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Reluctant-Backpacker-Simon-Eyre

I’ve made a big decision. I’m taking some time out from being the CEO of a software company to spend time furthering my dreams of travelling the world and writing a novel. Welcome to the first part of that plan – the Reluctant Backpacker travel blog. 

I’ve been lucky enough to travel extensively during my professional life, now I’m keen to really submerge myself in my destinations. I plan to travel at a more relaxed pace yet with a passion, verve and sense of adventure. I really hope I can portray some of my experiences in my writing and that you can get a real sense of the places I visit. Food and drink is also another of my passions, so look out for some of the tasty local dishes I try out and also one or two recipes of my own.

WHO IS THE RELUCTANT BACKPACKER?

OK, that’s why this page exists, who am I though? Well, I’m in a bit of a transition stage. My ‘timeout’ from work is inevitably becoming more permanent. I don’t like the term ‘retirement’ though, as there’s still lots to see and do. I’m also having a go at being a writer. Something I’ve always wanted to do is write a novel, so I’m doing that – whether it is good enough to be published, or even self-published, is yet to be seen. But, it’s the process of writing it that I want to tick off the bucket list. I also write and blog about travel, which together with the actual travelling and the novel, takes up most of my time. 

I’m based in Suffolk in the east of the United Kingdom. I love to travel, take photos and write. Until recently I was CEO of two successful software companies and a director of a Digital Healthcare startup in Kuala Lumpur (where I somehow managed to make the national TV news during the company launch event).  I still provide consulting, on an ad-hoc basis, to companies wanting to make their software development more agile.  I’ve been lucky enough to have lived and worked in Rome, Amsterdam, the Isle of Man, Malaysia, Bangladesh, East and West Coast USA, Germany, Spain and many other exciting places.

I feel privileged to have travelled to many other countries around the world for pleasure also. My personal favourites are Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Italy, Antigua and the Greek Islands. I’m a keen hiker and especially love walking in the Peak District in England, which is (as the locals say) “ont’ doorstep”  of where I grew up, in the Steel City of Sheffield. I now live near the Suffolk coast and having safely packed off my two children to university, can focus on my travel plans and the steep, drawn out learning curve of writing.

London-to-Paris-Cycle-Simon-Eyre

Giving my bike a rest after cycling from London to Paris

But Why A ‘RELUCTANT’ BACKPACKER?

My desire for travel, for exploring new places, eating delicious food and immersing myself in the local culture is stronger than ever.

So, why the “Reluctant” Backpacker you may ask?

However, as I’ve surpassed the major big 5-0 landmark in my life, my willingness to ‘rough it’ has waned. My challenge is to discover the world with all the benefits yet with as few of the drawbacks of backpacking as I can. 

It’s not because I don’t love travell. Nor is it because I don’t have a strong passion and desire to get out there and experience the world and all it has to offer.  Quite the opposite.

However, at my time of life, I don’t particularly relish lugging around an enormous backpack. Nor do I look forward with excitement, at the prospect of sitting on hard wooden, splinter laden seats in a sweaty ramshackle bus for fifteen hours. I like my accommodation to be safe, quiet, clean (especially bed-bug free) and, I love a sea view and air conditioning if it’s available.  That’s the “reluctant” part.  It doesn’t mean I can’t seek out adventure, immerse myself in local life and culture or enjoy the delicious local cuisine.  It doesn’t mean I won’t take that fifteen-hour bus journey if it’s the only option available to see something remarkable at the other end.  It doesn’t mean I won’t sleep on a railway station bench, or in a $10 a night hostel or even under the stars if the end justifies the means.  I’m just reluctant to have to rough it like that if there’s a viable alternative available with that little edge of luxury.

What You Can Expect From My Site

It’s simple really. I want to share my travel experiences with you, inspire your own trips and give you pointers for great locations, hotels and places to eat. I would love to share with you my thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and aspirations. Travel stories are meant for sharing, and this is what this site is really all about. I also want to continue developing my writing skills and hopefully start engaging with some like-minded individuals so we can share ideas, experiences, and valuable tips. 

The site will be a mix of destination guides, travel stories, and hints & tips that I discover along the way. I also love international cuisine and trying to recreate some of the excellent local dishes on my return home. If I master certain recipes I’ll also share these here so that hopefully you can also enjoy them and project your taste buds to exotic far-off lands. I will also try to pass on any thoughts and feelings from being an early retiree, from financial management to suddenly dealing with time on your hands.

Please explore my pages and blogs and don’t hesitate to let me know if you spot anything untoward or have any suggestions. Oh, and please do subscribe.
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My Travel Highlights

If I had To Pick Five Favourite, Desired Or Planned Trips They Would Be...

Favourite PLaces

Bucket List

Arranged Trips

Rome

Cornwall

Costa Rica

Greek Islands

Bramall Lane, Sheffield

Japan

Lisbon

Sicily

Norway

Namibia

Dorset

Sheffield

Cape Town & Western Cape

The Peloponnese

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