Top Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are you always travelling? Rich?

I’m far from rich Haha! Tbh I’d rather spend money on travelling than meaningless nights out or expensive meals for example.

Being in England flying out is really cheap most countries I go to I spend less than £60 on flights and accommodation (staying in good places too). I don’t go overboard on luxurious accommodation because I’m on holiday to explore not sleep better.

2. What’s it like being Black and travelling to these random places.

Honestly, it’s blessed locals are, they just see me as another tourist, think I’m a footballer or a rapper. You do get a few stares, here and there, but it's normal because they’re not always seeing people of my melanin, so I see no harm.

Been called a n*gger once a few times it's more of a “Hey N*ggers". I saw it as more of lack of education, rather than them being meaningful racist.

3. You're mad for solo travelling

The buildup is nerve-racking but afterwards, but then you’ll quickly realise that you’ve actually boosted your confidence and leant much more about yourself. I’ll expand on this in a later blog but it’s actually the best thing ever. Group travel is far too overrated.

4. Maddest moment

The bravest or stupidest moment probably going to the biggest rivalry in Bulgarian football Levski Sofia vs CSKA Sofia we had Racist chants, Nazi salutes and smoke bombs.

I stood next to a woman which seemed fine until this bald-headed Bulgarian dude double the size of me gets in between us and starts swinging his arms. I'm still alive untouched then the smoke grenade goes off I'm there in the pitch-black I cover my mouth too late so I end up inhaling some fumes.

The smoke clears up and then immediately this random man comes right into my face and says leave.. huh what did you say.... please leave we fear for your safety to go this section. I Lasted 35 minutes Watch here

5. What mistakes have you made travelling?

Let me tell you something. There’s no nobility in Travel. I’ve been a rich traveller and I’ve been a poor traveller. And I choose rich every f**king time. Haha!

Not bringing too much money is definitely a rookie mistake. This was actually a reason we missed out on Angkor Wat, very stupid I know but it’s a learning curve.

Do your research wherever you’re going be aware of the potential scammers out there. I once paid 10x more in Macedonia for a taxi. Avoid this by using ride-hailing apps, public transport or even ask accommodation to book for you.

6. What’s the best way to convert money?

These are an absolute must-have in fact before you on to number 2 ensure that you’d of already downloaded one of these the sign up is super easy you don’t even have to head to a bank simply a picture of your identification and Selfie of yourself and you’ll be opening yourself up to receiving these benefits. The use of vaults makes it so much easier to budget your money via location or however you want to budget.

No Atm Fees

They don’t charge you to withdraw money abroad note from ATM will charge you but none of this 2% debit card like some of these high street banks.

Great exchange rates

With these, you’ll benefit from using the Mastercard’s globally accepted exchange rates.

Instant notifications

I explain more why in my Phnom Penh blog on why instant notification is a God Send.

What accommodation is best for you?

Where should you stay?

Which accommodation is better?

Can I bring people back?

What’s the difference?

Previously there were only hotels which could have been considered the finest accommodation option, however, this has now completely changed. While travelling we come across many accommodation options such as a hostel, apartment and hotel.

Although the answer varies from one traveller to another but here us our general viewpoint.

By the end of this blog, you will acquire a clear idea about which accommodation you should choose on your next itinerary.

Hotels –

Good for

Ø Usually the best option for a day of relaxation pop down to have breakfast indoor pool and spa options.

Ø Free Amenities, Shower Gel, Towels and Sanitary Bags etc

Ø Usually has a Bar, Restaurants and 24hr reception.

Ø Room Service

Bad for

Ø 24/7 may be a blockage if you wish to bring a guest back.

Ø Can be more expensive

Ø Room space can be quite small so be prepared to be close with whom your sharing with.

Recommended for:

If you’re a couple or single traveller and luxury and comfort are your forte, then hotel is all that you need.

Hostels –

Hostels are inexpensive compared to hotels and it is even the best option for any budget-friendly traveller. This is because you will have to only pay for the bed you’ll be sleeping in rather than the room. In some cases, you might have to share your room with a stranger in a hostel this will usually be 4,6,10 or even a 16-bed dormitory.

Good for

Ø Usually, a much cheaper option if you’re a solo traveller as you pay for just the bed instead of the room.

