TTB 092: Walking The Yangtze River
Show Notes
Continued from our conversation in TTB 092: Ash Dykes is an explorer, extreme athlete, motivational speaker and 3x World First Record Holder.
Ash recently head-lined global news by becoming the first person to hike the entire length of the Yangtze River in China. A 4,000-mile journey that took him 352 days to complete, he faced bears, altitude, wolves, landslides, blizzards and had to send 10 of the 16 team members (that joined him for short stints at different locations) home, due to altitude sickness, fear of wildlife and/or injury.
Inside the Episode:
- Bandits, corrupt militia, and malaria. Ash describes his time avoiding the bandits by heading deep into the jungle. Then, malaria hits. Ash tells us about his experience with malaria, and honestly, I think we’d prefer the bandits
- After completing his 155 day trip through Madagascar, Ash explains that the most challenging thing about this adventure was the terrain. Surprisingly, Madagascar was surprisingly mountainous. Add in the thick jungle and you'll find yourself in quite the challenging situation.
- “We’re all hacking through our own kind of jungle”, Ash explains. Something we really took away from this conversation was an understanding of Ashs’ ability to fixate on the job immediately in front of his face, and push all of thoughts to the back of his mind. It's this skill that has allowed him to climb to rankings as one of the top adventures in modern history.
- Who else is a visual learner?? Ash, utilizing photographs, videos, and by speaking on his first hand experience in countries directly impacted by climate change is bringing a new way to approach the ever warming planet.
- Ash’s access was granted with the help of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), for whom he has been appointed Ambassador. Ash’s ultimate goal is to spread awareness of biodiversity and ultimately slow down and reverse various forms of pollution and ecological stresses.
Contact Info:
Website: https://www.ashdykes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshDykesOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash_dykes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshDykes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ashdykes
TTB 091: Walking Across Mongolia and Madagascar
Show Notes
Ash Dykes is an explorer, extreme athlete, motivational speaker and 3x World First Record Holder. On this podcast Ash discusses his mind boggling hikes across both Mongolia and Madagascar where he encountered and overcame everything from mythical jungle witches to bouts with dehydration and exhaustion.
Inside the Episode:
- In 2014, Ash became the first ever recorded person to hike across Mongolia solo and unsupported, covering over 1,500 miles in 78 days. He trekked over the Altai Mountains, through the Gobi Desert and the Mongolian Steppe, all whilst pulling a wheeled trailer weighing 120kg, carrying everything needed to survive. Sir Ranulph Fiennes described it as being “an example of great determination, to achieve something that’s becoming harder all the time, an adventuring ‘first’, which would have proved both physically and mentally challenging”.
- “Every day was possible” As Ash explains in this trip, by breaking down this momentous trip into smaller steps, taking it day by day. He literally put the saying “take it one step at a time” to use and in turn conquered the first unsupported walk across Mongolia.
- In 2016, Ash achieved his second world record by becoming the first person to walk the entire length of Madagascar’s interior, whilst summitting its eight highest Mountains. An expedition of over 1,600 miles, taking 155 days to complete and faced many challenges, from being held up by the military, avoiding bandits, contracting the deadliest form of Malaria, crossing croc infested rivers, hacking through near impenetrable jungle during the cyclone season and much more.
- Ash has a hell of a work ethic. Meticulous planning and exhaustive weight training has set him apart from the herd. He's walked, alone, for miles, has fought dehydration and malaria...and he's not done yet. Tune into next weeks podcast to hear the remainder of Ash's story has he walked the length of the 155 mile Yangtze River in China.
- Ash was invited back to Madagascar and named as the UK Ambassador for Madagascar Tourism; his promotion of the island reached over 350,000,000 people worldwide. Ash also became Special Ambassador of Malaria No More UK, an organisation working to eradicate malaria within our lifetime, an organisation also supported by David Beckham and Sir Andy Murray.
- Oh Gertrude. Ash’s trusty chicken that kept him company throughout this trip across the country of Madagascar. The reason? To ward off demons and witches of course. At least that’s what the locals told him….
Contact Info:
Website: https://www.ashdykes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshDykesOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash_dykes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshDykes
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ashdykes
TTB 090: The London Tour Guide
Show Notes
On this podcast we speak with Simon Cole, the London tour guide. Simon has a deep admiration for the lengthy history and the quirky nature of the City of London and those who occupy it. Using his personal curiosity to inspire others, Simon takes people deep into off the beaten path neighborhoods to experience a side of London most Londoners don't even get to experience.
