Meet Johnstone
Hello, I’m thrilled to extend a warm welcome! I’m Johnstone, originally from the vibrant landscapes of Zambia and now living in the USA.
For over 12 years of my life, I’ve been traveling to many countries across four different continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. I’ve lived on three of those continents.
My travels have been a thrilling experience of cultures that span the vast beauty of our world. I have always been curious, and this curiosity has always ignited my desire for travel.
Since I can remember, I have always had an insatiable desire for new experiences.
I have a desire to immerse myself in diverse cultures and an innate ability to forge connections anywhere I go.
In my adventure, I have traveled with different groups. However, most of my travels and adventures have been solo,
so I have a ton of valuable tips and tricks for solo travelers – beginning from planning and preparation to navigating your travel and returning home safely.
WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT..........
African Roots: Being born and raised in Zambia has given me an intimate understanding of African lifestyles, traditions, and values.
European Experience: Living in Germany and other European countries allowed me to firsthand experience European lifestyles, customs, and cultural nuances.
Asian Adventures: My travels to various Asian countries enabled me to gain valuable knowledge and experiences of Asian cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
American Life: Now residing in the USA, I have also gained firsthand experience and understanding of American lifestyles, trends, and societal norms.
Multicultural Connections: Having close relationships and friendships with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds has allowed me to appreciate, respect, and understand different cultures.
When I combined all the above, I knew I had a responsibility to share my knowledge and experience with you!
This was about 14 years ago as of 2024!
THE GENESIS…………
2010 was my first year ever experiencing a different culture and way of life different from mine. I had traveled to the country of Namibia to visit family.
I was there for a few months. It was a blast! On my way back to Lusaka, Zambia, I made a few stops.
My first stop was at “Victoria Fall – one of the world’s 7 “Natural wonders.”It is one of the world’s largest water, with a width of 1,708m (5,604 ft).
From there, I went up to the amazing Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which has great wildlife.
Finally, I visited the Great Zambezi River – the fourth longest river in Africa – 1,599 miles long and flows across six countries.
This was about 14 years ago as of 2024!
CONTINUE…………
After that trip, everything changed. I did not want to stop. I found myself wanting to travel more.
I read up about different cities, countries, and different stuff those destinations offered to the traveler.
I loved the experiences of Namibia and the few places I visited on my way back to Zambia. I decided to travel more.
Within a few years, I had traveled to several African countries. While I was in South Africa, I joined an amazing expedition travel group.
Together, we traveled to various countries in southeast Europe and parts of Asia.
Mainly to volunteer with local organizations, churches, summer camps, etc. It was an awesome experience that completely transformed my outlook on giving back to the community.
After a year of traveling with the group, I departed from the group and ventured out on my solo travel adventure.
During my time in South Africa, I visited different provinces and cities of South Africa.
South Africa is an incredible country to visit. I have written a whole blog on South Africa. Check it out Here So later on, I moved up to Western Europe.
I settle down in Germany. Living in Germany allowed me to explore not only its diverse cities but also many other countries in Europe.
My journey didn’t stop there; I continued my adventure in Asia, discovering fascinating cities and countries of Asia.
After my sojourns through Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, experiencing the charms of Europe, and the incredible treasure of Asia.
I knew the next destination was the United States of America – a country filled with astonishing scenes. The USA is simply a wonder.
MAGIC OF UNIQUE EXPERIENCE……..
When I think of my own experiences, for example, in Sweden, the Philippines, France, Macedonia, Denmark, and Germany, Greece, India, Thailand, Nepal, Malaysia.
Indonesia, China, and Croatia, to the wild wonders of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi,
Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, just to name but a few, and the unique charm of the USA.
Each destination has its special magic.
Backpacking through Europe and part of Asia, mountaineering, and hiking the mountains in Nepal, Tanzania, and many other countries.
The magic of river rafting in Croatia, Zanzibar. The many unique foods in countries like Thailand, China, Thailand, India, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Learning how to surf in the Indian Ocean’s waves of South Africa. Standing in the presence of Russia’s iconic Red Square.
Exploring the thermal wonders of Turkey’s Pamukkale, and delving into the secrets of Cappadocia’s chimneys.
Camping under starry skies in Lesotho, India, Namibia, the USA, and Greece. Venturing into France’s enigmatic caves, the thrilling safaris in Botswana and South Africa.
The reality is that traveling opens up a world of exciting and unique experiences, whether you’re traveling solo or with a group.
Giving back in my uniqueness such as volunteering with Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Supporting people with disabilities in Germany, South Africa, and the USA, and sharing positivity with youth in summer camps in Europe, I can go on and on.
In all these experiences, I learned that .....
Creating exciting unforgettable experiences and lasting memories often comes from embracing the local culture with an open mind.
Forming connections and being open to engaging with the people and traditions of the cities and countries you visit.
These immersive experiences can be both educational and incredibly enriching.
At the heart of my travels and experiences is an excitement to discover new countries, cultures, and stories.
It is thrilling to taste different delicious foods, experience different traditions, and find beauty everywhere I look.
Traveling has helped me to grow as a person, giving me a richer understanding of people and cultures and a deeper appreciation of the vastness of our universe.
I have been able to conquer my fears and collect amazing memories instead of things.
I’m grateful for my friendships with people from around the world, representing diverse backgrounds, races, and beliefs.
MY FAVORITE ACTIVITIES……...
Here are some of the activities and experiences I love during my travels:
- Visiting art galleries, history museums, and cultural institutions to learn about local heritage.
- Hiking trails, nature reserves, and parks for outdoor adventures
Visiting local landmarks, historical buildings, and heritage sites
- Participating in local festivals, concerts, and cultural events to experience the local culture.
- To plan epic road trips or scenic routes to explore hidden gems
- Spending time in botanical gardens, arboretums, or public parks to unwind and connect with nature.
- To give back to the community by volunteering for local charities or community projects
- Explore farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and local artisanal markets.
- To camp in campgrounds or natural areas for outdoor experience.
- Surfing and relaxing on beaches or lakeshores, or enjoy watersports.
- Connect with like-minded individuals by joining local meetup groups and events.
- Enjoy nightlife by visiting bars or attending live music performances.
- Go on safaris, visiting wildlife sanctuaries.