Capturing Moments and Crafting Memorable Travel Itineraries

#53: Award-winning travel journalist Brandon Presser shares advice on choosing accommodations, critical factors to consider when planning a trip, his top travel hacks, and his favorite off-the-beaten-path points of interest. He also discusses his traveling philosophy and shares his top lesser-known travel destinations!

Brandon Presser (@brandpress) is a freelance features writer and travel expert. He’s written 50+ travel guidebooks, contributes to numerous influential publications, and can be seen on Bravo's television series, Tour Group where he led a group of eclectic travelers around the world. He recently released his latest book: The Far Land.

Full show notes at: https://allthehacks.com/best-trip-brandon-presser

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Resources Mentioned

All the Hacks Newsletter: Sign Up

Connect with Brandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Brandon’s Work:

• Latest Book: The Far Land
• Guidebooks
• Articles Published
• Bravo’s Tour Group
• Where to Travel in 2022
• Photo of Juxtaposition in Kyrgyzstan

Brandon’s Hospitality Jobs:

• Maître d’ at Nobu
• Butler @ The Plaza Hotel
• Deckhand on a Luxury Yacht
• Commercial Flight Attendant
• Private Jet Flight Attendant
• Vegas High Roller Suite Manager
• Honeymoon Planner

Madagascar Club Sandwich: Le Pavillon de l'Emyrne

Japan Recommendations:

• Yanaka
• Kanazawa
• Kaga Hot Springs
• Shikoku
• Setagaya
• Shimokitazawa (Bear Pond Espresso)
• Daikanyama (Tsutaya Bookshop)
• Jiyugaoka

Book mentioned: Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending

Travel Shoes: Palladium

Iceland Recommendations:

• Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Hotel Egilsen

Full Show Notes

(1:25) Misconceptions About Travel Planning

(1:59) Essential Factors for Travel Planning

(4:04) Fulfillment in Authentic Travel

(5:28) Meaningful Travel vs. Checklist Approach

(9:27) Thoughtful Generosity While Traveling

(10:44) Authentic Experience vs. Commercial Vacation

(13:36) Career as a Travel Fixer and Trip Planning Guide

(16:10) Writing Guidebooks for Lonely Planet

(18:11) Impact of Social Media on Travel

(21:14) Using Instincts, Concierges, and Online Resources

(27:02) Selecting a Quality Hotel Experience

(29:39) Prioritizing Quality in Travel Essentials

(29:51) Rating Metric: Quality of Club Sandwiches

(32:20) Japan's Timeless Allure as a Travel Destination

(37:43) Downsides of Travel Writing Career

(39:32) Favorite Luggage and Travel Footwear

(41:48) Balancing Photography and Immersion in Travel

(43:50) Photography for Capturing Serendipitous Moments

(44:00) Brandon's Top Travel Hacks

(45:42) Cost-Effective Alternative Travel Locations

(54:08) Brandon's Travel Bucket List

(56:51) Defining a 'True Visit' for Country Counting

(57:21) Experiences at High-End Hospitality Jobs

(01:00:41) Pursuit of 'Eloise Moments'

(01:03:51) Top Tips and Tricks from Years in Travel

(01:07:54) Impact of Tokens of Gratitude on Travel

(01:10:06) Book Recommendation: "The Far Land"

(01:15:40) Travel Tips for Iceland and Japan

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