On his website, Lossul.com, Elliot Windmill inspires, educates, and connects readers with insightful commentary and thought-provoking interviews on life and travel. Here’s his story.
One of the most important traits a traveler can develop is open-mindedness. Fortunately, anyone can become more open-minded. Here's how.
If you want to get the most out of your next trip—if you want to use your time on the road to learn and grow—courage is an indispensable thing to have. Here's a simple way that anyone can become courageous.
For those interested in getting the most out of their travels—on having exceptional, life-changing experiences—one of the most important skills to develop is adaptability. Here are 7 simple steps you can take to become more adaptable.
Is an unhealthy travel mindset sabotaging your vacations? Find out what to look for and learn the simple, three-step way to experience travel—and life—however you want to.
Even the most carefully-planned trips face obstacles. The difference between the trip you look back at fondly and the trip you look back at with distain is how you handle these problems. Fortunately, by following a few simple steps anyone can learn to overcome—and even welcome—travel obstacles.
Have you ever been disappointed by a trip even when everything went as planned? If so, you’ve been a victim of vacation expectations. Fortunately, there’s a way to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Here’s the secret.
Travelers who consistently have exceptional experiences share a common trait: they set travel goals. Fortunately, creating and accomplishing major, life-changing travel goals isn’t just for the hyper-motivated or über-persistent. There are a number of straight-forward steps that anyone can follow to design and fulfill their travel dreams.
When was the last time you asked yourself why you travel? Identifying your Why for traveling is one of the most important things you can do when planning a trip. It gives focus to your preparation, inspires action, and provides strength in challenging moments. Here's how to find your Why and travel with purpose.
One of the biggest obstacles would-be globetrotters face is fear. This is understandable. It’s normal to have a fear of traveling. After all, you need a lot of courage to leave the comfort and security of home for the unknown. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to suffer like I did before your next trip. Here's why.
It’s tempting to believe that travel is only for the lucky or privileged. Yet, the vast majority of world travelers are regular people. How are they able to visit distant lands and explore exotic cultures while so many others felt trapped at home? Simply put, they're making travel a priority. And you can do the same.
Do you feel pressure to go abroad? You're not alone. Today, we're bombarded by messages suggesting that the only way to be cultured, sophisticated, or worthwhile is to travel overseas. But what if you're not interested in traveling? Or what if you've decided to take another path in life that doesn't make jetting off so easy? Let's explore this and discover exactly why it's OK not to travel the world.
What is home? An innocent question with surprising consequences…especially for travelers. Find out how your answer can affect your mental and physical health.
In 2014 Michael Kernan spent 37 days traveling across Europe by bike, covering 9 countries and 2400 miles. Along the way he learned some valuable lessons about the world, travel, and himself. Here’s his story.
When was the last time you let yourself wander while traveling? When was the last time you allowed yourself to explore freely while on the road? When was the last time you lived—even if just for a moment—without thinking of…
Rome is rightfully known throughout the world for its artistic masterpieces, historic wonders, and culinary treats. Unfortunately, hordes of tourists and high prices often prevent travelers from fully appreciating everything the city has to offer. Thankfully, visiting Rome doesn’t have to involve fighting through crowds or spending a ton. Here are 5 things I discovered while living in Rome that you can do to save money and avoid crowds.
We all want to meet locals when traveling. Thankfully, this isn't only for the super charismatic or bold. By following a few simple rules, anyone can fill their next trip with authentic local experiences.
Trips don't have to be extreme to be worthwhile. While spending a year hiking through the Himalayas is immensely rewarding, it’s often easier to learn about the world, grow personally, and create life-long memories when you include moderation in life and travel.
Are you looking for a good reason to explore the world? Look no further than this list of 27 incredible and surprising benefits of traveling abroad, which have transformed my life. So pack your bags, and get ready for a journey of mental, physical, and emotional growth.
Are you looking for some travel inspiration? You’re in luck. Here are 127 of the most inspirational (and) best travel quotes, complete with numerous detailed explanations.
Despite its small size, Malta is filled with adventure and history. From 5,000 year old temples, to world-class scuba diving, to monumental architecture, to hidden beaches—Malta has something for everyone. And if you're thinking of visiting, here's what you need to know.
