The world according to Gionata Nencini; “A good quality used motorcycle, $2,200US and a tent.”

And he means that literally. The Italian born 24-year-old photographer, writer and professional traveler made this statement recently as he visited Honda Australia for some basic maintenance on his well-worn ‘87 Transalp XL600V that has already taken him through 23 countries and roughly 65,000 kms.



“In my country, most people don’t travel very much,” he said in excellent English picked up during his travels.

“Our culture is very provincial, but I am showing that to do this you don’t need to be rich and you don’t need a brand new pro-motorcycle.”

“Also you don’t need to be a professional mechanic. I know only basic maintenance but I have always found people to help me with the bike, regardless of the country I am in.”

In the true spirit of adventure, this has led him into some very remote, inhospitable areas where he has had to call on his survival skills.

“One of my most challenging times was when I got stuck in the Russian desert for two days.”

“I was in the middle of nowhere with no water, food or money. Different people would drive by and give me supplies to keep me going, and eventually I got a lift with a truck into the nearest town.”

Overall Gion is intending to cover 150,000 kms and 80 countries. In addition to maintaining a website with a travel blog, photographs and advice for other young people wanting to conquer adventure travel, he also contributes regularly to media outlets around the world, and performs charity work wherever he can.

Gion - who hails from Florence - is not using a GPS or other high technology navigational equipment to find his way. We think he could benefit from a chat with Gizmag.

For a full run down of Gionata’s adventures, please visit www.partireper.it