Tell us something about yourself.

I am consumed by wanderlust. Since I started travelling during my university days I developed a strong desire to see the world. I am addicted to travel because I have only one life and I want more than simplicity, stability and tradition. I do not want to be stuck in one place. Travel has changed my life. I sometimes feel more at home in strange surroundings off the beaten track than in Malta trying, and sometimes failing, to fit in.

How often do you travel?

In 2014 I went on about 16 trips; last year, a staggering 20… This is while holding a full time job and following a part-time university course. I think I caught the travel bug. Globetrotting keeps me young and energised and gives me a break from ‘normal’ life.

Do you remember your first time abroad, and can you tell us about it?

My emotions were mixed. I was anxious and excited. Butterflies were fluttering in my stomach, I was full of anticipation and felt exhilarated. Getting out of the plane was like entering a cave of wonders and I was changed forever. There was no turning back. And I have no regrets.

Best holiday ever and why?

That would have to be my trip to Cairo last month. It was an early birthday gift to myself.I had been wanting to see the Pyramids since I was a little boy, having always been obsessed with ancient Egypt. This time of political turmoil was ironically perfect for a visit… I had the Pyramids of Giza all to myself. It was like a private, VIP tour.

Which place would you never visit and why?

There’s no place I would never visit. I want to discover every corner of the planet.

Best travel companion?

Me, myself and I. Travelling solo has made me me, it has pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me to trust myself. Being alone, I quickly learnt to trust my instincts. Travelling solo has also turned me into a quick thinker, alert to my surroundings, I have become more resourceful and aware. I learnt that I am never actually alone.

And what’s the worst your travel companion could do?

Plan in detail and in advance. It is more exciting to leave things to chance based on local recommendations and unexpected encounters.

What do you usually look for when you travel?

Anything to explore to help me grow, survive and thrive.

The perfect holiday would be... ?

That depends on when, where and with whom.

I sometimes feel more at home in strange surroundings off the beaten track than in Malta trying to fit in

What’s the furthest you’ve been from home?

Iceland, the land of ice and fire. I was mesmerised by its lunar-like landscapes. A place where the best way to survive is to live a semi-nomadic life. This adds character and charges one’s spirit of survival.

Package tours or DIY?

Definitely DIY. I am all for independent adventures. Doing it all alone gives me the chance to fully indulge myself. And I can do whatever I feel like at all times. It’s a pretty amazing feeling to look at the world map and pick where to go next.

What the best travel advice you can give?

Listen to yourself, become one with nature, and enjoy it to the max!

And what’s the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?

To plan everything to the very last detail. I have since learnt that it’s useless to plan. Plans have a tendency to fly out of the window.

Flying – hate it/love it/neutral?

Love the thrill of it. Planes and airports make the world feel smaller.

The one place you never get tired of visiting?

Rome, a city I have visited more than 40 times. And Jerusalem.

Describe one memory that stuck with you from a place.

Tough question, since there are so many. Whenever I close my eyes I get transported back to so many magical sights, smells and sounds. But one experience I particularly enjoyed was having a herd of Icelandic horses galloping in line with me and a friend while cycling in Iceland.

You met the coolest people in... ?

I’ve shared joyous moments with people from across the globe and have always been blown away by the compassion and generosity of strangers. Every single person you meet knows something you don’t. I love that.

Your best budget tip to save money on holiday?

The wrong person to ask. The more I spend (when I have the cash), the better I feel.

If you actually had to live away from Malta, where would you pick?

There is no place like home, but life will take me wherever I want to go. I want to live in so many places. I definitely do not want to get stuck in one place.

What’s the one thing you would never do in a foreign country?

Think I know it all. Travel opens the mind and shows me how little I know.

Anything on your travel bucket list?

Cuba, Argentina, Namibia and Japan... to name a few. Once you catch the travel bug, there’s no going back.

Travel is important to you because... ?

It offers me an opportunity to become one with nature, whether it’s mountains, rivers, streams or wild animals.

What has travel taught you?

That even honey can taste bitter if you eat it all the time. People who do not travel get to eat just one kind of kebab and they only get to see the cover of the book of life.

Where would you retire and why?

Paradise, to escape suffering and malicious society... I would wander around with beautiful, nude people through mountains and countless waterfalls, pastures and evergreen forests for eternity. Life’s short, so get off your butt and do whatever makes you happy. Paradise is a place on earth.