From Norwich to Vancouver: A Sheltered Upbringing, Having A Travel Purpose & A Need To Learn More

In this deeply personal solo episode, I take you through my full travel journey—from growing up in Norwich with no real concept of travel, to building a life around it in Vancouver and around the world.This isn’t just a story about where I’ve been—it’s about how my mindset around travel has completely evolved over time.From partying through Southeast Asia in my early 20s, to seeking culture, connection, and purpose in my 30s… this episode breaks down the different phases of travel, what changed, and why I now see travel as a long-term lifestyle rather than a short-term escape.I also share honest reflections on burnout, money, building a travel-focused career, and what the future of travel looks like for me.If you’ve ever wondered how travel fits into your life long-term—or how your relationship with it might change over time—this one’s for you.To finish, I want to share with you, the audience, an episode where you get to know me more. I have been doing this for five years, and I believe sharing more personal details will help build a tighter Winging It community.I hope you enjoy the episode and that it inspires you to travel for the first time or to dream about making it a lifestyle. Drop me a comment on your thoughts, too.Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why I’m sharing this story02:00 Growing up in Norwich & early curiosity about the world05:30 School trips & no real travel mindset yet08:00 Moving to London & first exposure to diversity09:30 Australia 2010 – the trip that changed everything11:30 The moment I decided to travel long-term12:50 Ukraine road trip & first taste of raw travel14:30 Planning the 2013 backpacking trip15:20 Leaving the UK & heading into the unknown17:00 First culture shock in Bangkok18:30 Southeast Asia – party travel & backpacker life20:00 Australia – working life & maturing22:30 Smartphones & how travel started to change23:30 South America solo travel & shift to culture25:00 Realising travel had evolved for me26:00 India 2016 – second major culture shock27:30 Meeting Emma & planning long-term travel28:30 Health scare & motivation to live fully29:30 15 months of travel as a couple31:00 New Zealand, Cook Islands & finding “paradise”32:00 Turning 30 mindset shift & continuing travel32:30 Moving to Canada & new chapter33:00 COVID & travel uncertainty34:30 Starting the podcast during lockdown35:00 Planning the 1-year world trip36:00 Travel becomes a lifestyle, not a phase37:00 The reality of trying to make money while travelling38:00 Returning to work & rebuilding39:30 How I see travel now40:00 The future: combining work & travel41:00 Why having a base matters41:50 Upcoming trips & current lifestyle42:00 Travel in my late 30s vs early 20s43:00 Advice for travellers (young & older)44:00 Final reflections on travel & life45:00 Personal facts & closing thoughts46:30 Where to find me & support the podcast--------------------------------------------------------------Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/Winging It Travel Podcast - Website--------------------------------------------------------------Winging It Travel Podcast CreditsHost/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James HammondContact me - [email protected] or [email protected] Media - follow me on:InstagramTikTok Facebook--------------------------------------------------------------Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.Book Flights with Skyscanner - HereUse Revolut Travel Card - HereBook Hostels With Hostelworld - HereBooking.com - HereBook Experiences With Viator - HereDiscovery Car Hire - HereBook Buses With Busbud - HereBook Trains With Trainline - HereTravel Insurance with SafetyWing - HereBook Flights With Expedia Canada - Here--------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!Cheers James.Mentioned in this episode:Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the worldThis podcast is part of Voyascape, a podcast network that brings together the world's best travel podcasts. You can find all of our podcasts from around the world at Voyascape.com. If you are interested in advertising or sponsored content on any of our shows you can find out more at the link below.Voyascape Podcast Network