On The Road Less Travelled

In the world of exploring and having fun, he's known as the Sketchy Traveller. But at home, he's just Mark from Birmingham. Mark loved to explore and have adventures. In 2016, he decided to leave his regular job and go on a big trip to Southeast Asia. This trip started his love for traveling.

"I was armed with nothing more than a one-way ticket to India and a commitment to some volunteering in Cambodia along the way," he shares, reflecting on a decision that would change his life forever.

Since that time, Mark has traveled a lot, seen many places, and had lots of fun experiences. He talks about spending six months traveling around Southeast Asia, seeing cows on the beaches in Goa, and enjoying a cheap beer on Ta Hien St. When asked about his favorite places, he finds it hard to choose. "If there was a gun to my head, my top destinations would be Palolem Beach, Thailand, Hanoi, Valencia, and Krakow. But you could ask me tomorrow, and it would be different. It all depends on what you’re on the lookout for."

Traveling has changed a lot since Mark started. More people working online and traveling at the same time have changed things. "More digital nomads means more demand," Mark notes. But these travelers also bring good changes, like easier ways to pay and better places to stay for people who work while they travel.

Mark thinks traveling and working online will keep changing how people travel. He saw Valencia turn from a quiet place into a popular spot for digital nomads. Travel trends change fast because of what digital nomads need, like good Wi-Fi and nice places to work. Mark talks about how important it is for the travel world to keep up with these changes. "New destinations will always pop up. I witnessed Valencia change from a secret city paradise to a booming digital nomad hub in the space of a few years," he shares.

Mark believes the future is bright for travel that suits digital nomads."Digital nomads are often more demanding, but that’s only improved the services on offer," he says, showing how the need for better options has made travel better for people who work while moving around.

Mark also mentions that digital nomads often need an International Driving Permit because they rent cars for longer times.

As more people become digital nomads, Mark keeps things simple. "Nomads are usually attracted by good internet, comfy seats, and a cool location. It’s as simple as that," he states.

Talking with Mark gives us a glimpse into a world where work, fun, and exploring new places mix together. We can't wait to see where the Sketchy Traveller goes next.

Expert Bio: Mark, known as The Sketchy Traveller, is a seasoned traveller from Birmingham, England. His adventure started in 2016 when he quit his job to explore Southeast Asia. With only a one-way ticket to India, his love for travel quickly grew into an obsession. Now, eight years later, he continues his global explorations, constantly seeking new experiences.

For those left intrigued by Mark's journey, inspired by his revolutionary perspective on travel, or simply desirous to further explore the world through his eyes, we invite you to join Mark's adventures on The Sketchy Traveller and his engaging visuals on Instagram.