#53: Award-winning travel journalist Brandon Presser shares advice on choosing accommodations, critical factors to consider when planning a trip, his top travel hacks, and his favorite off-the-beaten-path points of interest. He also discusses his traveling philosophy and shares his top lesser-known travel destinations!\nBrandon Presser (@brandpress) is a freelance features writer and travel expert. He\u2019s written 50+ travel guidebooks, contributes to numerous influential publications, and can be seen on Bravo's television series, Tour Group where he led a group of eclectic travelers around the world. He recently released his latest book: The Far Land.\nFull show notes at: https://allthehacks.com/best-trip-brandon-presser\n\nSponsor Deals\nDaffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice\nFor all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to:\xa0allthehacks.com/deals\n\nResources Mentioned\nAll the Hacks Newsletter: Sign Up\nConnect with Brandon Presser: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website\nBrandon\u2019s Work:\n\nLatest Book: The Far Land\n\n\nGuidebooks\n\nArticles Published\n\nBravo\u2019s Tour Group\n\n\nWhere to Travel in 2022\n\nPhoto of Juxtaposition in Kyrgyzstan\n\nBrandon\u2019s Hospitality Jobs:\n\nMa\xeetre d\u2019 at Nobu\n\nButler @ The Plaza Hotel\n\nDeckhand on a Luxury Yacht\n\nCommercial Flight Attendant\n\nPrivate Jet Flight Attendant\n\nVegas High Roller Suite Manager\n\nHoneymoon Planner\n\nMadagascar Club Sandwich: Le Pavillon de l'Emyrne\nJapan Recommendations:\n\nYanaka\n\nKanazawa\n\nKaga Hot Springs\n\nShikoku\n\nSetagaya\n\n\nShimokitazawa (Bear Pond Espresso)\n\n\nDaikanyama (Tsutaya Bookshop)\n\nJiyugaoka\n\nBook mentioned: Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending\nTravel Shoes: Palladium\nIceland Recommendations:\n\nSnaefellsnes Peninsula\n\nHotel Egilsen\n\n\xa0\nFull Show Notes\n(1:25) Misconceptions About Travel Planning\n(1:59) Essential Factors for Travel Planning\n(4:04) Fulfillment in Authentic Travel\n(5:28) Meaningful Travel vs. Checklist Approach\n(9:27) Thoughtful Generosity While Traveling\n(10:44) Authentic Experience vs. Commercial Vacation\n(13:36) Career as a Travel Fixer and Trip Planning Guide\n(16:10) Writing Guidebooks for Lonely Planet\n(18:11) Impact of Social Media on Travel\n(21:14) Using Instincts, Concierges, and Online Resources\n(27:02) Selecting a Quality Hotel Experience\n(29:39) Prioritizing Quality in Travel Essentials\n(29:51) Rating Metric: Quality of Club Sandwiches\n(32:20) Japan's Timeless Allure as a Travel Destination\n(37:43) Downsides of Travel Writing Career\n(39:32) Favorite Luggage and Travel Footwear\n(41:48) Balancing Photography and Immersion in Travel\n(43:50) Photography for Capturing Serendipitous Moments\n(44:00) Brandon's Top Travel Hacks\n(45:42) Cost-Effective Alternative Travel Locations\n(54:08) Brandon's Travel Bucket List\n(56:51) Defining a 'True Visit' for Country Counting\n(57:21) Experiences at High-End Hospitality Jobs\n(01:00:41) Pursuit of 'Eloise Moments'\n(01:03:51) Top Tips and Tricks from Years in Travel\n(01:07:54) Impact of Tokens of Gratitude on Travel\n(01:10:06) Book Recommendation: "The Far Land"\n(01:15:40) Travel Tips for Iceland and Japan\n\xa0\nConnect with All the Hacks\nAll the Hacks:\xa0Newsletter\xa0|\xa0Website\xa0|\xa0Membership\xa0|\xa0Email\nChris Hutchins:\xa0Twitter\xa0|\xa0Instagram\xa0|\xa0Website\xa0|\xa0LinkedIn\n\nEditor\u2019s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.