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We’re giving you not just one, but two ways to travel around the world with Gary Arndt, creator of Everything Everywhere and world traveler. First, our podcast that we shared with you last week, and now the transcript of our interview, which you can read below.
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| Gary Arndt on a glacier in New Zealand |
Gary Arndt is doing what so many people fantasize about: traveling around the world. He’s been to 70 countries — a lifelong endeavor for some people. But you might be surprised to find out he’s visited them all in the past three years.
Gary went from your average business owner to world traveler seemingly overnight. The idea struck him like a flash of lightening. He sold his house and off he went.
Last week, Gary was in Bangkok, Thailand, and I was able to pick his brain about his travels in a podcast, which you can listen to below. As Gary put it, living like a nomad is something you just can’t prepare for.
Gary’s been documenting his journeys on his blog, Everything Everywhere, which is now one of the most widely read travelogues on the Internet.
In our podcast, I talked to Gary about what he’s discovered so far, including why history books make the best guide books and why Argentina and Japan have the best food. He discusses what it’s like to be in an area where there is political conflict, and much more.
He says the best thing about his blog is that it not only lets him communicate with people, but it’s a great way to get feedback from readers on where he should go next. Gary just doesn’t write on his blog either, he produces weekly podcasts with travel experts and posts his beautiful photography.
Click play to step inside Gary’s world. Seventy countries down, only 125 to go. 
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Last week I posted my podcast with Chris Gray Faust, former USA Today travel editor and creator of Chris Around the World. If you want to read through the interview, go right ahead. I have the transcript that includes the complete interview between me and Chris, proofed for clarity.
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| Chris Gray Faust |
Traveling and writing are two of my favorite things. Put them together and you have what I think is one of the best jobs. And Chris Gray Faust has it. She’s the former travel editor of USA Today and creator of the travel Web site, Chris Around the World.
I caught up with Chris the other day to talk about her career and her favorite travel destinations — many of which are off the beaten path. She shared how she discovered them and why you should put them on your list as your next travel destination.
Chris also talked about her travel advice and the inside scoop on her upcoming iPhone app, and much more. You can listen to our conversation in the podcast below.
Chris has been a journalist for over 20 years. She started at the York Daily Record in Pennsylvania and went on to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and finally to USA Today. In between reporting on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, covering urban education, and focusing on numerous other beats, Chris discovered her passion for traveling.
Her latest venture, Chris Around the World, is an outgrowth from her work at USA Today. It’s a helpful Web site offering travel tips, books, gear, news, photos, and more from Chris’s experiences around the globe.
So pop in your headphones or turn your speakers up, here’s another Friendly Planet Travel podcast with Chris Gray Faust.
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If you prefer to read my interview with Randy Jones to copy down some of his tips about Dubai and Kenya, go for it. Here’s the transcript.
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| Randy and Carolyn on the desert safari tour |
Every time I read new feedback from our customer surveys, the travel bug in me grows a little bigger. When I hear from our customers about what a great time they had on a Friendly Planet tour, I immediately want to know more.
What was their favorite part? What did they learn from the tour guides? What did they have for dinner? A million questions run through my mind.
Some of the latest feedback I’ve read has come from Randy Jones. He sent me an e-mail with some amazing photos from the Dazzling Dubai tour and the Kenya Wildlife Safari extension that he and his wife Carolyn took. I already wanted to hop on the next plane to Dubai!
I gave Randy a call to learn more about his trip. From the lavish hotels in Dubai to the beautiful tents in Kenya, Randy recounted the fantastic time he and Carolyn had.
If you’re considering booking this six-day tour for $1,499, I suggest listening to my podcast with Randy. He offers some unique perspectives on the country, his most memorable moments, and gives advice for those thinking about traveling to Dubai. Enjoy!
Peggy Goldman is a specialty tour operator and travel expert, who owns and operates Friendly Planet Travel, a full-service company that specializes in tour packages to exotic worldwide destinations at affordable prices. More about Peggy
