Someone Different: Introducing Jackson

Meet Jackson – an Australian with a lifelong love of travel ignited at age four by a David Attenborough documentary about the Galápagos Islands. Since then, he’s thrown himself into the world with extraordinary enthusiasm, living and volunteering across South and Central America, immersing himself in local communities and gaining the kind of first-hand knowledge no guidebook can offer. He also holds a double degree in Marketing and Psychology, has coached football in London, and spent three months coaching in the Galápagos Islands. We sat down with Jackson to hear about the experiences that have shaped him, read on to find out more.

When did your passion for travel start?

My travel journey began with a simple curiosity about the world, sparked by a David Attenborough documentary about the Galapagos Islands when I was just four years old. As a child, I was fascinated by drawing flags and collecting Panini World Cup stickers every four years, eager to learn where each player came from. As I grew older, my excitement for the world transformed into a lifelong passion that eventually became my reality.

How has travel moulded you?

Several pivotal experiences have shaped my path. Moving to the Gold Coast at 18 was a thrilling leap into independence. My time volunteering and living in South America & Central America for a year opened my eyes to resilience and the power of human connection. I worked alongside locals on various initiatives and learned so much about life; while I aimed to support the community, they supported me in countless ways.

After that, I ventured to North America, traveling across the USA before settling in Canada. There, I worked at a summer camp, hosting some of the wealthiest kids in the world. Although it was a very different experience, I learned a core message: everyone deserves love and respect, regardless of their background.

By chance, I landed in London with no plan and little money. I was eager to see where life would take me. I started volunteering, which unexpectedly led me to a coaching role in football. Through hard work and dedication, I eventually became the head coach, fulfilling a childhood dream of coaching football in London. Despite all the directions I took, I learned valuable lessons while remaining the same person I was proud to be when I left home at 18. During this time, I also achieved a double degree in Marketing and Psychology and am currently pursuing my master’s in Psychotherapy.

Tell us your favourite travel memories?

I have countless favourite memories from my travels! One of the highlights was spending summers in Scandinavia, where I celebrated Midsummer in Sweden. I also had a magical Christmas in Lapland with Santa, building igloos and riding reindeer in Finland.

Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia were unforgettable, especially when floating over those otherworldly landscapes at sunrise. And seeing Paul McCartney perform in Paris? A dream come true for this lifelong Beatles fan!

In terms of sports, experiencing Wimbledon was exhilarating, and I’ll never forget the thrill of watching Brighton & Hove Albion play at Anfield – though we unfortunately lost. Hiking in the Dolomites and the Alps was a dream come true, and driving through the Scottish Highlands revealed some of the most stunning landscapes I’ve ever seen.

Attending an Indian wedding and a cricket match in India was indescribable. Riding camels in the Sahara, climbing inside the pyramids in Egypt, and hiking to Petra’s Treasury were all awe-inspiring experiences. Nature-wise, I went on elephant safaris in Sri Lanka, swam with sharks in the Maldives, and spent time at the remote San Blas Islands, where I swam and slept under the stars

Devouring countless pastal de nata’s in Lisbon was life-changing, as was the hospitality I encountered around the world. But Latin America holds a special place in my heart. It’s hard to choose between hiking Machu Picchu, experiencing the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro, and indulging in street food in Mexico. However, my ultimate experience was living out my childhood dream of spending three months coaching football in the Galapagos Islands.

What difficulties have you encountered on your travels?

Every journey had its hurdles. I faced language barriers and cultural differences, especially during my time in South America. However, these challenges taught me adaptability and the importance of empathy. They helped me appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and experiences.

And what led you to join Untravelled Paths?

Connecting with Untravelled Paths has been a dream come true for me. The company’s ethos aligns perfectly with my own beliefs about travel. The core mission is centered on human interaction and creating a positive impact on local communities. When the opportunity arose to help grow the company in South and Central America, I couldn’t pass it up. It felt like a full-circle moment in my journey.

We’ve heard what Jackson has had to say, but what does James have to say?

“From the moment I met Jackson, I knew he was someone special. What struck me immediately wasn’t just his extensive knowledge of South and Central America – it was his authenticity. You can’t teach that. He’s the kind of person who genuinely connects with people wherever he goes, and in this industry, that makes all the difference. What really sealed it for me was knowing he’d lived and breathed these destinations, not just passed through them. He’s determined, diligent and deeply passionate about travel in a way that’s infectious. At Untravelled Paths, we’ve always been about real experiences built on real connections, and Jackson embodies exactly that. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the team.” James – Founder, Untravelled Paths

Interested in Central & South American?

And the excitement doesn’t stop there. At Untravelled Paths, we’re absolutely thrilled to be launching a brand-new collection of South and Central American experiences very soon and trust us, they’re worth the wait. We’ve worked hard to curate trips that go beyond the ordinary, rooted in the kind of authentic, community-centred travel that Jackson embodies so perfectly. Whether you’re dreaming of the landscapes of Argentina, the rainforests of Costa Rica or the ancient wonders of Guatemala, something very special is coming your way. If you’d like to be the first to know the moment they drop, get in touch with us at info@untravelledpaths.com and we’ll make sure you’re first in line.

Written by Jackson and James Chisnall

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from Untravelled Paths https://blog.untravelledpaths.com/blog/someone-different-introducing-jackson/