My 10 Favorite Drives

This the eigth installment in a series for my 4th Travelversay Celebration. This was another fun list to write. Unfortunately, I have only driven extensively in a few countries: USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. My list is, therefore, limited to the places I have driven. That being said, I have done a LOT of …

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Commentary: Put Down the Guidebook, Pick Up the History Book

As I have previously written, I’m not a big fan of travel guidebooks. That does not, however, mean I am not a fan of books. I am a voracious reader and during my almost three years on the road I have consumed so many books that carrying them around became a serious issue for me …

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The Most Popular Posts and Pictures of 2011

While Gary is on his way to Antarctica he is at the mercy of very slow internet. Since it is difficult for him to post, I thought I’d take this opportunity to look back at the posts and daily photos from last year that received the most traffic. Is your favorite from 2011 on the …

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How Traveling Changed My View of Possessions

Despite 5 years of traveling around the world I think I am still fundamentally the same person I was before I started traveling. I’m kind of a smart ass and a bit cantankerous. There hasn’t been any sort of spiritual epiphany which has lead to a brand new Gary. That being said, my attitude towards …

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4 Things Americans Get Wrong About Mexico

I’ve taken four trips to Mexico in the last 18 months, which is the most travel I’ve ever done in Mexico. That being said, I’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the country. I’ve been to every US state, all but one Canadian province and until recently I couldn’t even tell you …

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Ignorance, Fear and Travel

As I travel around the world I get to talk to a wide range of people. As you would expect, many of them have some affiliation with the travel and tourism industry. I speak to tour guides, representatives of national tour boards, waitresses, hotel managers and even the cleaning staff. One questions I always ask …

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The Business of running a Popular Travel Blog

I don’t like talking about business on my blog. Honestly, the business part of what I do isn’t really that interesting compared to the traveling. I don’t travel to have a business, I have a business so I can travel. Nonetheless, about once a year I allow myself the indulgence to write about the business …

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7 Pet Peeves About America

This post is a companion to the article 7 Things That Are Awesome About America When you spend a significant time away from your home country, you get a new appreciation for the good and the bad. Now that I’m back in the US and have traveled around the country for three months, I have …

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Showing Up In A Foreign City With No Place To Stay

I’m often asked by readers how much planning I put into a place before I visit. The truth is, very little. Mostly I just show up and often I will show up with out a place to stay. As I write this I am sitting in Barcelona where I arrived two days ago. When I …

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