Latest news with #SimonReeve
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The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Simon Reeve: ‘Travel helps us to question who we are and where we're from – that's how we learn'
'I left a little bit of my heart in Norway,' says Simon Reeve, speaking between shows on his current UK tour. 'I think a lot of Scandinavia is proper, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. I was in a sports café by the coast in the Lofoten Islands in Norway, and I sent my family a video saying, 'I really hope we'll make it here someday,' ideally in an electric campervan. That would be my nerdy green dream,' he says. Reeve recently released the three-part series Scandinavia on BBC, which charts his journey through pockets of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and its honorary Nordic members Finland and Iceland to discover what drives the region's reputation of being so happy, organised and successful. 'I think we've been dragged into the divisions of the United States. Of course, it's interesting and there are big characters,' says Reeve. 'But if we look at areas of the world where people are happiest and the most content – it isn't the United States, it is Scandinavia. 'We met lots of great characters there who were changing lives and trying to change the world. We've stuffed it all into three programs.' Looking from the outside in, the Scandi countries seem almost utopian-like, with the levels of trust in society demonstrated through honesty shops and leaving babies outside in prams, pioneering green technology such as wind farms and carbon capture machines, and a deep connection to outdoor 'Friluftsliv' living and a love of nature. Unlike the United States, Scandinavian countries stay relatively out of the world's headlines. Yet what Reeve discovered is that the region is also full of surprises, from Finland's large investment in military at NATO's longest border with Russia, the constant threat of volcanic eruptions in Iceland, to the wave of gang violence using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Swedish suburbs. While no part of the world can claim the title of a perfect utopia, free from challenges and injustices, Reeve did encounter almost fairy-tale-like landscapes throughout his journey to the land of snow, picturesque fjords and colossal glaciers. Yet, there was one location that left him spellbound, and that was Norway. It has the second longest coastline on the planet; ludicrously jagged and broken up with thousands of tiny islands.' Cities such as Stockholm and Malmö were featured in the series, but the main focus was Scandinavia's magnificent rural vistas, which show us why so many people are be drawn to off-grid escapes over urban mini-breaks. 'Stockholm is often rated as the most beautiful city in Scandinavia, admittedly, mainly by the Swedes,' Reeve recalled himself saying during one episode. 'That was a little cheeky, because [Sweden] is gorgeous and it was breathtaking to film there. 'I'm not undermining the beauty of the cities either, but I do think that the countryside in Scandinavia is glorious. They've got much more space than we have on our crowded little islands. 'But of course, people there don't take the p*** the way people sometimes do in the UK. They don't wander about having spontaneous festivals or fires on other people's land. You can walk and camp almost anywhere in Scandinavia, which is an amazing freedom.' The lure of the Arctic has previously seen travellers head to Scandinavia for winter sports activities and adventure tourism, and Reeve explains that the region is now more accessible than ever. 'In the past, it wasn't easy to get hold of the kit you needed to visit, and the clothing wasn't as readily available either. And in truth, it is a bit cheaper now as well. Whether it's Lapland, Svalbard, or Iceland, oh my goodness, the sights you'll see, the experiences you'll have are intensely memorable, and that surely is one of the best things about travel.' Flying out into colder landscapes calls for more preparation than just throwing your swimsuit and flip-flops into your carry-on, as Reeve explains: 'Follow the advice I was given by an elderly woman selling vegetables outdoors at a market in Siberia. She said, 'You need to dress like a cabbage', that is the key to dressing for the cold.' Reeve recommends getting to know the area through a local. 'I think you always want a guide if possible. We've been taught for a while now to do things spontaneously,' says Reeve, 'which you can do, but you'll miss out on that local knowledge. It doesn't have to be horrifically expensive.' 'A lot of people want to share their area with you. We just had a guide when we were in Laos as a family, and the experience we had as a result was so much richer.' During Reeve's journey through Scandinavia, he was led by several guides, from a Sami reindeer herder in northern Sweden to a young volcanologist in Iceland, and he explains how these encounters with local communities were enriching. 'My favourite form of travel is when wealthy folk take their hard-earned money and spend it in parts of the world that need it; giving back to local communities and helping to support wilderness areas,' he adds. 'Scandinavia is an ethical place to go on a holiday, if you do it carefully. You can travel cleanly and greenly on public transport, much more so than you can in many other parts of the world. It's not guilt-free travel, that doesn't exist. But I certainly think, because they've made great strides towards becoming cleaner and greener, we can benefit from that as travellers.' While Reeve's series uncovers that not all is paradisiacal in this region, he also took a lot from the way Scandinavians live their lives. 'It made me question where I'm from, and the direction of travel that we're [the UK] on.' 'Maybe we need to take inspiration from how they're living in Scandinavia and consider how that way of life could benefit us. 'Travel helps us to question who we are and where we're from. That's how we learn.'
