Look Everyone, I Did A Thing! A Thing Called A Book
My new book – The Travelling Ape: What Travelling (Nearly) Everywhere Taught Me about Humanity, Geopolitics, and Happiness – is out now.
Rwanda – Big Hopes And Great Apes
Rwanda has a tragic history. But a much brighter future. How have Rwandans managed to overcome the darkest instincts of the most dangerous of apes, humans?
Zimbabwe – Natural Wonders And Economic Woes
Travelling in Zimbabwe is not easy. But you will be rewarded with raw, barren, and beautiful natural scenery and incredible wildlife. And of course, the monumental Victoria Falls.
Why Having Political Debates Is Futile
If you are politically ‘engaged’, you might get tempted to convert other people to your particular political worldview. Don’t waste your breath.
What’s In A Flag? A Journey To The Five Tallest Flags In The World
A quest to North Korea, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Saudi Arabia, home to the five tallest flags in the world. And not many other good things.
The World Is Much Better Than You Think It Is
With its huge problems, it’s easy to think that the world is in crisis. But this is wrong. Now is easily the best time to be alive. Ever.
China – A Glimpse Into The Future, For Us All
The next global hegemon won’t be a democracy. While the West has been fighting among itself, China has been positioning itself as the world’s next leader. What is it like?
Is Democracy Really In Crisis?
A popular recent belief is that democracy is in crisis in the West. But is this really the case? Let’s have a look.
The World’s Worst Countries Ascribe To Dogmatic Ideologies
I like the analogy that ideologies are like mental parasites. When the ideology takes hold of the minds of government officials, it usually produces some of the worst countries in the world.
Western Whingers? Be Thankful You Were Born In The Rich World
Think your country has problems? Well, if you have access to the internet and free media, you are probably living in one of the best countries on earth. Stop moaning.
Despite What You Read, Most People In The World Are Nice
If you read or watch the news, you are probably left with the feeling that humanity is doomed, and that most people are ‘evil’. The more you travel, you realise the opposite is true.
Finding Five Positive Takeaways From Covid-19
The coronavirus (Covid-19) global pandemic is obviously terrible for the world, but here I outline five main positives that could emerge from it one day.
What Is The Best Country In The World?
It was always going to be a Scandinavian nation, despite the weather. But one of them stands out. What is the best country in the world to have been born in?
Was The World Really Better In The Past?
People may hark back to the ‘good old days’ of their youth. But this doesn’t mean the world was better in the past. These people just miss being young.
Travelling To ‘Scary’ Countries Isn’t As Scary As You Think
Travelling to dangerous countries isn’t as scary as you might think. Do your research and prepare methodically, and you should be fine.
Why Travel?
Travel broadens the mind. It is the antidote to bigotry and hatred. And most probably, is one of the most enjoyable pastimes that exists in the world.
Why Would I Like To Visit Every Country In The World?
Travelling is the most rewarding and exciting thing you can do on this planet. You will learn more travelling than you will ever learn in a classroom.
Saudi Arabia – Preconceptions Shattered In This Rapidly Changing Country
We all know about Saudi Arabia’s many shortcomings. But things are changing. The country is liberalising. It hopes to be a global tourist superpower. Will it succeed?
Iraq – Kurdistan An Oasis Of Calm Amidst Regional Turmoil
When you tell people you are going to Iraq, they look at you funny. Perhaps rightly, given the troubles it has faced. Not so for the Kurdistan region, which is a pocket of calm.
Algeria – Blue Skies And Friendly Faces. And Huge Protests
Algeria is a hidden gem of a country. A two-hour hop from London transports you into a completely different culture and way of life. And introduces you to the friendliest people in the world.
Turkmenistan – My Personality Cult Is Better Than Yours
Turkmenistan is the lesser known of the world’s two main personality cults. The other being North Korea. It’s a stupendously weird nation. There is nowhere on earth quite like it.
North Korea – ‘Silly’ Korea
There are few words that can describe the enigma that is ‘The Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea’. So I like to use ‘Silly Korea’. It’s the strangest and saddest place on the planet.