[Travel Better] Lessons from a Lifetime of Travel with Don Mankin (Part 2)

In this episode of the Wisdom & Wanderlust Podcast, Michael and Robyn continue their conversation with Dr. Don Mankin, a psychologist, educator, futurist, writer, consultant and world traveler. Don talks about writing his book, Riding the Hulahula to the Arctic Ocean: A Guide to Fifty Extraordinary Adventures for the Seasoned Traveler, and what he is the most proud of with his writing. He also shares how he prepares before traveling to a new place and how he engages while he’s there.

"Serendipity is a very important quality in life and in travel. You have to allow yourself to be surprised, and that sometimes means being unprepared." –Don Mankin, Ph.D. [33:17]

What You Will Learn:

• [00:01] Intro
• [01:24] Don’s life-changing travel experiences
• [08:33] What has he learned about himself and the world through travel
• [14:20] The transition from psychology and consulting to travel writing
• [19:30] Writing the book, Riding the Hulahula to the Arctic Ocean
• [20:54] What is Don most proud of with his writing
• [26:48] How does he approach a trip now
• [31:02] How he prepares for the culture/language to a new place
• [39:39] What he does to engage in a deeper level while he’s traveling
• [43:14] How he identifies themes for his writings
• [47:20] If he believe travel be transformational
• [50:40] Rapid fire questions
• [58:23] Where to contact Don
• [59:32] Outro

Resources: 

• Riding the Hulahula to the Arctic Ocean: A Guide to Fifty Extraordinary Adventures for the Seasoned Traveler by Don Mankin and Shannon Stowell
• Don Mankin’s articles on his website
• Don Mankin’s blog
• Northern Thailand & Laos: A Journey into the Spiritual Heart of SE Asia
• Don Mankin’s website
• Email Don
• Explorer X