Zero To Travel Podcast

Getting off the Beaten Path With Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings

01.16.2024 - By Jason MoorePlay

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How often do you find yourself getting off the beaten path, and how have those experiences shaped you?

In this episode, I have travel writing legend Joe Cummings as my guest, who wrote the very first Lonely Planet Guide book to Thailand back in the early '80s. We dive into what that was like, talk about what guidebooks have done to travel (the good, the bad, and the ugly), and the benefits of getting off the beaten path. He shares tons of stories that encompass his entire travel writing career, including one with Mick Jagger!

What is your favorite travel story? I'd love to hear about it and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

This is a republished episode from 2020.

Tune In To Learn:

What led Joe to Bangkok

How we went from Quaker College to a travel writing rockstar

Finding the balance between feeling and communicating in guidebook writing

The good, the bad, and the ugly of guidebooks on travel

Joe's advice on finding and getting off the beaten path on your travels

How travel has changed (for the better and worse) with technology

Eastern philosophies and the influence on travel

Fundamental mindset shifts from living outside of the US

Tips for travel and honing your craft

How to experience the real Thailand

And so much more

Resources:

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CNN Article: Plenty of Whiskey, Few Backpackers: The Wild Story Behind Lonely Planet's First Thailand Guidebook

CNN Article: Tattoos, Karaoke and a Touch of Film Noir: What It Was Like To Work With Anthony Bourdain in Thailand

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