Inside the Episode:
- Ahh, the Full English Breakfast: Eggs, Sausages, Bacon, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Baked Beans, Fried Bread, and then as we learned today...black pudding. Have you had it?
- Simon had great recommendations for exploring off the beaten path areas of London, including the East London neighborhood. Simon explains that you don't need to travel to Berlin to enjoy the underground subculture with great culturally diverse food, beautiful street art, and a great pub scene.
- With Simon, you will really get to know London. The tours are personal. The neighborhoods are quaint. The people are real. Spend your day away from the crowds and discover London in a way that few get to experience.
- Simon truly loves the city of London. With such a rich history, a devoted guide like Simon can really transform your experience. In our short conversation with him we learned a ton, and are looking forward to meeting him in person when we make it to the city.
- Guides are storytellers. A good guide will enhance your understanding of a city or landmark in a significant way. On your next trip, book a guide. You will be glad you did.
Contact Info:
Website:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hackneytourslondon/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackneytours/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hackneytours
TTB 089: The Motorcycle Ride Across Two Continents
Show Notes
This week we spoke with Paulo Martino, a professional motorcycle adventurer and owner of Artful Ink Studios. On this podcast Paulo brings us through his incredible four month trip by motorcycle starting in Dubai then through the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and ending in Oslo, Norway.
Inside the Episode:
- Petition to make Paulo the new “Most Interesting Man in the World ''! Tune in and absorb his travel stories as he explains his ride by motorcycle through two continents on our most recent podcast.
- Paulo was one interesting guy. You don’t often have the opportunity to sit down with someone who has traveled as extensively as he has in such a raw way. With the exception of walking, riding a motorcycle seems like the perfect way to cover large areas and immerse yourself deep into the cultures and people along the way.
- How freeing it must be to just set off on a trip with the goal of hitting the open road and cruising through the world carefree. Paulo rode from Dubai to Norway...can we consider this a “cross-world trip”. I think we’re going to give it to him.
- “Albania was interesting, as long as you like dodging bullets as you ride” - Paulo explains on the podcast as he rode through the countryside. As we say, “what scares you in the moment makes for a great story on The Travelers Blueprint Podcast”.
- This wasn't a point A to point B type of trip. Paulo made it a point to drive along the entire coast of Greece and really divulge himself into the countryside and culture of these countries.
- A common theme we’ve heard with our guests who travel into remote areas - ‘people are super friendly.’ Our guests have all made it clear that people are more than willing to lend a helping hand and they rarely encounter issues with locals. People are good.
- A great question by Elliot and incredible insight by Paulo who has been traveling over several decades. As you head, pollution and development have been the biggest differences he’s seen in the places he’s traveled to. I wonder what changes we will see in the world around us and how we will look back on the world after a lifetime of travel...
- As you heard: Buy the ticket and GO! What is stopping you other than your own fear! Your first trip abroad is a big deal. Its daunting. But please, please..we beg you. Take the leap of faith and travel. See the world and change the trajectory of your life in a profound way.
- “Get out there and find it” - Paulo Martino
Contact Info:
TTB 088: May Travel Bites w/ Bob and Elliot
Show Notes
In this episode we discuss some of the recent travel related news we found interesting or relevant over the month of May in a world where travel news is still dominated by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
- We break down how COVID-19 impacted countries are opening up to localized tourism.
- We contemplate what the future of travel will be like for Americans.
- We discuss a groundbreaking advancement in electric air travel with the first electric flight with a cessna plane!
Up This Month:
- Paulo Martino on biking through the Middle East and Europe!
- Simon Cole on how to see a different side of London
- Ash Dykes on hiking through Madagascar, Mongolia, and the length of the Yangtze River!
TTB 087: active travel adventure
Show Notes
Kit Parks combs the planet to find the best multi-day active travel experiences for fit folks like yourself. She shares her findings with you on her website, in her twice a month podcast (also called Active Travel Adventures). Kit is a 57 year old widow that discovered adventure travel AFTER she turned fifty. All of the adventures are something that she can do, and so can YOU if you are reasonably fit, especially if you do a little pre-trip training. The common denominator is that on all of these adventure vacations, you have to MOVE! You're going to have to hike, bike, paddle, horseback ride, or somehow self-propel yourself from one place to the next – sometimes in combination! Often these trips have a cultural component, such as a regional cooking class or wine tasting, or some other immersion with the locals.
Inside the Episode:
- Kit’s favorite country? New Zealand. The ultimate outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of the natural environment. It is truly a hikers paradise and one of the best locations for those who want to immerse themselves in multiple landscapes in a relatively small landmass.