Dublin Live
25-05-2025
- Dublin Live
'I've visited over 130 countries but one nation stands out as my favourite'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Adventure traveller and TV presenter Simon Reeve has shared his top pick for the most extraordinary country on Earth, boasting sights not found "anywhere else on the planet". Known for traversing some of the world's most breathtaking and perilous locales, Simon's escapades have ranged from close encounters with the KGB to adrenaline-fueled pursuits by cheetahs. His latest BBC series, 'Scandinavia with Simon Reeve', sees the daring host explore the Nordic countries' wild beauty, from tundra to forests and fjords. However, this is just the latest in a long line of expeditions for Simon, who has racked up visits to over 130 countries, an impressive tally for someone who didn't fly until adulthood, reports the Express. Simon reflected: "You know, I'm a very lucky bloke. I've been to more than 130 countries now and travelled pretty extensively, I grant you, but almost all as an adult. You know, I don't come from a 'travel-ly' family. I didn't get on a plane until I was growing up and properly working." Simon also opened up about his modest upbringing, lacking "fancy foreign holidays" as a child, which he feels has made him even more grateful for his current role. He doesn't overlook the privilege of his remarkable career and recalls times spent on the dole during his teenage years, keeping him grounded and "very aware" of his good fortune. Choosing a favourite destination from his extensive travels is quite the challenge for the seasoned presenter, but with a bit of arm-twisting, he admits there's one place that truly captivates him. He said: "So, I've always got my eyes open when I'm travelling. I'm always trying to soak it up like a human sponge, and I absolutely love the journeys still. If you twist my arm and you say, 'You've gotta come up with somewhere that you really love', Madagascar." (Image: (Image: BBC)) Madagascar, ranking as the world's fourth-largest island, is famed for its unique wildlife - an incredible variety of reptiles, plants, and mammals found nowhere else on Earth. The WWF notes that this 144-million-acre island off Africa's southeast coast boasts an eclectic mix of ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Simon added: "Madagascar was staggeringly different and beautiful and surprising, and obviously, that's off the east coast of Africa. It's got a bit of Africa in it. It's got a bit of Asia in it. But it's quite unique, as well. "You see stuff there that you don't see anywhere else on the planet. You know, a group of cowboys wearing huge floppy hats taking a huge herd of buffalo across the country to market." Climb another hill, and you might find yourself overlooking a "huge plain of spiny cactus", shared Simon, who asserts that Madagascar is a land of "weird stuff happening there". He went on to say: "You know, when humans first arrived on Madagascar, there were lemurs the size of gorillas. You know, things have evolved there in very different and special ways, so that is a place that has really amazed me." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Simon Reeve names his 'favourite' country - and you can see 'weird stuff' there
BBC presenter Simon Reeve has opened up about his favourite country - and says it has 'staggeringly beautiful' landscapes and wildlife that can't be found 'anywhere else' Renowned adventurer Simon Reeve has revealed his top destination on the planet, where travellers can experience sights unlike "anywhere else on the planet". Throughout his illustrious career, Simon has explored some of the world's most breathtaking and treacherous regions, including run-ins with the KGB and narrow escapes from cheetahs. In his latest three-part BBC series, Scandinavia with Simon Reeve, the fearless presenter embarks on a journey across the Nordic nations, taking in the dramatic landscapes of tundra, forest, and fjord. This latest adventure adds to Simon's impressive tally of over 130 countries visited, a remarkable feat considering he didn't board a plane until he was "an adult and working full-time". Simon reflected: "You know, I'm a very lucky bloke. I've been to more than 130 countries now and travelled pretty extensively, I grant you, but almost all as an adult. You know, I don't come from a 'travel-ly' family. I didn't get on a plane until I was growing up and properly working." Simon shared that his childhood didn't involve "fancy foreign holidays", but he believes this has made him "appreciate" his role even more. In fact, he remains humble about his incredible job, recalling his time on the dole as a teenager, which has left him "very aware" of "how lucky" he's been. Choosing a favourite from his extensive travels proved a tough call for the seasoned globetrotter, but with some persuasion, one destination holds a special place, reports the Express. Simon shared: "So, I've always got my eyes open when I'm travelling. I'm always trying to soak it up like a human sponge, and I absolutely love the journeys still. If you twist my arm and you say: 'You've gotta come up with somewhere that you really love', Madagascar." Famous for its unique creatures, Madagascar, the world's fourth largest island, boasts an unmatched array of wildlife seen nowhere else on earth. According to the WWF, this 144-million-acre landmass off Africa's southeast coast shelters diverse ecosystems ranging from lush jungles to stark deserts. Expanding further, Simon added: "Madagascar was staggeringly different and beautiful and surprising, and obviously, that's off the east coast of Africa. It's got a bit of Africa in it. It's got a bit of Asia in it. But it's quite unique, as well. "You see stuff there that you don't see anywhere else on the planet. You know, a group of cowboys wearing huge floppy hats taking a huge herd of buffalo across the country to market." According to Simon, clambering up another rise might unveil a vast "huge plain of spiny cactus", revealing the island's curious charm. He added with a sense of wonder: "You know, when humans first arrived on Madagascar, there were lemurs the size of gorillas. You know, things have evolved there in very different and special ways, so that is a place that has really amazed me."
