Grand Adventures

WALKED FOR THREE YEARS FROM THE UK TO THE SAHARA

I was married when I left London. My husband and I left together. We walked the first year together. A month into the trip through the Sahara our marriage broke up. Gary left and I continued walking on my own. I don’t have a fixed opinion on whether one should do a trip with a romantic partner or not. I think it entirely depends upon the couple, the expedition, and everything. I think there are virtues to both. The first year, it meant the world to me to have a partner to walk with. And I’m not sure to this day whether or not I would have had the courage to leave on my own. Having said that, I was absolutely and utterly frustrated by the time a year had gone past. And, I would say, travel certainly heightens any trouble with a couple.

RIAAN MANSER

ROWED FROM AFRICA TO NEW YORK WITH HIS WIFE

When I look at the rowing now, I just think that [going solo] would be a step too far for me. On the topic of taking a friend with me: I think I romanticise the idea. I love the idea of taking a buddy, but that buddy would have to be a really good friend because I know what you have to go through. I’m actually glad that I took my wife, Vasti, because we did something special together. If I were to choose again, without a doubt I’d take my wife.

ANT GODDARD

DROVE AROUND THE USA WITH HIS YOUNG FAMILY

I’ve been able to work remotely while travelling, so some days I’ll have to sit in a park or coffee shop working while my wife and son get to enjoy the local sites, but work has been super-flexible and that’s definitely helped fund the trip.

GRANT ‘AXE’ RAWLINSON

HUMAN-POWERED EXPEDITIONS BEGINNING AND ENDING ON INTERESTING MOUNTAIN SUMMITS

I treated my wife even more like a princess than I normally do until she gave me permission to go on the trip!

MATT PRIOR

DROVE TO MONGOLIA IN A £150 CAR

Family-wise, my dad didn’t talk to me for a while. He thought I was being an idiot taking this risk when I had a good career [as a fighter pilot] laid out in front of me. I put this down to a generational thing: he’s used to it now and I always come back in one piece so it can’t be that bad!

© Alastair Humphreys

© Alastair Humphreys

SOLO OR WITH FRIENDS?

WISE WORDS FROM FELLOW ADVENTURERS

SEAN CONWAY

SWAM THE LENGTH OF BRITAIN, CYCLED ROUND THE WORLD

I think the benefits of travelling alone include… The freedom to change plans whenever you like and you get to live the adventure you want to live. If I had to choose, I prefer travelling alone because I often like to do long days, which isn’t for everyone.

SHIRINE TAYLOR

CYCLING ROUND THE WORLD

I think the benefits of travelling alone include…Learning more about yourself and gaining a sense of independence. When you are alone you realise that you can get through any situation. You are also able to truly figure out who you are and what you want when you are solely focused on yourself.

Whilst the advantages of going with someone else include…

It’s impossible to explain to an outsider how it feels to sleep in a slum, or to cycle up a two-day pass, so it’s nice to have someone alongside you who gets it.

You have someone to cuddle up with at night!

If I had to choose… That’s a hard one. I absolutely love travelling alone and will definitely be doing more of it throughout my life, but now that I have found ‘my person’ I wouldn’t give him up for the world. I think it’s important for everyone to travel alone at least once since it’s such an eye-opening, incredible experience.

© Alastair Humphreys

ANNA HUGHES

BOTH CYCLED AND SAILED 4,000 MILES AROUND THE COASTLINE OF GREAT BRITAIN

I think the benefits of travelling alone include…

People tend to offer help more if you are travelling alone.

Whilst the advantages of going with someone else include…

Sharing the views makes them more real, somehow. If I had to choose, I would go alone, because I am fiercely independent and want to do things my way! And the satisfaction of accomplishing something by yourself is wonderful.

HELEN LLOYD

ADVENTURES BY BIKE, HORSE, RIVER AND ON FOOT

The advantages of going with someone else include…

It’s safer to go places that would be difficult or more dangerous alone.

If I had to choose, I would go alone because of the freedom, but it’s still easy enough to find someone to do stuff with if I want to. So it’s the best of both worlds.

JAMIE MCDONALD

RAN 5,000 MILES ACROSS CANADA

I think the benefits of travelling alone include…Embracing the adventure, and everything around you more. You only have to focus on one person: you. Selfishly, that can be nice.

IAN PACKHAM

CIRCUMNAVIGATED AFRICA BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

I think the benefits of travelling alone include…Gaining a much better, deeper insight into and interaction with locals and local life.

Whilst the advantages of going with someone else include…

Adopting new ideas and picking up new skills from that person. Sharing costs!

If I had to choose, I would go alone, simply for the ease of being able to go without any pre-planning.

DAVE CORNTHWAITE