Thursday Traveler: Amar Hussain

Every Thursday, A Dangerous Business will be shining the spotlight on a world nomad, travel blogger, armchair adventurer, or just someone really cool in the travel world. This week, the traveler is Amar Hussain of Gap Year Escape. Amar is a freelance writer traveling round the world in the pursuit of sustainable travel and documenting his experiences for advice, inspiration and entertainment.

1. How do you define the word “traveler,” and why would you consider yourself one?

I guess anyone that moves from point A to point B is a traveller. Whether you are travelling for business, a holiday or long-term travel, you’re a traveller. I’ve been moving from ‘point-to-point’ during my gap year so I guess that would make me a traveller without a doubt!

2. What has been your favorite travel experience thus far?

That’s a hard one to answer. I’ve had lots amazing experiences. Some have been on tours and others have just been sat around a dirty hostel common room. If I had to pick one experience, shark cage diving in south Australia would come high on my list. The adrenaline rush of being in the water with a Great White Shark… Incredible! I hear you can swim with crocodiles too. That’s going on my bucket list.

3. How about your proudest travel moment?

I think what has really enhanced my travel experience is the fact that I am also a travel blogger. Not only have I been able to share my journey and inspire others across the world but I have also created something from nothing. I think to go from buying a domain for $10 to creating something that pays you to do something you love, well that’s everyone’s dream! I’m proud of what I have achieved, the people I have worked with and the other great bloggers I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way.

4. Have you had any travel mishaps or bad experiences? If so, have these influenced how you view the place where they happened? Would you go back?

Now that you mention it, I think one such occasion comes to mind. I was surfing in Australia when I thought it would be a good idea to fly off my surf board, land on my neck and hospitalise myself. For the record, it wasn’t. It was touch and go and the doctors said I was lucky to be able to walk. It could easily have gone the other way. I must admit I haven’t surfed since, mainly because the weather has taken a turn for the worst. It’s not put me off at all and I am itching to catch some waves again.

My advice to all travellers is to always pay the extra and get decent travel insurance. Getting to the hospital alone costs $500. Imagine what the CTs, Xrays, and stimulating conversation from nurses costs. I did write a piece on my surfing accident in more detail, but I must warn you I was bedridden, emotional and high on pain killers when I wrote it.

5. Name one thing you can’t travel without.

A passport? I’m kidding! I’m going to be sad and say my notebook. Not because I have trouble letting go and switching off. It’s just been useful for so many things while I have been away. After I had my accident, I couldn’t really walk and was in bed all day. It’s boring! I used to lie flat without a pillow and just have to stare up at the ceiling. A lesser mortal would just bare it, not me. I constructed a device out of broken metal hangers to suspend my notebook above head so I had something to watch all day. Genius or idiot?

6. Name one thing you wish you COULD travel without.

Guilt. When I was in Asia my younger sister had just started University and as such it was the first time that my mother had an ‘empty nest.’ As much as you’ve got to do your own thing and be your own person, I still felt guilty that I’d left. For the first few weeks, I actually used to call every day because I felt bad that she was at home by herself!

7. What do you think has been the biggest thing you’ve learned while traveling (about yourself, a destination, a culture, travel itself)?

You can shake your head after I say this but I must admit the best thing I have learnt about is the ‘human spirit.’ Yes, cliché and so cheesy, but hear me out. There’ve been times throughout my travels when I or other travellers have come through hardship, had something stolen, etc. It astounds me, on the whole, how supportive the travelling community is to each other. In everyday life, particularly in big cities, people don’t even take the time to move out of your way when walking down the street. But on the other side of the world, you’ve got complete strangers from polar opposite backgrounds helping each other out. If only more people travelled!

8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Tricky one to answer. Some places like Pai in Thailand appeal because of it’s laid-back nature, but I think I am a city boy at heart. I lived in Sydney last year, left, and then came back because I missed it. Queenstown was also a place a settled for a while. Great place for adventure sports but the high turnover of travellers can get a bit much. I’d just live anywhere where I’m happy. It’s the people and not the place that do that. Although sun, sea and sand can help.

9. Name one place you’d like to see or one experience you’d like to have before you die.

I really want to go to Antarctica! A friend of mine went for New Year’s Eve. Fireworks, champagne and baby penguins! I really would like to be able to have set foot on all seven continents over the next few years. I’m well on my way though.

10. If there was one thing you wish somebody would have told you before you started traveling, what would it be?

Take less photos. I know this sounds like a strange one, but I think travellers can be so hung up on taking photos that they forget to just be in the moment. I remember standing in the Botanical Gardens watching the Sydney Harbour Bridge Fireworks and I started to do a movie recording. Then it just hit me, just turn off the camera and be in the moment. Have moments which are just yours, take a mental picture and treasure them forever.

Visit Amar’s site: Gap Year Escape
Follow Amar on Twitter: @GapYearEscape

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Are you a travel blogger who has something to say on these topics? Do you know of somebody really interesting in the travel universe that you’d like to see interviewed? Speak up! The Thursday Traveler needs some interview subjects.

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