Adam Pervez

HappinessPlunge.com

Age: 30

Hometown: Strongsville, Ohio

Quote: “Know yourself as well as possible and organize your trip based on your personality. Go with your own flow, not the flow of others.”

How did you find out about Vagabonding, and how did you find it useful before and during the trip?

I found out because you interviewed my friend Jasmine.

How long were you on the road?

I have been on the road for 13 months.. and I’m still going!

Where all did you go?

In order: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, USA, UK, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Philippines

What was your job or source of travel funding for this journey?

I previously worked as a business development specialist with a wind power company in Denmark. Right now I

Did you work or volunteer on the road?

I volunteer on the road, doing whatever I can to leave each place a bit better than how I found it. I also write for The Singapore Business Times.

Of all the places you visited, which was your favorite?

It’s very hard to say, but Peru has something special. Apart from the Inca ruins, the cities at extremely high altitudes, the numerous climate zones that allow you to enjoy every kind of weather, the great food.. I don’t know. There’s something special about the place that’s hard to put a finger on.

Was there a place that was your least favorite, or most disappointing, or most challenging?

I would say Central America is a bit challenging due to security. I was robbed in Guatemala, though since I didn’t understand his Spanish the thief didn’t get my stuff. In Honduras I heard gunshots as two guys shot and killed each other one street away from where I was staying. When security is on your mind every time you step out the door, it weighs on your overall enjoyment and satisfaction no matter how amazing and beautiful the place is.

Did any of your pre-trip worries or concerns come true?  Did you run into any problems or obstacles that you hadn’t anticipated?

Continuing with the safety theme, I was worried about getting robbed and it happened in Colombia as well. That time it got a bit physical.

As for problems I didn’t anticipate, not too many. I had traveled extensively before The Happy Nomad Tour. But I have been sick every year this month with either diarrhea, a head cold, or both. I didn’t expect to get sick so often.

Which travel gear proved most useful?  Least useful?

My head mounted LED came in handy many times. I never used my STERIPEN though.

What are the rewards of the vagabonding lifestyle?

There are too many to name. But it’s magical in terms of personal development, confidence-building, relating to the world, becoming a global citizen, and getting to know your fellow man.

What are the challenges and sacrifices of the vagabonding lifestyle?

The challenges involve the learning curve when getting to new places and figuring out how things work. If you are on a shoestring it’s challenging how to figure out how to do things as cheaply as possible. Logistics and safety can be quite challenging as well.. also letting go and accepting when things don’t go “correctly.”

As for sacrifices, I guess the comforts from home and the proximity to friends and family.

What lessons did you learn on the road?

Too many to list, but in essence, we’re all the same just trying to improve our personal and family situations.

How did your personal definition of “vagabonding” develop over the course of the trip?

I think it’s pretty much stayed the same since I traveled extensively before starting The Happy Nomad Tour and knew what I wanted out of this adventure.

If there was one thing you could have told yourself before the trip, what would it be?

Don’t forget that every day of this trip is living out your dream, so never forget to be grateful for this experience you’re about to have!

Any advice or tips for someone hoping to embark on a similar adventure?

Know yourself as well as possible and organize your trip based on your personality. Go with your own flow, not the flow of others. And try not to say no to any opportunities. They usually end up being amazing 🙂

When and where do you think you’ll take your next long-term journey?

I’m still going! I’m in The Philippines now, next Myanmar, Nepal, hopefully Tibet, India, Pakistan, Middle East, etc.

Website: HappinessPlunge.com

Twitter: HappinessPlunge

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