And so it is that I prep once again to leave the United States. My bags are slumped beside me, a crisply new book (Gun, Germs, and Steel) in my backpack waiting for my endless airport layovers and my anal-retentively neat morning checklist ready to see me on my way with all my power cords, …
Long-term travel sounds so glamorous. Tell someone that you travel most months out of the year, and no matter what you follow it up with, they’re picturing vibey ancient temples, blindingly-white sunny beaches, turquoise-blue tropical waters, and an endless cocktail party with friends from all over the world. And those idealized travel images? I’m not …
Whenever I return to the States for a couple of months between my long-term travels, most of my well-honed travel habits go AWOL. You see, I never lose anything on the road. Truly, I have never left anything behind in 15 years of travel—yet in the two months following my first long-term trip around the …
By Michael Hodson One of my primary reasons for taking a trip around the world without flying was because I wanted to get a full appreciation of the size of the world. After exactly one year on the road without leaving the ground, and still having not made it all around yet, I can say—it’s …
This is one of those ever-present questions for new travelers—should you bring a laptop on world travels? And if you do, what’s the best way to protect your laptop? There’s actually a lot to think about before you set off overseas with a computer in tow. For some, it’s an easy answer. If you start your …
You’re heading out on your round the world trip and you want to document all of your travels. The big question crops up: Should you start a travel blog to record stories and photos? Originally, this post tended to recommend enjoying travels and not starting a full blog. Around 2016, however, I updated it to …
My love for the Diva Cup means it’s time to review exactly how I’ve handled my period for more than a decade—most of which I spent traveling the world. I think all females, travelers or not, should consider using menstrual cups as there are very few circumstances under which the right menstrual cup is not …
I believe in traveling light, but what’s “necessary” varies—especially when it comes to staying healthy on the road. And it’s also a tough call about recommending how travelers should stay healthy on the road. Why Do You Need a SteriPen? I’ve written about how sick I’ve gotten over the years. I almost died in Laos …