At age 25, author Brad Olsen embarked on a three-year "stomp" around the world that changed his outlook on the world, and world travel, forever. He settled in exotic locales and lived on the cheap in some of the planet's most beautiful sanctuaries. He hoarded the hash and avoided the authorities. He also encountered populations degraded by poverty and the longing for a better, more "American" life.
His experiences prompted the first edition of "World Stompers," an irreverent travel guide explaining what it means to put life on hold for the ultimate adventure and how individuals can change their own view of the world for the better.
"This book is designed for young people that are just setting out who may not have an idea of the logistics of world travel," Olsen explained.
The book includes the travel guru's advice on financing a world stomp, packing for the long journey, staying fit and avoiding scams. It also explores Olsen's travels in ten regions of the globe.
In a recent telephone interview, Olsen talked about the latest edition "World Stompers."
Student World Traveler: Why is there a fifth edition of "World Stompers"?
Brad Olsen: It always been a work in progress. I am always updating the information as well as adding a new appendix this year of web resources and new visa travel information. There has been a new edition every two years.
SWT: What are your primary motivations?
BO: When I took my first world stomp in the early '90s, I was surprised how few Americans I saw while traveling. Most of the travelers were from Australia, New Zealand, etc. "World Stompers" is a sort of start-up kit to assist other people by giving them the opportunity to take a world trip of their own. I believe that world travel is the best education anyone can receive. It puts people in touch with other languages and cultures - kind of like a living museum.
SWT: In the book's karma statement, you write, "You can help people by simply being there." How does traveling help the peoples of the world in your view?
BO: In several ways - we're adding real currency to the local economy. Tourism might be the number one industry in some places. And I view world travel as a great exchange of people. You can give a little to those people just by being friendly to them, just extending a message of goodwill. Travelers should have that mindset that you are going to help (locals) instead of exploit.
SWT: In "World Stompers," you write, "no other generation in history has had such freedom to travel." How has this greater freedom evolved and how can world travelers use it to their advantage?
BO: By that I mean freedom to travel physically. We have the ability to get to remote locations so quickly, you have things like checking e-mail and using your ATM card, which has totally evolved in the last ten years. This is just making it easier, this is why it's the golden age of travel.
SWT: You say "stomping is not for boneheads." How can one prepare for a world trip ahead of time?
BO: You have to be in good physical condition. Travelers are presented with many diseases, accidents, as well as just wanting to be able to do multiple activities. There has to be a certain street-smartness in people because young travelers will get hit up for scams and rip-offs. Having street smarts separates the bullshit from reality. The book offers a heads up. World travel is not as easy as you might dream it is or as this book might lay it out to be - you have to have an awareness of what world travel is all about.
SWT: What are the negative effects of travel on the world?
BO: Basically the Westernization of the planet. By having all these travelers, what we're doing is instilling in these people an image of this glamorous western lifestyle. In doing that, it's watering down cultures in other societies. Other than that, it's usually a win-win situation.
SWT: Is it possible to overplan a lengthy trip like a world stomp?
BO: Don't think too much about it. It's because it is such a great unknown that it can be very nerve-wracking. Don't overpack, you'll be throwing stuff away that you wish you would have left at home.
SWT: Is a year a good length for a world stomp? How can a traveler determine how long they should travel?
BO: It depends on the person. Try a couple months first, and Europe is the perfect place for that. It will give you a good perspective on whether a world stomp is good for you.
"World Stompers" Fifth Edition is available at www.amazon.com, or call (800) 356-9315 24 hours a day. Bookstores and libraries can call Independent Publishers Group at (800) 888-4741 to order the title. Also check out www.stompers.com and www.peacetour.org.
