A Travellers Story

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“Nasser Al-Sadhan, a 35-year-old Saudi Arabian native, has always been passionate about travel. His love for adventure started in childhood. He embraces spontaneity and prefers exploring new places to relaxing on beaches. His travels have led him to countless unexpected encounters and cultural experiences, from a chance meeting with fellow travellers in Croatia to a life-changing journey through India. Nasser's story is a testament to the transformative power of travel, highlighting the importance of being open-minded, embracing the unknown, and finding joy in the journey itself”.

Background

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So, I'm Nasser Al-Sadhan. I'm 35 years old. I was born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I had a normal childhood, nothing out of the ordinary. But my trips with my family sparked my love for travel. We used to go to Dubai every summer until I was about 13 or 14.

What sparked my passion for travelling was seeing backpackers at the airport, I would see these people with backpacks and think, "What are they doing? Where are they going? What's their life like?" I think that's the beginning of why I felt that way. There's no specific trip that triggered it."

What drew you to exploring the world on your own? What are the advantages and challenges of solo travel?

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Getting lost in Venice was the first adventure I did on my own. We were leaving Venice that day, and I woke up in the morning and went to buy a Juventus t-shirt (it's a football team). The store was closed, and I ended up getting lost. I reversed the directions in my head to go back to the hotel. There was no Google Maps, no nothing. I was literally lost and had no way of knowing how to get back. After three or four hours, I finally found my way back. I pretended nothing happened and sat in the lobby while my family checked out. They didn't find out until a few years later when I told them what happened.

What's your typical travel style? Do you prefer structured itineraries or going with the flow? Do you seek out adventure or relaxation?

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I definitely prefer adventure over relaxation. That's why I don't like the beach— What can you do but sit in the sun and go swim? I'd rather be in the mountains exploring every part of it. If you leave me in the mountains, I won't be back until sunset. Just give me some food and water and I'm off! I don't even need to be with anyone. However, I do enjoy some downtime here and there and whenever I feel like my body needs it.

I definitely like spontaneous over planning. I'm not going to say I'm 100% spontaneous. I have a general blueprint of how I want to do things. If I go to a country, I'll have a general direction—like going from South to North, or knowing I want to cross a land border. But I don't plan the specifics, like how many days I'll stay somewhere or where I'll stay.

I usually book the day before, or sometimes the day of. Sometimes I don't book anything at all. Once, I didn't book anything because I wasn't sure where I was going to stay. I ended up sleeping on the beach. Then I met a Ukrainian group who hosted me, and we became good friends. I spent the next two weeks with them.

Spontaneity gives you space for adventure and unexpected things to happen. You won't believe how many times I started travelling with people I met randomly. The longest I've travelled with someone I met randomly was three weeks. If I had things planned, I would never be able to do this, and that's why I love it when it's not planned.

But if it's completely unplanned, that's also an issue. I stress out because I have to do everything. I just need a little bit of structure—knowing where I'm going to start and end, and a general route. I also do some research. I ask people and go online for tips, but I prefer to meet locals and fellow travellers. I ask them where they went, what they liked, what food to try, etc. It's the best way to get first-hand information.

For example, in Croatia, I was visiting a waterfall park, and I was taking pictures and met a girl and a guy. He's American, and the girl is Italian. They studied in Saudi Arabia out of all places! We started talking because they asked me to take a picture of them. They were doing exactly what I wanted to do—travelling all the way to Dubrovnik.

They had a car, and I joined them. I only had one night booked, and I had to cancel it. The lady was kind enough not to charge me anything. I travelled with them for a week or ten days. I have so many stories like that, but if it was planned, I wouldn't be able to connect with people that way or say yes to unexpected chances, encounters, or adventures."

Out of the 110 countries you've visited, which one stands out as the most memorable? What made it so special?

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The most memorable country I've visited is definitely India, without a doubt. It's because of how different it was, especially a city called Varanasi, because of its relationship with death. I was there during the Kumbh Mela (a religious gathering that happens every four years). I was in India at the same time, and there was a festival called Shivrati. Everyone from the Kumbh Mela went to Varanasi for this festival, so the city was filled with sadhus and nagababas (spiritual people, all naked, covered in ash, doing all sorts of things).

Varanasi was special because I was there during that time, and you see burning bodies all over the city. Their relationship with death is not like Abrahamic religions where you go to the cemetery, bury the person, and then leave. In Varanasi, death is everywhere. You don't have to know someone who died to see death. You can be walking down the river, minding your own business, eating ice cream, and then you'll see three bodies burning on your right side. I remember watching one body burn completely from start to finish. It took two hours.

