An Interview with Mikey Stevens by Olivia Cole

1) What made you want to start traveling in the first place? Was there a specific moment that sparked it?
I wouldn’t say there was one defining moment that triggered my desire to explore — it was more of a gradual build-up. I never really loved where I grew up, and I’ve always disliked living life according to a rigid schedule that dictates where you can and can’t go. So once I had the time and a bit of money, it felt natural to book a flight and just go.

Part of it also stems from not knowing exactly what I want to do with my life in terms of a career or passions. Honestly, it can feel like I have no ambitions — and that’s okay. While I’m young, I’m using this time to immerse myself in different cultures and experiences to guide me later on.

Oscar Wilde once said something like, “A person who knows what they want will be cursed to do exactly that. But someone who doesn’t has the privilege of waking up a different person every day.” That quote resonates deeply with me, especially when I’m in some remote corner of the world, surrounded by strangers. In those moments, you can breathe deeply and just be — without societal pressure, without expectations — just present.

2) What has been your favorite country to travel to so far, and why?
Laos completely surprised me — it’s probably my favorite country I’ve visited. I arrived via a two-day slow boat from northern Thailand, which was one of the funniest experiences of my life. Imagine being packed like sardines on a boat with strangers for 48 hours — it was chaos, but in the best way.

Luang Prabang was our first stop, with the best night market I’ve seen and nightlife that includes drunk bowling and archery (yes, really). The nearby Kuang Si Falls are stunning — crystal-clear, freezing cold water that’s totally worth the swim.

Next, we headed north to Nong Khiaw for a two-day hiking expedition. We camped on a mountaintop, ate hot pot with locals, and stargazed under an open sky. The sunrise the next morning was unforgettable. We then trekked 16 kilometers through the jungle, ending in a remote village where we swam in the river and danced with local kids. Their happiness, despite having so little, was humbling.

After returning to Luang Prabang, we made our way to Vang Vieng — a party town with endless activities: blue lagoons, hot air balloons, paragliding (not for me — I’m scared of heights). It was an unforgettable ride from start to finish. I’ll definitely go back to explore southern Laos.

3) Do you have a country you’ve been dying to visit but haven’t yet?
Malaysia is high on my list. I’ve always wanted to volunteer at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre there. Plus, its jungles and islands look absolutely breathtaking.

Nepal is another dream. I’d love to hike to Everest Base Camp and immerse myself in the rich spiritual and religious culture there. It seems like a place that would truly change you.

4) Can you share a moment from your travels that changed your perspective or taught you something unexpected?
When I was 17, I volunteered in education outside Cape Town, South Africa, in some of the region’s poorest communities. It was the first time I witnessed true poverty — and it changed me.

Despite having so little, the children were incredibly happy. It showed me how hollow materialism can be and reinforced that experiences, not things, are what truly matter in life.

5) How do you usually decide on your next destination?
I’m not much of a planner. My recent Southeast Asia trip was shaped by what made sense logistically. But usually, I’m drawn to places with natural beauty or specific experiences — scuba diving is always a plus.

6) What has been the most challenging part of traveling, and how do you cope with it?
The hardest part is realizing that life back home keeps going — people change, big milestones happen, and you miss out. I’ve missed some major moments in my friends’ lives this year, and it stings.

At the same time, I’m often so wrapped up in where I am that I don’t dwell on what I’m missing. Staying in touch helps, but I’ve learned to let go of the guilt and fully embrace where I am.

7) What are your top three tips for someone who wants to explore the world more meaningfully?

1.     Respect the local culture. Take time to learn customs and traditions — locals will appreciate it and it’ll deepen your experience.

2.     Learn the language, even just a bit. It goes a long way in connecting with people and navigating tricky situations.

3.     Be a thoughtful traveler. Have fun, but don’t be disruptive. Respect the places you visit and leave no trace.

8) Is there a travel moment that stands out as your most memorable?
One highlight was a three-day boat trip from Coron to El Nido in the Philippines. We camped on remote islands, snorkeled stunning reefs, and bonded with strangers who became close friends.

Nights were spent around a fire, sharing beers and stories. The food, caught fresh each day, was incredible. That trip was pure magic.

9) How has travel shaped who you are today?
Travel has made me a better person. I’ve met people from vastly different backgrounds who’ve taught me so much about empathy, resilience, and joy. I’ve learned to be patient, self-reliant, and open-minded.

One of the biggest lessons? Kindness goes a long way — even when you don’t speak the same language, a smile is universal.

10) What advice would you give someone who’s scared to take their first solo trip?
Just go. It’s terrifying at first, but once you land, everything shifts. It’s easier than you think to meet people in the same boat, and solo time helps you grow.

You’ll be alone sometimes, sure, but that teaches you to enjoy your own company — and that’s invaluable. You’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.

11) Is travel more about the places or the people? Why?
Both matter, but for me, it’s the people. I’ve had the best time doing absolutely nothing special, just because I was with the right people.

A perfect example is the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam. It was cloudy and freezing — not the best conditions. But the people I did it with, including our hilarious local drivers, made it unforgettable. It’s the laughs, the friendships, and the stories that stick with you the most.

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