Join Alfie Watts, the 21-year-old winner of series four of BBC’s Race Across the World, as he shares his insights on authentic travel experiences and lessons learned from a journey around the globe.
Finding Authentic Travel Experiences: Lessons from a Winner of Race Across the World
Authentic travel, where one truly immerses themselves in the culture and surroundings, is what sets apart those who wander the world like tourists from those who genuinely explore it. For Alfie Watts, the 21-year-old winner of series four of BBC’s Race Across the World, this concept was a game-changer after participating in the show.
Authentic travel involves immersing oneself in local cultures, 'immersing oneself' , traditions, and ways of life.
This type of travel encourages tourists to engage with the community, learn about their customs, and respect their environment.
Authentic travel often takes place off the beaten path, exploring rural areas, small towns, and villages.
By doing so, travelers can experience the true essence of a destination, beyond tourist attractions and commercialized experiences.
The Difference Between Shallow Travel and Authenticity
Watts describes two types of travel prevalent in the UK: shallow travel, where one visits popular destinations but stays within their comfort zone, and authentic travel, which involves truly experiencing the world as it is. He prefers authenticity over the weather, finding that places like Malaysia and Thailand offer a better value for money compared to Western countries.
Shallow travel refers to a type of tourism that focuses on short, superficial visits to destinations.
This can include day trips, weekend getaways, or brief excursions.
Shallow travelers often prioritize convenience and ease over in-depth exploration.
According to a survey, 70% of tourists engage in shallow travel at least once a year.
Factors contributing to this trend include increasing work demands and limited vacation time.
Tips for Fellow Travellers
Watts’s advice for those seeking an authentic travel experience includes considering destinations further afield than Spain or Europe. Flights might be more expensive, but food, accommodation, and other expenses are significantly lower in these regions. He also emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and willing to take risks.
Solo Travel and Personal Growth
Watts enjoys solo travel, finding it allows him to do things on his own terms while meeting new people along the way. However, he acknowledges that not everyone prefers this approach, and some may prefer to travel with friends or family. Watts encourages would-be travellers to ‘throw themselves in’ and be open to new experiences.
Solo travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many travelers opting to explore destinations independently.
According to a survey, solo travel accounted for 28% of all trips taken in 2020.
This trend is driven by factors such as increased independence, flexibility, and personal growth.
Solo travelers can immerse themselves in local cultures, meet new people, and develop self-reliance skills.
With the rise of social media, sharing solo travel experiences has become easier, inspiring others to take the leap.
Bucket List Destinations
Watts has a bucket list that includes visiting remote destinations like Tuvalu, the least visited country in the world, and Angel Falls in Venezuela, his favorite place he’s been on his travels so far. He also expresses interest in visiting Jordan and Malaysia as his favorite countries.
Ambassadorial Work and Personal Struggles
In addition to his travel experiences, Watts has expanded his horizons by becoming an ambassador for mental health charities such as Young Minds UK and Winston’s Wish. However, he admits that internalizing the stories of those he meets can be challenging.
Advice for Series Five Contestants
Watts advises contestants on series five of Race Across the World to learn from his mistakes and prepare accordingly. He recommends taking a calculator, whiteboard, and travel placards with pictures of buses, trains, and people on them to facilitate communication in unfamiliar environments.
Expectations for the New Series
Watts expects series five to be challenging, particularly due to China’s complex transportation system and limited cash acceptance. His advice is to approach the journey with a streetwise mindset and creativity in how one prepares.
The True Spirit of Competition
Despite being the youngest winner of Race Across the World, Watts does not wish to win at all costs. Instead, he hopes that the pair who ‘nicely interact’ with their fellow contestants and genuinely appreciate the travel opportunity will emerge victorious.
