Chad Turner is an author, storyteller, and adventurer whose work explores the intersection of people, place, and purpose. Having traveled to 38 countries, he is drawn not only to remarkable landscapes but also to the communities, cultures, and everyday lives that give those places their meaning. He believes the best stories inspire curiosity, build empathy, and encourage people to see the world through a wider lens.
His writing spans travel, outdoor recreation, and natural health. He is the author of five published books, including Wisconsin’s Best Beer Hikes, which pairs scenic hiking trails with Wisconsin’s thriving craft beer scene, and Wisconsin Waterfalls, a guide to discovering the state’s most beautiful cascades. His first book, The Joy of Home Brewing Kombucha, explores the art and science of fermented tea.
Drawing on a background in social work and a lifelong passion for travel, Chad is increasingly focused on telling stories that highlight overlooked communities, cultural traditions, and the people working to create positive change. Through his writing, photography, and documentary storytelling, he hopes to help readers discover not only new places, but new perspectives.
Travel Accomplishments
Cultural Experiences
Adventures
Hikes & Climbs
Cultural Experiences
Obtained my yoga teacher certification in India
Taught English in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Explored the Chicha Itza ruins in Mexico.
Studied Flamenco guitar in Spain
Enrolled in language courses in 8 different countries.
Walked along the Great Wall of China.
Lived and worked on a permaculture farm in Costa Rica for two years.
Visited the Taj Mahal.
Trained in Muay Thai in Chang Mai, Thailand.
Adventures
Rode a Camel in the Sahara Desert.
Went diving with great white sharks (in a cage) in South Africa.
Motorbiked around the Pakse Loop in southern Laos
Kayaked down the Mikong River between the countries of Laos and Cambodia.
Rode my bicycle over 2,000 miles across the countries of Mexico and Guatemala.
White-water Rafted down the Nile River in Uganda.
Rented a motorcycle for 40 days through the Peruvian Andes.
Trained in Muay Thai in Chang Mai, Thailand.
Hikes & Climbs
Climbed Tajumulco Volcano, the highest peak in Central America.
Went trekking in the Himalayas mountains of Nepal.
Climbed the three highest peaks in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and Mount Toubkal.
Hiked the Inka Trail and visited Machu Picchu.
Trekked through Peru’s Colca Canyon.
My Story
I was born and raised in Wisconsin and is part of a proud family heritage of nature lovers and explorers. I am an author, photographer, world traveler, adventure sports fanatic and wild outdoorsman. I grew up camping, fishing, hiking, swimming and paddling across the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin. My roots in the outdoors laid the foundation for his lifelong fascination for adventure and travel.
My first taste of adventure travel came in 2002 when I signed up for a study abroad program in Antigua, Guatemala. Before then, nothing had triggered my sense of wonder quite like that trip. The experience awakened something deep inside of me, like I’d just discovered my own personal brand of “mood-elevating contraband.” It was soul-stirring, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I caught the proverbial “travel bug,” and the urge to explore new places and immerse myself in different cultures became irresistible.
Since that fateful study abroad experience, my curiosity and wanderlust has taken me to some fascinating corners of the world. Today, I spend the majority of my year traveling with my wife Melissa, spending our days hiking, cycling, and paddling across continents, all while documenting our adventures and sharing them with others.
At the moment I has visited 38 countries and am the author of 5 books: Wisconsin Best Beer Hikes: A Guide to the State’s Best Path’s and Pints, Hiking Waterfalls Wisconsin: A Guide to the State’s Best Waterfall Hikes, The Joy of Homebrewing Kombucha: How to Craft probiotic and Fermented Drinks, Creature of Discomfort: The Price of Feeling Alive, and From Zero to Adventure: A Brief Guide to Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Planning for World Travel.
Learn more about these books here
Follow along on my adventures
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