Chad is a writer, adventurer, and travel enthusiast across 43 countries with a passion for exploring the world and sharing his experiences through the written word. He has authored multiple books that span a wide range of topics, from natural health to travel and exploration. His most recent book, From Zero to Adventure: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Planning for World Travel, helps aspiring travelers take the leap into a life of global adventure. Chad is also working on a new guidebook that combines two of his home state’s favorite pastimes: hiking trails and craft beer, spotlighting the best microbreweries and outdoor escapes in Wisconsin.
When he’s not writing books, Chad shares his travel stories, tips, and insights on his blog, TravelingChad.com. His ultimate goal? To visit every country in the world before he dies, documenting his misadventures along the way. Chad’s writing is driven by a deep curiosity about the world, a love for the natural environment, and a belief in the transformative power of exploration and being exposed to new cultures. Through his books and blog, Chad hopes to inspire others to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace adventure, and live more vibrant, purposeful lives.
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
Chad Turner was born and raised in Wisconsin and is part of a proud family heritage of nature lovers and explorers. He is an author, photographer, world traveler, adventure sports fanatic and wild outdoorsman. Chad grew up camping, fishing, hiking, swimming and paddling across the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin. His roots in the outdoors laid the foundation for his lifelong fascination for adventure and travel.
Chad’s first taste of adventure travel came in 2002 when he signed up for a study abroad program in Antigua, Guatemala. Before then, nothing had triggered his sense of wonder quite like that trip. The experience awakened something deep inside him, like he’d just discovered his personal brand of “mood-elevating contraband.” It was soul-stirring, and from that moment on, he was hooked. He caught the proverbial “travel bug,” and the urge to explore new places and immerse himself in different cultures became irresistible.
Since that fateful study abroad experience, Chad’s curiosity and wanderlust have taken him to some fascinating corners of the world. Today, he’s a full-time vagabond, spending his days hiking, cycling, and paddling across continents, all while documenting his adventures and sharing them with others.
At the moment I have visited 43 countries and I am the author of 4 books: Hiking Waterfalls Wisconsin: A Guide to the State’s Best Waterfall Hikes, The Joy of Homebrewing Kombucha: How to Craft probiotic and Fermented Drinks, The Dick Diet, 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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