Interview: Ludovic Hubler

Ludovic: Without any doubt, my folder with photographs and articles. This folder has prevented (and saved me from) many harsh situations. It's a proof of credibility, and I show it to every potential driver whom I ask for a ride. I also have a plastic map with the route of my tour of the world. This map has been very helpful especially in places where there was a language barrier. Thanks to this map, people understand straightaway what I am doing. Without my folder, I would be like an orphan; I would almost feel bad asking for a ride.

Ludovic Hubler hitchhiking in Antarctica via ice-breaker.

George: You set out to accomplish your goal without significant financial resources, so how have you managed to prolong your adventure for so long?

Ludovic: My challenge is to complete the tour of the world without spending a single penny on transportation (except urban transport). I usually spend little or nothing for accommodations. What are my expenses? Food (which is very cheap in many places), Internet access, insurance and visas. With everyone who gives me a ride or a place to stay, I always manage to have a win-win relationships where both of us will be happy in the end. I try to make them a part of my adventure and to share some stories.

Through the lectures I give, I can make a little bit of money. I sold pretty much all I owned in order to put my life in a backpack. I also had some personal savings, and I got a little bit of money thanks to sponsors in exchange for logos on my web site. I don't want money to prevent me from realizing my dream. If I really need money, I will try to get a loan and repay it when I get back to France. This tour is a step in my life. I know why I am doing it, and I know I will have to turn the page and start a new chapter of life when I am done.

George: Have you encountered any complications with respect to visas or other permissions?

Ludovic: So far so good. As a European citizen, I am lucky not to need any visas for stays of less than 3 months anywhere on the American continent. Concerning Africa or Asia, I usually go in the country before. For example, for the Vietnamese visa, I will show up at the Vietnamese embassy in Cambodia and get my visa in a few days. I don't have any time problem so it is ok.

George: What do you consider the biggest challenge to "living on the road"?

Ludovic: Being able to adapt yourself to you situations and new people EVERY DAY. Learning how to deal with the unknown on a daily basis. I am not afraid of the unknown anymore. I even enjoy not knowing what will happen in 5 minutes.

George: Are there other travelers or adventurers who have influenced you?

Ludovic: Yes, I have met some travelers who have toured the world by bike or other means of transportation. It proved me that it was possible. I thought "if they can do it, why couldn't I do it?" Of course, I there remained the question of the feasibility of touring the world by hitchhiking, but I started anyway. I am happy to see that it is still working very well.

George: What advice and/or warning would you offer to someone considering following in your footsteps or attempting a similar journey?

Ludovic: "Où tu vas, fais ce que tu vois" (Wherever you go, do what you see [done].) In other words, ADAPT. Don't expect everyone to react and think the way you do. Try to always keep your smile, it opens many doors. Try to always see the bright side, keeping a positive attitude is crucial. Be respectful to others, don't insult people even if they don't want to give you a ride. Always leave a good impression no matter what happened. Also, don't try to work in "poor" countries, you will make 100 times more money in your home country and won't "steal" the job of someone really needs it. I don't understand people who try to work with the objective to make money in India or somewhere else. One last suggestion: make a difference and try to leave a place in better shape than when you arrived.

George: Would you recommend any writers, books, websites or other resources to people interested in setting out on a similar journey?

Ludovic: There are plenty that I consider very good. I have some links on my website, www.ludovichubler.com.

George: What have been the greatest challenges and rewards of your journey so far?

Ludovic: The greatest thing is to realize that everything is possible. "Life is not a restaurant but a buffet, stand up and help yourself". This quote from D. Glocheux is very true. The greatest challenge is to always stay positive in difficult moments. The greatest reward is to feel yourself growing spiritually, intellectually and to learn a lot every day.

George: What are the two most vivid recollections etched into your memory of your hitchhiking world tour? Can you recount them for us briefly and account for why these specific experience are so prominent in your memory?

Ludovic: Well, I have many memories, I have new things happening everyday and I have been on the road for almost 30 months. I will always remember spending time in Muslim families in Africa having to eat on the floor with the right hand and having someone reprimanding me for drinking my tea with the left hand. Another great memory was the moment I set foot in Brazil after a 16 day trip from Africa. It took me 2 months to find the boat to make the crossing, and I was very happy to arrive in the country of Samba.

Ludovic Hubler hitchhiking in guerilla-stricken Colombia.

George: You've garnered an impressive amount of media attention during your hitchhiking adventure. To what do you attribute your good fortune? What was your first "big break"?

Ludovic: The media are always interested in anything which is a little bit different, a little bit original. Keep in mind that the media won't come to you, you have to get in touch with them and remember to sell yourself and your project. My first big break was without any doubt the interview at "Programa do Jô" on TV Globo in Brazil. I had to speak in front of 5 million people for 20 minutes in Portuguese, a language I couldn't speak a word of 4 months before. It was quite a challenge and I was freaking out.

I started with local media but I then realized that all kinds of media enjoyed my story and wanted me to talk about it. Today, about 80 million people have heard about the adventure. However, the media attention is not something very important for me. It is fun to see yourself on TV but I don't lose sight of my real objective: a world tour without spending a single penny on transportation using hitchhiking as my only mean to go from point A to point B.

George: Where would you like to see yourself ten years from now? What would you like to be doing?

Ludovic: There are several options. I have a Master of Science in Management and an interesting experience to "sell". The main option I am looking at right now is working for the United Nations. I have several ideas of projects I could develop inside their structure. A new dimension has come into my life, the need to make a difference and to make our world a better place. When I'm 85 years old, I want to be able to say, "I realized my dreams. I went after of my ideas and made a difference". The day I'm able to say this I will have lead a successful life.