Explore With Tony

I used ChatGPT to plan most of my trip to Portugal in late 2025. How did it go? Pretty well, though with some hiccups. Listen to learn what I'm going to do different next time.

I went to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere in Vegas. Did it live up to the hype? Listen for my experience.

We visited Lisbon and Porto with our 16 month old for Thanksgiving. Here is a recap of how things went, lessons learned, and what I would do differently next time.

Car seat: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Cosco-Kids-Scenera-NEXT-Convertible-Car-Seat-Moonlit-Night-Infant-Toddler-Unisex/9321554473

Stroller: https://www.amazon.com/Joolz-Lightweight-Travel-Stroller-Toddler/dp/B0FM82ZBZR/

I recently completed Ride the Rim in Oregon (https://ridetherimoregon.com/). It was about 35 miles for the whole loop, traversing huge ascents and declines given the hilly route. It was a lot of fun and you should look into it for next year!

My bike:

• https://www.salsacycles.com/collections/confluence (though honestly it was a bit heavy and I aimed to NOT use the e-bike portion, so a regular road bike likely would have been better)

Show Notes & Links

• Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation (book that inspired earlier thoughts): Buy it here

• Moment App – To track and limit screen time

• Day One Journal App – Simple way to jot down daily travel memories

• Headspace Mindful Walking Guide – Practice staying present, even while moving

In this episode of Explore with Tony, I reflect on how technology has shaped — and sometimes undermined—the way we travel, inspired by my recent read of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. As someone who grew up before smartphones were a constant presence, I share how I’ve seen the shift from real-world connection to screen-based living, even on the road. I talk about how travel used to feel more immersive and how I’m now trying to reclaim some of that presence — both for myself and as a model for my son. I share practical tips on disconnecting while still using your devices mindfully, and challenge you to try just one afternoon of travel without checking your phone. Let’s get back to experiencing travel with our own eyes, not just through our screens.

Check out the book:

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
  

Japan is one of my favorite countries and Tokyo is awesome. Here's why and a few links you can check out after the episode:

teamLab Planets (Digital Art Exhibit): https://planets.teamlab.art/tokyo/

Want more Japan episodes? Let me know—I’ve got plenty more where this came from.

Let me know if you want a version of this with one of your own converted images as a cover reference!

If you’re looking for a more organized way to pack, the Solgaard closet system is a must-try. Let me know what your go-to travel bags are, and I might feature them in a future episode!

My Current Travel Setup:

• Solgaard Carry-On Closet Suitcase – Learn more
• Solgaard Travel Backpack – Learn more
• Nomatic Travel Pack – Learn more

Other Popular Travel Backpacks I Haven’t Tried Yet But Am Considering:

• Peak Design Travel Backpack – Learn more
• Tortuga Travel Backpack – Learn more
• Able Carry Max Backpack – Learn more

If you’re looking to simplify your travel charging setup, switching to USB-C everything is the easiest way to do it. Let me know what your go-to travel chargers are, and I might feature them in a future episode!

My Favorite Travel Chargers:

• Anker MagSafe Compatible MagGo UFO 3-in-1 Charger – Amazon Link
• Anker Nano Travel Adapter – Amazon Link
• MYBAT Magnetic Portable Charger 5000mAh – Amazon Link
• Cable Matters Short Retractable USB-C Cable (3.3 ft) – Amazon Link