Interview with Amar Hussain

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

Amar Hussain is an energetic young global nomad who is currently travelling the world. On a mission to explore new territory, meet like minded travellers and make the most out of life.

We caught up with him in Australia to find out what makes him tick, how his journey has been so far and what advice he would give to round-the-world travellers like himself.

Was there a particular moment in your life that made you decide traveling was your bliss?

When I was in my teens I worked with a South African who had been travelling for six years. Six years! He could talk for hours about his adventures and the incredible things he had seen and done. I just vowed one day that would be me and here I am!

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

A FHM model gave me her number? OK not the most memorable but funny nevertheless. Beautiful house but no one home!

Seriously though, Maya Beach (where they filmed ‘The Beach’) off Koh Phi Phi in Thailand is breathtaking. I was quite literally thinking there must be something I am supposed to be doing right now. Oh yeah, breathe!

What made you pick the countries on your itinerary?

Not really an easy question to answer. I bought a giant wall map and stared at it for a few hours until a route formed in my head. I must admit the route I am doing (S. E. Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, America) is pretty ‘standard’ and ‘safe’. It’s not like I am dodging war lords in Africa through blood diamond territory. However, I thought I would save the ambitious travel when I had more experience and learnt a few other languages. Although the route I am doing is pretty ‘standard’, it’s standard for a reason. They are great countries, are geared towards tourists and offer good options to work.

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

I’m currently in Australia but looking forward! I fly to South Australia to dive with Great White Sharks, do the Great Ocean Road (again) and then head off to New Zealand. After that I have a break in Fiji, road trip around California, nip to Canada and finally stop off in NYC. Enough to keep me busy for the next four months!

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

I think one thing people underestimate is the cost of such a trip. It’s achievable but it’s common to hear of people who have had to cut trips short due to being underfunded. You may be in the best country in the world but being broke and hungry is the same wherever you are in the world. Make sure you work out your finances and set yourself a budget. Also it’s helpful if you stick to that budget. Wow that answer was informative yet boring. I should redeem myself with a witty summary. I got nothing.

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

I’m going to go with Thailand. It’s such a great country. Love the food, the people are great and the country is so diverse. You have some many options from the full moon party and trekking to temples and diving. Don’t be put off by the bad press. Wonderful country and well worth your time.

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

I look forward to everything I am about to do (otherwise why do it?). However, I am looking forward to getting to LA. I have been travelling solo for a long time now and some good friends of mine from my University days are flying out to meet me for a road trip. As much as I love meeting new people sometimes you just want to share your experiences with good friends that have known you for years.

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

Fantastic! I mean the biggest decision I had to make today was what I wanted for lunch. That’s it. I don’t answer to anyone; I do exactly what I want, when I want (local laws permitting). How could my life be any better? I fly to places on a whim, meet a hugely diverse range of people and have incredible experiences. I’ve never been happier.

You can read more of Amar Hussains adventures at his website Gap Year Escape.

And follow Amar on Twitter at @GapYearEscape

Check out our other global nomad interviews.