This week on The Traveler Series, meet friend and fellow traveler Skippy Mesirow. Skippy is a an avid traveler and writer for a local NPR affiliate, Aspen Public Radio, who ventures to countries often overlooked or under visited in search of adventure and change. Opting to solo travel with a motorcycle in tow, Skippy has journeyed across the Himalayas, Iran and more. Here, Skippy shares his best piece of travel advice and what it’s like to solo travel.
What inspires you to travel?
I love to get outside my comfort zone. I love to be exposed to new things. I love the struggle and the reward. I love to eat, to touch, to smell and to feel. Life is a never-ending search for knowledge, understanding, and perspective and I find all in abundance on the road.
For those who don’t yet know you, can you explain your travel style?
For me it’s about trying to get a holistic view of a country. Every nation is exceptionally diverse. I try to allot enough time to get to all corners of a country. It’s budget backpacking for sure but priorities must be set. For me it’s meals and wheels. I’m always sure to budget enough to eat anything and everything and I’m always sure to get my own wheels. Wheels = Freedom. Generally, this comes in the form of an old motorcycle.
So that’s the how, now what about the where? I go to places most don’t such as North Korea, Iran, Kashmir and Mexican drug country just to name a few. When explaining my next trip to people the inevitable response is “Why there!?” In those two little words they have found the answer. Why there indeed. I try to get myself as far outside my “normal” as I can. You cannot learn what you already know, you can’t change by experiencing only the familiar and you don’t find adventure in your own backyard.
How do you afford your travels?
I am lucky enough to live in a resort town. This means the economy is already set up for travelers. Nine months of intense work and 3 months off. But here’s the dirty little secret – I work while I travel. As long as I have semi-frequent internet and phone access, I’m good to go.
Where has been your favorite destination and why?
This is a loaded question. What does favorite mean? Generally I stay away from places that most would consider “ conventionally enjoyable”. I get beauty and fun at home. I abhor the resort and don’t need a beach. I’m looking for growth. For unique experiences. Some are educational (traversing Iran), some are adventuresome (motorcycling the Himalayas). Though surely fun and friendships ensue.
What was your most indispensible experience?
Iran for changing the way I will forever see the Middle-East and for reaffirming my faith in humanity. North Korea for showing me just how lucky we are and for always reminding me that the world is what we make it. The responsibility falls on good people to act on their kindness and care to create the world we want to live in and bequeath to our children.
Of everywhere you have been, where might you actually want to live for a period of time?
5 places in no particular order…
Beijing, China
Hoi An, Vietnam
Luang Prabang, Laos
Oaxaca, Mexico
San Cristobal, Mexico
If you had to settle down in one location forever, where would you choose and why?
Aspen, Colorado for its extraordinary combination of true small town character, big city culture, staggeringly beautiful environment and the kindest, most supportive, bright, hard-working, down to earth people ever to self-assemble in one valley. I always say if I find somewhere better I’d move. I’ve been looking for over a decade and not found anywhere that comes even close.
What’s the funniest or weirdest cultural idiosyncrasy you’ve either witnessed or experienced?
Hygiene in China. After a month of living within the spitting contest that is China, I found myself on a very dirty, very smoke filled, very loud bus in Tibet. People were spitting on the floor and washing out dishes on the bus. Children were urinating on the stairs. In the seat next to me were two well-dressed teenagers watching a movie on an iPhone. One of the lads sneezed directly into the face of his compatriot, just an inch apart. Neither flinched.
What keepsake do you have to get at all your destinations? (Whether it’s something free like ticket stubs or brochures, or something you have to buy)
I love art but am too broke to afford it at home. So every country I go to I try to bring home one painting that speaks to my experience there. And as a mandatory family tradition, I am always required to bring a mug home for Baba (my grandmother).
How about the one thing you cannot travel without?
Oh, this is going to be too much information. Conditioner and hair spray. I know, I know. Be gentle.
Have you ever traveled solo? If yes, what was the experience like?
Almost exclusively and it is my preferred mode. It can be tough. Lonely, isolating and dangerous, especially on my characteristic cross country motorcycle rides. Yet, being alone forces you into making new friends, approaching people and trying something new. It also gives you adequate time for reflection.
What are your go-to travel apps?
I try to use travel as time to unplug as much as possible. No apps.
What is the best piece of travel advice you’ve picked up over the years?
Always carry toilet paper. Also, the best advice I can give is to always wear a smile. The world will reciprocate the energy you put into it. A smile and positive, genuine, and giving attitude will be your best defense and a golden ticket to all sorts of wonderful things and places you never expected to find. It’s also a great get out of jail free card.
How did you get into travel writing?
At home I do a lot of civic and community work. As a result I end up on our local NPR affiliate, Aspen Public Radio, on what seems to be a weekly basis. One day I was in promoting a local youth initiative and they asked me if I would consider blogging from my upcoming trip. I did, and the rest is history.
What is your best piece of advice to budding travel writers looking to start a blog or website?
Be yourself.
What’s next for you in 2014/2015? (Trips planned, etc.)
I’m looking at planning a bike trip from the northernmost to southernmost points of Africa.
To follow Skippy on his travels, check out his social media channels here:
Travel Writing: http://aspenpublicradio.org/term/skippy-mesirow
Twitter: @skippymesirow
Facebook: Skippy Leigh Upton Mesirow
Instagram: SkippyMesirow