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Simon Reeve: I was a suicidal teen. This advice changed my life
Born in Hammersmith in 1972, Simon Reeve had a turbulent childhood and left school with one GCSE. Aged 17, he considered suicide before taking a job as a postboy at The Sunday Times, where he started assisting the investigations team. His 1998 book The New Jackals, investigating the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing, led to work as a travel documentary maker and since 2003, he has travelled the world exploring some of the most dangerous and inhospitable countries. He lives on Dartmoor with his wife Anya and their 13-year-old son Jake. The joy of winning a sandcastle competition on Studland Beach in Dorset when I was about seven or eight. My brother and I and our friend Colin carved this amazing car from sand and we won a choc ice each for our efforts. Studland Bay and those early holidays there still hold a very special place in my heart. It gave me roots and it's a place I still visit today with my own family. It's a bit of a place of pilgrimage for me. The day my son Jake was born. I'd been told by doctors that I was infertile and that my sperm were deformed, which I thought was a bit strong. It was a hammer blow, but I went on a massive health drive and changed my diet and lifestyle dramatically and stopped eating anything that was fun. Over a period of time my wife and I managed to pull it back and my sperm went from being deformed to being viable. By the moment Jake was born, we'd both been through the wringer and although I might not have immediately said, 'you don't know the trouble we've been through to bring you into the world', I might have mentioned it once or twice since. When the KGB decided to release us in the middle of the night in Transnistria. We'd been captured by them on the border between Ukraine and Moldova because we'd been creeping through some bushes trying to film a secret Russian military base and they were holding us in their cells. It was looking pretty tricky. But then I told our fixer that my family's only claim to fame is that my mum reckoned we were distantly related to Sir Christopher Wren. This somehow got translated by the fixer to the KGB that we were in fact minor aristocracy and in some way related to the Queen – and it would bring terrible shame on Transnistria if we weren't released. So the KGB Colonel then jumped out of bed in his pyjamas, and said: 'I'm sorry, there's been a terrible mistake, you're free to go.' It was all very exciting in a very Boy's Own way, especially as it wasn't uncommon for people to get 'lost' in the system there. I'm quite good at wading through lots of information and picking out salient points. That is really useful professionally, but it's also pretty vital personally as a father when you've got to trawl endless review sites to find out which pair of inner soles to buy for your child's trainers. I'm good at sorting the wheat from the chaff. Taking my job as a postboy on The Sunday Times shortly after a long period where I'd almost lost hope of ever doing anything constructive with my life. At the time I was suffering a lot of mental health issues. I'd flunked out of school. I had no qualifications. I had no girlfriend, no ambition, no job, no bloody hope. I saw this advert, and something clicked. It was the bottom rung of the ladder, but it was something I could potentially do, and gradually things started to change. I went from being a suicidal teenager to being a junior cub researcher, and then worked my way up to become, when I left, the deputy night editor. Prior to that job I was in a bad way and was on the edge of a bridge at one point, and my brother persuaded me to go and sign on, and the woman at the DHS counter just said: 'Don't think too far ahead. Take things slowly. Take things step by step.' I clung to those words, and they pierced my negative bubble. I interpreted them to mean: 'Don't set yourself unachievable goals. Break things down into component parts', and it transformed me. It enabled me to get a job, to start my life and to become an adult. Being clamped down to a bed and being given a lumbar puncture injection into my spine. I just remember pain, pain and more pain. It took four or five people to hold me down as I was thrashing about so much. It was horrendous. I think I'd contracted meningitis, although I've sort of detached the reason for the injection from the actual memory of the pain. It doesn't get any worse than wanting to take your own life and that's what I wanted to do on several occasions in my teens when I'd hit rock bottom. We were having a lot of problems at home, and I was having teenage angst with bells on. I couldn't hack school. I had no confidence. I'd gone from being a naughty 10 or 11-year-old boy to being out with my little gang, causing trouble, setting fires, getting into scrapes, being chased