About Us

You’ve only got so much space in your back pocket, therefore we only have so much space in our guide books to blather on about our inspirations and the tales of how GrassRoutes Travel Guides came into being… but we’ve been asked more than once to tell more, so here’s the longer version of the GrassRoutes Story we couldn’t include in o­ur books. Suffice to say, its been an amazing path dreaming up, sketching out, self-publishing, publishing, being published, and living in and exploring many great North American cities…

Like cracking open a dusty geode, travel has revealed to me the many facets of the world. The crystals I found brought me the clarity to compare my known world with that of the previously unexplored. I was able to truly connect with the rich diversity that abounds. No other activity has had quite the same impact, offering a unique experience where both commonalities and differences in the quilt of humanity were vibrantly displayed. These inspirations occurred while traveling around the globe and around the corner. The cities I have called home have given me plenty of refreshing surprises. Whether boarding a plane for another continent, or walking a few blocks to a nearby neighborhood, no matter what my pocketbook dictated, I always managed to find new cultural gems.

As I walked the gangway on each return flight, I noticed that culture shock was as potent going home as when I had discovered new countries and traditions. Each time my reality was challenged with new ways of thinking and acting, I found I was less attached to one specific culture. After each journey I found I had new interests, different ways of dealing with difficult situations, and an altogether new perspective. The most important souvenir I brought home wasn’t tangible–it was a more open mind.

As the pages of my passport filled up with stamps, I had a greater insight into each culture that could never have come from pictures or words. I also had plenty of stories to share. A minor bike accident I incurred in a Kyoto suburb brought a fleet of firemen to my rescue. A similar situation in Denmark roused little notice by other biking commuters, but meant a gratis cup of black coffee as I waited for the city bike to be repaired. (Copenhagen is equipped with its own fleet of public bikes for anyone and everyone’s use.) In London, a city stigmatized by many Americans as having the worst food, I have enjoyed some of the finest international cuisines. The more I traveled, the more stereotypes were turned on their head. In short, travel has taught me that no generalization really holds up.

I became a detective of sorts, unearthing cultures. Out of earshot from town squares or famous landmarks, I became familiar with local traditions. When I returned home I kept up the habit, discovering a wealth of intrigue in my own country. As a cultural tourist I discovered unique adventures right around the block. I have since made it my mission to seek out the non-traditional attractions and cities.

The people who hovered around the cathedrals and museums were of greater interest to me than the cold monuments. The living, breathing collection of foods and voices, footsteps on the roads and walkways–those were the things that attracted me. I witnessed the world around me blinking like a disco ball, with authenticity being overtaken by all things virtual, but I trusted in another kind of travel. Wherever I was, the locals gave me the chance to have unique experiences rather than manufactured ones. By focusing on human interaction, serendipity soon replaced artificial stimulation.

GrassRoutes Travel was born out of my growing collection of ideas, inspirations and frustrations. I remembered the grim fact that Americans (United Statesians, actually) have the fewest passports per capita. I made up my mind to promote world citizenship, but search as I might I found no vehicle that expressed my ideas about travel. The Dalai Lama’s wise words turned like a prayer wheel in my head: “If you have some [distress] you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry; if you cannot do anything, then there is also no need to worry.” Doing something about it turned into GrassRoutes Travel.

The concept evolved from a bundle of notes collected on the road. Since I had never seen cities as separate boroughs, but as one entity, I didn’t want my guides to divide chapters by neighborhoods. Most cities aren’t so expansive that they warrant being divided by neighborhood. Also, chowing down on some messy barbeque didn’t equate with a meal of braised rabbit, so I chose not to organize the guides simply by activity. I thought of the times I had woken up really early, the times I wanted to have a casual night out, or when I needed to get my creative juices flowing. GrassRoutes Travel had to be designed around these states of being: the mood of the traveler(s) and the timing. To find a smash hit burrito at 1 a.m., just turn to the Up Late chapter.

But organization wasn’t the only thing I wanted to do differently. GrassRoutes Travel is true to its name by including local businesses and their corresponding contributions to the greater good of the community. Restaurants that serve sustainably grown produce share the pages with shops that showcase works by local artists. Wildlife preserves are in the mix with co-operative bakeries and amusements that use energy saving techniques. Some of the best travel experiences I have had have been through meeting the locals in volunteer situations, so an entire chapter focuses on easy ways for visitors and residents alike to interact while giving back. Being conscientious about society and environment is a recipe for peace. Greet the world with an open mind: This is a message I hope to convey.

I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Any voyage I dreamed of had to be financed by yours truly. What I found out was that travel could fit a limited budget. For a quick and cheap adventure, I could check out a new area of town or head to a museum on a free day. (I have included a City for Free chapter that lists some great money-free adventures). With a little perseverance, library time and an inquisitive nature, I managed to find work exchange programs, scholarships, cheap fares and home-stays. It was possible, even on my tight budget, to vacation on Mediterranean beaches for a weekend trip while living in Germany, explore the cobblestone walkways of Manchester, UK, and enter a floating temple on the Japanese island of Miyajima. There are ways to afford all kinds of travel. GrassRoutes is more than a guide to a city’s attractions, it is a reaffirmation that authentic cultural experiences are not out of reach for anyone.

My first secret is printed right to the cover of this book: visit the city next door. Save time and money by choosing idyllic Rovinj, Croatia instead of over-priced and over-crowded Corfu, Greece for that above-mentioned Mediterranean vacançe. Not only are the next-door cities more affordable, but also they bring you closer to the region because they aren’t built up as an attraction in and of themselves. Following the same example, in Rovinj, the native cuisine is delicious. Smoky, delicate fish straight from the surrounding waters with handmade lavender goat cheese just doesn’t compare to the toast, eggs and canned beans served at Corfu hostels to keep the many tourists “comfortable”.

Along with the sights and sounds, local foods are a window into the uniqueness of each place. By focusing on culinary specialties, GrassRoutes encourages travelers to venture outside their comfort zone.

As you enjoy your travels, you can be satisfied knowing that you are a conscientious consumer. Chocolate cake, conscientious, you ask? You bought it from an organic, co-operative local bakery that supports school gardening programs and purchases sustainably grown ingredients from nearby farms. When I found out how much fun, and, ok, indulgence, could be had while having a positive impact, I chose to be a conscientious consumer. The undeniable facts amassing about the current state of our planet necessitates that more of us make this choice. And with such a bounty of local businesses dedicated to this spirit of positive change, it is becoming easier to support such a philosophy. Each listing in GrassRoutes Travel meets these standards in one aspect or another. So while you are venturing out into the world, and meeting real people in new places, your dollars are staying in the community, supporting everything from waste reduction to entrepreneurial youth, organic food to zero emissions public transit. Becoming a conscientious consumer gives each individual the power to effect positive change in the world.

I bring you GrassRoutes Travel Guides, created to benefit readers and communities. I hope you will try something new, even if you thought it was not possible. Having a genuine cultural escapade is directly proportional to your ability to let go of preconceived notions. All you need is an inquiring mind, a detective’s spirit and the desire to get acquainted with the world around you.