When it comes to travel, many people picture Paris, Rome, Bangkok and other popular locations as a picturesque backdrop to take photos to send home. For Bill Michelon on the other hand, mixing adventure with hard to reach locations is his idea of traveling.
Bill Michelon is a lifelong entrepreneur and business owner that spends his free time going places where not many venture. The pressures of performing as your own boss, in charge of your own destiny, requires the mind to expand and contract. Travel, for Bill, has become a great way to relax and reflect on his accomplishments and provides him with a way to think outside of the box from gaining a new perspective on the world.
Outside of travel, Bill Michelon continues to build his business and expand his ideas. He shares helpful tips, hints and travel deals (as well as business stories) on his personal website BillMichelon.com.
1.What is your favorite thing about traveling?
Like anyone, I love the excitement that you experience when you visit new places. But more importantly, I love going to out of the way cities or remote towns just to have a different story and experience all together.
Going out of my way just to have a unique experience makes the journey worthwhile.
2. Is traveling a hobby or a lifestyle for you? How did you get started?
One of these days, I’d like to call it a lifestyle. I think anyone would, really. But for now it’s a hobby. Whenever I have the time freed from my business life, I try to visit a new place.
I started with a trip to the Bahamas since it’s so close to where I live in Florida. From there it was your usual trips to the big cities in Europe but I really longed for something different and off the beaten path.
3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve been to?
So far, my favorite place is Hana, Hawaii. No one ever seems to go to this tiny town on the eastern shore of Maui. It’s tough to get to and there’s not much there for tourists. You’re not going to find t-shirt shops or familiar chain restaurants.
It’s vastly unspoiled and to me, it’s paradise.
4. Do you have any exciting travel dates planned for the future?
I’m trying to plan a trip to Chile soon and do some unforgettable hiking. I’ve had some colleagues that have made the trip and their family had to beg them to come back.
Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is another destination that would be convenient to visit while I’m in Chile, so I’m looking at booking that as well. I have some sort of pull towards Easter Island – it’s just so isolated and beautiful that I think it’ll take my number one spot of Hana, Hawaii.
5. What are some travel tips you’d give to someone inexperienced?
Good question! (laughs) When traveling, don’t sweat about having “everything” you think you need. There’s always going to be somewhere to pick up things you forget or lose along the way.
Resist over packing too. On a recent trip to Bali, I saw a couple that were obviously new to travel. It’s totally fine, but they rolled out of the airport with three bags a piece. I’ve never had to have that much stuff on a trip and I’m sure they realized it after their vacation.
Travel should be enjoyment. Don’t cram everything you own into a suitcase in each hand. Plan ahead of time, research the weather, take one pair of shoes or sandals and go from there. Figuring things out can be the most rewarding part of adventure.
6. Where would you like to go?
One place I have not been is Easter Island, like I mentioned before. Hopefully, I’ll get there soon if all goes well.
7. Where would you like to revisit?
Iceland! I’ve only made one trip to Iceland for some reason. There’s so much natural beauty to see there. It’s obviously not a typical destination for me like the tropics, but I feel like I didn’t see enough. The natural hot springs in Iceland are amazing. They’re a great way to meet other travelers and even locals.
8. Do you travel alone? Why?
I used to travel alone. Since my meeting my (now) wife, we’ve spent a lot of time together overseas and discovering new places. While traveling with someone has its challenges, sharing the moments and adventures with another person is extremely fulfilling.
9. If you could pick the top 3 places every person should go, what would they be?
Hana, Hawaii, Baja, Mexico and Jackson Hole, Wyoming!
10. Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
I’m a firm believer in packing light. If you’re traveling with someone else, it’s even easier. Spread the load between two people and try to simplify. Worry less about what you bring along with you and spend more time discovering the places you’re going.
Connect with Bill Michelon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
Facebook: https://www.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bill_
