Best of Travel: “Expedition Unknown” Host Josh Gates
The Travel and Adventure Show heads to the Washington, DC March 7-8 for two jam-packed days of cooking demonstrations, giveaways, dance performances, and information about destinations all over the world. One of the keynote speakers at this weekend’s show is Josh Gates, host of the Travel Channel’s “Expedition Unknown.” Josh has traveled to more than 90 countries seeking adventure and off-the-map excursions. We caught up with him to learn more about his tales of global exploration:
Q: What is the most spontaneous trip you’ve ever taken?
A: In college, I once drove from Boston to Quebec for breakfast. Sure, it took 12 hours round-trip, but those were good scrambled eggs.
Q: Would you rather take a guided tour of a new city or explore it on your own?
A: Explore on my own. No question. I’m not against a guided tour, but I think your first impression of a place should be your own.
Q: If you were planning a round-the-world trip, what five countries would you want to be sure to visit?
A: Thailand, Nepal, India, Tanzania, and Argentina.
Q: Is there anything you’ve wanted to learn how to do while abroad (cooking class, dance lessons, etc.) but have not yet done so?
A: I’m miserable at languages. I’d love to spend a year somewhere and learn another language. Or maybe learn how to surf. If I could surf while speaking another language … that would be mind-blowing.
Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what five things would you want with you?
A: Pen, paper, a good pair of boots, my lucky necklace, and the company of my amazing wife.
Q: Where is the most unusual place you’ve stayed when traveling?
A: While filming “Expedition Unknown” in the Peruvian Andes, we got caught in a storm and had to sleep in the back of a Catholic church. That was a first for me.
Q: What is the strangest cuisine you’ve eaten, in the US or abroad? Did you enjoy it?
A: I could fill a few dozen pages about this subject. I’ve sampled cobra blood, rotten shark, and even bull penis. You name it. But I think the most challenging food for me was balut in the Philippines. It’s an overdeveloped duck egg. Bottom line: Biting into an egg with feathers and a beak inside is not for the faint of heart. And no, I did not enjoy it.
Q: What is one place you’ve never been that is at the top of your must-visit list?
A: Tibet.
Q: Would rather take a vacation at a beach, in the mountains, or in a city?
A: Beach. But near the mountains, in case I want to explore.
Q: If you had to choose another country to live in for a whole year, where would you go?
A: Italy. I feel like the Italians have it all figured out.
Get Washington, DC Travel & Adventure Show tickets for just $9 with the promo code “JETSET” and see Josh present along with the other headlining speakers!
