When Leif was 16, he ran away from home and explored much of Europe and the Middle East without a penny to his name. He has most recently undertaken extreme budget excursions to India, Eastern Europe, Nepal, Thailand and Japan.
On his blog, The Runaway Guide, Leif recounts his past tales and current adventures. He provides practical yet often unorthodox budget guides from jumping trains and hopping borders to sleeping on the street and finding cheap flights. His primary hope is to prepare, inspire and empower others to realize their own travel dreams and adventures.
Check out Leif’s blog at Runaway Guide
Below is my short interview with Leif.
How did you discover your passion for traveling?
“My passion for traveling began in my childhood through the movies of Indiana Jones and James Bond. It matured in my early teens with family holidays to Canada and Mexico. Finally, with trips to Norway, Australia and Japan in my early teens, I was totally hooked. The more I saw the more I wanted to see and the more I learned I realized how little I knew. My love for Indiana Jones and curiosity of the world sparked my life defining passion of travel.”
What is the most horrible experience that you have had on the road?
“Hahaha. Reading this question conjures up an array of horrifically hilarious anecdotes. But If I were to chose just one, it would be the time when I awoke to discover that I was completely covered in poop. I had just arrived in Southern France, I was a little drunk (probably an understatement), and I needed to find a place to sleep. I spotted a cylindrical open-ended construction barrel along the beach and crawled into it for the night. Little did I know at the time but the workers had been using it as their toilette. Not a pleasant morning.”
What is the best travel experience that you have ever had?
“There are so many good moments but one of the best is when I snuck into the pyramids after hours. I had met a man named Fred, aka Falcon, who believed that I would help him open a secret hall of records under the Sphinx. Needless to say we didn’t discover the records of Atlantis but we did discover a complex network of ancient catacombs and tunnels. I have since never felt more like my idol, Indiana Jones.”
What is the greatest realization that you have understood through travel?
“Traveling made me realize that to search for happiness in the external world is a search without end. True happiness can only be found within oneself. If you are not happy in Paris, than there’s a good chance you won’t be happy in Rome.
Although traveling is wonderful, it can often be very tiring.”
What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?
“As long as there is knowledge to obtain, cultures to examine, people to meet and mystery to uncover I will always be motivated and eager to travel.”
This is a silly and hypothetical one but If you had the chance to travel with a historical figure or celebrity, who would it be and why?
“I think you already know my answer to this one. Indiana Jones! If you’re looking for a nonfiction character though, I would have to say Leif Erikson. Not only do we share the same name, but we both love sailing and exploring, and he could definitely teach me a few things. I would also love to travel with Jack Kerouac or Bear Grylls.”
Where is your favorite place on this planet and why?
“I have been to loads of wonderful countries with big hearted and friendly people. And there are some places that I really do love, but the truth is, my favorite place in the world is home. Nothing beats my picturesque riverside town of Piermont New York and one day, when my knees give out, I will settle down there.”
What is your best tip for the newbie traveler?
“Stay relaxed, adaptive, open minded, and positive, and you will have a great time on the road.”
What’s the funniest and silliest thing you’ve ever done while traveling?
“I once borrowed a delicious watermelon from a farm in Greece. I was starving and so I ate it ferociously. With my stomach full and body covered in watermelon juice, I carelessly dozed off in the watermelon patch. An hour later I woke to discover that a sea of ants had engulfed me! I sprang to my feet and ran in circles, while yelling squeamishly and slapping myself. It was a pretty silly afternoon.”
What do you think about yourself?
“Travel has taught me how to adapt to and make the best out of most situations. As a result, I am a fairly laid back and easy going person.”
Next: Lara Dunston of Granturismo. Previously: Michael Tieso of Art of Backpacking. For more interviews with travel bloggers, check out the archives of Meet the Nomads.
Photo Credits: Pics by Leif Harum
was able to check his site out when it’s still starting. he has more articles in only a few months! and i agree with his crazy unorthodox tips when it comes to saving or finding food when traveling without any budget!
haha kakatuwa xa, easygoing nga. ang kuleet! hmm..let me gues, kaya xa nagising dun sa tunnel dahil naihiaan xa ng mga construction worker! haha
I couldn’t agree more, “traveling is wonderful, but it can often be very tiring”.