From Twitchhiking To The Un-Roadtrip: Meet 5 Outrageous Travelers

04/6/09  Print This Post Print This Post    6 Comments   Popular   Written by Ian MacKenzie
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These days, all it takes for a memorable journey is a few bucks in your pocket and an idea.
1. Un-Roadtrip

In April of 2009, Boaz is setting out on an Un-Road Trip. He’s criss-crossing the United States using every mode of transportation except for car. He’ll be traversing dozens of states by kayak, bicycle, dog sled, scooter, hot air balloon, horseback, segway, hang glider, fishing boat, crop duster, and whatever else he can find.

2. Twitchhiker

Paul Smith set out on March 1, 2009 to travel as far around the world as possible in 30 days via Twitter. Last week, he finished.

Here’s what he had to say in his final post: “The Twitchhiker project showed that kindness is universal, that the whole can be infinitely greater than the sum of its parts, and that social media may begin online but it will converge with the real world whenever and wherever you let it.”

3. The Odyssey Expedition

Also in 2009, Graham Hughes aims to set a new world record by setting foot in every nation on Earth in just one year, without flying. He calls his journey The Odyssey Expedition, and is posting frequent blogs and video clips on his adventures.

4. Hitch 50

Scotty and Fiddy started in Times Square, New York with the intention of hitchiking 50 states in 50 days. Hence, the name Hitch50.com. Between Oct-Nov 2006 they managed this feat, and have the hilarious video clips to prove it.

5. One Week Job

Do you know what you want to do with your life? Sean Aiken graduated college and had no clue. So in 2007 he figured he’d find his passion by trying a different job a week for one year. The result One Week Job.

I was actually part of the project and am currently editing the documentary. Stay tuned!

Any outrageous travelers we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!


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About the Author

Matador ID: ianmack

Ian MacKenzie is the founder and editor of Brave New Traveler. He is currently editing the One Week Job documentary. Aside from writing, he spends his time exploring the fundamental nature of existence and wishing he did more backpacking.

6 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Rebecca replied on April 6, 2009

    I remember reading about Sean Aiken. I think he had a couple of job offers. I’ll go back and read about Paul Smith. Gotta love Twitter!

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  • Lola replied on April 6, 2009

    The Odyssey Expedition….5 years maybe, but in just 1 year? every country on earth without flying?

    Come on.

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  • Tim Patterson replied on April 6, 2009

    Can social media restore basic human trust? Looks like it can….

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  • Brian from nodebtworldtravel.com replied on April 13, 2009

    The Odyssey Expedition is going to be on a lot of boats to cross oceans. That will be big time factor. But once he hits dry land he can move freely about the continent, so I think it is possible. Even if he doesn’t, it will be a great journey. Maybe that’s what’s it is really about…the journey not the destination. Cliche? But maybe true in this case.

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  • Greenygrey replied on April 13, 2009

    All interesting projects and good luck to them. Buen Viaje!

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  • Lola replied on April 14, 2009

    @Brian from nodebtworldtravel.com – The journey is definitely not about the destination but one needs to spend time partaking in the culture along the way, not just blazing through 100+ countries in 1 year.

    Definitely not knocking anyone’s dreams. Wishing them all good luck and a great time!

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