There’s so little information on your Instagram on where you stayed or who you met. Was it intentional or was it due to the nature of your travels?
In terms of trekking and hiking, you can always rent gear like jackets, hiking boots, pants, and so on.
Most memorable memory in your trip?
I have many but I think the most memorable was being in Patagonian Chile. Trekking for eight days through Torres del Paine and going to the isolated town of Puerto Williams in Isla Navarino.
Worst incident you encountered?
Forgetting my sunglasses in a bus in Argentina. 28 DESTINATION RIYADH DECEMBER 2015
I believe both. Although I chose to document some sights and sounds, this trip was also a personal one; it was mine. I get asked a lot to document more on other mediums, as well, but I chose to limit everything to mostly Instagram. I was traveling and enjoying the moment that a camera can sometimes disrupt. If I was on a fully paid/sponsored trip, I would have documented everything to my dirty laundry (seeking sponsors, wink wink).
One thing that you’d change if you could go back to the start of your trip? Absolutely nothing.
How did your family handle it?
Generally speaking, my family thinks I’m crazy, and I think that helped a lot. A trip like this was kind of expected. I broke the news to my parents, about quitting my job and going on this trip, a year earlier. So they had a full year
to absorb it. During the trip, communication was easy given the state of technology now.
Any plans on where you’ll be going next?
I really want to go back and complete the circle around South America. Venezuela was the only country that I did not visit, in the mainland of that continent. There’s a lot to see in the world and I want to see it all.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to go backpacking?
Do it! It’s a wonderful experience. You learn a lot about yourself and your needs through traveling. You also become less attached to material. Most importantly, long-term travel forces you to tackle your fears and insecurities, and calibrates your preconceived notions and prejudices. samitokhais