Looking to experience Krakow like a local? Find out here with your insider's travel guide to Poland's ever-charming cultural capital.
Often overlooked by visitors to Italy, Puglia is perhaps the countries best hidden treasure. With crystal-clear waters, elegant Baroque cities, fantastic cuisine, and charming hill towns, this region has everything a traveler could want—with less crowds and lower prices. And if you're thinking of visiting, here's what you need to know.
Ringed by the sparkling Mediterranean, Sicily offers visitors gorgeous beaches, remarkably well-preserved ancient temples, delicious food, and a vibrant culture that reflects its historical location at the crossroads of civilizations. And if you're thinking of visiting, here's what you need to know.
Are you afraid to fly? I was. But then I discovered these 9 simple steps that will help you overcome your fear of flying (and change your life).
Devon’s story is proof that it’s not the adversity you face but rather how you respond that ultimately determines your quality of life. Despite losing her lower right leg at a young age, she recently fulfilled a longtime dream and backpacked through Europe, documenting her journey in a series of photos that have inspired people around the world.
With Venetian-inspired beach towns, sophisticated cuisine, and peaceful lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Slovenia is the perfect combination of elegant culture and natural beauty. And if you're thinking of visiting, here's what you need to know.
“Only those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” On this date 51 years go, Robert F. Kennedy said these words during an anti-Apartheid speech at the University of Cape Town. He had been invited there by a group…
With everything that’s been happening in the news lately, perhaps it’s inevitable that I’ve had fear on my mind. Not that I’ve been constantly afraid, but rather that I’ve been thinking about fear itself. In particular, I’ve been wondering where…
Looking to experience Warsaw, Poland like a local? Here's how!
Imagine finding yourself hundreds of meters below the surface, in a massive man-made cavern, surrounded by rock-salt-cut sculptures. The music of Frédéric Chopin is blasting from hidden speakers, causing the chandelier above to begin shaking. Suddenly, the lights cut out…
J.R.R. Tolkien was a British writer, poet, and professor. He is best known as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. This week’s quote—“Not all those who wander are lost”—is part of a poem inside…
Eugene Fodor was a Hungarian-born American travel writer, editor, and businessman. He is best known for founding Fodor’s, the world’s largest publisher of English language travel books. Fodor was born in Léva, Hungary in 1905, in what was part of…
Saint Augustine [354-430] was an early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings influenced both the development of Western Christianity and philosophy. He was bishop of Hippo, a Roman city in modern-day Algeria. His most famous works are The City of…
Updated: January 18, 2018 There's now a video to go along with this article. Check it out below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPGro9_YVYE Iceland is an incredible country with tons of amazing things to offer tourists, including natural beauty, friendly people, and exciting outdoor…
Thoughtful Thursday Hey everyone, I wanted to let you know that I’m experimenting with a new format at Thoughtful Thursday—one where there will be fewer links but more analysis on my part. This should not only save you time…
Laurence Gonzales is an an American writer, journalist, and survival skills expert. He is perhaps best known for writing the best selling book Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why. Gonzales was born in St. Louis, Missouri but moved…
In the age of Donald Trump's travel bans and the fallout of Edward Snowden's leaks, many travelers are fearful that crossing the U.S. border—either on the way home or to visit—will result in a loss of personal privacy. But is this justified? Can officers search and seize your possessions? Can they scroll through your phone? To get the answer to these questions and to find out what you—the law-abiding traveler—can do to protect your privacy, I spoke with Raj Rathour, a lawyer with a passion for travel.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may come…
Fyodor Dostoyevsky was a Russian writer, journalist, and philosopher. He is best known for his novels, which include Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869), and The Brothers Karamazov (1880). Dostoyevsky was born in Moscow in 1821. He became interested…
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may come…
This week's travel quote comes from Lao-Tzu, a legendary Chinese writer and philosopher. Little is known about his life, but most scholars believe he was born in China during the sixth century BC, making him a contemporary of Confucius. He is best known…
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may…
This week's travel quote comes from Gardner McKay, an American writer, actor, and artist. Throughout his life, McKay did things his own way. Having gained considerable fame in Hollywood during the 1950s and '60s, McKay elected to leave acting in the '70s to…
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may…
Epictetus was a Greek-speaking Stoic philosopher from the first century AD. His teachings have influenced a wide range of people including the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the military commander James Stockdale, and the modern spiritual guru Eckart Tolle. Epictetus…
I was looking over Twitter the other day when something interesting caught my eye: the Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge. Designed by Stephanie Fox, the Travel Whispers Blogger Challenge is a series of questions designed to inspire real-life action, create dialogue between travel writers, and provide insights into the brains of your favorite bloggers. And while Stephanie originally intended for people to answer the questions at the end of 2016, I couldn’t resist giving it a shot (also, Chinese New Year was just a few weeks ago!).
