Seychelles

Seychelles isn’t cheap, so traveling on a tight budget, I skipped the $60 airport taxi and took the $1 local bus instead. After being dropped off in town, I started walking up the mountain towards my homestay, lugging my duffel bag while sticking out my thumb in hopes of hitchhiking the rest of the way. A passing pickup truck eventually gave me a lift, and an off-duty police officer helped point me in the right direction before I finally made it to my accommodation.

My host was a woman in her seventies who had grown up in that very house alongside around ten siblings. Years later, after inheriting the property, she transformed it into a welcoming homestay. I happened to arrive on New Year’s Day, when almost everything on the island was closed. Seeing how hungry I was, she kindly drove me into town so I could grab a pizza, a gesture I’ll always remember.

I spent the next few days exploring the country. Mahé, the largest island and home to the capital, Victoria, was full of lush mountains, winding coastal roads, and beautiful beaches around nearly every corner. But the highlight was taking a ferry to La Digue. My friend Phil, whom I’d met months earlier in Angola, had insisted I visit, and I’m glad I listened. With its giant granite boulders, crystal-clear water, and white-sand beaches, La Digue was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. While hitchhiking around the island, a local named Edmond stopped to pick me up and ended up spending the afternoon showing me his favorite spots. Seychelles may be known as a honeymoon destination, but thanks to people like Edmond, I never felt alone.