Resources & Advice

For adventures of all kinds — even cupcake bakers

I get a lot of emails asking for advice, and my answer usually boils down to the following:

Since the world is a constantly changing place, my main advice is pretty simple -- Enjoy the journey. That may sound simplistic and easy, but how many people really enjoy their journey through life? Also, remember someday you'll be living a "regular" life again, so enjoying the journey will mean everything, and simply achieving some monumental goal or notch on your belt will mean almost nothing. That being said, here are a few useful stepping stones:

The most important aspects when planning your travels, in order of importance:

• Frame of mind -- You can find an adventure in your own backyard if you have eyes of wonder. In fact, everyone you meet is a new adventure. So, you really need not go anywhere or do anything unless you have the true passion. In other words, why are you doing it? What is your goal? Also, your adventure won't be perfect, it's not supposed to be. Don't set absolute goals. Allow room for mystery. Sometimes "misfortune" will be your greatest door to a new adventure, one so great you couldn't have possibly imagined it.
• Health
• Weather
• Money & Money Part II
• Location -- The more foreign to your experience (belief system) the more difficult your travels will be in the short run, but the more rewarding you'll find your travels in the long run.
  

• Just do it! If you choose to bicycle tour, get on a bike and go. You'll figure it out fast.
• I'd spend more time living with the locals, say a week or two or even several months with a family off the beaten path.
• I'd also take more photos and videos than you'd ever think you'd need.
• Make lots of notes and trip updates for your friends.
• Drink lots of water. I recommend adding some fresh lemon or lime juice to keep you hydrated.
• Bring a wide brimmed hat for the sun, and use organic (no petrochemicals) sunscreen.
• Bring an open mind.
• Leave a place better than you found it.
• Three easy steps to turn dreams into reality.

• See my world trip for FAQs and Supplies and Tips & tricks
• For current thoughts and inspirations, see my Blog
• Useful links for things like passports, weather, time, maps, accomodation, etc.
• And don't miss the inspirational bicycle quotes.

The great grandmother of advice: Relive the adventure If you want to learn all my major lessons, and start a journey knowing everything I did, plus everything you know, please read my book. I truly believe it will enhance the value of your experience. Why make all the same mistakes, when you can make all different mistakes? Relive and reimagine the journey. More >>>

Kick start your dream The young adventurer edition is the short and sweet of all my wisdom. Plus it contains some "magical" exercises to guide you through the creative process to create your own dream, whether that be adventurer, artist, or anything you can imagine. By the time, you finish this book, you will have taken the first steps on your new adventure. It even includes a Teachers-Parents-Students Guide. More >>>

Bicycle Traveler Magazine

Here is a really great magazine that you can download for free. The photographs are truly spectular. And the stories are truly inspiring, featuring stories by people living great lives on the bicycle. This will entertain serious bike tourers and armchair travelers alike. Get yours here: www.bicycletraveler.nl.

The Bicycle Touring Survival Guide

Friedel & Andrew Grant

Falling Uphill is about the inner journey we all travel through life; but if you choose to make a real adventure by bicycle this is the guide you want once you start pedaling. It has a lot of info that I wish Iknew, and even teaches you how to grow a garden on your bike. Best of all, Scott played a very small part to inspire and edit this book, along with a lot of other notable cyclists. More info.

Bike Touring Basics

Just getting started with bike touring? Wondering what bike and gear to buy? Find out in Bike Touring Basics with this free 66-page eBook. I read this and thought it was a great how-to bicycle tour introduction, with fantastic pictures. In fact, I can't believe they are giving it away for free! Oh! what we authors do to find an audience! More info.