The Quest to Reach Angola: Personal Travel Criteria

#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

Sponsor Deals

Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice

For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: allthehacks.com/deals

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

Connect with All the Hacks

All the Hacks: Newsletter | Website | Membership | Email

Chris Hutchins: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices