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Since 2008, I've been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 five-star-rated international tours in over 30 countries on 6 continents, plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S. When not traveling, I can often be found in Chicago, my hometown; however, I've been location-independent (meaning I have no permanent home) for 10+ years and traditionally spend anywhere from 8 - 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading my tours. I operate Continental DRIFTER® Experiences ( https://ContinentalDRIFTER.co ) and I have a YouTube channel under my Continental DRIFTER® brand ( http://youtube.com/continentaldrifter ), as well as a podcast called Travel Thoughts from a Continental DRIFTER®, which can be found on Apple Podcasts.
I've written several books and eBooks, including 60 AFFIRMATIONS for Travel, 60 GRATITUDES for Travel, and The Continental DRIFTER®s Epic Bucket List for Travel.
I'm a third-generation restaurateur, and although I'm no longer active in that business as an operator, I make food a big part of my tours, and I can certainly speak that language. I have an MBA in International Business from United States International University in Mexico City (I lived there for over a year) and San Diego, California (1995), and a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in Small Business and Entrepreneurship from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business (1985). I used to co-host the Traveling Image Makers podcast, where we interviewed some of the top photographers in the world, and we've done over 170 episodes. I've also been a guest on dozens of other podcasts over the years ( https://continentaldrifter.co/podcasts ).
For the past 10+ years, I've been a featured speaker on travel and photography at the Travel and Adventure Shows throughout the U.S.; the New York Times Travel Show; TBEX (the Travel Bloggers Exchange) in Ireland, Spain, Israel, and Sweden; as well as the IOETI Media conference in Cairo, Egypt.
* Travel and the travel industry, including planning, the effect of the pandemic on this industry, cultural awareness, the best travel tips, the benefits of using Affirmations and Gratitudes for mindfulness in travel, maintaining an epic bucket list for travel, and so much more.
* Organizing and leading international tours (I used to have an online course that taught people to lead their own tours).
* The photography industry, best photo tips and being creative.
* Small business and entrepreneurship, plus marketing, branding and creating buzz. * Food tours, the food service industry and restaurant ownership.
* Location independence and minimalism.
How did you come to create the Continental DRIFTER® brand and YouTube channel?
Tell me about your Affirmations, Gratitudes and Bucket List books.
Best travel tips and tricks.
Best photography tips. What's the best way to experience a place and travel like a local?
How did you come to create this dream job of yours, actually getting paid to travel?
Find many of my recent podcast appearances AT THIS LINK.
I used to be co-host of the Traveling Image Makers podcast with Ugo Cei, where we've done over 170 episodes where we interview some of the top photographers in the world, and I've created a new podcast called Travel Thoughts from a Continental DRIFTER.
Side Hustle Hero: Getting Paid to Travel with Ralph Velasco
The Photographer's Eye & the Cultural Experience on TripCast 360 (this podcast is a result of being a member of Podcast Guests)
A Fork on the Road with Mark DeCarlo and Yeni Alvarez DeCarlo
The Amateur Traveler with Chris Christensen
The Candid Frame with Ibarionex Perello
The Good Life Show with Mike the Wine Guy
Skip Cohen University: Why? with Ralph Velasco
Detroit Creative Labs with Rosh Sillars
...and many others, some of which can be found at this link.
I'll be glad to promote any podcasts I'm on with social media, on my website, to my very loyal following on my email list and any other outlets.