- Kit gave us sound advice on how to get the most bang for your buck. Pay attention to the strength of the dollar compared to foreign currencies. When it’s strong, book a trip abroad. But when it lowers in value in comparison to other currencies maybe it's time to finally take that road trip across the beautiful US of A.
- We all just seem to assume that nothing bad can happen to us while on vacation. It’s actually pretty odd. However, as we hear in our conversation with Kit, sometimes bad things happen and so it’s obviously a good idea to be prepared with travel insurance. Where to start with finding the insurance for you? Well, that’s exactly what Kit was kind enough to explain.
- Kit has a wealth of knowledge on the logistics of international travel, with tips on how to find the perfect travel insurance,
- Kit went on to explain the above after being asked about how travel helped her handle the loss of her husband. It was inspiring to hear. Using travel as a way to move forward in a time of significant loss allows us to throw ourselves into new situations and routines shortly after our daily routines and lives were changed for the worst. As travelers, we think this can be a powerful way to help deal with and accept your loss and begin to look forward.
- Trekking through Scotland, traveling through Nicaragua, and hiking the El Camino are just a few of types of adventures Kit likes to throw herself into. We like her style and plan on taking a page out of her book as we continue to see the world.
- Kit is the host of the Adventure Travel Show Podcast where she helps you figure out the best ways to see the world in an adventurous way, the equipment you'll need to do it, and the ways you can make your trip become a reality. We couldn't recommend it enough for those of you with an adventurous side.
Contact Info:
Website: https://adventuretravelshowpodcast.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kit.parks.7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parks.kit/
Podcast:
TTB 086: The Buzzed Biologist
Show Notes
On this episode we spoke with Preston, the Buzzed Biologist who travels the world in one of the more adventurous ways we’ve heard thus far on the show. Making it a point to experience the countries he visits in the most authentic way possible, while searching for exotic wildlife.
Inside the Episode:
- Wondering what type of job can help you see the world while getting paid? Preston’s schooling background in Biology paved the way for a career in animal conservation and ultimately traveling the world. After clicking with a Professor in college Preston was connected with organizations in Hawaii and Alaska and jump started his adventures around the planet.
- As the Buzzed Biologist made his way by motorcycle through Vietnam and Cambodia he was met with the warm welcome of the locals (as we often hear), $2 home stays, and the open roadways of South East Asia. The experience Preston described was hard for us to imagine. Our travels have always been in high tourist areas, so hearing the adventures of someone so far removed from the western world was truly remarkable.
- Preston takes “off the beaten path” to an entirely new level with the way he seeks his travel experiences. Even remote hostels seemed too touristy for him. Preston often found himself sleeping on the side of the road, or hoping to get accommodations with a local, going out of his way to remove himself from the comforts of his western upbringing and engulf himself in the utterly foreign.
- “What about feeling it instead of seeing it”, Preston says. This was pretty profound. We’re so motivated to experience travel visually but how often do we just take time to feel the atmosphere around us. Next time we travel, I think we’ll make more of an effort to be mindful of our surroundings.
- Saying Preston likes to travel on the fly is an understatement. He’s the type of traveler to book a ticket on a good deal and fly out the next morning. No accommodations, no plan, no friends to rely on, and no urgency. On the one hand, it sounds incredibly freeing to be able to pick yourself up and just wander through a new location without any specific timeline. But as we heard throughout our conversation with him, Preston was often left in some sketch situations abroad.
- Remember when you’d mess around with a globe, spin it, and put your finger down and pretend you’d have to travel wherever your finger was pointing to? Well, as you’ll hear in this clip, Preston did exactly that and ended up in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE in Bolivia! Haha...to find an Anaconda of course….
Contact Info:
TTB 085: Travel bolivia
Show Notes
Alan Cotter is an Irishman currently living in Bolivia for the past eight years. His venture to becoming an Expat came after visiting South America during a month-long visit turned into a prolonged several month stay. Before Alan knew it he was managing a hostel in Cusco, Peru. Eventually this led him to managing the Loki Hostel in Bolivia where he was able to provide us with amazing insight on this remote, often overlooked, country.
Inside the Episode:
- Purple dolphins, monkey islands, and the infamous Bolivian salt flats were just some of the destinations Alan called out the perfect itinerary while traveling through Bolivia. The country is seemingly void of westerners adding to its appeal for those willing to venture away from wifi, fast food restaurants, and annoying tourists.
- Bolivia seems to have a reputation as being dangerous, but as Alan tells us that is far from the truth. Sure, you can get mugged, but you can get mugged in any major city in the world. Alan tells us that news on criminal activity is actually quite limited and people tend to welcome tourists from all over the world to see what Bolivia has to offer.