I remember thinking, "One day I'm watching, and the other day I'll be watched." The relationship with death left a big impact on me. I wish we viewed death the same way they do. It's part of daily life, not something we just go to the cemetery for and then continue our day. I think the Indian way is more humbling and connects you with cycle of life and death.

Out of all of the countries you have visited, which one completely differed in how you imagined it to be? And why?

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It's hard to say if any country differed from my expectations, but I can say that Central and South America have the friendliest people I've met. Sure, you meet friendly people everywhere, but as a culture, as a society, I've never been welcomed as warmly as I have been in Central and South America. In Costa Rica, for example, you might meet someone on the bus, chat for a bit, and then suddenly you're with their family celebrating a birthday party. They're very hospitable. I didn't expect this, but it was a nice surprise.

I've seen acts of kindness in different countries, but the most trusting people I've encountered as a collective are people from New Zealand. In New Zealand, I hitchhiked everywhere, and everyone was helpful and friendly.

They invited me to their homes and gave me food. I got picked up by old ladies (in their 80s), a mom with a kid, a family, and everything in between. They trusted strangers and helped in every way possible.

Can you share a story about a cultural encounter that surprised or challenged you? How did you navigate that experience?

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There were two cultural encounters that surprised me one in Eastern Europe and one on Canada. Let's start with the story in Canada.

In Saudi Arabia, when someone offers you a drink, you never say yes. You always say no, even if you want it. It's considered rude to say yes the first time because our culture is very hospitable. It's an unwritten rule. You say no, and then if the host really means it, they'll offer it again. You say no again, and then on the third time, you say yes.

When I first moved to Canada, a friend offered me orange juice. I really wanted it, but I said no. I was ready to go through the whole "no, yes, you have to have it" dialogue, but he just said, "Okay." I was like, "What? I want it!" I didn't say that out loud, but I was thinking about it. I eventually learned that there are cultural differences there.

Another cultural difference in Canada is about politeness. A friend's friend was talking about a trip to the beach, and he said to me, "You're welcome to join if you want." I knew he was just being polite, but I asked my friend if he meant it? Because in Saudi they would just extend the invitation to be polite. He said, "Yes, he would never have said it if he didn't mean it." There's a lot of politeness in Saudi culture. where there are a lot of unwritten cultural rules.

The last cultural difference is about smiling. In Eastern European countries, no one smiles. I think it's a North American thing. In Eastern Europe, when you lock eyes with someone and smile, they'll just pretend you don't exist. They don't even acknowledge you. This happened to me at a hostel in Ukraine. I locked eyes with a girl, and I smiled.

She didn't even react. It was like I didn't exist. I learned that this is their culture. It's not rude, it's just how they are. Smiling at strangers is not part of their culture. I don't like this culture; I prefer to smile at strangers. There's a saying in Saudi that smiling to a stranger is a good deed. So yeah, I definitely like smiling at strangers.

What's the most unexpected thing you've learned about yourself while travelling? How has travel shaped your perspective on the world and your place in it?

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I've found that the more I travel, the more I realise how much I still don't know. It's humbling, but also incredibly exciting. There's always something new to discover, and I'm always eager to learn more about the world around me and about myself.

These experiences have taught me the importance of being open-minded and the ability to adapt to different cultural norms. It's easy to fall into the trap of judging others based on our own experiences, but it's crucial to approach new cultures with curiosity and respect.

I've learned that understanding the historical, social, and political context of a culture is essential to truly appreciating its nuances. It helps us to see beyond superficial differences and recognize the shared humanity that connects us all.

Despite the differences, I've found that human connection transcends cultural boundaries. Whether it's sharing a meal with a family in Mexico or hitchhiking with a friendly stranger in New Zealand, these encounters have reminded me of the power of human connection and the beauty of shared experiences.

Travelling has taught me a lot about myself, particularly about my relationship with material possessions. For seven months, I lived out of a 35-litre backpack – that's it! I realised how little I actually need to survive and thrive. It made me question the consumerist culture we live in and how much we prioritise material things.

This experience also shifted my perspective on work-life balance. My first backpacking trip in 2014, a three-month journey through Europe, made me realise that life is more than just work. While I believe work is important, especially when you're passionate about it, I questioned how many of us are truly fulfilled in our jobs. I decided to use work as a tool to finance my lifestyle, not the other way around. I don't want to live to work; I want to work to live.

