Most people dream of traveling to far-off places, but for Oliver Browne, it’s his day job. The high-altitude mountaineer from Hampshire has climbed the Alps, the Andes, and the Himalayas, rowed the Atlantic in 32 days, and explored the surreal landscapes of Socotra in Yemen. Now based in Tirana, Albania, Oliver has visited 105 countries. He shares his favorite destinations and the four places he’s not keen on revisiting.
Four Places He Won’t Rush Back To
Oliver says Antigua, Bahrain, New York, and Singapore are not for him. He describes Antigua as full of “flat, ageing hotels,” New York as too busy with extreme weather, Singapore as “fiendishly hot,” and Bahrain as “a bit run down.” However, he concedes he might need to revisit them.
His Favorite Destinations
Norway: Skerjevoy
One of the best places to see orcas, which arrive in November and December to feed on herring. Brave visitors can enjoy ethical snorkeling encounters in icy waters.
Albania: Valbone
Part of the Accursed Mountains, one of Europe’s last wildernesses, offering untouched heli-skiing with zero infrastructure.
Uganda: Rwenzori Mountains
The “Mountains of the Moon” are breathtaking, wild, and rugged, with few climbers, adding to the wilderness feel.
Philippines: Palawan
World-class diving, incredible landscapes, and turquoise waters make this a beautiful destination.
Ecuador: Antisana
A dreamworld with landscapes resembling a Studio Ghibli movie. Antisana is a remote, less-climbed 5,000m mountain reachable from Quito in a few hours.
Mongolia: Altai Mountains
A vast wilderness where you ride horses to basecamp, supported by Bactrian camels. Unique cultural experiences include horse riding with eagle hunters.
Gabon: Loango National Park
Elephants and hippos walk on the beach, and humpback whales breach offshore. On a lucky day, you might see them along with a lowland gorilla.
Colombia: Baru
Beautiful beaches, hundreds of islands, and laid-back hospitality. Hotel Las Islas offers great value at £353 per night. Rent a small boat for $50 a day to explore.
Mozambique: Bazaruto
A wild, less sanitized alternative to the Maldives or Seychelles, with incredible beaches and diving. Infrastructure is improving.
Yemen: Socotra
Known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, with unique flora and fauna. Beautiful beaches and one of the last great wildernesses.
Japan: Benesse Art Site Naoshima
A contemporary art super museum with works by James Turrell and the famous Kusama pumpkin. Part of a rural preservation project.
USA: Marfa, Texas
Home to the Donald Judd Chinati Foundation, this small town is a surreal contemporary art destination with design-led hotels and unique restaurants.
Nepal: Mustang and Bardia
A high-altitude desert in the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri, once restricted and called the Last Forbidden Kingdom. Enjoy horse riding, mountain biking, and cultural excursions.
Oliver’s Golden Travel Rules
- Only take official taxis at airports.
- Don’t take the cheapest option for consequential activities like climbing a mountain.
- Buy your own drinks.
- Getting somewhere slowly is better than not getting there at all.
