Case’s Travel & Explorations...
“Mostly, I want to see how the world works...”
- Richard Dean Anderson as MacGyver in The Gauntlet -
As a Romantic Geographer, I know Travel. Exploring, wandering, pondering, and observing landscapes has always been one of my favorite things. For me, the lure of travel rests in the uncertainty. I never know what I’ll see next. And because of that philosophy, I’ve experienced harrowing situations...Seen amazing things...Met interesting people. But regardless, it all begins with slowing down and taking time to see landscape. It’s okay to get lost. It’s okay to not know your next location. Embrace the unknown. Keep an open mind. Be spontaneous (even if you have to plan for it). See my blog and TikTok for more travel stuffs.
Case’s Traveling Style
My travel style revolves around five core behaviors: adaptability, flexibility, patience, humbleness, & gratitude. Without these traits, travel can become tedious, tiring, and even seem like an obligation – something you have to do because...well...you are already there.
Owing to those traits, strict lists of things to do and see when traveling bother me. Though I often have a basic itinerary sketched out, it usually get modified many times because, once on the ground, things change. Sometimes really fast. Adaptability. Flexibility. Patience.
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While I enjoy staying in posh places and high-class flying, for me, staying close-to-the-ground remains key to my travel philosophy. For example, although I would never sacrifice health or safety while doing it, sleeping under the stars, in a car, staying in hostels, or sharing a Bedouin tent is not a big deal. Those experiences serve to enhance my feelings for the privilege of travel, allowing me to truly appreciate times of extravagance. Humbleness.
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As a Traveler and topophil who likes to just see what they see, I relish any chance to wander and explore. Whether that means driving a Tuk-tuk, riding a train, hopping a local bus, climbing ruins, canoeing a river, sitting at a cafe, riding a camel, or hiking through a jungle, I believe being with/in a landscape remains the key to truly understanding it. Humbleness. Patience. Gratitude.
My travel style also includes finding an effective yet “light” packing strategy, like what I usually pack for most any excursion. Once you begin packing less/lighter, you’ll be surprised how little you actually need, even for longer trips. Adaptability. Humbleness. Flexibility.
Finally, take a gander at some of my general travel tips. Remember that travel centers on arranging priorities and the most important souvenir might not always be what you think. But also talk to other people. Learn from their experiences. Gratitude. Humbleness. Patience.
Case’s Places
I’m not really a country counter, but I do keep track of where I’ve visited in case I want to return for something specific (this is why I always do my best to keep a travel journal). Still, once people find I’ve traveled to lots of places they tend to ask me where. So here are some countries I have lived in, studied in, and explored over the years – and most of them multiple times...​
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Africa:
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Egypt, Morocco
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Americas:
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49 US States, Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Bolivia, five Canadian Provinces, Chile, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Uruguay
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Asia/Middle East:
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China, Cyprus, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
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Europe:
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Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, (Rep. of North) Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales
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Case’s (International) Field Studies
One of my greatest joys centers on helping people gain field and travel experience. To that end, I’ve created different programs over the years, such as Geography by Rail®, for people to better learn and appreciate our Earth’s landscapes. And learn that travelling can (should?) be more than a tour. I also enjoy planning and leading travel excursions, GbR or otherwise. Please contact me if you are interested. I can help make your travel experience as detailed or flexible as you want.
A wise Traveler said, “Don’t worry about losing time...or not seeing everything. You may just see enough. And maybe that enough is even more meaningful”. Indeed. What lies around that next corner? Why not go...and see?!