About Me …

Hello Everyone, Thanks for stopping by. I’m Charles. Welcome to Two Passports Packed. Why this blog is called ‘Two Passports Packed’ is explained here so let me tell you some more about myself.

I am from South Africa but have lived in the Middle East for pretty much my entire career, having left South Africa in 1996. I am an accountant by day, having degrees in Commerce and Accountancy. I have visited 52 countries so far, with Spain being my most recent new country, in July 2023 (articles coming soon). I have lived in six countries, being Namibia where I was born, South Africa, Bahrain, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where I live currently. I also own a small place at the beautiful Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand where I like to visit at least once a year if I can.

When I am not doing fascinating Finance stuff, like Excel spreadsheets and financial statements, I travel as much as I can. I am also a keen golfer, though not particularly talented with my 19-handicap index. When I am not crunching numbers or smashing 300-yard drives on the golf course (yeah right), I can be found behind a computer screen planning my next vacation or writing this fascinating travel blog.

My Travel Style …

I recently came across the term ‘Flashpacker’ which describes my travel style to some extent. Flashpacker Family describes a ‘Flashpacker’ as ‘One who travels with the intrepid ethos of a backpacker but having added comfort, style and technology whilst still maintaining a sense of exploration and adventure’. I would even take my travel style one step further than being a Flashpacker. While I am happy to visit unique places and take part in different adventures, I always like to come back to a lovely hotel or resort and experience a little luxury and relaxation at the end of the day, so I am not opposed to a certain amount of opulence.

By no means do I fly First Class, or even Business Class for that matter, but I am willing to spend a little bit extra for that extra legroom seat at the front of Economy Class. Let’s just say that my Travel Style is somewhere between Flashpacker and the Ultra Luxurious, somewhere really nice but not ultra-expensive, somewhere chic, clean and comfortable without having over-the-top crazy prices.

How Do I Pay for My Travel …

Fortunately, my career in Finance has allowed me to travel reasonably often to exotic destinations and interesting locations. The fact that companies in the Middle East offer such generous annual leave allowances, sometimes up to 35 working days per year, in addition to the generous public holidays, allows plenty of opportunity to jump on a plane and explore new destinations.

Why Do I Travel …

It has been said ‘Do not live the same year 75 times and call it a life’. It has also been said ‘Do not focus so much on making a living that you forget to make a life’. What I like to do is venture out into the world, see as many places as I can and experience life to the fullest by trying different experiences. I am happy to visit out-of-the-way places for some peace and tranquility, but I am also quite happy to visit the popular tourist destinations that are so common on Instagram these days.

As much as I enjoy my Finance career in Abu Dhabi, I also enjoy traveling and exploring different parts of the world. If there is a golf course close by then so much the better. As they said in the movie ‘Serendipity’, ‘Life is not merely a series of meaningless accidents or coincidences, uh-uh. But rather, it’s a tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite, sublime plan’.

So get out there, meet new people, visit new places, find your ‘exquisite, sublime plan’ and make your three score years and ten around the sun worthwhile. ‘You are always one decision away from a completely different life’.

I will only ever write about places that I have visited in person. That way you are guaranteed that I have first-hand experience of the countries, hotels, actvities, etc. that are included in this blog.

Finally, it is true by the way that Finance stuff can be fascinating, but certainly nowhere nearly as interesting as exploring the world, meeting new people and visiting exciting destinations. So travel with Two Passports Packed as we inspire your next travel adventure.

Collaborate with Two Passports Packed …

If you are looking to work with a travel blogger to promote your destination or travel-related brand, Two Passports Packed welcomes the opportunity to work alongside like-minded businesses who share a similar travel philosophy. I can even do a cost analysis for you, showing how working with Two Passports Packed will be of benefit to both of us (just joking, somewhat).

Two Passports Packed, Now Let’s Go. Click here for some inspiration.