AIL meets Charley Boorman

Can you tell us a bit more about Expedia’s Modern Explorer Campaign and your involvement with it? What inspired you to get involved with the project?

Iconic explorers like Vasco da Gama and Marco Polo inspire us all; they totally embody the spirit of discovery and are so inspirational. But all of us have an individual that has spurred us on or given us the notion that we are capable of so much more than we think. That guy for me is Ted Simon, who wrote Jupiter's Travels. His book is amazing and gave me and Ewan the idea for Long Way Round, and he gave us the inspiration we needed to head out and start our adventure. It’s important to find someone or something that does the same for you and I believe that travel and adventure is one way of discovering that passion for life and enriching experiences that make it so interesting.
The Modern Explorer campaign is about showcasing how technology continues to change and enhance travel and exploration, by saving time and hassle, we can focus on what matters most – exploring the destination, however we chose to do so.
Jennifer Scott who was has been chosen as the Expedia.co.uk’s Modern Explorer, will be using modern technology to rediscover Vasco da Gama’s epic journey from Lisbon to Goa. She’ll be looking for any tips on what to see or do along the way, so if anyone has the inside track, get in touch via the explorer campaign page explorer.expedia.co.uk


You’re known for being something of an explorer yourself; what’s the best place you’ve discovered on your travels and why?

For me, when Ewan and I were doing Long Way Round we ended up in Mongolia. For us that ticked all the boxes, there were no real roads and very little sign posts and it was a real challenge to get around. Because there are no real roads you never really know if you’re going the right way. Also, if you ask someone on a horse or a camel the way they’ll direct you on small goat paths which really aren’t suitable for the bikes! We learnt quickly to only ask people in vehicles for directions.
Have you ever had a totally disastrous travel experience?
Lots of times there have been moments we’ve got ourselves in to serious trouble. Certain situations like 18 hour border crossings nightmares and boat expeditions that take 6 days longer than expected are always the bits you remember. Sometimes the nightmarish bits and the ‘disasters’ are what make the journey so exciting and memorable!


Have you got any top tips for budding explorers?

I think one of the hardest things for someone who wants to go and explore is to actually go and do it! The best thing to do is to pick a date and don’t change it! Do some preparation and research in to where you’re going but also don’t be afraid to explore along the way. Modern technology nowadays is also a great asset!
What’s your favourite thing about returning to London?
When you’ve been away for a long time you always come back and realise how clean the city is. Also getting in a cab and knowing you’re going to end up exactly where you’ve asked is great, sometimes in far away locations you never know where you’re going to end up. Turning in to your street and seeing your house for the first time after a long trip is an amazing feeling. One of my favourite things to do is my first weekend back at home, having my close friends and family over for a massive Sunday lunch. You can’t beat that.


And what do you hate most about it?

It’s always difficult to come to the end of the adventure because part of you doesn’t want to stop and to turn around and do it all again. The only way to get through that is to start planning your next adventure!


Do you have a favourite place in London?

My home. I spend so much time away from it that when I get back I don’t want to go anywhere. One of my favourite restaurants in London is Trinity in Clapham, Adam Byatt’s restaurant. Whenever I get home from a big adventure, I treat myself to a delicious meal there!


Is there any one place in the world that you will always revisit?

I love going home to Ireland to my father’s place. He lives in the Wicklow Mountains behind Dublin. I still have the first motorbike I ever bought there. It’s where I did all my riding as a kid. It’s a very special place for me.


You’ve had some epic journeys in recent years – does any one particularly stand out for you?

I think always the Long Way Round journey with Ewan Macgregor will always stand out for me. The Dakar Rally in 2006 challenge was one of the most difficult challenges I have ever done, and one I’m most proud of.


Can you tell us your top five favourite places to explore in London? (Can be anything – a favourite travel bookshop, park, restaurant...)

1. The Ace Café, South Circular near Wembley Stadium
2. Trinity Restaurant, Clapham
3. London Eye, Southbank
4. Barnes, South West London
5. Borough Market, South London



To follow The Modern Explorer on their journey from Lisbon to Goa visit explorer.expedia.co.uk