Young Travelers Redefining the World Through Adventure
In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I sit down with four extraordinary young travellers: Adam Ryan from Ireland, Andriel Viana Souza from Brazil and France, Cameron Mofid from the United States, and Ricky James, a British-American nomad. Each has embraced a unique approach to exploring the world, redefining what it means to travel in their twenties.
Adam Ryan’s Story:
“Travel Has Always Been Part of My Life”
Adam Ryan grew up in Ireland, where his family preferred traditional holiday destinations like Spain. But Adam’s perspective on travel shifted during a stint in Florida, where he worked alongside people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“That was when I realized I wanted to see the world and step out of my comfort zone.”
Currently on a transformative five-week trip to India, Adam describes the sensory overload of the country: “The smells, the food, the chaos – it tests your patience but teaches you to adapt.” From celebrating Diwali with locals in Kolkata to navigating crowded streets, Adam’s travels are a testament to immersing oneself in a culture.
“I want to see every country, but at my own pace. It’s about the depth of the experience.”
Andriel Viana Souza’s Journey:
From Brazil to Afghanistan
For Andriel, moving seven times within Brazil by the age of 16 sparked his love for new environments.
“When I moved to France, I realized I could adapt to anything. That move broadened my world.”
One of his most memorable trips was to Afghanistan, just a year after the Taliban takeover. “People there are so welcoming. They invited me into their homes, shared their food, and treated me with incredible kindness,”Andriel explains. As a photographer, he describes Afghanistan as a dream:
“Everywhere you look, there’s an amazing photo to capture.”
Now based in Sydney, Andriel is on a mission to visit all 193 UN-recognized countries before he turns 30.
“It’s not just about ticking boxes. I love exploring less obvious places and connecting with locals through Couchsurfing, hostels, or just meeting people in the street.”
Cameron Mofid:
Building Bridges Through Philanthropy
Cameron has combined his love for travel with a philanthropic mission. At just 24 years old, he has visited 194 countries and founded Humanity Effect, a non-profit organization operating two schools in Lagos, Nigeria.
“The poverty I saw in Makoko was unlike anything I’d experienced. I knew I had to do something.”
Cameron’s non-profit began with a GoFundMe campaign that received an unexpected $45,000 donation from NBA star Kyrie Irving.
“With that money, we built a borehole for clean water and a new school. Today, we have 750 children under our care.”
For Cameron, adventure isn’t just about personal experiences; it’s about creating meaningful impact.
“Travel has taught me to see the world through a different lens, and I want to inspire others to make a difference too.”
Ricky James’ Perspective:
Slow Travel and Deep Connections
Ricky James is a firm believer in slow travel. He spends months immersing himself in the cultures of the countries he visits.
“To truly understand a place, you need time – at least 30 days.”
Ricky has lived in South Africa, Russia, and even conflict zones like Afghanistan and Syria.
“Traveling to conflict zones gives you a raw insight into humanity, showing both the beauty and the struggles of life.”
One of his most impactful experiences was living in Russia for five years, including a stint near Lake Baikal in Siberia. “The people there taught me resilience and warmth in ways I didn’t expect,” Ricky shares. His approach to travel is not about ticking countries off a list but about creating meaningful connections.
“Whether it’s learning Russian through trial and error or blending into a small village, I focus on living like a local.”
What Adventure Means to These Travellers
When asked to define adventure, each traveller shared unique perspectives. For Adam, it’s about stepping away from modern comforts:
“Adventure is being out of your element – whether hiking remote trails or navigating chaotic cities.”
Andriel finds adventure in climbing high-altitude mountains. “It’s about taking risks and challenging myself physically and mentally,” he explains, adding that he dreams of summiting Mount Everest one day.
For Cameron, adventure has evolved over time.
“When I started traveling, visiting Bangkok felt like an adventure. Now, it’s about pushing boundaries—going to places that are logistically or culturally challenging.”
Ricky defines adventure as anything that takes you out of your comfort zone:
“It could be as simple as trying to live like a local or as intense as navigating a tuk-tuk through chaotic streets.”
Lessons Learned on the Road
Through their travels, these young explorers have learned invaluable life lessons. Andriel highlights the importance of kindness: “In Afghanistan, people who had so little were willing to share everything with me. It taught me the power of human connection.”
