Ready...Set...Vacation! with Erik the Travel Guy

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Travel Tip - What's Free in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida, is often associated with its world-famous theme parks and attractions, but there's more to this vibrant city than meets the eye.

This Is What I See When I Fly

From time to time, people ask me what I think about when I'm flying. The answer may surprise you. When I fly, I look out the window and see nothing but possibilities. This video attempts to demonstrate my point.

Beyond Your Backyard - The Azores

In this episode, Erik travels across the Atlantic Ocean to learn what all the fuss is about in this undiscovered, island paradise. He learns more about the history and culture by talking with the locals, exploring on foot through the terrain, and showing you how viewers can explore for themselves. 

Travel Tip - Get A U.S. Passport NOW

Even if you have no immediate plans for international travel, apply for a U.S. passport today. The wait times to receive it can be long. 

Beyond Your Backyard - Little Rock Part 1

Erik explores Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas in this episode of Beyond Your Backyard. Diversity in unique neighborhoods, a thriving downtown district and outdoor recreation are all part of the fun.

Travel Tip - What's Worth It In Las Vegas

Las Vegas has made incredible strides when it comes to renovating its “Sin City” reputation into something more family-friendly.

Destination Spotlight - Flagstaff, AZ

When people think of Arizona they picture saguaro cactuses and rolling tumbleweeds. The last thing they think of is some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Southwest. That may be because you’ve never been to the Northern Arizona gem of Flagstaff.

Destination Spotlight - Montreal, QC

Montreal is a culturally rich, vibrant Canadian city in the province of Quebec. It’s hip, cosmopolitan, and welcoming to visitors (the respectful ones, that is).

Travel Tip - Do's & Don'ts of Mexican Travel

The news can be a scary thing, can’t it? It can especially be frightening if you’ve got an upcoming trip to Mexico planned. Well, I want to ease your fears. Traveling to our Southern neighbor has some risks but there are ways to mitigate those risks if you know what you’re doing. That’s why I’ve compiled some dos and don’ts for traveling to Mexico!

Vacation Food - Alaska King Salmon

Learn how to make the most amazing King Salmon just like a pro!

My Trip to Half Moon Cay

OMG! This private beach is exactly what dream vacations are made of! This is a private island/beach and very popular stop with Carnival Cruise lInes and Holland America. White sand beaches, crystal clear water, you have to see it to believe it.

Destination Spotlight - Montauk, NY

You know what they say…meet me in Montauk! And in case you haven’t been, please allow me to expound. Montauk is located at the very end of Long Island (to the east) after the Hamptons. It is a charming beach community featuring miles of sandy beaches, lush, green state parks, quaint shopping and dining districts and plenty of accommodation options if you book in advance.

Beyond Your Backyard - The Olympic Peninsula

Puget Sound the alarm! The crew and I travel to a breathtaking National Park on the Pacific West Coast. Join us as we explore the natural beauty of Hurricane Ridge, learn about Native American culture by carving a totem pole and trying our hand at shucking some of the country’s finest oysters!

Beyond Your Backyard - St. Augustine, FL

Lather on the SPF 50 and join Erik in this episode of Beyond Your Backyard as he heads down to Florida’s Historic Coast! Erik visits a centuries old military fort and has coffee with the town’s most famous Gilded Age millionaire. He takes years off his life by drinking from the Fountain of Youth, enjoys an amazing, hands-on dining experience, and even tries his luck on one of the most iconic holes in golf, Hole 17 at TPC Sawgrass.

Destination Spotlight - The Pocono Mountains

What was once known as the “honeymoon capital of the world” has evolved into a full on family destination. We’re talking about visiting the Pocono Mountains!

Destination Spotlight - Barbados

This Barbados Guide is a jumping off point in learning more about this Caribbean island paradise.

Why I Love To Cruise

Greetings my fellow vacation thrill-seekers! This week, I’m taking a moment to discuss the biggest reasons I love to cruise. It’s true, I am a convert. I stepped on board my first cruise ship in the early 90’s and have never looked back.

Beyond Your Backyard - St Petersburg / Clearwater, Florida

In this edition of Beyond Your Backyard, Erik the Travel Guy seeks educational fun in the sun in St. Pete / Clearwater, Florida. This virtually undiscovered gulf coast destination is bursting at the seams with artistic flair. Erik dives into the mind of Salvador Dali, takes a colorful downtown walking tour, learns the art of glass blowing and samples BBQ from an iconic pitmaster. Thanks for watching, liking, subscribing and sharing these videos with your friends!

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Erik Hastings Biography

Erik Hastings, a.k.a. "Erik the Travel Guy"

Erik “the Travel Guy” Hastings is an EMMY award-winning television personality who speaks directly to consumers who can't afford to "get their vacations wrong". He is the host and managing editor of three internationally syndicated television series; "Beyond Your Backyard", “Food for Thought” and “Cruise Food”.

Erik leads an incredibly talented team of industry pros and is the editorial driving force of his platform. While the travel industry directly supports millions of families worldwide, Erik believes travel makes the world a better place. Through exploration and discovery, he has learned that travel brings cultures together and he eagerly shares that spirit with his viewers.

In 2005, Erik launched his own production company that specialized in creating high-quality, low-cost travel videos for online distribution, which has added “world traveler” to his resume. This enterprise encapsulates all of Erik’s true joys by combining video production, writing, discovery, adventure, performing and interacting with fascinating people in some of the most inspiring and beautiful travel destinations in the world. Since inception, he has amassed an impressive client roster including Hertz, The Greenbrier Resort, CruiseOne, Carnival, Pinehurst, Iberostar, and countless official tourism bureaus throughout the world.

In 2017, Erik and his creative team began production on "Beyond Your Backyard", a new educational travel series for Blue Ridge PBS. The series debuted in April of 2018 on Blue Ridge PBS and other public broadcasting stations and quickly gained national attention and new affiliates. Today, the series is seen by millions of viewers nationwide. The series is syndicated by NETA and carried on the CREATE Channel. In its first season, the series was honored by the industry with two EMMY awards for the show and its host.

In 2022, Erik formed a new venture (4:55 AM Entertainment Co.) with his longtime friend and creative partner Jason Zumwalt. His new company produces two series: “Cruise Food” and “Food For Thought”.

Erik spends (on average) about 25 weeks on the road per year. When he's not traveling, he spends time with his two daughters in the New York City area.

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