Tuesday Travels introduces us to “The Mad Traveler,”
aka Kevin Revolinski
I literally clicked across his blog in search of information for an upcoming trip while researching a country we were looking to visit.
He had some great information (Tuesday Travels material fo sho)!
He had some great information and when I reached out for more details he was so kind to respond almost immediately and has continued to answer & offer help on the subject of traveling in the Middle East. When I went to snoop around on his blog I found that he’s kinda a big deal. He is a published author of 15 books, MANY articles in papers, blogs and newspapers. He had some of the best common sense items that travelers need to know before they go, especially international. I might have borrowed a few ideas that may show up on my site…. Hummmm or they might make a good opt in, I’ll have to think about that.
Please introduce yourself & tell us what you do.
For much of the last 18 years I’ve been a travel writer, having written for Rough Guides, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and basically any outlet that would pay me. While I lived abroad in several countries (Turkey, Italy, Guatemala, Panama, Thailand), I sometimes taught English, but in 2004 decided I’d write full-time until I couldn’t pay my bills for the month. That month never came. I am The Mad Traveler (based out of the Mad City – Madison, Wisconsin).
How many trips do you average in a 24 month period?
20
US or International?
International plus an abundance of regional trips in between
Favorite destination so far?
Turkey
Friendliest country / state on a whole?
Taiwan
Best food? Tell us about your favorite meal, type of new food you experienced, places to try and what not to eat?!?!?
There’s nothing I won’t try (raw horse liver once) and I have favorites in most places I go: manti in Turkey, ceviche in Panama, krapow moo sap in Thailand, Pizza Napoletana, and Ethiopian food.
One place that holds a favorite memory?
The entire year in Turkey. I turned my experience there into a memoir, The Yogurt Man Cometh: Tales of an American Teacher in Turkey.
Solo or with someone?
Either. But it’s nice to have someone to turn to and say, “Whoa, did you see that? Is this not awesome?”
Prefer camera or just shoot pictures with phone?
DSLR Camera, you just have so much control and it really tests your skills.
Funniest thing that happened here or while traveling to / from here?
The funniest moment in Turkey was the confusion of a door-to-door yogurt man getting his yogurt into a pot in our kitchen and the resulting argument that they we never wanted it.
Tips on traveling or navigating while you are there?
Go local. Take the dolmush (a shared taxi van running a route but stopping anywhere). Hitchhike!
If you picked anywhere else to live where & why?
Istanbul, it is the most amazing city in the world, sitting on two continents, and the Turkish people are some of the best I’ve encountered.
What is your best suggestion on what to pack? What time of year were you there?
Modest dress for visiting holy sites, comfortable walking shoes. I’ve been there in every season. It’s cold in winter, hot and dry in summer. But whatever you forget, you can buy it there.
#1 place to go you haven’t been; if you have been, why #1 for return?
I hope to visit Easter Island someday.
Please share your website and social media so we can continue to follow your adventures:
Website: TheMadTraveler.com
Instagram: @MadTraveler
Twitter: @KevinRevolinski
Facebook: The Mad Traveler
Wishing your Rhapsodyville dreams & travels come true!
Be fearless & pack a bag!
Trina
Previous Tuesday Travels for you to check out:
I want to see Easter Island too!!
Yes! It would be amazing!
Wow so many great adventures. I would love to try all the different foods. When I think of travelling I always think about the new foods to try haha.
That’s one of the only things that sometimes holds me back…I have some allergies. Of all things it’s spices mainly. Makes me always smell before I eat & carry peanut butter crackers?
I think it’s great that you’ve been able to travel so much. Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s really helpful for those of us who’d like to visit the same countries.
Traveling through the eyes of others is great…till we can make it ourselves.
Looks like a fun time!
I agree totally!