by the police and making petrol bombs – proper naughty stuff. By the time I got to 16 I was really struggling. I'd been carrying a big Rambo knife into school, and I was drinking too much. I'd go to the pub at lunchtime and when I was sitting my first exam I was so overwhelmed by fear and panic I fled and never went back. I was totally lost and found myself on a bridge by the A40 holding onto the railings on the wrong side and I can't really explain why I stepped back, but I did. I went home. I cried myself to sleep again and then, soon after, that advice from the job centre arrived and my road to recovery began. I remember being around the back of Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre. I'd just set off a small homemade bomb underneath a CCTV camera. We were letting off these thick, homemade, customised fireworks, and a policeman came out and, in slow motion, the firework curled and coiled along the ground and hit him. And I didn't feel, 'yeah, I'm gonna get a copper'. I felt like, 'Oh my God'. Police cars swamped the scene and we ran, and somehow didn't get caught. Looking back on my behaviour now I just don't think I understood consequences. I have sympathy for the kid I was then so I'm not judgemental about the people I meet. I'm more able to recognise that lots of people can make the wrong decisions. That's not to condone it at all but I know bad people can do good things and good people can do bad things. It's not clear cut. It's a spectrum. Even wholesome little kids can do terrible things. I'm immature and grumpy and a bit stroppy. It manifests itself quite regularly but luckily my family just take the mickey out of me if I'm sulking. It's not something I'm proud of. Generally, if I walk away from situations, I'll very quickly realise I'm being a d---, and I'll go back and say, 'I'm sorry for getting worked up about that', and I apologise. Almost every financial decision I've ever taken. I'm really hopeless with investing. There are a couple of times I've tried over the years, and it's not gone well. My friends have gone, 'Oh, you should put some money into this Tech share', and I wish I'd just said, 'Don't do it, Simon, for God's sake, don't do it'. Simon Reeve's To The Ends Of The Earth tour will be visiting cities across the UK throughout May 2025 and May 2026. Tickets are available here. Scandinavia With Simon Reeve starts at 9pm on Sunday 18 May on BBC Two. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Simon Reeve: I was a suicidal teen. This advice changed my life
Born in Hammersmith in 1972, Simon Reeve had a turbulent childhood and left school with one GCSE. Aged 17, he considered suicide before taking a job as a postboy at The Sunday Times, where he started assisting the investigations team. His 1998 book The New Jackals, investigating the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing, led to work as a travel documentary maker and since 2003, he has travelled the world exploring some of the most dangerous and inhospitable countries. He lives on Dartmoor with his wife Anya and their 13-year-old son Jake. Best childhood memory? The joy of winning a sandcastle competition on Studland Beach in Dorset when I was about seven or eight. My brother and I and our friend Colin carved this amazing car from sand and we won a choc ice each for our efforts. Studland Bay and those early holidays there still hold a very special place in my heart. It gave me roots and it's a place I still visit today with my own family. It's a bit of a place of pilgrimage for me. Best day of your life? The day my son Jake was born. I'd been told by doctors that I was infertile and that my sperm were deformed, which I thought was a bit strong. It was a hammer blow, but I went on a massive health drive and changed my diet and lifestyle dramatically and stopped eating anything that was fun. Over a period of time my wife and I managed to pull it back and my sperm went from being deformed to being viable. By the moment Jake was born, we'd both been through the wringer and although I might not have immediately said, 'you don't know the trouble we've been through to bring you into the world', I might have mentioned it once or twice since. Best experience while travelling? When the KGB decided to release us in the middle of the night in Transnistria. We'd been captured by them on the border between Ukraine and Moldova because we'd been creeping through some bushes trying to film a secret Russian military base and they were holding us in their cells. It was looking pretty tricky. But then I told our fixer that my family's only claim to fame is that my mum reckoned we were distantly related to Sir Christopher Wren. This somehow got translated by the fixer to the KGB that we were in fact minor aristocracy and in some way related to the Queen – and it would bring terrible shame on Transnistria if we weren't released. So the KGB Colonel then jumped