When the information revolution brought social media into our daily lives, many unique individuals began to shine—even though some shallow minds also took the spotlight. But I want to talk about a few inspiring figures from the world of travel who deeply influenced me and encouraged me to embark on a similar journey. Among them: Abdullah Al-Jumah, Ibrahim Sarhan, and Albaraa Al-Owhali.
What made Abdullah Al-Jumah stand out—besides his politeness and eloquence—was the uniqueness of his travel destinations. Who intentionally chooses to fly straight to South America? Or opts for lesser-known cities in both Western and Eastern Europe? His famous book “A Saudi’s Tales in Europe” remains one of the most inspiring reads that practically dares you to go on a solo adventure someday. It’s been about four years since I read it, but something deep inside always whispered: “Pack your bags. One day, you have to do this.” And eventually, I did.
As for Ibrahim Sarhan, his wild adventure into North Korea and the detailed documentary he created on YouTube fascinated me. His meticulous research and observations stirred up my curiosity for a country most people fear—one that even seasoned global travelers avoid. Yet here he was, one of us, speaking our language, holding our nationality, crossing that line.
Then there’s the ever-creative Albaraa Al-Owhali, who spent years in Japan as a scholarship student. We’d all wake up with him as he shared his morning runs on social media. He later participated in global marathons—not as a professional, but as a passionate explorer. His unique experiment in voluntary homelessness (what he calls “vagabonding”), and his silent journeys from the far north of Japan to the south (as he later replicated in Saudi Arabia), introduced us to the daily rhythm of storytelling through his words and experiences with his quirky travel partner, Abdulrahman.
These three are just a glimpse into a world that proves the internet isn't only ruled by shallow content. There are voices that matter—voices that inspire.
Why I Chose to Travel Alone
For many of us, travel is just another form of luxury. You save up for the year, fly first class, book five-star hotels, and dine at the best restaurants—usually with friends or family. Rarely do we step out of that comfort zone to truly experience the place we’re visiting. You probably won’t even try the local food; instead, you’ll search for the nearest mediocre Arabic restaurant!
The travelers I mentioned earlier kept things simple. They traveled alone, on a budget, and immersed themselves in local cultures. Inspired by them, I made a bold decision: I was going to travel alone—to Spain. It was a scary and unfamiliar idea. I had never traveled solo for more than three days. Everyone I told looked at me like I was crazy or unstable.
But I wasn’t just traveling solo—I planned to stay in hostels, the kind of places where you meet people from all over the world. Most of them are solo travelers, just like you.
Why Spain?
Spain attracted me for several reasons. First, its deep historical connection to Islam. Second, I believed (and later confirmed) that Spaniards have personalities somewhat close to Arabs—they love laughter, life, and socializing. Since this would be my first European experience, Spain felt like the perfect gateway: rich culture, warm people, and a unique history unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Planning the Trip
Two months before the trip, I finalized everything:
Hostel stays, costing no more than 130 SAR per night.
All internal transportation booked in advance—trains and buses connecting seven cities: Barcelona, Córdoba, Seville, Marbella, Málaga, Granada, and Madrid.
Metro and bus cards for local transport in Barcelona and Madrid.
I treated each day as a separate mission. I never booked anything unless I was sure of the timing and cost. Thankfully, everything went smoothly. I was never late, and no bookings were canceled. That alone felt like a major achievement.
The Journey Begins
The night before departure, I asked myself: Should I drag a suitcase or wear a backpack? I went with the backpack, which turned out to be a smart (and liberating) decision.
My first stop was Paris, just a layover on my way to Barcelona. The airport was buzzing—before dawn, the smell of coffee and fresh croissants filled the air. People looked like they were headed to a fashion show rather than a flight. Paris really is the capital of style—even in its airport!
Then came Barcelona—the rebellious city that wants independence for its Catalan people. You can’t mention Barcelona without mentioning the legendary Messi. I landed on a day he had a match—and scored! How can you not fall in love with both Messi and Barcelona?
Fourteen Days, Seven Cities
The most beautiful part of this trip was the fast-paced journey between cities. I spent one or two days in each: Córdoba, Seville, Marbella, Málaga, Granada. I maximized every minute—early mornings, walking through local streets, exploring landmarks, museums, palaces, street performances... the magic never stopped.
I averaged 20 kilometers of walking per day. On some days, I hit 25–30k steps. I swear, the best nights of sleep in my life were after those long, exhausting days. That kind of rest is unforgettable.
People I Met
I met people from all over the world: India, Canada, the U.S., Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, and more. We talked, shared experiences, and realized how similar we were in our hunger for exploration. It’s no wonder people in their early 20s travel like this—it shapes their personalities, gives them clarity, and helps them discover their passions in life.
Coming Back Home
You return home, swearing to repeat the experience. I never imagined hundreds of people would travel with me virtually through Snapchat. Every day felt like a new discovery, a new city, a new civilization.
There’s something magical about traveling solo—just you and your backpack. Nothing compares.
