People can come up with any number of excuses not to travel – it's too expensive, visas are too hard to get, etc – but one ambitious young Egyptian is showing that these excuses are always surmountable, if someone truly wants to experience the world.
Abdullah El Shamy, a 21-year-old Egyptian, is out to destroy people's excuses after he himself traveled to 13 countries on a budget of just 300 euros.
"Traveling itself is an inspiration, the people you meet on the road, the amazing diverse cultures you experience," El Shamy said. "It helped me find my passion, which is helping others finding theirs. Traveling made a huge impact on my life."
In an attempt to inspire people, especially youth, El Shamy launched an online traveling agency called TravelBugEgypt that offers customized trips on a budget.
With only 300 euros, including his return flight to Egypt, El Shamy was able to travel to 13 countries across Europe for 45 days. Covering Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, France, Germany and many more, the 21-year-old let nothing stand in his way, including the fact he travels on an Egyptian passport.
El Shamy explained that for Egyptians, there are about 50 countries where they can travel to without the hassles of obtaining visas.
"Even though traveling is a bit challenging for holders of Egyptian passports, I believe that if you want something you have to reach it," he stated, adding that some visas, such as the Brazilian, Peruvian, and Indian, cost between LE100 to LE300, making them relatively easy to obtain. Furthermore, a Schengen visa, which costs LE350 to LE850, gives access to 30 countries including non-Schengen states such as Croatia, Serbia and Romania.
El Shamy says he wants to help people break out of the traps that prevent them from realizing their dreams.
"Life is a circle, from the moment we are born everything is planned and decided for us," El Shamy told StepFeed. "Our dreams are shaped by the society we live in. We're constantly told to become rich to be able to buy a fancy car and villa; the list of possessions we're programmed to obtain is endless."
"Many people who end up buying all these things discover that they don't provide them with permanent happiness," he explained, adding that "permanent happiness is following ones's passion."
"It is essential to look outside the circle and understand what is happening - even if you decide to live your life the way it was planned for you, it'll be a conscious choice that you have made."
He explained that, being self-financed, the work he does for his clients through his agency is what enables him to travel, adding that he doesn't spend much on his trips, as he prefers to couch-surf, sleep on trains, or set up camp in a park somewhere.
El Shamy advises people "do it now because it's never too late."
"Nothing is better than opening your eyes everyday for a new adventure," he said, adding that he believes in the power of individuality. "I believe in you because I believe in the power of individuals, find your passion and never give up because one day you will find yourself doing something that you have never thought of doing.
"Just open the door and look at the positive side of things."
For a hint of inspiration and a glimpse of El Shamy's never ending adventures, follow him on Instagram and his YouTube Channel .