TRAVEL Archives - Semi-Rad.com

The Joy Of Planning Trips I’ll Never Take

by brendan on April 22, 2021

I was opening a fifth browser tab when I caught myself. Researching an 600+-mile bike…

Video: Rafting: It’s Really Nice

by brendan on June 20, 2019

In June 1869, the Powell Expedition made the courageous first descent of the Green River…

Chart: What Kind Of Truck Is Right For Your Adventures?

by brendan on April 18, 2019

Thinking about buying a truck that can handle some weekend warrioring and road trips to…

Frequent Flier Rewards We’d Actually Like

by brendan on February 28, 2019

What if airlines really had to try hard to impress us? And had to get…

8 Adventure Gift Ideas Over $35,000

by brendan on November 21, 2018

Here you are again: Holiday shopping season is upon us, and you’re wondering, “How will…

The Worst Way To Travel

by brendan on November 15, 2018

Did you ever notice when you go somewhere new, everything is a bit less convenient…

A Quick Story About Living In A Van Down By The River

by brendan on August 30, 2018

From 2012 to 2014, I lived full time out of a 2005 Chevy Astrovan. I…

10 Basic Rules For Adventure

by brendan on October 19, 2017

Earlier this year, my book Surviving the Great Outdoors came out, representing about 12 years’…

2017’s Most Affordable Adventure Van

by brendan on June 1, 2017

You probably have a lot of questions when you’re thinking about what kind of van…

9 Travel Tips To Lower Your Anxiety

by brendan on December 8, 2016

I usually don’t write non-humorous lists on this blog, but I’ve traveled a lot this…

The Traveler’s Guide To Home

by brendan on June 30, 2016

Over a few months this past winter, my friend Nick and I pedaled to a…

How To Pack For A Big Trip

by brendan on March 10, 2016

You just can’t beat getting out of the office for a few days or a…

Ireland By Van

by brendan on February 11, 2016

I stood inside the open door of a wool shop in Galway’s Latin Quarter just…

The Least Amazing Miracle

by brendan on August 27, 2015

You are waiting in line to check your bag, and then you’re waiting in line…

Why Are You Not Using All Your Vacation Days?

by brendan on July 23, 2015

Hi, yes, you. Did you run out of vacation days last year? No? What’s wrong?…

Review: The Buffet of Buffets

by brendan on April 9, 2015

We were just wrapping up our fourth buffet of the day when the guy came…

Notes From A #VanLife

by brendan on October 30, 2014

One Saturday last May, I slid a key into the lock on a scrappy little…

How To Exit A Bathroom (Mostly) Germ-Free

by brendan on October 23, 2014

You will probably not get ebola from touching a public restroom door handle. But if…

Utahlorado: An Idea For A Mega-State Of Awesomeness

by brendan on October 9, 2014

Dear states of Utah and Colorado: Hey, so you know what would be cool? If…

‘The New American Road Trip Mixtape’ Available Now

by brendan on December 12, 2013

With the help of a bunch of great friends, I spent the last couple years…

Announcing A Book: The New American Road Trip Mixtape

by brendan on December 5, 2013

About 2 ½ years ago after a breakup, I moved out of my apartment in…

A Moab State Of Mind

by brendan on October 10, 2013

I sat under Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, 60 minutes from Moab and 20…

A Photo Is Worth A Thousand Miles

by brendan on September 19, 2013

My friends Dan and Janine have made lots of outdoor photos all over the world.…

Sometimes You Get A High-Five From The Universe

by brendan on September 5, 2013

I had about 10 minutes before my flight, enough time to grab one more cup…

A Handful Of Moments

by brendan on December 27, 2012

My dad and I walked into Busch Stadium in St. Louis on September 4, the…

My Pal Mick, 1958-2012

by brendan on November 29, 2012

My friend Mick’s heart stopped working last Sunday. He died at the age of 54,…

Make It Count. Or Just Do It.

by brendan on July 19, 2012

When did you visit Japan? Someone at the table asked Mike during our late dinner…