French youth hitch-hiking his way across the globe passes through city

Mysore/Mysuru: The most economical way to travel involves standing with your thumb out and politely asking for rides from passing drivers. If luck is on your side, someone might offer you a lift to your destination, either partially or entirely.

Lucas Vennar, a 23-year-old French traveller, challenges conventional travel norms with his distinctive journey across continents, relying solely on hitch-hiking.

A bold adventurer, Lucas has captured global attention by accomplishing an extraordinary voyage spanning over 20,000 kilometres across various continents. His remarkable feat entails journeying through numerous countries, from Africa to Asia, armed only with his thumb and an adventurous spirit.

Over the past seven months, Lucas Vennar embarked on an unconventional exploration, eschewing planes, trains and buses, instead relying on the kindness of strangers to hitch rides through a diverse array of countries.

Starting his expedition on February 4, 2023, from his hometown of Liverdun, France, Lucas has set a new standard for global travel. His journey has taken him through a rich tapestry of landscapes, cultures and terrains. He’s crossed borders, traversed bustling cities and explored remote regions, all accompanied by a backpack, a determination to explore and a passion for experiencing the world on his own terms.

This 23-year-old traveller’s voyage is about more than just covering distances. It’s a testament to the spirit of adventure and human connection. His story serves as a reminder that in an era of technological advancements and instantaneous travel options, the simple act of placing trust in strangers and exchanging stories can still create unforgettable memories.

With a passport in hand, he applies for visas when planning to visit specific countries. Instead of aeroplanes, he prefers travelling by ship, engaging with ship captains to explain his unique adventure and secure free passage.

Language of hospitality and kindness

Throughout his journey, Lucas Vennar’s interactions with the people he encounters have provided him insights into diverse cultures, bridging gaps between nations through the universal language of hospitality and kindness. His travel narrative showcases that the world can be both expansive and intimate, simultaneously.

He has traversed in almost 500 vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, tanks and even horseback. He sailed across the Mediterranean Sea from Italy to Albania and the Caspian Sea from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan. So far, he has journeyed through France, Italy, Vatican City, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan.

Currently exploring India, Lucas has covered a diverse range of landscapes and cities. From the northern regions of Kashmir to the south, his journey has offered him a comprehensive view of India’s rich cultural tapestry.

As a Mechanical Engineer by profession, he arrived in Mysuru on Aug. 14 from Bengaluru, with some individuals offering him rides to the KRS Dam. Lucas books hotel rooms only when necessary and unsafe to stay in public places. He utilises public facilities for his needs and spends money on food, although he often receives food and lodging from his followers.

India experience

Lucas finds hitch-hiking in India to be exhilarating, often waiting no more than five minutes for a ride. He praises the friendliness, helpfulness and warmth of the people he has encountered. He usually stays with local residents overnight and sometimes receives invitations for dinner and lodging, while other times he spends the night in a tent.

His next destination is Switzerland and he aims to complete his journey by hitch-hiking his way to this European country. As he continues his expedition, Lucas serves as an inspiration to fellow travellers and dreamers, reminding them that the journey itself often holds more enrichment than the destination.

His adventure unfolds step by step, one hitch-hiked ride at a time, inviting the world to join him and be a part of his extraordinary journey. With each stride he takes and every person he meets, Lucas demonstrates that the essence of travel lies not solely in the distance covered, but in the stories exchanged and the connections forged along the way.