Stories and Faces from the Road

Why I love Italy – my favourite Italy experiences and places

Italy has become one of my favourite countries, and here are some of my favourite Italy experiences from over the years.

24th March 2021/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

An eye-opening visit to The Hague during the Peace and Justice weekend

Every year The Hague, known as the city of peace and justice, opens its most important institutions to the public, providing the perfect chance to learn.

30th October 2019/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Attending the worlds largest spiritual gathering: The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela

Unlike anything I have ever witnessed, The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela was a unique experience to attend. Here is the story of how my short time was spent.

9th February 2019/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Cremations and celebrations: A journey through Varanasi, India’s holiest city

Varanasi is a city unlike any other. My one day in Varanasi was incredible, from the ceremonies on the Ghats before sunrise until the incredible celebrations after sunset.

3rd February 2019/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Whangamomona Republic Day: That time I went to vote for a cat in an election…

The self-proclaimed Whangamomona Republic is in the north island of New Zealand, hidden down the forgotten highway of Taranaki and on the Whangamomona Republic Day is when it really comes to life.

17th January 2019/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Why learning to Scuba Dive will change your life

My first venture into scuba diving took place in the tropical waters of Thailand. My friend, a qualified PADI instructor, had dragged me to sign up for a discovery dive while we were staying near Koh Phi Phi.

18th July 2018/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Can travel cure depression?

I had no clue what to do next but I knew it needed to be different from the past decade. That moment I stood up off the floor I had to do something different, I had to find away to feel complete. But life, money, the normal, it was all standing in my way.

1st June 2018/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

More to Mauritius: Unearthing adventures beyond the beaches

I expected soft white sands. I expected azure waters lapping at my feet. I expected luxury resorts akin to a windows desktop screensaver. But, what I didn’t realise was how much more there is to Mauritius.

25th May 2018/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

EXCITED! I’m joining the Lonely Planet Trailblazer family (and how you can too)

I'm joining the LP Trailblazers family (and I kinda still don't believe it) - that moment when dreams come true...

4th December 2017/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Prints from Peru: Inca ruins and culture around Cusco

For years I had this idea I would take an instant camera to the Andes in Peru and explore the incredible Inca history and culture so I did, here is what I discovered on the Lares Trek.

1st September 2017/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Discovering Port Douglas and Aboriginal Culture

Ever since I moved to Sydney I was adamant I wanted to learn more about Aboriginal culture and the indigenous people of this vast land. Learning from a book is one thing, but to spend time with a local and understand their perspective is far more valuable...

10th July 2017/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Palestine: Jericho and the unexpected west bank

People drank coffee, tea or the locally brewed beer. Shop keepers laugh as they exchange banter with their customers. It was a normal day in the West Bank...

7th June 2016/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Agonda Beach India… The ultimate digital detox?

Let me tell you how peaceful, perfect and relaxing Agonda Beach in Goa is. Then I'll tell you why I hated it. if you are after the ultimate digital detox in India, this could well be it...

15th March 2016/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Brain Haemorrhages and Bucket-lists

“I was in a coma. 10% chance of making it. My memory was deemed gone.” - We throw around the word Bucketlist these days, but what happens when you get the second chance to write it? How does it lead you to the slums of Delhi?

10th March 2016/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Cambodian Genocide: The Killing Fields & S21 Prison

Cambodia is a country with a heartbreaking and recent history. The Killing Fields and S21 Prison now welcome tourists to try and understand this dark past It is not often I am reduced to tears in public, but here tragic history consumed me.

12th January 2016/by Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)