Ø Social aspect easily the best way to meet people.

Ø Hostels staff are great because most of them are travellers themselves, so it’s a great way to get recommendations for where you should visit, local delights and things that you won’t get in your tour guides.

Bad for

Ø 24/7 may be a blockage if you wish to bring a guest back.

Ø Can be more expensive

Ø Room space can be quite small so be prepared to be close with whom you’re sharing with.

Recommended to

If you are someone who is on a strict budget and the only motive is to explore the foreign lands without ripping off the pockets, then you should go for a hostel.

Apartment

Apartment staying is all about staying in someone’s home or a section of their home. In most cases, you will get a kitchen with supplies as well. It is a good option for travellers who do not want to spend a lot of money on meals. Moreover, you will even be offered with a private bathroom and a bedroom as well.

Good for

Ø Wanting to have the freedom, you’ll be able to Bring guest back without any problems.

Ø Space – Especially for larger groups as you can have 3+ bedrooms.

Ø Luxury at a budget, apartments are usually cheaper than hotels.

Bad for

Ø Socialising – you're pretty much in your own space

Ø No room service – if you leave a mess, expect it to be the same when you get back.

Where Should I Stay?

As mentioned earlier, the decision of choosing accommodation completely varies from one person to another.

Perhaps, before choosing the right accommodation for you contemplate about the following options:

· Privacy

· What’s included

· Budget

Wherever you decide to stay, the pivotal aspect is to enjoy the travel. Bear in mind that, you will return to your accommodation exhausted and starving. Therefore, choose a place that will offer you the rest and relaxation you need to begin the next day enthusiastically.

My Reasons to Travel

This post highlights why this year should be your year to travel and see more of the world.

If you're wondering what are the benefits of travel?, Why I travel so much? Or even just Scared about travelling this is for you.

1. Expand your mind

If you find yourself to be quite narrowminded and closed mind travels opens your mind up due to the exposure you gain from being in a different country and seeing the world from a different country perspective. You’ll learn to appreciate things around. Honestly meeting people from other cultures and being out of your country makes things clearer why people might not see the world how you do. Seeing the world will improve your vision and mindset you’ll be thankfully on far you’ve come and where you want to end up.

2. Travelling makes you more interesting adds to the memory bank to be shared with others

Let’s all be honest one of the most interesting people you’ve met always have the best stories starting something like “last year in Timbuctoo” already gets people wanting to hear more. Travel itself allows you to expand on your skillset water sports, it's, cooking classes and even joining in on traditional dancing this helps you physically, mentally whilst giving you enjoyment and building your confidence without even knowing it.

3. Allows you to grow and learn about yourself.

If you think about it you're taking yourself out of your comfort zone that itself shows how courageous you are. Think your getting ripped off? or want an item, but you have little money? Never fair my friend you’ll learn the skill of haggling, getting an item for half the price well done my G you’ve just learned the art of sales.

You get the opportunity to build connections with people from different walks of life whether its connection with other travellers, locals or even friends you're already travelling with. This helps you get out of your shell and enhance your sense of self and strengthen your personal identity which importantly how increases your confidence.

4. You’ll change the world (Seriously)

This is like my favourite thing about travelling imagine if everyone travelled and we all became more culturally sensitive.

The biggest compliment I get is that “wow I though Black People this that this” but you’ve you proved me wrong. If it’s a girl “oh wow it's true what they say about black dudes.” :P

The best thing about travel is that you’ll be accepted take this from a Black Lad living in Asia I’ve not dealt with racism as of yet of course people are fascinated about my appearance because its nothing they see all the time.

5. De-Stress the mind

We all go through stress at some point in our lives what travel has enabled me to do is disconnect from the badness going in my life and really appreciate what’s going good instead of the bad.

6. Build on Social and Communication Skills

You’ll develop ways to communicate with native speaks if you don’t know the language of the country your visiting. Most people will be happy to assist you and show you around as not only are they helping you, you’re actually helping them improve there English and communication skills win-win for both people.

Other key pointers

· Looks great on your resume as you look a lot more interesting.

· Make friends worldwide

· Create memories

Feel free to comment on your reasons for travelling or any questions you have on destinations I've been to.

Thanks for reading :)