Travel influencer shares five tips everyone needs to know

A top travel influencer who’s visited dozens of countries has shared his best ‘hacks’ for those itching to explore the world.

Simon, who boasts over a million followers, has documented his globe-trotting adventures from Syria and Iraq to the USA.

The Wrexham-based YouTuber began his popular channel with videos shot on his mobile phone, but quickly saw his fan base grow as he journeyed across the globe.

Now, in a chat with the Happy Hour podcast, Simon has spilled the beans on his top tips for fellow travellers, including savvy ways to save some dosh, reports the Express.

Speak to everyone

Simon’s first tip is to chat with everyone you meet while travelling because ‘everyone has their own story’. Whether it’s a train guard or another tourist, Simon relishes hearing the tales of fellow globetrotters and locals alike.

He said: “You don’t know where that leads to, you don’t know what happens, and that’s the beauty of travel.”

Don’t be afraid of travelling alone

At 22, Simon wanted to spend Christmas in New York City, but without a girlfriend, he was hesitant about travelling solo. With a little nudge from an old boss, he decided to take the leap.

He revealed: “Everywhere I’ve gone it’s been on my own. They say travel is the best education but what you learn and personal growth, everything. When I started doing YouTube and travelling alone, I wouldn’t say I was nervous but I was apprehensive.”

He believes that solo travel offers ‘inner peace’.

Don’t book anything in advance

Simon reveals he has never booked a flight with more than a ‘month’s notice’ before, often making his travel plans just two weeks ahead of travelling, or even in the same week of departure.

He also prefers not to book a return flight, choosing instead to decide when he feels ready to return home.

However, he admits that sometimes he might have to book a ‘fake’ return flight, so border officials know he intends to leave.

He explains: “You’re usually alright but there’s always that one guy that’s like ‘where’s your return flight’ so you just book a £20 flight to cover that.”

“So yeah, I say don’t book anything, just go with the flow, that’s where the magic happens.”

Don’t be closed-minded about which countries you visit

Simon says people he speaks to in the UK can be surprised if he says he is visiting places such as Iraq – a country he described as ‘mega’. He advised: “Just go somewhere, if you want to go there, don’t let any outside factors creep in because obviously we’re told one thing but it’s not the reality.”

Keep pushing for an upgrade

Simon advises travellers to never take no for an answer and to ‘keep pushing’ for a free upgrade. He explained: “It’s changed with flights, I used to be able to blag it but that’s changed a bit now. Hotels have always got an upgrade unless they’re rammed for an event.”

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