Alex Cajun in Barcelona, Spain

Claim to Fame?
Rode a bicycle from Barcelona to Paris over ten days

Alex and I met at Centric Point Hostel in Barcelona. This laid back Canadian began his travels with one pair of shoes, sandals, a black collared shirt, a plain T-shirt and absolutely no plans. We clicked right away as he told me of his passion for movie directing, script writing and our freakishly similar history.

Have you ever considered riding 120 km a day for 10 days? Over mixed obstacles, hills and at times rain? A crazy idea turned into reality. Our last days at Barcelona were filled with bike hunting for Mr. Alex and soon enough he set off on his journey. Two months later we met up again, in London this time and spoke of this massive achievement. At times Alex found himself living off tins of sardines and sleeping in public phone booths while he fell asleep as the clouds cried.

Determination is simply an emotion but brought to life by movement.

3 Big Tips For Traveling Solo

Traveling on your own is a wonderful experience but can sometimes be daunting at the beginning. You are forced out of your comfort zone but if you stick it out, the challenges become memorable highlights.

1. Get Lost

The places I enjoyed the most were always the ones that I found by accident. Be prepared and do your research however it's always a good idea to leave room for spontaneous adventures.

2. Ask Questions

Nothing beats answers directly from the locals. If you ask them questions, your bound to get answers that aren't in your pocked guide. Not only will you get brutal honesty, you'll save loads of time. I sure did when I was in Paris and asked three different and random locals where the best pastry shop in town was. It's no surprise they all suggested the same place!

3. Tell stories

Everyone has a story to tell. Part of the journey is sharing them. When you open up others will too. Traveling and sight seeing is only a small part of the experience. The real investment is in the conversations with the people you meet.

Be warned. Traveling is incredibly addictive! Especially once you've done it on your own. I've found that the value is in the positive affirmation of existing beliefs and an expansion of new ones. Sometimes we may be at a place of tunnel vision and taking ourselves to a completely new environment rapidly re-ignites your passion for life. More importantly, we are left with gratitude.

(Photo above: Ram in the Pyrenees Mountains, South of France)

Rolf Harris in Wimbeldon London, England

Claim to Fame? 
Painter, Singer-songwriter and Television personality

If there's one man thats done it all, its Rolf Harris! He kindly agreed to a photo while Ram was entering the 2009 Wimbeldon tournament. Rolf painted many of the tennis stars used as branding for the event. Interesting facts: Harris was a champion swimmer before studying art. He moved to England in 1952, where he started to appear on television programmes on which he drew the characters. He also began a musical career initially with the piano accordion. Keep it up Rolfy!

Rachel Samantha Speedie in Waya Lei Lei, Fiji

Claim to Fame?
Artist and Gallery Curator in Bonnie, Scotland 

Don't be thrown off by this pocket rocket with a true blue Scottish sound! Rachel and Ram met while sipping on coconuts and sun soaking in Fiji. She spoke of her love for New Zealand amongst all her country hopping and now manages a contemporary gallery in Scotland.

Sarah Braden in Darlinghurst, Australia

Claim to Fame?

Photographer & Founder of Sarah Braden Photography

I bumped into the bubbly Sarah Braden at a function in Darlinghurst. She has just returned from two months of traveling overseas in Europe as she continues the success of her Photography businesses. With over six years experience in her field, Sarah is surely one to look out for. Visit www.sarahbradenphotography.com.au

Rikke Klüver Voll in Barcelona, Spain

Claim to Fame?

Future UN Ambassador & World Traveller

Rikke and I met during a summer night in Barcelona, Spain. A Norwegian Political Science Major who is currently studying in Beirut, Lebanon. On top of a near completion of her Masters Degree, she enjoys exploring her untapped talent for photography, good food and great conversation.

Jillesa Stephen at the Ivy - Sydney, Australia

Claim to Fame?
An intern in publishing by the age of 15

Jillesa is a recent University of Technology Sydney graduate and works as a freelance journalist for ACP magazines. We bumped into each other at the sophisticated urban playground called the 'Ivy' on George Street, Sydney. She enjoys regular sushi sessions and a solid shopping spree.

Mats Phoenix Sølland at Akeneya Restaurant - Sydney, Australia

Claim to Fame?
Norwegian Break Dancer

Mats and I met through mutual friends over some Japanese cuisine and discovered there is more than meets the eye! He is on exchange at the University of Western Sydney studying International business and global management. Before flying down under, he worked three jobs including a role as a care-taker for the disabled. It's no lie. He is Norwegian and indeed breakdances, recently competing in the Australian BBoy Championships.