British explorer Oliver Browne has journeyed to 105 countries, climbing peaks in the Alps, Andes, and Himalayas, rowing across the Atlantic in 32 days, and venturing into Yemen’s surreal Socotra landscapes. Now based in Tirana, Albania, the 44-year-old high-altitude mountaineer and founder of True Summit adventure travel company shares his passion for discovering new places and people.
Places He Prefers to Skip
Despite his extensive travels from China to Mozambique, Oliver identifies four destinations he has no strong desire to revisit: Antigua, Bahrain, New York, and Singapore.
“I don’t want to be disparaging about anywhere, but they aren’t for me,” he explains. Antigua features flat, aging hotels. New York feels overwhelmingly busy and experiences extreme temperatures. Singapore’s intense heat stands out, while Bahrain appears somewhat run down. “Maybe I do need to go back,” he adds.
Top Favorite Destinations
Oliver highlights several standout locations that capture his sense of adventure and natural beauty.
Norway: Skerjevoy
One of the world’s prime spots for orca sightings, especially in November and December when they feed on herring. Brave visitors can enjoy ethical snorkeling in the icy waters.
Albania: Valbone
A remaining European wilderness in the Accursed Mountains, ideal for frontier heli-skiing with no infrastructure, preserving its untouched state.
Uganda: Rwenzori Mountains
The least-known major East African peaks after Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, offering rugged beauty known as the Mountains of the Moon, with few climbers for a true wilderness feel.
Philippines: Palawan
Renowned for world-class diving, stunning landscapes, and turquoise waters.
Ecuador: Antisana
Ecuador resembles a dreamlike scene with landscapes evoking Studio Ghibli films. Antisana, a remote 5,000m peak accessible from Quito, suits trekkers and horse packers alike.
Mongolia: Altai Mountains
A vast wilderness where travelers ride horses to 4,000m basecamps, supported by Bactrian camels. Nomad hospitality, eagle hunting, and multi-activity adventures define the experience.
Gabon: Loango National Park
Elephants and hippos roam beaches, humpback whales breach offshore, and lowland gorillas appear under ideal conditions—a rare wildlife convergence.
Colombia: Baru
Features pristine beaches, islands, relaxed hospitality, and a frontier vibe. Hotel Las Islas offers exceptional value, with boat rentals for exploring swimming spots and beach shacks.
Mozambique: Bazaruto
Post-flood and civil war recovery has improved infrastructure, providing a wilder alternative to the Maldives or Seychelles with superb beaches and diving.
Yemen: Socotra
Dubbed the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, it boasts unique flora and fauna, minimal infrastructure outside Hadiboh, and pristine beaches as one of the last great wildernesses.
Japan: Benesse Art Site Naoshima
A blend of contemporary art museum, hotel, dining, and rural revival, featuring Tadao Ando architecture, James Turrell installations, and Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin.
USA: Marfa, Texas
Home to the Donald Judd Chinati Foundation, this West Texas town mixes surreal art, wilderness, design-focused hotels, unique dining, and an artist community.
Nepal: Mustang and Bardia
Less crowded than Everest, Mustang’s high-altitude desert offers horse rides, mountain biking, and cultural visits to villages and monasteries. Shinta Mani Mustang stands as a premier high-altitude lodge.
Oliver’s Essential Travel Rules
- Only take official taxis at airports.
- Avoid the cheapest options for significant activities like mountain climbing.
- Buy your own drinks.
- Prioritize slow travel over rushing to destinations.