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may…
Max Lucado is an American writer, preacher, and speaker. He has written over 100 books on the philosophy of life—many of which have become best sellers. Lucid was born into a working class family in Texas. He seldom traveled growing…
Danni is the opposite of most people. At the age of eighteen she left small-town England to embark on a journey that led her to live in eight different countries and found the motivational website LiveIn10Countries.com. Here is her story.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may…
Cus D’Amato was an American boxing manager and who helped train Mike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, and José Torres—all of whom are members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. D’Amato was born in the Bronx in 1908 to a family…
Erol Ozan is a writer, scientist, and professor of information technology at East Carolina University. He has degrees in electrical engineering, applied physics, and engineering management. In his novel Talus, Ozan writes “some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting…
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may…
Andrew Zimmern is an American chef, food writer, and television personality. He is perhaps best known for being the host and co-creator of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. This week’s travel quote—“Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try…
Tim Cahill is an American adventurer and traveler writer. He is best known for being the founding editor of Outside magazine. Cahill was born in Wisconsin in 1944. As a young man, he was a competitive swimmer, earning a…
Want to live like a local when you visit Dublin? You’re in luck! Here are 14 tips I’ve collected (and tried) from the people who call Dublin home. Enjoy!
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week’s travel quote comes from Henry Miller, an American writer, literary critic, and thinker. He is best known for developing the semi-autobiographical novel format, which blended philosophical reflection, social criticism, and character study. Miller was born in Manhattan in…
I had never had First Nations cuisine before, so when I heard about Salmon n' Bannock Bistro—a Vancouver restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Indigenous recipes—I knew I had to give it a try. Inez Cook, the restaurant’s gregarious co-owner, charmed me throughout dinner with stories of life in the middle east and thoughts on what it meant to bring Indigenous food to new audiences. Here are her words about Vancouver, Native culture, and the delicious food she serves.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
Arianna is the kind of person you dream of meeting while traveling; friendly, helpful, and patient. Our paths crossed on a recent trip through the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Always on the lookout for new experiences, I thought it’d be fun to see how the world-famous Prosciutto di San Daniele is produced. So, I arranged a behind-the-scenes tour of the Arbea Prosciutto factory, located just outside the town of San Daniele del Friuli, where Arianna served as my host. After my tour, we spoke over an espresso in the center of town.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week’s travel quote comes from Clint Borgen, an American entrepreneur, humanitarian, and thought influencer. He is best known for being the founder and president of the Borgen Project, an organization that works to bring U.S. political attention to…
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week’s travel quote comes from Anna Quindlen, an American author, columnist, and journalist. She is best known for her New York Times op-ed column, Public and Private. Born in 1952 in Philadelphia, Quindlen began her career as a columnist…
If you’re like me, trying the local food is one of your favorite things to do while traveling. Fortunately, over the past year I’ve some incredible meals. Here are the stories behind 7 of the best things I ate while traveling in 2016—plus 1 that totally sucked (but was absolutely necessary)!
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week’s travel quote comes from H. Jackson Brown Jr., an American author and inspirational writer. He is best known for his book, Life’s Little Instruction Book, which was a New York Times bestseller. Born in Tennessee in 1940,…
Uncovering new music is one of my favorite parts of traveling. Whether cruising in your car, chilling in a cafe, or dancing at a club, you never know what tunes you will hear. And when you listen to them later on, you’re immediately transported back to the emotions you had the first time you heard them. Below are the 7 of the best songs I discovered while traveling in 2016 (and the stories behind them).
