Thailand
While traveling Thailand for 3.5 months, I had the opportunity to work with three really great Thai companies. All were services exchanges in which I provided social media posts, blog posts, and reviews on applicable travel sites. In some instances, I provided marketing content for them to use however they saw fit.
Go Beyond Asia with Coral Grand Divers
I randomly ran into an account manager with Go Beyond Asia while working at an overcrowded coffee shop in Chiang Mai. After drinking our most elaborate lattes I have ever seen, we decided to work together.
I was able to participate in their PADI Open Water diving course in return for social media mentions, a blog post, a post on one of my freelance writing outlets, and media for them to use on their own social media channels. I also put together a video of my experience throughout the certification.
HQ Hostel – Bangkok, Thailand
When I first arrived in Thailand, I stayed at HQ Hostel in the heart of downtown Bangkok and Silom tourist district. I was there for 7 days and 6 nights, 3 in the shared dorm room and 3 in a private room.
I provided reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor and HostelWorld, a blog post on my website, and several mentions on social media. I also produced a video showcasing the hostel and daily morning market right outside the doorstep.
Lub D Hostel – Silom
After leaving HQ Hostel, I ventured 900m down the road to Lub D Hostel – Silom. This time I stayed for 3 nights in the shared dorm.
I provided reviews on TripAdvisor, HostelWorld, and TravelPod, mentioned them on social media, and provided them with pictures to promote their free kickboxing training session.
Other Travel Guides
Beyond those working relationships, I also developed several guides and location reviews on my own.
- Quick Visa Run to Singapore
- Best way to get from the Bangkok Airport to Silom area Downtown
- The Street Food of Thailand
- How to get to Ko Samet from Bangkok
- Samet Ville Resort on Ko Samet Island, Thailand
- Taking the Sleeper Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Mexico
Read my story of climbing the longest sport route in North America, Time Wave Zero – 23 pitches and 2,300 feet.
Kingdom of Jordan
I visited the Kingdom of Jordan on a sponsored trip coordinated by Columbia Sportswear. We spent time in Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana Nature Preserve, Wadi Mujib, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba. My experience there was one I will never forget.
- A Look Back at #TryingStuff in Jordan with Columbia Sportswear
- Visit Jordan – Wadi Rum: Mars on Earth
- A Cultural Awakening – The People of Jordan
Columbia Sportswear produced a 1-hour documentary of our trip while there, I Am OmniTen.
Spain
I started traveling to Spain back in April 2016. Since that time (it’s now October 2017 at the time of this entry), I’ve visited twice as a tourist, and on my third time, I moved here. I’m officially an expat in Spain until I decide to move on again….or not.
During my time as a tourist, I was able to submit a couple of articles to GrindTV about a magical little village nestled in the heart of Picos de Europa National Park, only accessible by foot or a subway tunneled through the mountains. The images below will take you to the articles.