'Red list' trips of backpacker Ben are an online hit

CITY MAN VISITING MOST DANGEROUS’ COUNTRIES

- AMBER EDWARDS

AFTER getting the bug for travel on a gap year five years ago, one Plymouth man has taken things to the extreme.

Backpacker Ben, as he is known online, visits some of the most dangerous countries in the world.

Ben Frier wants to "change the perspective of countries" and encourage people to be more open-minded. He is hoping to prove that 99% of people in countries perceived as dangerous are "normal, welcoming and positive" Creating social media content and YouTube videos as he goes, Ben has visited countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Syria.

Ben, 29, can now make a living from travelling to countries that most people wouldn't dream of by posting videos online documenting his adventures.

Despite his siblings thinking he is "an idiot", Ben says he could never go on a resort holiday again.

Ben said: "I visited India and spent seven months there and next to it is Pakistan. When you're in India, all the travellers say how they would love to visit Pakistan but they can't because it's dangerous.