Travel Philosophy
Oprah: “I Heard Some Indian People Eat With Their Hands”
To the rest of the world: On behalf of all American travelers, I’m sorry. I know that according to recent polls, you think Americans are the worst tourists, and that angers me. Perhaps it’s not making much difference, but one of my goals through this humble site, and something I’m sure is a goal of […]
The Other Face Of India
A group of smiling young faces stare back at you from the photograph. Their bodies are thin and semi-clothed, and they are sitting in filth; a stagnated water puddle serves as a befitting background. Kids of slum dwellers in Kolkata are extremely excited at having their picture taken. Their joviality belittles their circumstances. This shot […]
Top 5 Reasons Travelers Are Sexy
As if you needed another excuse to travel. A recent survey conducted by an Australian-based travel agency revealed that traveling may be the single most important attribute you should advertise on your sketchy online dating profile. Apparently traveling is one of the most attractive traits for single coeds. I mean come on, tell us something […]
All Those Months On The Road Were Actually Making You Sexier
“Tell me baby, where have you been?” “Oh, baby, I’ve been everywhere. From the temples of Tibet to the beaches of Barcelona. Do you like that?” “Oh yes! Tell me more. Please tell me more.” “After college I took a gap year — went all over Europe.” “Yes. Keep going!” “I studied abroad in Norway […]
Lost And Found In Buenos Aires
Sometimes we travel for our soul’s journey, to discover something about a place and something about ourselves. Time and again, people believe that those that travel are “running away from something,” and I keep saying, “perhaps we are running towards it.” Round one, Buenos Aires: a surreal, old-world cultural experience. A time to learn tango […]
Exclusive: Airlines Attempt To Improve Industry By Purchasing Rainbows And Hiring Unicorns
It’s really no secret that the airlines have perfected the art of gauging, devaluing the passenger, and poetic complacency. Perfected in the most beautiful sense. For example, how often have you tolerated the unpredictable ebb and flow of prices, paid far too much for a flight, endured the meaningless airline traditions (the small end goes […]
How I Learned To Find Family In Northern Thailand
I’m not a very touchy person. Hugs are reserved for good friends and family, and I can’t remember the last boyfriend whose hand I actually enjoyed holding. I’ll slap you a good ‘ol American high-five but please do not force me into the fashionable double-cheek kiss scenario. This preference for personal space was never more […]
How Not To Be A Traveler: A Tourist In New York [Video]
The post that recieves the most comments here at The Expeditioner is one I wrote asking: “How Many Americans Have a Passport?” Rather than a discussion about the numbers involved and the process of getting a passport, the comments have mostly revolved around a debate about Americans and their place in the world. Or, more specifically, […]
The Problem With Our Giant Piles Of Stuff
Editor’s Note: The author’s house was robbed just hours before this article was published, resulting in the loss of a computer, iPod, camera and various other items. The author plans to next publish an article about what it would be like winning the lottery and finding the cure for cancer. If you had to get […]
The People We Remember When We Travel
Last night I sat awake on the red-eye Bismarck, North Dakota-bound bus from Minneapolis and watched as snow flakes collided playfully with the bus’s glass front. Behind me passengers shuffled in search of that ethereal position that brings escape from an arduous bus ride and entrance to dreams. To me, the bus was escape enough. I love the limbo of planes, […]