With 90+ countries under Zander’s belt — more than 60 of them travelled solo — this blog was never built on dreamy quotes or filtered sunsets. It was built on his real, lived experiences.

Back in those early days, I (Peter) tagged along on some of his trips. Partly for the adventure, but also because it helped calm his jitters about flying solo. We shared a few scrapes, plenty of laughs, and a couple of “what on earth are we doing here?” moments that still make me smile.

It took Zander two years to build up the courage for his first solo trip. (Spoiler from his stories: it was terrifying. And brilliant. Often both in the same hour.) That early fear — and everything it taught him — shaped the way he travelled and wrote about the world.

He even reflected on how solo travel improved his mental wellness in one of his early posts. It’s due for an update (like all of us after a long-haul flight), but the message still stands:

If Zander could overcome the fear of travelling alone at 42, you absolutely can too. And now, as I continue his work here on The Road to Timbuktu, I’m not only keeping his voice alive but adding my own perspective — inspired by those first adventures we shared together.

Zander created The Road to Timbuktu to share authentic, occasionally ridiculous tales from the road — the kind you don’t find in glossy brochures. I was lucky enough to join him on a few early trips, and those adventures not only settled his solo-travel jitters but also gave me the bug for travel storytelling.

This blog is for those who’d rather wander a backstreet market than join a pool party (though let’s be honest — a poolside cocktail still has its place in the world).

If you’re craving hidden gems, local charm, and a bit of peace with your passport stamp, you’re in the right spot. My mission, as I continue Zander’s work, is to help you travel on your own terms — with confidence, curiosity, and maybe even a little swagger.

Because life’s too short for boring holidays… or staying in your slippers.

Zander had a knack for picking destinations apart with a fine-tooth comb (and possibly a magnifying glass). He went well beyond the usual tourist fluff to dig up insider knowledge — the kind that included local gems, budget hacks, safety tips, and cultural quirks you’d never find in a glossy brochure.

And yes, he was famous for over-delivering. Some of his guides are so detailed, it might actually be quicker to watch the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended editions, naturally).

After reading one too many vague blogs that skipped the crucial stuff — like how to actually get from the airport to the city — Zander vowed to do better. And that’s exactly the legacy I’m carrying on here at The Road to Timbuktu: practical, honest, well-tested travel advice… with bonus features (and probably a few sarcastic asides of my own).

Travel should be fun — and frankly, so should reading about it. That’s why Zander’s writing always came laced with dry British humour and just enough storytelling to plonk you right beside him in the chaos.

Now that I’ve taken up the reins, I’m keeping that same flavour alive — whether it’s getting lost in a souk, mangling a vital local phrase, or realising far too late that yes, that was a chilli… and no, I’m definitely not okay.

Expect quirks, mishaps, cultural confusion, and the kind of observations only an over-caffeinated, over-analytical solo traveller in his fifties (that’d be me) could deliver.

When Zander first set off solo, he was just thrilled he’d managed it at all. Writing about those journeys wasn’t even on the radar back then. Fast-forward, and many of the stories on this blog are drawn from his memories stretching back over a decade — think of them as well-aged travel tales. Of course, I make sure the recommendations you’ll find here are fresher than a newly stamped passport.

Now, full disclosure: I’m an introvert too. Asking strangers to take my photo feels about as natural as wearing a woolly jumper in the Sahara. So no, you won’t find endless snaps of me grinning in front of landmarks like those extroverted travel influencers manage so effortlessly.

That said, I’ve recently joined the selfie revolution — which means a few awkward, arm-stretched photos are finally creeping into the blog. And because I’ve upgraded my toolkit with a dash of AI wizardry, those blurry mid-sneeze shots from the early days now show someone who actually looks human… and occasionally even like he’s smiling on purpose.

When Zander launched The Road to Timbuktu back in September 2023, it wasn’t so much a learning curve as a vertical cliff face. With zero web-building experience, he somehow balanced writing genuine travel stories with the chaos of figuring out what on earth a “widget” was — and why it had just broken everything.

I know the feeling. Since taking up the reins, I’ve had my fair share of hiccups too — including the proud moment I managed to lock myself out of the blog after forgetting my shiny new password.

But here’s the thing: despite the mishaps, tech tantrums, and mild panic attacks, I’m fully committed to keeping The Road to Timbuktu alive and growing — sharing solo travel experiences with you, warts, Wi-Fi issues, and all.

This might not be the most polished personal travel site on the internet… but it’s still one of the most honest.

Yes, you’ll spot affiliate links scattered across The Road to Timbuktu — like confetti at a wedding — but let’s be clear: this solo travel blog has never exactly been a cash cow.

When Zander ran it, he poured in hours of passion with zero thought of profit. Now that I’ve taken up the reins, that same spirit continues. Travel is still the heart of this blog, not some grand get-rich-quick scheme (clearly). If I do earn the odd bit of commission, it’ll go straight into keeping the site alive — and maybe fuelling the next story with a strong coffee… or rescuing me from yet another password mishap.

Because while I may not profit from your clicks (yet), I hope you’ll gain a laugh, a tip, or a little courage for your own solo journey over 50.

And if, by chance, you don’t need a flight, tour, or travel gadget today — but still think we’ve earned a cuppa — you can always buy us a coffee right HERE. No pressure… unless you’re a barista.

So now you know who’s behind The Road to Timbuktu — a solo travel blog for the over 50s that runs on caffeine, curiosity, and the occasional tech tantrum.

If you’re after honest travel tales, dry humour, and tips that go beyond the usual fluff, stick around. I can’t promise luxury or perfection, but I can promise personality — and a continuation of the spirit Zander first poured into this site.