Why did you decide to follow in your grandpas’ steps and go with the same van they used for the trip? How strong do you feel this connection with the past is?
I’ve always been interested in my family history, looking at old pictures, asking for stories. I think it’s a way to try to understand who I am. Now my grand parents are old, they won’t travel anymore. And my grand father has Alzheimer disease. I have the feeling that I have to carry the memories and the stories now.

Three things you can’t travel without?
Camera (and rolls of film), hiking shoes, swiss army knife

Did you feel bored sometimes? What were you doing in this case?
I was never bored. How could I ever be bored doing exactly what I want? I could never feel bored in the wild. I could never feel bored if I have enough rolls of film for my camera and a book in my bag. And for me, doing nothing once in a while doesn’t mean being bored. In everyday life we always have something to do, somewhere to go and we are craving for a moment of peace and quiet. It’s rare and precious to have nothing planned, so I was enjoying every second of it.

What is the most challenging part about being a traveler?
The most challenging part of being a traveller for me is to survive in between trips. If I could, I would be on the roads all the time.

One thing which you don’t like about travelling?
I sometimes have the feeling to loose my friends at home. I’m always leaving for a long time. And when I come back I’m not the same. It’s sometimes hard to keep the same bonds with people after those experiences. It can makes me feel selfish.

What advice would you share for those who want to travel alone but are scared to take the leap?
No matter what your fears are, the happiness you’re going to feel will surpass them.

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Check out ‘Chasing Scandinavia’ to follow Agathe in her long journey to the end of Europe.