Led by Destiny: Hitchhiking Around the World
Kinga and Chopin began with nearly $600, two backpacks, a one-way ticket, hardly any plans and many dreams. How could they see the world with practically no money? Through hitchhiking. Packed with inspiring diary-style chapters, colorful images and amazing stories, Led By Destiny by Kinga Freespirit captures an incredible hitchhiking adventure around the world.
Welcome to America (New York – Vancouver)
30 September 1998 “Life is a journey, enjoy it,” I read in a card from my best friend, as my train slowly pulls out of the Gdansk train station. I am leaving my beautiful city behind, and soon, my country, to see the world. I just have to arrange a few things in Warsaw first, and Chopin has to get his American visa. It’s not easy, especially if you only have a one-way ticket, but I know we’ll make it.
Kinga’s book is a remarkable story that starts in Poland with a one-way flight to New York City. From there, they continue to Toronto, Alaska, Mexico, Central America, South America, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Australia, Brunei and, at last, through parts of Asia and Eastern Europe. The journey took them five years. I admire their courage and determination to fulfil their travel dream and hope more people will set out to do the same.
Before you read the book, do visit the Tribute page to Kinga Freespirit.
This post was modified from a post from 2007.
Hello,
Thanks for giving such an great suggestion to know the people and culture of a country. And more over your information the best book for hiking was a vital one!!!
Hi,
Good on them for taking on the whole world.
I embarked on a hitchhiking journey 11 years ago – hitchhiking all the way around Australia photographing everyone who gave me a lift and writing about each hitch.
I’ve just started my own blog with photos and stories from that journey.
Ciao,
Giulio
Hi Giulio, Yes, really good – and especially when they started out with no more than $600. Hitchhiking around Australia must have been amazing. Great idea to write about every hitch… what makes a place is partly its people. I will go check out your blog at once.
Yeah – it was great. I’d come up with the idea while living in Scotland and came back to embark on the journey (you’ve probably read that if you’ve gone to the blog), so I was seeing my country through wonderfully fresh eyes.
Made me realise how diverse Australia is, even though all Australians are aware what a multi-cultural country we are. We’re really about 6 or 7 countries in one, even though we have the same accent and share the same federal government.
Thanks for the thoughtful review. I have looked at this before but was put off by the price. I am hoping to do some traveling in the next year so may have to look again. I appreciate it!
Hi Susan, I can understand that. The book isn’t exactly cheap, but well worth reading. Happy travels!
I just went on a small hitchhiking journey in the states. It was the best time of my life and I hope to have many more. I’m writing about it on my blog and posting some good tips and gear reviews.
Hitching is such a unique experience and I always encourage everyone to try it. =)
May the rides come often and take you far!
Callie´s last [type] ..Day 2- Mt Falcon Park to Echo Lake
Hi Callie,
Sounds great! Good to hear that you had such a successful journey. I haven’t done any hitchhiking myself (yet) but wouldn’t mind traveling like that some time in the future. I saw on your blog that you hitchhiked with a friend. Am just curious, how do you feel about hitchhiking solo? I can understand if women would find that a bit intimidating. Seems like most travelers who hitchhike do it as couples, or in a group of friends.