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Adventurer Charley Boorman has crossed the globe more times than we can count.

It all started with a 20,000-mile journey by motorbike from London to New York with pal Ewan McGregor. Their Long Way Round series did so well, they tried a new route, biking from John O'Groats to Cape Town, South Africa, in Long Way Down.

And Charley has headed off alone to make his own adventures, heading from Ireland to Australia 'By Any Means' and taking in Extreme Frontiers in Canada, the world's most dangerous roads and even explored America in his USA Adventure.

Here, Boorman talks to MailOnline Travel about his favourite holidays, his forthcoming travel projects, and why riding a motorbike is the best way to experience a country's people and culture.

Made it! Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor at the end of their 20,000 mile 'Long Way Down' trip from John O'Groats to South Africa

Who is your most iconic explorer and why?

Well there are the obvious iconic explorers like Marco Polo who inspire us all, they totally embody the spirit of discovery and are so inspirational. But all of us have an individual that has spurred us on or gave us the notion that we are capable of so much more than we think. That guy for me is Ted Simon who wrote Jupiter's Travels. His book is amazing and gave me and Ewan the idea for Long Way Round, and the inspiration we needed to head out and start our adventure. There is usually someone somewhere who will do the same for you.

How has travel changed the modern world?

We are very lucky to live in the era we're in. It's never been easier to get anywhere on the globe and 95 per cent of the world is a friendly place. I think we're all realizing that now and taking advantage of that, there are a multitude of ways to travel around the world – it's not just taking a boat or flying a plane somewhere. We are all looking for that next great experience, and travel has become so much easier in an age of technology when you can easily organise your travels on a mobile and stay connected.

What's been your most memorable journey and why?

When I look back at all the different journeys I've done I can safely say that Long Way Round is the most memorable. It was my first trip with Ewan, and going all the way through Kazakhstan, Siberia etc. was the most amazing experience. The challenges we faced were damn hard, and it was a much bigger journey than we could ever have imagined it would be. Other trips I've done have had massive challenges too, like By Any Means and Race to Dakar where I broke my hands. I think coming out the other side of such challenges makes a trip more memorable. When it's tough but you've made it through and found laughs along the way it makes a journey so special.

Stark beauty: Boorman says Africa is one country he never gets tired of revisiting

Why is travel so important today?

I think exploration and travel has always been important for people - the value of travel lasts well beyond your holiday. Everybody needs to travel a little bit to see what's out there, to experience other cultures and people, take in different scenery, taste new foods and find out more about the big beautiful world we live in. The experiences we have, the sights we witness and the people we meet all help shape who we are and the stories we have to tell.

What's the worst type of holiday for you?

I couldn't stand having to spend a whole week lying on the beach doing nothing, I'd go stir crazy! It's lovely to be able to go somewhere and have three or four days of excitement and fun activities and then once you've knackered yourself out you feel you've really earned your last few days relaxing on the beach, sipping a cocktail and totally unwinding.

Where do you chill out with your family?

We're a really active family so at the end of each of my trips we try and meet up wherever that is - it could be South Africa, Japan, Australia or wherever. And our holiday will be to go back along the route I have taken so the kids can experience what I've been through and I can show them some of my favourite places. When you haven't seen your family for such a long time it's lovely to be able to share the experiences you've had with them, especially when you've been telling them all about what you've been up to and they can then enjoy it with you.

Happy place: Bali has 'the beach, surfing, fantastic food and a lovely culture' says Boorman

What are your top three favourite destinations and why?

Léger in France is the most wonderful place to ski as it's a beautiful small resort and is lovely for a family holiday. Indonesia is one of my favourite places in the world but Bali in particular is a wonderful place to visit, it has the beach, surfing, fantastic food and a lovely culture – it's just such a happy place to get stuck into. Ultimately though I'd have to say anywhere in Africa on a motorcycle, everywhere you look there's a photograph, and just riding on the bike through stunning scenery is fantastic. What's great about being on a motorcycle is you can just jump off and immediately interact with the local people instead of having the barrier of a car which kind of cuts you off from them in some way. Africa has some of the greatest roads to ride on and you feel total freedom. Every year I run biking tours in Africa for people to join in, it's always a great laugh and it's a country I'm never bored going back to.

What things do you miss the most when you travel (excluding family)?

Family and friends would have been my big one, but I guess in more remote areas you miss little things like popping down to the cinema or the supermarket when you want, or meeting a mate for a pint down the pub... It's difficult to do the simplest things in really remote areas and you do really appreciate the little things when you get back.

Where next? Mexico, where Charley plans to start filming his next Extreme Frontiers series

Biking mad: Charley with his preferred mode of transport

Where's next on your list of places to visit?

I'm hoping to head towards Mexico next for another Extreme Frontiers series, and hopefully we will start filming later this year. I've always had a fascination with Central America and am so excited to experience everything Mexico has to offer.

Are people becoming more adventurous? Why?

Definitely, part of that is because it's so much easier to travel around the world. I think people are realising that the world's not as dangerous as people have made it out to be in the past. People are looking for a little bit of adventure rather than just your basic holiday – it's definitely the way forward. Adventure and discovery can be as small or as big as you want it to be – whether it's finding the perfect burger in New York or cycling the Nile, it's all out there, so go out and get it.

What's the aim of the campaign?

To celebrate the spirit of exploration and discovery, Expedia.co.uk is launching a nationwide search for a Modern Explorer, who will re-create the route of iconic explorer Vasco da Gama in the modern age. The Modern Explorer will depart on a 6 week trip of a lifetime, travelling from Lisbon, through the Canaries, rounding the Cape of Good Hope, Mozambique and up to Goa. The Modern Explorer will be tasked with using modern technology to unearth the best of each destination, discovering its hidden gems and getting to know its people along the way.  The Modern Explorer could be 18 or 80, an experienced globetrotter or someone who has never ventured outside of Europe, but they all have something fantastic in common – a thirst to discover and to return with stores gained from experiences that you only get from travelling.

Why is it important?

To celebrate the iconic explorers who changed and shaped the world we live in today. The great explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo and Vasco da Gama opened our eyes to new possibilities, unearthed new discoveries and inspired many to follow their paths. And the discoveries of these explorers continue to shape our lives today. It is the spirit of sharing and discovery that we are celebrating through our search for The Modern Explorer. It is also about testing how different their journeys could have been with today's technology, showcasing how technology continues to change and enhance travel and exploration, by saving time and hassle, we can focus on what matters most – exploring the destination.

Charley Boorman is looking for Expedia's Modern Explorer. For more information and how to apply for the chance of a trip from Lisbon to Goa, stopping at the Canary Islands, the Cape of Good Hope and Mozambique, visit http://ift.tt/1dzj24w or http://bit.ly/1myZDcR