School
Cornish College of the Arts
Expertise
East Asia, The Western U.S., Off-The-Beaten-Path Destination
- Chris won the Solas Awards Men's Gold for outstanding travel writing and made the Travel Media Awards shortlist in 2021 for Specialist Travel Writer of the Year.
- He has lived, traveled, and eaten his way around South Korea and the surrounding region for two decades now.
- In addition to East Asian explorations, Chris fell in love with Mexico, where he's traveled top to bottom, diving into the intoxicating landscape, local culture, and mind-blowing regional cuisine.
Experience
Since moving to South Korea, Chris has carved out a niche as an award-winning writer. He's contributed to publications like National Geographic Traveller (UK), The Telegraph, Wanderlust, CNN Travel, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor's, Travel + Leisure, and many more. He is the author of two books: "Dispatches from the Peninsula" (2011) and "The Worst Motorcycle in Laos" (2014).
Education
Chris holds a BFA from Seattle's Cornish College of the Arts.
Explore’s content is created by qualified and experienced writers and editors, bolstered by outside field experts. Our mission is to provide readers with well-rounded and accurate information by way of entertaining and engaging articles that deliver a diversity of content, including everything from detailed guides for exotic locales to easily accessible information on domestic travel.
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Escape the crowds and over-touristed areas of Japan and head to this bustling city just a 15-minute train ride from Tokyo for a unique side of the country.
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Visit this beautiful lake for an outdoorsy getaway where you can relax by the shore or enjoy activities year-round from fishing and kayaking to snowshoeing.
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Learn more about how this underrated but handy tool can help you reveal sneaky scorpions in your campsite at night, and avoid painful stings.
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A dazzling city in the great state of California serves as an ideal gateway to several of its most worthwhile and iconic outdoor adventures.
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Mexico is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. To ensure a smooth experience, don't make this common money mistake while visiting.
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Love it or hate it, Turkish coffee is a rite of passage. But it's not your standard cup of joe. Here's how Rick Steves says you should drink it authentically.
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Travel Guides
By Chris Tharp
Think you know where to find Europe's best beaches? You've probably left this landlocked country off your list, but here's why it's worthy of a top spot.
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Zion National Park in Utah is one of the most famous. With so much to do, how do you choose? You can start by hiking to this serene waterfall for a swim.
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Beach Vacations
By Chris Tharp
Scary ghosts, unique history, and beautiful beaches. What more could you ask for? This beach town on an island in Florida is a unique getaway for any traveler.
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United States
By Chris Tharp
There's a substance available that can serve as a game-changing aid to travelers when camping, but unfortunately misinformation sometimes stifles its use.
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This stunning island is a must-visit for any adventure seeker, but exploring its lush nature trails and coral reefs comes with a dangerous risk.
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Road Trips
By Chris Tharp
Depending on where you drive, road trips can be dangerous. In fact, a new study showed 5 of the 10 most dangerous U.S. roads for speeding are in this state.
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Attractions
By Chris Tharp
Visit the incredible remnants of a village in the Arizona desert, a national monument that demonstrates what life was like for ancient Indigenous peoples.
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If you're planning a trip to Málaga, Spain, here's the one neighborhood you may want to avoid. Learn more about why it's best to steer clear.
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Forget Europe. This massive landlocked country in Asia is an underrated gem for all kinds of travelers, whether you want a lively city or the quiet outdoors.
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Attractions
By Chris Tharp
A "desert tsunami" may sound like something out of a fantasy novel, but it's a real (and incredibly rare) phenomenon in Death Valley National Park.
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Beach Vacations
By Chris Tharp
Should you pee on a jellyfish sting? Despite popular opinion, the answer is no. But why? We have the answers to all your questions (and what to do instead).
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Ever struggle with having to drag around your luggage because it's too early to check in to your hotel (or leave for your flight home)? There's an app for that.
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A hidden gem in Texas offers visitors a large dose of natural beauty, complete with hiking trails, fine wines, and a lush grotto for the ages.
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Head to this scenic region of Oregon to explore a wonderland of hiking trails, bike paths, campgrounds, and boating opportunities around alpine lakes.
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Avoid the crowds and head to this small town in Arizona with a historic downtown that's right near the Petrified Forest National Park and its Painted Desert.
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Oregon boasts lots of scenic beauty, but these wonderful, remote hot springs near painted cliffs offer the opportunity for a particularly relaxing adventure.
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It may feel counterintuitive at first, but learning this important bit of restaurant etiquette can help you navigate the dining culture when visiting Japan.
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What does "craic" mean in Ireland? You'll likely hear this Irish word on your next trip to the country. And trust us, you'll want to have a craic that was 90!
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What do you do if you see a black bear in Florida while hiking or camping? Here's what you need to know to avoid your wildlife encounter turning dangerous.
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United States
By Chris Tharp
Buying a pass will allow you entrance in to many different parks and federal lands in Oregon and Washington, but which one should you choose for your trip?
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United States
By Chris Tharp
This beautiful part of North Carolina is the perfect place to hike and explore natural treasures. It also happens to be famous for an iconic legend.
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