Tourist in more than 37 countries, The Beard Explorer arrive in Brisbane and tell us about his story

Saturday, 4 of June 2016
By Amanda Paixão

 He is young, adventurous and has gone through five continents and 37 countries. A few weeks ago, he landed in our lovely Brisbane. Shaun Nikola Djonlija, 33 years old, is a qualified chef, and since he has returned to Australia, he is working in this trade.

Shaun was born and grew up in Launceston, Tasmania, but his father's background is Yugoslavian and his mother is from Croatia, from where comes his name. However his father was born in Italy, so for this reason it has always been a dream for him to travel the world and especially see where his family background originates from. “As family means everything for me”, explained him.

Invited by Gringo Media, “The_Bearded_Explorer”, as he is known in Instagram, told us about his history and gave some hints of cool spots in Queensland.

Gringo Media: How many countries did you already visit?

So far I have had the pleasure of visiting five continents and 37 countries. It has take a lot of hard work and dedication to travel so far but it is my biggest passion and one I will do something to keep exploring this beautiful world and immerse myself in amazing cultures. I'd have to say my most memorable destinations have been Africa. I quit my job to take a risk and backpack on my very first overseas trip. Africa was always a childhood dream for me as I have a big love of all animals great and small. So managing this adventure and explore for 9 weeks was a dream come true.  

Secondly, I would have to say Croatia and Serbia. Again these destinations were a childhood dream as I wanted to see where my father and Nan was from. Plus when I went there I had the opportunity to meet that side of my family for the first time some of which my father had never met. And it helps that Croatia has some of the most beautiful coast lines and islands for swimming and an amazing seafood. There are so many amazing countries I would also say France. Living there for a year and learning a language and finding work was a hard but rewarding challenge. And the country and people there are so amazing and kind. And finally Italy purely for the history ad culture. Every corner you turn there is something that will blow your mind away. From Architecture to river and canals to little Italian villages.  

Gringo media: Have u been in South America or country with Latin language?

Sadly South America is the last continent I have to visit and one which I’m eagerly awaiting to see. I hear so many amazing things about it and in my travel and work I have made many close Brazilian friends. So I need to visit and I'm hoping that will be my next big adventure within a couple of years. And I also sadly have not been to any Latin speaking countries. 

Gringo Media: How you can afford you travels?

Most people think I'm lucky or have had my parents given me money to travel but this is far from the truth! All my travel has been off my own back. I know I'm lucky to live in a country where the wages and pay is higher than most countries out there. But I have made sacrifices and worked hard my entire life to achieve my travel dreams. It’s an expensive passion to have but I'm a firm believe that travel and exploring different cultures is the one thing that truly makes you richer in life. I don't need material possessions to make me rich and happy. I was born with nothing so I use my hard earned money to pursue my passion rather than buy a house or expensive car or clothing.

I’m also fortunate that with my skills as a qualified Chef food is needed all over the world. When I go on my long trips for example my year in France and my two years in the UK I was working as a chef while travelling and exploring.

Gringo Media: Tell me about your tattoo and plans for the next trip?

For years I've wanted a tattoo but never know what to get. And then I can up with the idea of picking significant places and places where I have fond memories of and tattooing the stamp copied straight from my passport. All of which are surrounding my birth place and what will always be my home Tasmania even though I don't live there. So as I have close to 100 stamps I didn't want to cover my entire body. So the fourteen that I chose are as follows: And as many people as yes I will add to it as i go but only places I fall in love with or live a beautiful memory, for example when I go to my last continent South America i will tattoo that there as well. 

For my next adventure and upcoming trip I promised a friend I made in London that I'd meet him in San Francisco for his birthday. So this September I will be road tripping the West Coast of America again with him for two weeks. And from there I will make my way solo to Seattle to see some more friends I've made travelling and from there Vancouver and Calgary Canada.

Gringo Media: Any tips who wanna explore Brisbane?

I've only lived in Brisbane for five weeks and sadly haven't had too much time to explore as I've been busy with work. But I've fallen in love with the city and its cycling and bicycle route around the river. I'm a fan of road cycling. So for me I get out and cycle and run the river loop crossing over different bridges. And the maximum you can cycle the entire loop is 100klms. Of cause relaxing in Southbank is beautiful but everyone knows about this. As for just out of the city there are so many beautiful hikes and day walks you can do within 30klms of the city. For example, a favourite of mine is Mount Glorious, and there you can find Olley's coffee in the rain forest! However I don't drink coffee but the high tea served there is beautiful and its a relaxing day out.

Gringo Media: Some tips for who wish do the same?

My only advice for anyone wanting to do the same is there are no easy ways to just up and travel unless you're fortunate enough to be wealthy. And if that's not the case then do as i did and work hard and focus on small travel goals first. It's a big world and sadly no one will ever see it all. So set yourself some realistic goals and work hard to achieve them. And trust me all that hard work, long hours and pain will all be worth it when you are in a new environment and immersing yourself in another culture.

 Gringo Media: One message from you...

If there is one thing I can say about travelling as much as I have and the one thing I truly love about living a life of travel: The friendships that you make along the way. I say and live by you can never have too many friends around the world. As a friendly face in a new or unknown place, somewhere in the world will make things so much easier. So even if you are the shy type and find it hard to meet people like I once was. This is one thing I would say to work hard on. Open yourself up to people and make those connections that will last a lifetime as fellow travellers we are all out there to help one another. So be kind and Karma will help you in your Adventure.