Today’s podcast is a short episode that overviews how I go about planning a trip. Whether it’s a week long drive around the US or a month long backpack around Asia, I usually follow the same basic steps when getting everything set up and ready to go. Today’s episode targets new travelers and will hopefully give you some ideas, places to start, and overall confidence when it comes to planning a trip.

Two amazing places that I’ve been able to spend a short amount of time in, are Jordan and Serbia. Both of these stops were manufactured layovers that I created to either save money, or to enable me to be able to see world famous sights that were in my vicinity. While both of these countries could definitely garner week long trips of their own, packing in some must-sees in a day is absolutely doable. Check out this episode for what to do in less than 24 hours, as well as a few crazy stories (and run ins with the law!) that I have to share.

Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks consist of Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon. These are arguably some of the best parks in the entire United States, all stuffed into the southern region of Utah. Along with Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, in Page, AZ, this was a jam packed trip full of crazy hikes and breathtaking views. Whether you do it in a week, like I did, or spread it out into two or three, this episode will give you the insights of what to do, where to go, and how to get it done!

Greece is such an incredible country. From the gorgeous Aegean Islands to the thousand year old temples, this place will have you going non-stop for days! A week is definitely not enough time to fully explore everything, but if done right, it will give you a solid taste of what this historic country has to offer. This episode covers a week split between the capital of Athens and the beautiful island of Santorini. Listen in for what to do, how to do it, and some of my random stories along the way. I did forget to mention how awesome the Athens metro system is! Take it from the airport to the Acropolis for a cheap ride into the heart of this ancient city.

What could be more epic than spending 10 days hiking in the Himalayas? I don’t know, I don’t think I’ve found it yet. 100 miles + 17,000 vertical feet + 30,000 stairs = the adventure of a lifetime.

With this crazy summer trip winding down, it only made sense to finish it off in one of the world’s largest countries: China. From the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, this place is sure to give you a grand experience, no matter what. — Jingshan Park - Beijing; Jiankou, Mutianyu, & Jinshaling - Beijing Great Wall Sections

Vietnam is one of the craziest countries in Southeast Asia! Wild bus rides, alleyway bribes, and exotic fish markets are only the beginning of your time there. Laos, on the other hand, is a peaceful country full of monks and beautiful landscapes. Both are incredible and are sure to leave lasting impressions. This week’s episode dives into the best of the best sites, as well as tips of what to expect and how to make the most of your time in these incredible countries.

Although Cambodia and Myanmar seem to share a lot of attributes, it’s the contrast in their tourism volume that makes these two countries so drastically different. This episode dives into what makes these two sites so incredible, where you have to visit while there, and of course, some of my personal favorite travel stories from my time spent there. — Hsinbyume Pagoda - Mandalay, Thatbyunnyu, Anandu, & Dhammayangyi - Bagan

Continuing the story of my Summer backpacking trip to Asia, I cover the crazy world of India, as well as the awesome country to it’s south, Sri Lanka. With so many great places to see, just spending a few days is definitely not enough, but if that’s all you’ve got, you’re in for a whirlwind of great adventures and good times! — Qutub Minar & Tomb of Isa Khan - Delhi, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah - Agra, Kaudulla, Minneriya, Yala, & Udawalawe - Sri Lanka

Kicking off an Asian backpacking trip in Indonesia is a great way to slowly acclimate to the traveler’s lifestyle. Temples, monkeys, and hostels are all plentiful, and crazy adventures are sure to be had. Nepal is a lot of the same! Thamel is a backpacker haven and you’re sure to make some friends from all over the world here. Taking a trek into the Himalayas is a must if you love nature whatsoever, as you’ll be amazed with every step you take. — Peguyangan Waterfall - Nusa Penida, Pura Taman Saraswati Temple & Pura Lempuyang Temple - Bali, Pashupatinath Temple - Kathmandu