Chris Dame

From a book about my hometown area - “For the most part this land is populated by rugged individualists who often possess more than their fair share of brains, common sense, well-developed funny bones, and a streak of stubborn independence a mile wide. They like who they are, they’re proud of who they are, and they ain’t changin’ fer nobody. Modern society has long sought to drag these people into the 21st century. It is with happiness I can report that modern society has failed miserably.” In August of 2010, I sold off everything that I owned except for a small backpack, which I carry with me as I travel the world. I have around a week’s worth of clothes and enough technology to keep a steady stream of writing and photography flowing as I write my first full book. Historically, I’m an Innovation Consultant. That essentially means that I travel the world talking to people, getting inside their lives. Then I design solutions to make their lives better. I’ve designed cell phones for Korea and India, helped nonprofits in England give a voice to children, designed medical devices to help people with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other chronic diseases in the US, UK, and Asia, changed the working process of several of the largest tech and financial companies in the world, and even designed a few top-selling toys. Regardless of where I visit or how long I stay, my backpack (and sometimes just my coat) has all I need. I’m not constantly running around doing laundry or wearing stinky clothes. I’m not constantly borrowing things, either. Generally, I end up lending things to other less-prepared friends. I focus on having a small but great arsenal of items so I can travel in comfort and get into trouble wherever I find it, and I want to let you in on how I do it. In all of this traveling around, I’ve gotten in over my head more than I’d like to admit. Every time I come out with new knowledge, renewed drive, and a great story. I’ve discovered a lot of crazy tips and tricks while exploring some of the most amazing places on earth, and I want to share them with you. Traveling isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but it can be the most rewarding. Be prepared. Travel light. Dive headfirst into new cultures and experiences. Those aren’t empty pieces of advice; I want to teach you exactly how to do all of them.