Discovering the World, One Step at a Time

My name is Andrew Matthews, and I am currently 70 years old, soon to turn 71. I was born in England but now reside in Tauranga, New Zealand. In 2017, I embarked on a journey along the Camino de Santiago, covering about 1,500 kilometres over four months. It was during this time that my passion for travel truly ignited. Upon returning home, I eagerly began planning my next adventure, but soon after, I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in both hips.
Fast forward to 2023/24, and after successful surgeries to repair my hips, I am finally ready to set off on my next adventure. While the media often highlights the violence and destruction in our world, I want to explore the beauty and richness that still exists. I aim to travel to as many countries as possible, moving from one capital city to the next using my feet and public transportation. Of course, I will need to fly, when necessary, particularly over water.
As I travel, I aim to immerse myself in the local culture, food, and landscapes. I will be living as a senior out of a backpack, staying in hostels, and sometimes crashing wherever there is a space—perhaps at your place! If you have ever dreamed of travelling the world but have not had the opportunity, I invite you to follow my journey through videos, blogs, vlogs, and photos. If you enjoy the content and feel inspired, you can support my travels or donate to arthritis research through links on my homepage.
This journey has been a long time in the making, and I am excited to finally begin. On November 13, 2024, I will be departing from New Zealand, with my first stop being Canberra, Australia.
Andrew