Has travel always been an interest?
Yeah, I've always had this wanderlust: a passion to travel, to see the world, to meet people. I guess it began at home, watching TV. I used to watch all the re-runs of Whicker's World, and then later on, Michael Palin's Around the World in 80 Days and Pole to Pole. I remember almost missing many a homework deadline because I would stay up watching those shows, and it just felt to me like I needed to be somewhere else.
I'd also look out of the window at planes flying past our house, imagining where they were going to and feeling really jealous. I think it's just a natural, inquisitive passion that I've always had.
Did you have family holidays?
No, I think that's probably what drove me even more to want to travel. My family didn't really have much money, so holidays weren't a thing. One of the things that I'm quite sad about is that my dad passed away before I started making enough money to be able to take him travelling, because he had never been on a holiday.
What would you say was your first real trip?
When I was eight or nine, we went to a place called Fairplay House with my school. It's an adventure centre, and because I was a city boy going out to the country, seeing wide open spaces, trees and ravines; going out canoeing and being with nature; orienteering and staying in this big, stately house, it was just incredible. Even the coach drive there was eye-opening, as you suddenly went from city urban landscapes to these rural scenes. That was wonderful for me.
I've been to so many incredible places around the world, but I still remember that trip with my school.
As a traveller with disabilities, how did your mobility impact you when you first started seeing the world?
Denne historien er fra December 2022 / January 2023-utgaven av Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra December 2022 / January 2023-utgaven av Wanderlust Travel Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Vermont, USA
The Wanderlust team relocated to New England for part of this issue, as we explored a lush state filled with outdoor escapes, historic towns... and lashings of maple syrup
Unique North America
See a side to the USA and Canada beyond the big cities and discover incredible stories and special wildlife with our pick of the trips
The call of the Rockies
From historic ski lodges to rustic backcountry cabins and a mock-Scottish castle, we pick the stays in Canada's Rocky Mountains that make the most of their setting
A new dawn for the Garifuna community
When the Garifuna people settled in Belize, they had to carry their traditions and culture with them; now a new trail is inviting visitors to explore this heritage through local communities
On the edge of history
In south-west Colorado lies the largest archaeological preserve in the USA, a series of vast cliff dwellings whose residents 'vanished' overnight. But was the answer to their disappearance in plain sight?
Tigers burning bright
As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger conservation scheme, we visit the reserves of Madhya Pradesh to see how its success has impacted a tiger population that once looked in danger of disappearing
SEASON'S GREETINGS
From fiery fall foliage to art fairs and harvest festivals, opens up a wealth of across the USA and Canada autumn experiences
Waking a sleeping GIANT
A slow drive along the North Wales Way, from the English border to Anglesey, reveals not only a land of incredible local food and castles, but a region that is slowly reimagining itself
The rebirth of old JEDDAH
As efforts to restore Al-Balad, Jeddah's historical district, take hold, we get an exclusive peek at how art and culture are taking centre stage
Star-studded escapes
Wilderness, history and wildlife combine at some of Britain's most iconic stargazing sites, as more and more travellers are looking to the heavens