out of bed in his pyjamas, and said: 'I'm sorry, there's been a terrible mistake, you're free to go.' It was all very exciting in a very Boy's Own way, especially as it wasn't uncommon for people to get 'lost' in the system there. Best personal trait? I'm quite good at wading through lots of information and picking out salient points. That is really useful professionally, but it's also pretty vital personally as a father when you've got to trawl endless review sites to find out which pair of inner soles to buy for your child's trainers. I'm good at sorting the wheat from the chaff. Best decision you ever made? Taking my job as a postboy on The Sunday Times shortly after a long period where I'd almost lost hope of ever doing anything constructive with my life. At the time I was suffering a lot of mental health issues. I'd flunked out of school. I had no qualifications. I had no girlfriend, no ambition, no job, no bloody hope. I saw this advert, and something clicked. It was the bottom rung of the ladder, but it was something I could potentially do, and gradually things started to change. I went from being a suicidal teenager to being a junior cub researcher, and then worked my way up to become, when I left, the deputy night editor. Best advice you've ever received? Prior to that job I was in a bad way and was on the edge of a bridge at one point, and my brother persuaded me to go and sign on, and the woman at the DHS counter just said: 'Don't think too far ahead. Take things slowly. Take things step by step.' I clung to those words, and they pierced my negative bubble. I interpreted them to mean: 'Don't set yourself unachievable goals. Break things down into component parts', and it transformed me. It enabled me to get a job, to start my life and to become an adult. Worst childhood memory? Being clamped down to a bed and being given a lumbar puncture injection into my spine. I just remember pain, pain and more pain. It took four or five people to hold me down as I was thrashing about so much. It was horrendous. I think I'd contracted meningitis, although I've sort of detached the reason for the injection from the actual memory of the pain. Worst moment of your life? It doesn't get any worse than wanting to take your own life and that's what I wanted to do on several occasions in my teens when I'd hit rock bottom. We were having a lot of problems at home, and I was having teenage angst with bells on. I couldn't hack school. I had no confidence. I'd gone from being a naughty 10 or 11-year-old boy to being out with my little gang, causing trouble, setting fires, getting into scrapes, being chased by the police and making petrol bombs – proper naughty stuff. By the time I got to 16 I was really struggling. I'd been carrying a big Rambo knife into school, and I was drinking too much. I'd go to the pub at lunchtime and when I was sitting my first exam I was so overwhelmed by fear and panic I fled and never went back. I was totally lost and found myself on a bridge by the A40 holding onto the railings on the wrong side and I can't really explain why I stepped back, but I did. I went home. I cried myself to sleep again and then, soon after, that advice from the job centre arrived and my road to recovery began. Worst act of teenage rebelling? I remember being around the back of Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre. I'd just set off a small homemade bomb underneath a CCTV camera. We were letting off these thick, homemade, customised fireworks, and a policeman came out and, in slow motion, the firework curled and coiled along the ground and hit him. And I didn't feel, 'yeah, I'm gonna get a copper'. I felt like, 'Oh my God'. Police cars swamped the scene and we ran, and somehow didn't get caught. Looking back on my behaviour now I just don't think I understood consequences. I have sympathy for the kid I was then so I'm not judgemental about the people I meet. I'm more able to recognise that lots of people can make the wrong decisions. That's not to condone it at all but I know bad people can do good things and good people can do bad things. It's not clear cut. It's a spectrum. Even wholesome little kids can do terrible things. Worst personality trait? I'm immature and grumpy and a bit stroppy. It manifests itself quite regularly but luckily my family just take the mickey out of me if I'm sulking. It's not something I'm proud of. Generally, if I walk away from situations, I'll very quickly realise I'm being a d---, and I'll go back and say, 'I'm sorry for getting worked up about that', and I apologise. Worst decision you ever made? Almost every financial decision I've ever taken. I'm really hopeless with investing. There are a couple of times I've tried over the years, and it's not gone well. My friends have gone, 'Oh, you should put some money into this Tech share', and I wish I'd just said, 'Don't do it, Simon, for God's sake, don't do it'.