- Tourist Police! They’re a thing in Bolivia and their goal is to help tourists find their way through the country with ease. Funny story, we actually met “tourist police” while in Peru who gave us a very last minute word of advice not to fly our drone in a heavily guarded area of the Peruvian capital. Whew….yea, we almost got into some trouble.
- Two Flights and a 3-day tour for roughly $300! That’s about what you’ll spend to put yourself into the rainforest of this landlocked region of South America.
- If you’re still trying to scratch your explorers itch, Bolivia is the place to be. The perfect location for the type of traveler looking fill an adventurous craving with solid infrastructure, safe tours, authernice jungle experiences, and some of the most friendly people in South America.
- Come on, how cool would it be to see something like this! Just stay on the other side of the river bank….FOR VIDEO OF JAG GETTING CAYMAN
- Alan jammed this episode with very straightforward logistical information on how you can seamlessly make your way through Bolivia. Meet the city witches and shamans of La Paz, make your way into the market for lunch and grab yourself their popular drink, Singani Sour.
- They have the coffee, they have the adventure, they have the food, and they have the Amazon. What they don't have are loads of tourists. Get there before Starbucks does and see Bolivia sooner rather than later. AUDIOGRAM 2
Contact Info:
Website: https://lokihostel.com/boutique-la-paz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lokiboutique/
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alanpcotter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lokiboutique.lapaz/
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irishintheandes/
TTB 084: APRIL Travel Bites w/ Bob and Elliot
Show Notes
In this episode we discuss some of the recent travel related news we found interesting or relevant over the month of April. We break down how our own personal travels have been impacted by COVID-19 and news and travel information related to the pandemic:
- We break down how our upcoming trips have been impacted by the spread of COVID-19
- We contemplate the future of travel as it relates to the airport, air travel, and what to expect as you arrive at your new destination.
- We read through two articles that break down what travel may look like amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The new normal seems bleak and uncertain. It will definitely take some getting used to.
Up This Month:
- Alan Cotter: On Bolivia travel and exploration
- Preston: Who takes adventure to a different level with his ambition to seek out (sometimes dangerous) animals in the wild.
- Kit: Active and adventure travel.
Quarantine Special Edition: Virtual Tours with The Tour Guy
Show Notes
In this episode, Bob sat down with Brandan Shaw, Co-Founder of one of Italy’s most popular tour companies, The Tour Guy (aka The Roman Guy). As COVID-19 began to spread through the Lombardy region in late January many tour companies, including The Tour Guy were overwhelmed with cancellations. Keeping a positive mindset during this historic health crisis has allowed The Tour Guy to remain focused on bringing valuable information on Italy to its guests with the opening of virtual tours for several cities throughout Italy and Europe.
Contact Info:
TTB 083: Psychoactive Flora of the World
Show Notes
Scott Lite is an ethnobotanist, herbalist, adventurer, seed-saver, plant hunter, explorer and apprentice to the shaman of the world. He was trained as an herbalist at the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism in September 2011. Scott is an associate of the Botanical Preservation Corps and was on the 2010 expedition to Peru collecting seeds and information on medicinal, edible, and sacred plants throughout the Andes. In 2010 Scott opened the Ethnobotanical Conservation Organization or EthnoCO which is a company based in Peru that leads expeditions and sells cultural wares.
Inside the Episode:
- Ethnobotany, the study of plants and their relationships to culture. When you stop and think about it, plants are intertwined with our daily lives more than you might realize. From the clothes we wear, the fuel in our vehicles, the medicines we use, and the foods we eat. Plants are essential to life as we know it and have been for as long as we have existed.
- As Scott tells us, caffeine, tobacco, and the Betel Nut are considered the top three most used drugs in the world. The one you’re probably unfamiliar with is the last one, which is used throughout Asia and chewed into a wad with the user having to spit a red “juice” onto the ground. The reason for use is the stimulating effect, stronger than caffeine. Unlike our beloved coffee and tea, this nut will leave your teeth stained red and decaying. Have you tried Betel Nut while traveling in Asia?
- Scott provided an ENORMOUS amount of information on various psychoactive drugs around the world and educated us on their medicinal purposes, the dangers involved, and ways they can be used beneficially.
- Alright, this is a lot to wrap your head around. Can the placebo effect be that strong to heal someone of mental distress? It’s interesting to contemplate….
- Why do witches fly on brooms?! Yes….yup….you heard that right. Witches party hard.
