A top travel influencer has unveiled five of his best ‘hacks’ for anyone wanting to jet off on trip.
Simon Wilson has amassed over one million followers documenting his journeys around the world, with his travels taking him to the likes of Syria and Iraq, all the way through to the USA.
The Wrexham-based YouTuber started his popular channel with videos made using just his mobile phone, but he soon saw his following increasing as he navigated the world.
Now, speaking to the Happy Hour podcast, Simon has revealed some of his top tips for anyone looking to jet off around the world themselves, including ways you can try and save some cash.
Speak to everyone
Simon advises chatting to everyone you are likely to encounter while abroad, because ‘everyone has their own story’.
Whether it’s the guard on a train or another tourist, Simon enjoys hearing the stories fellow travellers and locals have to share.
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 recalled wanting to travel to New York City for Christmas, but, without a girlfriend, was afraid of travelling alone.
He revealed that, with some encouragement from an old boss, he decided to take the plunge.
He explained: “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.”
He added: “When I started doing YouTube and travelling alone, I wouldn’t say I was nervous but I was apprehensive.”
He says travelling solo provides ‘inner peace’.
Don’t book anything in advance
Simon says he has not booked a flight with more than a ‘month’s notice’ before, with a lot of his travel plans being made within just two weeks ahead of travelling, and even on the same week of departure.
He also says he often prefers not to book a return flight, favouring to choose when he feels ready to come home.
Although, he does admit that sometimes he might have to book a ‘fake’ return flight, so border officials know he will 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 taken aback if he says he is visiting places such as Iraq – a country he described as ‘mega’.
He said: “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.”
Don’t say no to an upgrade
Simon says travellers should never take no for an answer and should ‘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.”