winter and I was only six and was absolutely freezing. I remember my dad saying to me: “It’s OK. Sometimes you’ve just got to put your head down and get through the storms because what’s on the other side is amazing.” He was an ex-Royal Marines Commando and taught me so much about the resilience of the human spirit and being adventurous. Adventure always starts inside; it’s not just about your surroundings. It’s about living with your eyes wide open and with a gratitude for life.

You’re an expert at coaxing others out of their comfort zones. What takes you out of yours?

This story is from the January/February 2024 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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This story is from the January/February 2024 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

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