Jacob Williams, a 23-year-old content creator from Kingstanding in Birmingham, recently embarked on his first ever journey outside the United Kingdom to celebrate his birthday in Egypt. The proud Brummie documented the entire experience for his popular YouTube channel, Brumtown UK, which boasts over 25,000 subscribers. His video series offers a raw and honest look at the exhilarating highs and challenging lows that can accompany international travel, particularly for a first-timer.
A Dream Destination with a Harsh Welcome
Williams's primary goal was to visit the iconic Pyramids, describing them as a "breath of fresh air" and a welcome change from his usual Birmingham backdrop. However, his journey to the ancient site was immediately marred by opportunistic locals. Upon arrival at the airport, he hailed a taxi and explicitly asked to be taken to the Pyramids. Instead, the driver diverted to a family-owned business, ostensibly his uncle's establishment, which offered horse rides.
Navigating Persistent Haggling and Scams
"I already knew the scammers were going to haggle with me, I'm aware our currency rate is stronger," Williams explained in an interview. "They can spot tourists and I can understand it's a hustle... but there's a way to go about it." He found himself subjected to minutes of intense haggling at the shop, where he was offered tea and a tour, all while his dream of seeing the Pyramids seemed to slip away. After extricating himself from that situation, a second attempt via a pre-booked Uber also went awry when the driver cancelled and demanded a higher cash payment.
Williams reflected on these forceful tactics, stating, "I didn't want to call them scammers, but they were taking advantage, that's a scam." Despite these frustrations, his perseverance paid off, and he was eventually successfully transported to the Giza plateau. The awe-inspiring sight of the Pyramids provided a powerful counterpoint to the earlier stress, with Williams quipping that it "beats looking at the BT Tower" back home.
Solo Adventure Resonates with Online Audience
By travelling alone, Williams aimed to create an authentic shared experience for his viewers. "I wanted to showcase this first experience and I did it solo," he said. "It gave my audience, people who resonate with me, a chance to join me on this journey for my first ever holiday." His candid portrayal of both the scams and the splendour has clearly struck a chord, fostering a sense of community among his followers.
Future Travels and Fan Suggestions
While the West Midlands remains a key filming location for his local content, this Egyptian adventure has ignited a passion for further exploration. Having consulted his audience on potential destinations for a second trip, Williams has received significant encouragement to visit Pakistan. His channel continues to grow, promising more travelogues that blend personal narrative with practical insights for aspiring travellers from Birmingham and beyond.