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
Oscar Wilde was a 19th-century Irish playwright, novelist, and poet. He is best known for the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, the play The Importance of Being Earnest, and his eccentric personality. Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854,…
Coming from a long line of Romans, Luca is the perfect person to speak with when looking for advice on the Eternal City. I caught up with him over Skype recently.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week’s travel quote comes from Jaime Lyn Beatty, an American actress and singer. She is best known for appearing in the theatrical production A Very Potter Musical. Growing up in America, there was an underlying understanding that success in…
It’s happened to all of us. The trip's going great—there’s been adventure, variety, and excitement—but you start to feel overwhelmed. You absolutely need some order, and you need it now! This is normal. We need both variety and certainty in their lives, and if you’re not careful, travel can easily push this out of balance. Here are 3 simple ways to introduce more certainty and avoid feeling overwhelmed on your next trip.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
Mandy Hale, is an American blogger and a best-selling author. Known as The Single Woman, Hale is committed to helping others live independent, fulfilled lives. This week’s quote, “Sometimes you have to move on without certain people. If they’re meant…
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week’s travel quote comes from Gustave Flaubert, a nineteenth-century French writer and thinker. His novels are famous for their gritty realism and sensual themes. Flaubert was born in the french city of Rouen in 1821. He began writing at…
Kora Lee is the perfect embodiment of Antwerp; international, sophisticated, and hip. I recently chatted with her about life in the city she calls home.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week’s travel quote comes from Louis L’Amour, an American novelist and short story writer. He is best known for his novels about the American West, but he also wrote science fiction and poetry. He was born in small-town…
Want to live like a local when you visit Skopje? You’re in luck! Below are tips I’ve collected (and tried) from the people who call Skopje home. Enjoy!
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week's travel quote comes from John Steinbeck, an American writer and Nobel Prize winner. Among his most famous works are East of Eden, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath. Steinbeck was born in California in 1902.…
Being friendly, funny, and sarcastic, Tim is a quintessential Dubliner. He also happens to be an old pal. I recently caught up with him in Dublin over a pint of Guinness.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week's travel quote comes from Mark Twain, the noted nineteenth-century American writer and humorist. He is best known for his novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which is often described as "The Great American Novel". Twain was born Samuel Clemens in…
Want to live like a local when you visit Ljubljana? You’re in luck! Below are tips I’ve collected (and tried) from the people who call Ljubljana home. Enjoy!
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends, Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week. It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content…
This week's travel quote is attributed to Rudyard Kipling*, a nineteenth-century British journalist, poet, and novelist. He is perhaps best known for his 1894 novel The Jungle Book, which was later turned into a much-beloved cartoon by Disney. Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay in…
This past August I fulfilled an old promise and finally visited my good friend Niko, who lives in Skopje— Macedonia’s capital city. It is unlike anyplace I have ever been before, with a vibe that mixes the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, Near Eastern, and Balkan regions with a hint of Disneyland. But what is life like for locals? I asked Niko to find out.
This week's travel quote comes from Rolf Potts, an American travel writer and essayist. He is best known for his 2003 book Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel , which serves as both a how-to manual for…
Looking to find the perfect travel accommodation? Check out this infograph!
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends,Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week.It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may come across. No matter the…
This week's travel quote comes from Amelia E. Barr, a nineteenth-century British-American novelist. Born in England in 1831, Barr moved to the Texas at the age of 19, the lonesome landscapes and rugged inhabitants of which inspired a prolific career filled with semi-historical tales and novels. Although…
On a recent trip to Reykjavik I stumbled upon a rather unexpected sight; a local jazz festival at Harpa, the city’s concert hall. On stage was a Anna Sóley, a young Icelandic musician with a voice so powerful that I had to meet her. After her set, we spoke about life, music, and Iceland's future.
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends,Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week.It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may come across. No matter the…
Thoughtful Thursday Hey friends,Every Thursday I post the latest and greatest content related to travel and self-improvement that I've found throughout the week.It could include articles, videos, podcasts, books, photographs, or any other sort of thought-inducing content I may come across. No matter the…