Interview: Backpacking around the world

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

What moment in your life made you decide to travel so much?

It all started because of surfing, around 15 years ago. I wanted to surf new waves, travel somewhere far where I’d feel that I was somewhere other than my home break or thereabouts, and why not explore countries other than my own. My first trips were done with friends and never lasted more than 10-15 days (no money or had school to attend) and involved sleeping in the car or camping illegally. Once I got my first decent paying job I bought a backpack (I’m still using it!) and made my way to Costa Rica. That was my first backpacking trip and have been hooked since.

What has been the most memorable moment on your journey so far?

There are several that come to my mind- In fact most of the moments I remember of any new place I reach are beloved and very special. But let me think…

Reaching Machu Pichu 7 years ago was like reaching the moon; I was finally stepping the same place I had seen in so many magazines and text books since I was a kid.I sat on the grass and allowed some time to myself- the place deserves it anyhow.

When in Southern Senegal I was amazed by the generosity of everybody despite their obvious poverty, and I had a blast with a group of little girls that were trying to teach us their local dance moves. I sucked, of course, but we all made good friends. And when saying bye-bye the oldest of the group (who was about 7) walked up to me, grabbed my hand,  kissed it, smiled, waved good bye again, and took a couple of steps back to let us walk through. I was left speechless.

The generosity and kindness of Taiwanese people is second to none in the world- I don’t think I’ve ever felt as welcomed in any other country.

And places like the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, or French Polynesia are experiences I highly recommend to anybody

What made you pick some of the countries you’ve been to?

I covered most of South and Central America while i live in the US because of money- it was closer thus cheaper, yet incredibly appealing too. When in Europe I visited Europe with occasional long haul trips as well. And my latest 10 month trip has been through East and South East Asia, a part of the world that has always fascinated me. I now share my passion for travel with my wife Liza, and I was sure she’d also love the cultures and people from this part of the world which I had already partly visited- you really feel you’re exploring something very different. I can’t wait to visit India and China, the two big countries I still haven’t been in.

Where are you now? What have you done there and what do you plan to do next?

I’m currently in Mexico’s Pacific coast, trying to find some income and set plans for the near future. It’s great because I have consistent surf very close to my house…in fact a fantastic swell will reach the shores starting tomorrow!  But frankly I cannot say how long I’ll be here for…because I don’t know. Three months have gone by so far…and might be another 2? 3? Dunno…

What advice would you give to people thinking of travelling for an extended period?

Don’t think about doing it. Pretend you have made your decision and plan it. Plan your trips somehow, and get excited. Read travel blogs. Imagine visiting the places you always wanted to see, meet all sorts of interesting people who are willing to meet you, not having a schedule what so ever and home being wherever you are in that moment. Life is too short, and dedicating your life to your job is pointless. There are many jobs, but there is only one life you can live. This is the topic I chose to discuss in the homepage of my blog: taking a step in the direction YOU want to go, not in the direction “normal” society expects you to.

What location in the world that you have been to would you recommend to everyone?

Moorea in French Polynesia. What a truly beautiful place. And it is not expensive: I spent less money there than what I would in the USA or Western Europe. Laos and Thailand are incredible countries as well. Awesome food!

What locations and countries are you looking forward to visiting next?

Good question. I really need to visit India and China, so those are my goals. However I usually combine a few countries in every trip, so I would also throw in Mongolia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Bhutan is yet another place I’d love to go, but money can be an issue. Whoa, that’s a lot of places I wanna see…I’ll probably need 2 trips to satisfy my desires!

And lastly, can you describe how travelling makes each of you feel personally?

Simple. Travelling makes me feel…me. I don’t have to pretend to be anybody or anything, no image to portray or slogan to carry, no schedule to keep up. In fact it is when I feel most comfortable, and my wife has certainly noticed it. When on the road I’m focused on enjoying where I am and where I want to be next, sharing my discoveries with Liza and learning from all the fantastic people I meet along the way. I take pictures of these places, of us, of the people whose cultures are so different to mine. It really is easy: when I travel I feel free.

Check out Federico’s website at www.maitravelsite.com

You can also follow Federico at twitter.com/maitravelsite

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