While perusing travel books at my local book store, I came across Gravel Roads: One Man’s Quest Around the World to Heal, and to live a life with no regrets. I couldn’t pass such an intriguing premise from a first-time author.
Gravel Roads is Ryan Crain‘s travel memoir of his adventures around the world. At 30, Crain was starting a relationship while having a successful business career. One phone call changed everything, sending him into a dark hole of grief. Searching for answers, Crain decided to turn to travel. His travels led him to every inhabited continent but, more importantly, to learn about himself and people.
Having enjoyed Gravel Roads, I wanted to learn more about Crain and get an update. Earlier this week, I had a Zoom interview with him to discuss his book and adventure.
Crain started with what led to his initial trip. He continued by discussing how the trip changed his life and why people turn to travel in times of turmoil. After receiving unexpected reactions from his first travel tales, Crain decided to write a book about his experience.
The interview moved to other trips, picking his new hometown, a potential second book and more. With six continents and more than 50 countries visited, Crain shows no signs of slowing down. He started traveling later in life than most, but he made up for lost time. He revealed his favorite underrated locales and a couple bucket list destinations.
Talking Travel is a new interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Aman Announces Global Aman Club Expansion
Hotels
May 18, 2025
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedHotels
May 18, 2025Aman Announces Global Aman Club Expansion
Aman Club continues its global expansion with the introduction of Aman Club at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. This invitation-only club offers a lifetime of privileged access across Aman’s hotels and resorts as well as Aman’s future 10 properties currently in development in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Cruises
May 17, 2025Viking Takes Delivery of Newest River Ship in Europe
Officially delivered March 18, Viking’s newest Longship Viking Nerthus was presented at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock Warneműnde, Germany. Accommodating up to 168 guests, Viking Nerthus spans 84 staterooms, all featuring Viking’s signature Scandinavian design.
Daily
May 16, 2025New Kosovo Philharmonic Opera, Ballet and Theatre Hall to Open This Year
A new opera and ballet theater in Kosovo will house four performance halls and a new public plaza in the capital city of Prishtina. As the first opera house in the Republic of Kosovo, the theater symbolizes the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage while reflecting a new identity for Prishtina, rooted in creativity and a commitment to the country’s artistic growth.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
May 16, 2025Inkaterra Hotels Make a Peru Trip Unforgettable
Looking to plan the ultimate trip to Peru, but not sure where to start? Inkaterra is here to help. With properties in multiple cities throughout the country and various immersive itineraries, Inkaterra makes it easy for your dream trip to Peru to come to life.
Culture Runs Deep in the Old Town of Corfu
May 2025
May 15, 2025Daily
May 14, 20256 Unforgettable Dining Experiences Around the World
Hungry for adventure? These destinations offer unique dining experiences worth the trip.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
eFlyer Reviews
May 14, 2025Hotel Van Zandt Review
One step onto Austin’s Rainey Street and you’ll feel like you’ve joined the cool kids at the best playground in the city. Just behind the cottage bars, pint-sized skyscrapers soar. One of them, Hotel Van Zandt, the Rainey district's pièce de resistance, beckons with a song-like spirit —apropos because the independently owned property, rife with music motifs, was named after beloved singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt. Sixteen stories high, the hotel embodies Austin’s lust for music, manifesting with a vinyl corner; trumpet chandeliers; myriad musical references; replica vintage posters in frames; and its own live music venue, which doubles as its acclaimed restaurant, Geraldine’s. Don’t miss the mesmerizing installation of colorful origami-like birds composed from vinyl records that flitter from an old phonograph.
ShareThis