From Kerala Juice Stall to 10 Countries: How a Sugarcane Vendor Turned Travel Dreams into Reality

Gateway to world: Kerala juice seller travels to 10 nations; China next on list

In a quiet corner of Kannur, Kerala, a sugarcane juice stall hums with the rhythm of daily life. But behind the whirring extractor and the clink of glasses stands a man whose passport tells a story far grander than his roadside trade: Hashim VP, a 67-year-old juice vendor who has visited 10 countries across three continents—all funded by decades of honest, hard-earned income .

From the pyramids of Egypt to the ancient streets of Jerusalem, Hashim’s journeys defy stereotypes about who gets to explore the world. Now, with his sights set on China—his 11th destination—he’s preparing to travel once again with his wife and younger brother, proving that wanderlust knows no profession, only passion.

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The Man Behind the Stall: Humble Beginnings, Global Dreams

Hashim VP never inherited wealth or won the lottery. Born into a modest family in northern Kerala, he started selling sugarcane juice in his early 30s as a means to support his household. But unlike many who see such work as purely transactional, Hashim saw it as a gateway—a way to fund a lifelong fascination with the wider world .

“I’ve always been curious about other cultures,” he shared in a recent interview. “Even as a boy, I’d read books about distant lands. When I started earning, I decided: a part of every day’s income would go into my travel fund.”

This simple philosophy—earn locally, dream globally—became his mantra for nearly three decades.

How He Funded His Travels: The Power of Consistent Saving

There’s no secret formula—just discipline. Hashim didn’t splurge on luxury; instead, he lived frugally, reinvested minimally in his stall, and saved meticulously. Over 30 years, even small daily savings compounded into substantial travel capital.

His strategy included:

  • ✅ Setting aside a fixed percentage (he estimates 15–20%) of daily earnings
  • ✅ Avoiding debt and high-interest loans
  • ✅ Planning trips during off-seasons to reduce airfare and accommodation costs
  • ✅ Choosing budget airlines and guesthouses over hotels

[INTERNAL_LINK:budget-travel-tips-for-indians] offers practical advice inspired by travelers like Hashim.

The 10 Countries Hashim VP Has Explored So Far

Hashim’s passport is a mosaic of cultures and histories. His destinations reflect a blend of spiritual, historical, and personal curiosity:

  1. Saudi Arabia – For Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages
  2. United Arab Emirates – Visiting relatives and exploring Dubai
  3. Egypt – Walking among the pyramids of Giza
  4. Jordan – Exploring Petra’s rose-red city
  5. Israel – Visiting Jerusalem and Bethlehem
  6. Thailand – Experiencing Southeast Asian culture
  7. Malaysia – A mix of urban and natural wonders
  8. Singapore – Admiring its efficiency and greenery
  9. Turkey – From Istanbul’s mosques to Cappadocia’s balloons
  10. Oman – Desert landscapes and coastal serenity

Notably, most of these trips were self-planned, without travel agents—another testament to his resourcefulness.

Why China Is His Next Dream Destination

China has long captivated Hashim’s imagination. “I’ve read about the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Yangtze River,” he says. “It’s a civilization that’s both ancient and futuristic—something I must see before I get too old to travel.”

He plans to visit Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai with his wife—who has accompanied him on several past trips—and his younger brother, making it a family pilgrimage of sorts. The trio has already begun applying for visas and researching budget itineraries.

Lessons in Budget Travel from a Kerala Juice Seller

Hashim’s story isn’t just heartwarming—it’s instructional. Here are key takeaways for aspiring travelers on a tight budget:

  • Start Small, Think Long-Term: You don’t need a big windfall—just consistent saving over years.
  • Prioritize Experiences Over Comfort: Hostels, street food, and public transport can cut costs dramatically.
  • Use Off-Peak Travel Windows: Flights to Europe or Asia can be 40–60% cheaper in shoulder seasons.
  • Leverage Community Networks: Hashim often stayed with friends of friends or fellow Malayalis abroad, reducing lodging costs.

As the World Tourism Organization notes, “Sustainable tourism begins with accessible models”—and Hashim embodies that ideal .

The Cultural Impact of His Journeys on His Community

Back in Kannur, Hashim isn’t just a juice seller—he’s a local legend. Young people stop by his stall not just for refreshment, but for travel tips. He shows them photos, shares stories, and encourages them to dream beyond their zip code.

“He proves you don’t need to be rich to see the world,” says a local college student. “You just need patience and purpose.”

In a state where overseas migration is often tied to labor jobs in the Gulf, Hashim’s narrative reframes travel as a form of self-education—not just economic necessity.

Conclusion: A Testament to Ordinary Magic

The tale of this Kerala juice seller travels across deserts, holy cities, and megacities is more than an anomaly—it’s a quiet revolution. In an age of influencer travel and luxury escapism, Hashim VP reminds us that the most profound journeys are often born from simplicity, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. His next flight to China won’t just cross borders—it will inspire thousands to believe that their own dreams, however distant, are within reach.

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