Check out the video below or listen to it on Johnny Jet’s Travel Podcast for our whole conversation and below for his abbreviated answers and please subscribe to my YouTube Channel!
Short bio: Richard Bangs has oft been called the father of modern adventure travel, and the pioneer in travel that makes a difference, travel with a purpose. He led first descents of 35 rivers around the globe, including the Yangtze in China and the Zambezi in Southern Africa. Richard has published more than 1000 magazine articles, 19 books, produced a score of documentaries, lectured at the Smithsonian, the National Geographic Society, the Explorers Club and hosted a TV show.
Website: RichardBangs.com
Twitter: Twitter.com/richardbangs
Facebook: Facebook.com/richardjohnstonbangs
YouTube: Youtube.com/channel/UCUb5zrd4v495BVWuz2oNn3A
Hometown: Washington DC area
Residence: Venice Beach, CA
College: Northwestern University
College major: Journalism
How are you doing with quarantine? Haven’t flown in a year but traveled the West
When or what will it take to get you to fly again? Once I get my second shot which will be soon.
How many countries have you been to? Over 160
How many continents have you been to? All of them. Including the 8th (see video for what that continent is)
Earliest travel memory: Working as a guide on the Colorado River while in college
Favorite American city: See video
Favorite international city: Addis Abba
Friendliest people in the world: Iran
Country with the meanest immigration officers: Haven’t encountered the meanest but the sleepiest was in Turkey
Favorite aircraft type: A380 and small planes
Sat next to any famous celebs: John Denver and he wasn’t very nice
Drink of choice (on the ground): Gin and Tonic especially in Africa
Craziest thing you’ve eaten: Hippo
Favorite hotel: Explorer Lodge at the bottom of Chile
Favorite travel credit card: Alaska Airlines Visa
Favorite island: Madagascar
Favorite beach: Lombok in Indonesia
Best place for adventure travel: New Zealand, Georgia (the country) and so many more places
Most adventurous activity: Chartering rivers including the Zambezi
Best sightseeing excursion/tour: See video
Favorite travel movie: Year of living dangerously and African Queen
Favorite travel book: See video
Favorite travel app: www.Steller.co
Worst travel moment: Getting my suitcase stolen from me at LAX just before flying to Germany
What’s your dream destination? Space and Angola
What’s the most important thing travel has taught you: Humility and See video
Best travel tip: Go with the flow