This shift in perspective is reflected in how I identify myself. I hate being defined by my job. When asked "What do you do?", I prefer to talk about my passions, my hobbies, and my experiences as a traveller and musician. I believe there's more to life than just our careers and the places we grew up. There's a whole world out there with diverse cultures and experiences waiting to be explored. We only live once, so we should live for the things that truly matter to us.

While I understand that not everyone has the same opportunities, I encourage those who do to seize them. Don't let life pass you by while you're stuck at work. Travel, explore, and experience all that the world has to offer.

My sense of belonging is a bit complicated. I feel like I belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Having lived in multiple countries, I don't feel a strong connection to any specific one. However, I feel a deep connection to the global community of travellers. We share a similar feeling of not belonging anywhere in particular, yet feeling a sense of belonging with each other. This creates a beautiful sense of connection, but it also comes with challenges.

Have you ever faced any major challenges or setbacks while travelling? How did you overcome those obstacles?

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I've faced challenges and setbacks during my travels, but I don't view them as negative experiences. Instead, I see them as amazing stories to tell. Every challenge, every setback, has resulted in a unique and unforgettable experience.

For example, my phone died as soon as I reached Krakow, leaving me without a map, accommodation, or any way to contact anyone. But thanks to a chance encounter with two Brazilians, I ended up in the best hostel in Europe, celebrating their 10-year anniversary with a big party.

Another time, I almost missed my bus in Ecuador because I went to the wrong terminal. The guy from the terminal, seeing my predicament, gave me a ride on the tram lane with his car, speeding through the city which was an unforgettable experience. We ended up taking a picture together, and I made it to my destination on time.

These challenges, these setbacks, add excitement to my journey. They force me out of my comfort zone and create stories that I wouldn't have experienced otherwise.

What advice would you give to someone who's considering solo travel for the first time? What are some essential tips or things to keep in mind?

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Just Do It!

I don't believe in making hard decisions when it comes to travelling. I embrace spontaneity and the unknown. Every experience is new and exciting.

The most challenging aspect of travel is planning trips to large countries like India and China. These countries are vast and diverse, with different climates, cultures, and logistical considerations. It's difficult to plan a trip that encompasses everything I want to see and experience.

My advice to anyone considering travelling is simple: just do it! Don't wait for the perfect time, the perfect group, or the perfect circumstances. Just go. I was anxious about my first solo trip to Europe, but I never looked back. Since then, I've embraced solo travel and never let the fear of the unknown hold me back.

I can't recommend a specific place to travel because everyone's preferences are different. However, I encourage everyone to be open-minded, embrace new experiences, and say yes to everything within reason.

My biggest tip is to leave room for spontaneity. Don't plan every minute of your trip. Allow yourself time to meet new people, discover hidden gems, and go with the flow.

I also recommend not booking everything in advance. This allows for flexibility and spontaneity. You'll find accommodation wherever you go, unless you're travelling to a very remote or highly touristy area.

With 110 countries under your belt, are there any places you still dream of visiting? What's on your travel bucket list?

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I still have many places on my bucket list, including Patagonia, Antarctica, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, and Madagascar. I'm also interested in exploring more of Africa. I'm excited about the future and all the adventures it holds. I plan to continue travelling, exploring new cultures, and sharing my experiences with others. I believe that travel is a powerful tool for personal growth, cultural understanding, and global connection.

Final Thoughts & A Life Well-Lived
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I encourage everyone to travel, whether it's a weekend trip to a nearby city or a long-term adventure across the globe. It's an incredible way to broaden your horizons, challenge your preconceptions, and connect with the world in a meaningful way. I believe that a life well-lived is one filled with experiences, connections, and a sense of purpose. Travel has given me all of these things and more. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Travel is not about the destination, it's about the journey. It's about the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the lessons you learn along the way. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The most rewarding experiences are often the ones that challenge you the most.

Embrace the unexpected. The best adventures are the ones you don't plan for. Be open-minded and curious. Every culture has something unique to offer. Don't let fear hold you back. The world is full of amazing people and places waiting to be discovered. Life is too short to be stuck in a rut. Get out there and explore!

Words of Wisdom

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Don't wait for things to happen to you, you make them happen, and I can also learn from that wisdom, I don't apply it in every aspect of my life, but I definitely apply it for traveling. Don't wait for the right time, don't wait for the right people, don't wait for the stars to align, you know, just do it. Money is not an excuse, you can go to cheap countries, you can do volunteering, there's so many ways that you can make it affordable, and sometimes you can even make money out of it.

That's the biggest piece of advice that I can give to myself and to anyone else. I need to apply this myself to my trip to China because for China I'm waiting for the right time, I'm waiting for the right season, I'm not doing anything about it, so I should learn from my advice as well.