- Scott works directly with the native people of Peru. Through his Amazonian exploration company, EthnoCo, Scott encourages community building projects and brings income directly to remote native villages by purchasing traditional handicrafts and hiring native guides.
- You’re hacking your way through the Amazon jungle with howler monkey’s shrieking above your head, beautiful Macaw parrots flying through the canopy, and a variety of plant life unlike anywhere else on the planet. Thankfully, you’re with Scott, the guy who is going to show you what you can or cannot eat and expand your mind on what life has been like for the indigenous tribes occupying the region. This was mind blowing.
Contact Info:
TTB 082: High Altitude Medivac w/ Jeff Evans
Show Notes
Jeff Evans is a world renowned adventurer, expedition leader, speaker, facilitator, author, physician assistant, high altitude medic, and humanitarian. As a highly sought after speaker / facilitator with over 20 years delivering engaging and impactful keynotes to hundreds of clients, Jeff has made appearances at dozens of Fortune 500 companies around the world. Jeff takes the audience on a journey to high peaks around the globe, detailing his exciting endeavors as mountain guide, adventurer and philanthropist. These experiences have allowed Jeff to hone his skills of servant leadership, teamwork, communication and handling adversity which he shares in a way that is applicable to everyone in their business and personal lives.
Inside the Episode:
- Jeff tells us about how he had to “change his landscape” to meet the needs of his close friend, Erik Weihenmayer with whom he spent countless hours hiking through the Himalayas and around the world. Erik, who went blind at 14 years old taught Jeff how to elevate his own mental toughness and change his focus on helping others over himself.
- Jeff explains that his decisions to perform medical treatment in high stress and completely chaotic circumstances is hardwired in his DNA. He learned early on what his capabilities are and has dedicated his life to helping those who are left behind under extraordinarily dangerous conditions.
- When the 7.8 magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of almost 10,000 people in Nepal in 2015, Jeff was on-scene two weeks after the initial quake and during the aftershocks. He tells us that in addition to the trauma, “the real thing we encountered was anxiety, depression, sadness, and PTSD…” It was heartbreaking to hear as he discussed his experiences helping people who lost so much in the blink of an eye.
- We found this clip pretty profound. In all of Jeff’s experiences performing medical treatment as a Physician Assistant in some of the most chaotic situations, he noticed a common theme, we all just want to know that someone cares for us. We want love, we want compassion, and when things are at their worst people just want raw human connection.
- Jeff spent time conducting Search and Rescue on mountain ranges around the world. He explains with the increase in adventure tourism and a decrease in mountaineering training he pulled off at least a half dozen people who just didn't have the experience to know that they were suffering from severe altitude sickness.
- Jeff has the same knack for travel we all have known to feel in the depths of our souls (albeit a more extreme one). As you hear it from him, some of the defining moments of why he strives to travel the world come from the need to put himself beyond the comforts of his privileged western life and into experiencing the reality of life outside the United States.
- We had a great time with Jeff where we sat back and just absorbed stories of him rescuing hikers on Everest, helping local residents of Nepal, and ultimately taking any opportunity to help people far and wide. Check it out and be blown away by Jeff’s ability to put himself in grave danger and risk his own life to save the lives of those in need.
- “I like to create impact when I travel” Jeff says. And as he explains, you don't need to save the world with each trip. Sometimes, it can be as simple as making connections to aid those in need, buying someone dinner, or spending time with someone abroad who may just need the company.
Contact Info:
Website:
Podcast: https://nobarriersusa.org/podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjeffevans/
TTB 081: February Travel Bites w/ Bob and Elliot
Show Notes
In this episode we discuss some of the recent travel related news we found interesting or relevant over the month of February. We break down our favorite different news articles, including:
- We break down some of the most up to date travel information associated with the coronavirus outbreak
- Noooo! Ok, we get it. No one wants to be known as the country people visit to get high. But come on Amsterdam, we have nothing but peace and love for you. Don't shun us, man.
- Vacations, now backed by science. An interesting article on how the length of your trip influences your overall mood, happiness, and the enjoyment of your time there. Thank you science....you get me.
- Cozy on up to Leonardo DiCaprio or Justin Biebs on a trip to space with Virgin Galactic. Assuming you have the $250k to shell out, of course.
- We reviewed an inspiring article on how a man overcame his personal struggle with his mental health through travel.
- Finland just equalized family leave for a total of 14 months! A pregnant parent will also receive one month of pregnancy allowance before the child is born....Come on USA, step your game up.
Up This Month:
- Jeff Evans: A high altitude medi-vac, adventurer, and experienced mountain climber
- Scott Lite: On psychoactive drugs around the worlD.