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.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process available here.
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United States
By Chris Tharp
North Cascades National Park is a must-visit destination for many traveling to the Pacific Northwest, and this small Washington town makes for a great gateway.
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California has no shortage of scenic destinations, but this lake town surrounded by mountain views takes things, literally, to a higher level.
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You'll be in awe when you hike up the highest mountain in Wales, but be aware the hike is challenging. Luckily, there's a railway option to make it easier.
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You won't have to travel through the desert to a lake with no name, but to get there, you will need to make it through a scenic hike that isn't always easy.
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California is a magnet for travelers looking to experience natural beauty and laid-back fun, but this overlooked town deserves to draw in more visitors.
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Road-tripping through Texas can be a grand way to spend time, but that doesn't mean some of the state's highways aren't dangerous, such as this deadly one.
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California's beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range plays host to this fun-filled city that recalls the days when the Golden State had a Gold Rush.
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Florida is the Sunshine State for a reason, and this gorgeous State Park is equipped to provide soothing relaxation in nature no matter the season.
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Beach Vacations
By Chris Tharp
California and the beach go hand-in-hand, but this incredibly scenic waterfall on the Big Sur coast truly takes beauty to a different level.
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Arizona is a state known for its breathtaking outdoor views, and this State Park is by no means an exception to that trend, especially for stargazers.
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This multi-day hike in California may be challenging but the scenic views, refreshing lakes, and lack of crowds make it well-worth the effort.
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Attractions
By Chris Tharp
Florida is packed full of unfortunate tourist traps, but this particular one should be replaced with a visit to a much better option full of manatees.
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Hiking is one of the most enjoyable activities one can embark on in nature, and this important advice can further enhance a trek in the great outdoors.
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Rick Steves, America's favorite European travel expert, shares some great advice for making the most of your dining experiences in Madrid, Spain's capital.
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Imagine alien limestone towers emerging from a creepy (but beautiful) lake. Now, add toxic water and dangerous dust storms, and you got this spot in California.
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United States
By Chris Tharp
Visit this large but lesser-known state park for stunning wildflowers, epic hikes, starry night skies, and camping among stark desert landscapes.
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While national park rangers are there to assist visitors in an emergency, here's what you can do to help them help you when the going gets tough.
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Check out these four hidden gem locations across Oregon for a relaxing soak in some natural hot springs that show off the state's dramatic beauty.
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Washington is a state packed full of natural splendor, and this waterfront RV resort allows visitors to camp out right in the middle of the majesty.
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Travel Style
By Chris Tharp
You'll want to bring clean and presentable clothing to Japan, and that includes this important item you may not even think about while packing.
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Travel Guides
By Chris Tharp
Visit this underrated town for a weekend getaway full of good food, historic architecture, and outdoor adventures in the surrounding landscapes.
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This truly unique outdoor destination in Idaho is a true must-do attraction for those people who love finding adventure and excitement in the wild.
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While this interesting Portuguese snack may be unfamiliar, it's worth trying when visiting southern Portugal, and is a favorite of Rick Steves.
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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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