Race Across the World winner on 'authentic travel' and how to do it

Alfie Watts, a 21-year-old travel enthusiast, gained fame as the youngest winner of the BBC show Race Across the World. This unique competition challenges teams to race from one location to another without using airplanes, smartphones, or bank cards, relying solely on land and sea travel. Alfie and his friend Owen Wood embarked on a thrilling 50-day journey from Japan to Indonesia, culminating in a nail-biting finish where they narrowly defeated a mother-daughter team by just eight minutes. This incredible experience ignited Alfie's passion for travel, leading him to pursue a career as a travel creator and share his adventures online. In a recent interview, Alfie discussed the difference between what he calls 'shallow travel' and 'authentic travel. ' Shallow travel refers to the typical holiday experience where tourists stick to familiar areas and attractions, while authentic travel allows individuals to immerse themselves in the true essence of a place. Alfie expressed his preference for authentic travel, stating, 'I've just learned that I actually much prefer the authenticity of places. rather than the weather. ' He encourages fellow travelers to consider destinations that may be further away, like Malaysia or Thailand, instead of opting for closer, more expensive locations like Spain. Although flights to Spain might be cheaper, the overall cost of food and accommodation can be significantly higher. In contrast, traveling to countries like Malaysia or Brazil may involve higher flight costs, but the daily expenses can be much lower, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. Since his victory on Race Across the World, Alfie has explored around 30 countries, including a remarkable challenge where he visited five countries in a single day. He also embarked on a week-long quest to find the cheapest flights available, showcasing his adventurous spirit. One memorable moment for Alfie was returning to Japan to pay for some Kobe beef steaks that were generously given to him and Owen during their journey. He fondly recalls, 'That was a really nice moment. ' While Alfie enjoys traveling solo, he acknowledges that this style of travel may not suit everyone. He encourages aspiring travelers to embrace new experiences and step out of their comfort zones. He emphasizes the importance of safety, stating, 'I don't do things that would put me in danger because I think I have a responsibility to the people that follow me. ' However, he does share a humorous anecdote about a time he found himself in a taxi with an armed government official in Venezuela, a country he visited despite UK government warnings. Alfie's favorite travel destination so far is Angel Falls in Venezuela, and he dreams of visiting Tuvalu, a remote island in the South Pacific that is the least visited country in the world. In addition to his travels, Alfie has taken on the role of ambassador for Young Minds UK, a mental health charity, and Winston's Wish, a charity supporting children and young people dealing with grief. He reflects on the emotional challenges of listening to people's stories, saying, 'I love it and I'm so glad that I get to have the opportunity [to help]. But internalizing it, it can be quite challenging. ' As the new season of Race Across the World begins, contestants will embark on a journey from China to India. Alfie believes this route will be particularly challenging due to language barriers and the fact that many places in China no longer accept cash. He advises contestants to learn from his experiences and come prepared with tools like calculators and travel placards to facilitate communication. Alfie hopes that this season's contestants will be more resourceful and creative in their approach to the challenges they face. When asked if he is concerned about losing his title as the youngest winner, Alfie diplomatically states that he simply wants the contestants who genuinely appreciate the opportunity to travel to succeed. He expresses his support for those who interact positively with others and embrace the adventure. The new season of Race Across the World is set to premiere on BBC One, and Alfie is excited to see how the contestants navigate their journey.