A travel creator preparing to splash out an estimated $75,000 to journey through 12 countries later this month has shared what he expects to be the toughest part of the challenge.
Many will recognize Alfie Watts from season four of BBC’s Race Across The World. Since appearing on the series, the 23-year-old has built a following by posting travel content on platforms including TikTok and YouTube.
His next major trip begins on May 24, when he sets off from the UK heading for North Cape in Norway — the northernmost point in Europe — with the aim of arriving in time for the summer solstice on June 21.
This isn’t a straightforward road trip, though. Alfie plans to make the journey in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk — an open-air vehicle more commonly associated with short hops in parts of Asia and South America.
He has previously explained that the concept came from brainstorming with friends, inspired by the kind of ambitious specials seen on shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
“We came up with the idea of London to North Cape, this whole like mental health pilgrimage where we can have some really important conversations along the way and then also arriving into the most northern point on summer solstice,” Alfie explained.
The route will take in 12 countries — the UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Norway — as he works to raise funds for Young Minds, a UK charity supporting children and young people with their mental health.
Even with the charitable goal at the heart of the trip, he knows the day-to-day demands will be intense — and he’s already identified the biggest obstacle he expects to face.
Looking ahead to the London departure, Alfie said that maintaining his focus will be difficult, given he expects to drive around six hours a day, keep up with activities on the road, and spend long stretches on camera for a series being produced for his social channels.
Alfie continued: “[It will be important] to stay sane and having the motivation when I’ve driven six hours for the 25th day in a row to then turn up in front of a camera if we find someone really inspirational and sit down and actually have those difficult conversations in those tough moments. That’s going to be the hardest part.”
The Race Across The World star also said the full undertaking will come in at close to $75,000, and explained where much of that money is going.
He said: “A lot of it is staffing because we want it to be high quality, so things like editing costs, videographer costs, that’s a chunk of it.
“We’ve spent four grand on another car to follow us and we need to make sure that’s in tip-top condition because if anything, that’s the thing that’s more likely to break down.”
On top of that, expenses include flights home for the crew, accommodation along the route, and fuel for the vehicles.
Alfie is aiming to raise $135,000 to support Young Minds as it helps children and young people facing mental health challenges. You can donate to fundraiser here.