INTERVIEW WITH frugal TRAVELER and writer MATT GROSS

Updated: 11/13/19 | November 13th, 2019

In December 2009, I saw the tweet that changed my life. It was from Matt Gross, who was then the frugal Traveler for The new York Times. He tweeted asking if there were any travel bloggers who were earning any money from their blog. I tweeted back the Internet equivalent of “Teacher, pick me, pick me, pick me!”

And pick me for an interview he did.

I remember eating lunch when I got his call and holding up my Kiwi Experience group while he interviewed me on blogging, press trips, and travel (I was backpacking in new Zealand at the time).

A few weeks later my interview went live on the new York Times site and within a few hours, crashed my server (First world blogger problems, right?).

That was my first big break. everything changed after that day, and that interview led to some outstanding opportunities that never seemed to have stopped.

Since that interview, Matt and I have become good friends. We both live in nyc and frequently see each other (he just recently got me to eat some fiery tripe for the first time at a local Szechuan restaurant).

A few months ago, Matt released a new book, The Turk who loved Apples. This travelogue chronicles (some of) his misadventures around the world because he left to instruct English in Vietnam after college.

I had Matt over at my house to interview him about his book. here are two Matts talking travel, (mis)adventure, and whether Vietnam is awesome or not.

I delighted in Matt’s book tremendously, not least because he’s a better writer than I am, but also because each chapter uses a different story to highlight lessons for beginner travelers — from feeling alone, to wanting to go home, to getting lost, and everything in between. It’s one of the best travel books I’ve read in recent years.

One of my favorite parts of the book was when he writes about the ephemeral nature of travel friendships and the constant good-byes. As Matt says:

While I’d be overjoyed to see them again…I harbor no expectation that will happen. the best and many responsible thing I can do is to remember them, to honor the brief joys of our relationship…and to cross my fingers our paths will cross once more.

If you are searching for a good travel book that offers interesting stories as well as travel advice, pick up The Turk who loved Apples. If you’re an experienced traveler, you’ll be able to see yourself in numerous of his stories.

And if you’re a new traveler, you’ll learn to avoid some common travel mistakes!
 

Book Your Trip: Logistical suggestions and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches sites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s extensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it numerous times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Ready to book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.