#29 Leif: the Runaway boy.

When Leif was 16 he ran away from home and explored much of Europe and the Middle East without a penny to his name. He has most recently undertaken extreme budget excursions to India, Eastern Europe, Nepal, Thailand and Japan.


On his blog, The Runaway Guide, he recounts his past tales and current adventures. He provides practical yet often unorthodox budget guides from Jumping Trains and hopping borders to sleeping the street and finding cheap flights. His primary hope is to prepare, inspire and empower others to realize their own travel dreams and adventures.

Why did you decide to runaway and discover the world?
Ever since I can remember I have always wanted to travel. I think it probably all started in my childhood through the adventures Indiana Jones and James bond. Then in my early teens, following family vacations to Canada and Mexico, my desire to travel grew even further.By high school, I couldn't wait to leave my hometown and explore the world. I would often dream away math classes studying the miniature map of the world found in our homework organizer. I loved imagining the different landscapes and peoples. I wanted to see life as they did. I wanted to create my own adventure. And I wanted to experience the world. It was in my junior year of high school that I decided to turn these travel aspirations into reality.

Is it easier to travel when you are 16 year old or as an adult?
Traveling at 16 without any money has it's advantages and disadvantages. I think that since I was young, more people were willing to help me out. When I asked other backpackers for change, they would usually hand over a few coins. On the other hand, traveling the way I did often raised suspicion. When I was in the Middle East, homeland security had contacted my parents out of concern that I would become a terrorist. In addition, border guards would often question me at length about why I was traveling alone so far from the US. On a few occasions, local police sent me to group homes. However, despite the inconveniences that come with traveling at 16, I think it definitely made it easier to survive.

What motivates you to travel?
Initially, I was motivated to travel out of a search for happiness. I hoped that the next country would be the one where I could feel comfortable and content. I realized that such a search was a search without end. That happiness can only be found within ones self. Now I travel because the world is as mysterious to me as it was to Columbus 500 years ago. There is still so much to learn and to discover and I will continue to travel for as long as I can.

Where are you now? 
I have just recently returned to my home city of New York after spending time in Japan, Korea, California and Florida. If everything goes according to plan, I will journey from here to Japan without taking a single flight.

What country or city would you recommend as the best place to spend Seven Days in?
I think one of the best places to spend 7 days in is New York City. Few cities are as culturally diverse as New York. Here you can find anything you are interested in. From the arts to the cuisine you are sure to be satisfied and inspired.
On Day 1, I would recommend heading to the top of the empire state building to learn the layout of the city from a birds eye view.
On day 2, wander downtown New York to witness the juxtaposition between historic houses and the modern financial machine. Then cap it off with a free ride on the Staten Island ferry.
Spend Day 3 in Greenwich village watching street performers in Washington Square park and hitting a few cafes.
On day 4, be a tourist in time square.
On day 5, discover little Italy and China town.
On day 6, take a day trip to Piermont NY to experience the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley.
Finally on Day seven, relax in Central Park and contemplate the uniqueness that is New York