It has almost become a rite of passage for young Australians: finish school, go overseas, even live in the United Kingdom and “go find yourself.”

Troy has been loyal to this pilgrimage, but his travels have taken him off the standard Contiki tours and into the unknown.

Troy, you are a well-seasoned traveler, where have you been?

All around the United Kingdom, Europe, United States, Canada and New Zealand. I’ve also been to most places in Australia. Byron Bay is New South Wales is my favorite.  The beaches and beautiful and the food is amazing. It is so relaxing and a great way to recharge.

So you like relaxing holidays?

(Laughs)  Well yes and no. It depends on what you are after, both give you a chance to recharge, but in different ways. Spending time in beautiful environments and relaxing gives you the opportunity to go within but travelling to foreign countries can give you a different perspective.

I have learnt a lot about myself travelling, I like going into the unknown and to discover new things about the world and myself.

How much do you value travelling?

It’s definitely a huge investment; I prefer to spend my money on travelling than new clothes or a night out.

In my early twenties, it was a huge part of my life. These days it has to fit around work commitments, but I like do a big trip once a year.

Solo or with company?

Both are great! But I am happy to go by myself if I can’t find anyone who is keen.

You strike me as someone that does things their own way.  How much do you plan ahead and follow an itinerary or make up it up as you go?

I always have a rough idea what I’m doing, but you can’t plan too much.

Sometimes you have to allow yourself to absorb the culture and go with the flow.

Best day?

It would have to be Rome. I love the history and the culture. I remember arriving in the morning, dumping my bags at the hostel and walking through the streets of Rome only to run into a tour of the Colosseum. I joined the tour for a bit and then took myself out to dinner at a family restaurant. While I was eating pasta, a man playing an accordion went to serenade a couple. It was perfect, just like the movies!