I am currently cycling around the world. Right now I am in South-East Asia having pedalled 24,000 kilometers since leaving my front door. I am absolutely loving it, and don't plan on stopping anytime soon!

Why do I travel like this?

It is not because I absolutely love cycling; when I left on this trip I hadn't been on a bike in one year.

But the bike has taught me the virtues of slow travel. You notice the small and subtle changes in the country you travel through. You are fully immersed in the landscape, smelling the smells (not always a good thing), hearing the sounds, and feeling the texture of the land. On a bike you are vulnerable and other people view you simultaneously as someone they can relate to and as a novelty - 99.999% this fosters incredible relationships and interactions with people all over the world.

Travelling by bike you don't just visit the tourist places, but the places and people in between. And this is where you get the real feel for the country. I travel to learn, to explore, to discover, to meet people and share stories, for adventure, to be pushed out my comfort zone.

To really get to know me check out my Facebook page where I post almost daily updates, photos and videos from my trip: www.facebook.com/josiahskeats/

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

One day when I was feeling lonely in Germany, I sent a couchsurfing message arranging to stay with someone. They replied within minutes and I had an incredible experience with them. Since then I've been hooked, and use couchsurfing to find people I want to stay with (If I send you a request, I have read your profile and want to stay with YOU, not your free house), people to meet up with, and people to host.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think the most amazing thing is that for 2+ years I have been living the life of my dreams. I have resisted societal pressures for lots of money and a big house, and instead found a life I love, am happy with and have no regrets. This has taken me on wild adventures all over the world, working in a ski resort in France, teaching horse-riding in America, cycling halfway around the world.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Canada, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Croatia, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Northern Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Réunion, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City State, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Austria, France, Norway, United Kingdom, United States, Wales