Apparently, the great age of exploration ended two hundred years ago…then one hundred. If that’s true, then why is there so much left to explore?
I created the Modern Explorers Blog so that you can meet the people in travel who inspire me. They’ve set out on journeys for different reasons, listened to what Shackleton called the “lure of little voices,” and are now helping others reap the benefits of the traveler’s mindset as well. You'll hear from National Geographic photographers, bloggers, writers, researchers, travel planners, expedition leaders and many more. My hope is that you’ll see how following their passion has helped them in their journey (near or far), and learn how you can do similarly.
Here they are, your Modern Explorers:
Annette White is on a mission. Like many, her journey began with a realization: severe anxiety was limiting what she knew deep down should be a more fulfilling life. After 20 years of missed opportunities, she promised herself never to let fear make a decision for her, and to start living her bucket list. Now, she is an experience collector, blogger, author and restaurant owner living her personal bucket list.
Keith and Tina Paul saw a different life for themselves after retirement. They saw retirement differently too. And now, from their home in Cuenca, Ecuador, they run a fantastic blog (RetireEarlyandTravel) and business that provides tools to help people retire earlier, and use their time and money to travel. I love their perspective and commend them on the work they’re doing. To me, they are certainly Modern Explorers.
While I am most at peace wondering through the woods, I do yearn for a little luxury every now and then. Which is why I’m such a fan of Tiffany Dowd (aka “Luxe Tiffany”) and have enjoyed following her travels for years. Tiffany is a global luxury hotel expert, Founder & President of Luxe Social Media,
Zach Brown grew up surrounded by the wilderness of Southeast Alaska. With parents in the National Park Service, Zach had ample opportunity to explore the mountains and fjords of this region, experiences that gave him a lasting love of the natural world.
Award-winning photographer, bilingual journalist and author, Kike Calvo has been published in dozens of international outlets and is represented by National Geographic Creative. He also works as a National Geographic Photography Expert for National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, where I was first introduced to him.
As VP of Guest Experience for Olivia Travel for 29 years, Jill Cruse has helped thousands of women become inspired by the world around them. She is an avid photographer (took home a first-place win in a national competition for InterContinental Hotels/National Geographic!) She also serves as an OWN Ambassador, promoting the Oprah network via social media and has appeared as a special guest on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday.
An experiential luxury traveler at heart, Matt Long shares his adventures with thousands of readers every day through his award winning site LandLopers.com. I’ve followed him on Twitter for a while now and love everything he shares and creates; where to go, what to see and how to experience it all—he’s nonstop with great advice.