Author: John The Traveler

I am the curious travel geek who wants to change the way you think about taking a trip. I like to merge my hobbies and interests when I'm traveling, whether that is to a specific destination or the journey itself. The important thing when traveling is having enriching experiences. As your Captain Curiosity, I will teach you to step outside of your comfort zone, adopt an explorer's mindset, and broaden your definition of what meaningful travel can be. I grew up in Kansas but currently live in the Washington, DC area. I have a Master's Degree in Geography and have traveled to more than 55 countries, 45 states, and 6 continents and all 105 counties in Kansas. I enjoy craft beer, collecting postmarks and stamps, listening to music, and meeting people everywhere I go.

Five-State Roadtrip, Part II: Walking in Memphis

The most appropriate thing to do on one’s first morning in Memphis is to head directly to its most popular attraction: Graceland, of course! Luckily as part of the TravelCon registration fee, we were entitled to several “familiarization trips,” or FAMs for short. These are free entrances to museums, parks, or tours; special events just…

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The 12-Hour Walk: Disconnecting, Pushing Yourself, and Crushing Limiting Beliefs

Colin O’Brady There isn’t much that Colin O’Brady hasn’t pushed himself to do. Speaking at the World Domination Summit (WDS) in Portland, Oregon in June, he captivated attendees with stories of his incredible feats like crossing Antarctica solo, summiting the highest peaks of the world in record time, and rowing across the treacherous Drake Passage…

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Turn Ordinary Places into Memorable Destinations

We tend to think of the world as being “discovered.” Every corner of the globe has already been mapped out, trod upon, or otherwise known to humanity in some way. As individuals, though, we haven’t been everywhere, nor can we go. Even in our own communities, we probably haven’t visited every single place of interest….

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Five-State Roadtrip, Part I: The Road(s) to Memphis

The beautifully choreographed intricacies of circumstance continually amaze me. If it hadn’t been for the twice-postponed travel conference that finally took place at the end of April, I might not have orchestrated my job exodus and resulting three-week roadtrip through five states. Despite some significant setbacks and lessons learned, I pulled it off and wouldn’t…

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Twenty Twenty Too

Happy New Year! Let’s cut to the chase. I clearly haven’t been consistent with this blogging business. Quite honestly, the twisted mental vortex that the pandemic sucked me and most of the rest of us into can take a portion of the blame. I spent a lot of the last year wallowing in some self-pity…

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This One Matters

I’d like you to think I was marooned in Tonga without internet, and that’s why I haven’t posted anything here since July. That of course would be a lie, and we have enough of those right now. I’ll skip the excuses and reasons and leave you with just one piece of advice, especially if you…

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Stay-at-Home Traveler: Destination Rankings, Vol. I

In this series, I will be sharing my personal top 10 countries I’d most like to visit. This list is ever-changing, but some of these places have been on my mind for a long time. For me, every country has something worth visiting, but I had to narrow it down. I hope they will interest…

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