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FOR Illario Vespanda, a 44-year-old Italian with a background in economics, life on the road began with a simple but powerful motivation, the fear of having regrets.

Before embarking on his global journey, he managed a homestay in Milan, living what many would consider a stable and conventional life shaped by routine and long term commitments.

In September 2017, he set off from his hometown on a Vespa, marking the beginning of a journey that has since taken him across 109 countries through different continents and cultures.

His travels also build on an earlier expedition 15 years ago, when he crossed 21 countries throughout the Americas on a similar scooter, planting the early seeds of a life driven by movement and exploration.

“The plan is no plan,” he said, explaining that his journey is intentionally open ended and guided by instinct, curiosity and opportunities that arise along the way.

While largely personal, his travels also carry a broader message, as he hopes to offer others a different perspective on life through his experiences and reflections.

“I just do it for myself, but I like if I can give another perspective of life to people,” he said when contacted by Daily Express. 

Unlike conventional travellers, Illario sustains his journey through personal savings, occasional stock market activity, donations, merchandise sales and social media revenue, all carefully managed to ensure continuity.

He keeps his expenses low by maintaining a minimalist lifestyle, including a vegetarian diet and avoiding commercial accommodation whenever possible.

Instead, he relies on camping or staying with friends and communities he meets along the way, allowing him to stretch his resources and remain flexible in his travels.

Central to his journey is his Vespa, which he describes as a “real adventure bike” that enables a deeper connection with people, places and the surrounding environment.

“When people see a Vespa, they always smile, and that’s the best starting point to connect me to the world and people,” he said.

He added that its simplicity, lack of electronics and ease of repair make it ideal for long distance travel across diverse terrains, where reliability and adaptability are essential.

He manages maintenance and repairs along the way through accessible spare parts and support from technical partners, ensuring that mechanical issues do not halt his progress for long.

Despite the freedom associated with such a lifestyle, the journey has presented significant challenges, including serious illnesses such as malaria and typhus, which tested both his physical endurance and mental strength.

He also recalled being injured in an accident in India, highlighting the risks of travelling alone in remote areas where immediate assistance is not always available.

Among his most intense experiences was being surrounded by lions while camping in Botswana, though the encounter ended without harm and became one of his more surreal memories.

Another defining moment came when he was detained in a police station in Yemen for nearly a week, which reshaped his understanding of personal freedom and mobility.

“It made me realise how important our freedom to move is, and that we always assume it is guaranteed, but it’s not,” he said.

Throughout his journey, he said human connection has remained the most meaningful aspect, as interactions with locals often provide deeper insights than any destination itself.

Support from the global Vespa community has been crucial, especially in major cities where camping is not possible and accommodation is needed.

In Malaysia, he said he received strong support from fellow Vespa riders, including in Kota Kinabalu where he was hosted by a local Vespa community, Vespa Kota Kinabalu.

Now in Sabah, Illario described the State as a “lovely place with stunning nature” and welcoming communities that left a positive impression on him.

He highlighted Kota Kinabalu’s coastal atmosphere, nearby hills and traditional water villages as particularly memorable during his stay.

He also praised Mount Kinabalu for its scenery and cooler temperatures, describing it as one of the most visually striking locations he has encountered.

At the Tip of Borneo, he found quiet beaches and a sense of tranquillity, expressing hope that large scale tourism would not disturb its natural charm.

“I think Sabah is still underrated somehow, but maybe that makes it more interesting and authentic for a traveller like me,” he said.

Looking ahead, Illario plans to complete a full loop around Borneo before continuing his journey through Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and eventually the Americas.

Beyond the miles travelled, he said the journey has reshaped how he understands life, shifting his focus away from material goals towards experiences and personal growth.

He said living on the road has allowed him to step away from what he described as an “artificial” lifestyle and instead embrace a more grounded and present way of living.

“To live in the real world, not the artificial one full of fears and illusions,” he said.

He added that observing people remain confined by routine and fear motivates him to continue exploring and learning beyond his comfort zone.

For those inspired by his journey, his advice is direct and uncompromising, urging individuals to take ownership of their lives and decisions.

“Start to travel, don’t fill your life with excuses, take your life and make it a masterpiece,” he said.

As he continues his journey across continents, one thing remains clear, for Illario, the road is not just a path forward, but a way of life defined by freedom, curiosity and a constant desire to discover more.