Adam talks about patience:
“India taught me to slow down, adapt, and embrace the chaos. It’s a lesson I carry with me everywhere.”
Cameron emphasizes the global impact one can have:
“Starting Humanity Effect showed me how even small efforts can create lasting change.”
Ricky speaks about the depth of understanding:
“Spending months in one place allows you to see beyond stereotypes and understand the true essence of a culture.”
Where to Next?
Each traveller has exciting plans for the future. Andriel is focused on achieving her goal of visiting every country by 30. Adam plans to settle temporarily in Vietnam, continuing his quest to visit all 193 countries. Cameron looks forward to completing his final country – North Korea – once it reopens. Ricky is ready to balance his nomadic lifestyle with a network of bases across the globe.
These inspiring stories remind us that travel is more than just visiting places – it’s about challenging oneself, connecting with others, and learning about the world in profound ways.
The Challenge of Slowing Down
As much as these travellers thrive on movement, they all emphasize the importance of balance. Ricky highlights the burnout that can come from constant travel:
“After months of moving, I need to stop, reset, and find some rhythm in a place. It’s during these pauses that I appreciate travel even more.”
I echo this sentiment, recalling a moment in El Salvador: “I was in this stunning surf town, El Tunco but I wasn’t feeling it. I realized I needed to slow down. So, I moved to a quiet mountain spot for two weeks and did nothing. It was exactly what I needed to rekindle my excitement for exploring.”
Cameron shares a similar approach, blending short sprints of travel with longer periods of rest:
“It’s about finding that balance – traveling intensely for a while, then stepping back to recharge. It keeps me excited and prevents burnout.”
Encouraging Others to Take the Leap
When asked how they would encourage others to embrace travel, their advice was straightforward: just start. Adam suggests:
“Begin with a destination that’s slightly outside your comfort zone. It doesn’t have to be extreme – just a place that feels a little different.”
Ricky adds that it’s not about going to the ends of the Earth:
“Sometimes the best adventures are in your own backyard. Explore your country first; it might surprise you.”
Andriel emphasizes the value of human connection:
“Travel isn’t just about places – it’s about the people you meet along the way. Couchsurfing, hostels, or just talking to locals at a café can open up a world of experiences.”
Cameron wraps it up with a reminder that travel is personal:
“There’s no right or wrong way to travel. Whether it’s a luxury resort or a homestay in a small village, what matters is how it makes you feel and what you take away from it.”
Reflections and Favourite Moments
In a lighter segment, I asked them where they would teleport back to for a quick coffee or snack. Andriel immediately named Kabul, Afghanistan.
“The city has such a unique vibe, especially in winter. Everything feels magical – the clothes, the markets, the people.”
Adam’s choice was Tokyo.
“The energy of that city is unlike anything else. The lights, the orderliness, the sheer buzz of life – it’s mesmerizing.”
Cameron shared two favourites:
“Baghdad for its incredible hospitality and Tokyo for its unmatched uniqueness. Both left me awestruck in completely different ways.”
Ricky chose Cape Town, a city that holds a special place in his heart: “It’s the perfect blend of nature, culture, and energy. I could go back there anytime.”
What Comes Next?
As the conversation winds down, it’s clear that these young travellers are just getting started. Andriel plans to keep pushing boundaries, saying, “I’ll never stop traveling. It’s not about reaching a destination – it’s about living a life of exploration.”
Adam is charting his own course, balancing work and travel while savouring each destination.
“I’m not in a rush. I want to enjoy the journey and stay hungry for more.”
Cameron is preparing for the ultimate milestone – his final country, North Korea, while Ricky focuses on deepening connections in fewer places.
“I want to continue traveling, but with a slower pace and more meaningful interactions.”
A Final Word
This roundtable discussion has been nothing short of inspiring. These four young explorers remind us that travel is more than just movement: it’s about growth, connection, and discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or someone dreaming of your first big trip, their stories offer valuable lessons and motivation to see the world differently.
As for me, sharing these incredible stories and exploring the beauty of our planet. Until next time, stay curious, stay adventurous, and join me on The Radio Vagabond.
My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.
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