Expert's Advice: Venturing to Travel - Interview With Johnny Ward

No matter how much you've travelled, a good advice and a fresh portion of inspiration is always in demand. Therefore, Globelink International Ltd launches a new project called 'Expert's Advice'. We've invited travel experts from various countries, of different age and with absolutely unique travel experience to share their priceless knowledge and personal tips with you. And here is the first travel interview.

Meet our first expert Johnny Ward, the owner of One Step 4Ward travel blog. With a big dream of visiting every single country in the world, he started travelling in 2006 and have been to 125 countries so far! He's no millionaire and he works as many hours per week as he wants. No limits, no boundaries and, definitely, no hesitation. We've asked Johnny to share his expertise with you and he was glad to help.

Johnny, do you think you’ve dispelled any travelling myths while you’ve been away?

I’m not sure I’ve dispelled any! But one thing travel has taught me is that at our core, we’re not so different. We are all searching for the same things – love, friends, family, excitement. It’s cool no matter how far I go, these fundamental truths are always present.

What is your opinion of travelling solo?

I think it’s a rite of passage for sure. However, that being said I much prefer to travel with my close friends, family, gf etc I reckon that when people first hit the road they should go solo and experience it, it answers a lot of questions about your self. From then on, you can chose whether you prefer it solo or with your loved ones. For me, it’s the latter.

Johnny, you’ve seen 125 countries so far, right? That’s huge! What was the biggest challenge you've overcome while travelling?

To keep going. It’s my dream to visit every country in the world, and people think that the main issues are money and time, but actually it’s neither. Both are important, but the perseverance to keep going, that’s the toughest thing. Sometimes I miss home, wanna hit the gym, kick back, but I know if I want to achieve a lifelong dream, I have to keep moving forward.

Do you consider inspiring people to travel as your life’s ambition?

I wouldn’t say so, no. I love it, and I think it’s great to help people find their confidence to find the open road. But life mission? I don’t think so. But let’s see, the goalposts always move in our lives, right? :)

Are there any places you wouldn’t recommend visiting? If you could travel back in time would you still have visited those places?

Johannesburg and LA, not a big fan of either. That being said, I wouldn’t actually recommend people NOT to visit anywhere, we should all go everywhere and make our own minds up :) For sure I’d still visit them, everything is an experience.

Many think of packing as of a burden. Have you got any packing tips to share with us?

I don’t feel comfortable calling myself an expert in many things, but this is something that is second nature to me. I stack my tshirt and sweaters in my front open Macpac backpack, then roll my jeans, shorts and underwear around it. Can pack in three minutes flat. Perfecto.

Many people think they can’t afford to travel the world. What’s your secret of always finding enough money for travelling?

I designed my lifestyle so I could live the life I dreamed of. I worry that people spend too much time dreaming of a lifestyle assuming they can’t have it, but if you have the belief, you can make it happen. And retirement? That’s madness, tomorrow is promised to no one.

What motivating advice would you give to those hesitating to travel?

People need to be honest with themselves. What do they really want. A luxury two week break? Ok do that, that’s cool. Or perhaps you really wanna explore the world, experience different cultures, you’re happy to make sacrifices if it allows you to stay on the road. If that’s the case, then don’t ever say “Next year”, because it never comes. There’s never a right time. Pay off your debt and go, if that’s too daunting – go and work overseas, teach English, working holiday visas, whatever. But don’t delay.

What was the weirdest question you’ve ever been asked by your blog readers?

Haha, too many to mention, and some a little x-rated :P I got one ridiculous question asking me was it safe to swim in some random lake in Uganda. Ermmm, yes??

And the last question is what we were interested in from the very beginning. What is behind your blog name?

My full name is Johnny Ward, so onestep4ward works well:)

We thank Johnny for sharing his great experience with us and we wish his dreams come true, so one day we will interview a millionare with the whole world in his visited counties list.

Read also: Expert's Advice: Curious Travelling Interview with Daniel Noll & Audrey Scott