About

Travels in the Riel World

Travels in the Riel World is the blog for people with a global curiosity. That is, for anyone with a yearning to know about and experience this diverse and incredible planet that we inhabit.

Let’s face it, travel is fun. But for those who live to travel, it’s not just about fun. It’s about experiencing life, meeting people, learning about cultures, and discovering ourselves. Once we’ve traveled, we’re never quite the same. If that describes you, then stick around. Here is some of what you’ll find:

ALL ABOUT TRAVEL. Since there is no shortage of websites providing info on travel destinations, I’ll focus on exploring places around the globe with some Riel World-specific twists. Starting with themed road trip itineraries and lists of seven spectacular places - and with many more ideas on the drawing board for the future. We’ll also look at how people are changed by travel and will check in with individuals who have interesting perspectives about life on the road.

CROSS-CULTURAL PLANET. The planet is filled with fascinating societies and traditions, so another goal is to see the world from a cross-cultural perspective and to gain insight into the world’s cultures. Topics here include “iconic cultural experiences” and “windows into culture.”

IN THE NEWS. Finally, it’s always good to keep up with the news, so we’ll take a regular look at some interesting travel and cross-cultural stories that have been published elsewhere in the print and online media.

The thread that ties this all together is the idea of “cultivating a global curiosity.” If you’re truly a passionate traveler then you have an unquenchable curiosity about the world, its cultures and its people. And you desire a lifestyle that accommodates these interests. So I hope you’ll follow along and join in the conversation. Please also consider subscribing to our feed or signing up for email updates.

About Bob Riel

THE TRAVELER

There are so many places in the world I’m still aching to visit, but so far I’ve made it to 45 countries on six continents and to 48 U.S. states.

Along the way, I’ve done two round-the-world trips, both with my wife during career breaks. Hence, the title of my travel memoir – Two Laps Around the World: Tales and Insights from a Life Sabbatical. We planned these journeys before having children, but now that we have a family we still can’t imagine a life without travel. Our newest challenge is to figure out how to afford these adventures with more people along for the ride.

And, in case you’re wondering, I cannot pick my favorite place in the world. There are just too many of them. I love the streets and cafes of Paris, the divine light that rains down on the Greek islands, the Buddhist culture of Southeast Asia, the hospitality of the Jordanians and the Turks, the vibrant colors of Peru, the serenity of the Swiss Alps, the maddening unpredictability of India, the smell of blooming jacaranda trees in Buenos Aires. And on and on. The world is an astonishing place and we’re just lucky enough to be able to partake in some of its wonders.

THE WRITER

I work as a freelance writer, though what I do is somewhat varied. I write about travel as much as possible, through this blog, freelance articles, and an online column about North American travel.

I also have a background in cross-cultural consulting and have written more than 70 country-specific manuals for use in corporate trainings, so I continue to do contract work in writing about cross-cultural subjects for a business audience. And I pick up whatever other business writing I can find.

I actually started my career as a journalist for a daily newspaper in Rhode Island, and I have a master’s degree in political science from Boston College. So in another life I could have ended up as a political journalist. But, like most of you, I’m sure, I just couldn’t get away from travel once it got into my blood. You can see my website for a more formal and detailed bio.

Writing Samples

You can also check my website for a more extensive writing portfolio, but here is a sample of my work.

Road trip series:

- A road trip through literary New England

- Journey into the roots of American music

- Atomic tourism: Road trip through Cold War history

Other travel writing:

- In the Indian Himalayas: “Om Mani Padme Hum” (book excerpt)

- Set aside time to visit these Boston baseball landmarks (Examiner.com)

- Life abounds at these desert botanical gardens (Examiner.com)

- World’s best stargazing destinations (Matador Trips)

- Ideal places to watch the sun rise and set (Matador Trips)