Ask the Author: Nicholas Kontis
Answered Questions (7)
Nicholas Kontis
I believe that I'm a unique guy in the field of travel. I was born in Greece and brought to San Francisco at age three. I learned to bake bread in Greece at age 12. To me, travel has always been about people. When I saw how Airbnb was transforming the way people stay in accommodations in people's home, this was second nature to me.
I thought of subjects that are interesting to the modern day explorer. Sharing living space, meals, taking cooking classes, tours around food, volunteering, responsible travel, how a trip around the world is a life-changing experience. living overseas, moving to another country.
A received further inspiration from the travel industry trade show, World Travel Market that I attend every year in London.
At 24, I took a backpack and let my native San Francisco, for a two-month trip to Greece. I turned it into a 13 month trip around the world. I returned to SF with not a job prospect in sight.
I ended up creating one when I started the first travel agency in North America specializing in discount around the world airfares.
But in the end, as much as I'm an entrepreneur, I remain true to my travel roots and never forget that I'm a exploring pilgrim first.
I thought of subjects that are interesting to the modern day explorer. Sharing living space, meals, taking cooking classes, tours around food, volunteering, responsible travel, how a trip around the world is a life-changing experience. living overseas, moving to another country.
A received further inspiration from the travel industry trade show, World Travel Market that I attend every year in London.
At 24, I took a backpack and let my native San Francisco, for a two-month trip to Greece. I turned it into a 13 month trip around the world. I returned to SF with not a job prospect in sight.
I ended up creating one when I started the first travel agency in North America specializing in discount around the world airfares.
But in the end, as much as I'm an entrepreneur, I remain true to my travel roots and never forget that I'm a exploring pilgrim first.
Nicholas Kontis
Actually, the more I research my subject matter, the more I want to write. I get ideas and run with it. I listen to iconic explorers, world travelers, and amazing travel writers. We all have a story to tell. It's quite an accomplishment to be an author.
Nicholas Kontis
As it appears that the sharing economy surely is here to stay, I will be working on a second edition on my experiential travel book. I'm blessed that of the 100 plus reviews that I have 90% are 5 stars, so I'm doing something right.
Nicholas Kontis
Just read! - Read other writers in your genre. When begin to write. It took me a year to come out with my book. You write to teach, inspire, to learn. You'll only make money if you don't obsess about it. Being an author lends a great deal of credibility to your other interests or businesses that you may have.
Nicholas Kontis
I have a voice. In my life, I've been blessed to have been to 85 countries, and to have worked my adult life in the field of travel. I'm preaching that the true meaning of travel is about immersing and learning from local people. All the while treading lightly on our fragile planet.
Being a writer, and travel writer gives me the possibility to up the pathetic number of 38% of Americans who actually hold a passport.
Being a writer, and travel writer gives me the possibility to up the pathetic number of 38% of Americans who actually hold a passport.
Nicholas Kontis
I take a break and get far away from my computer. When in San Francisco and the Napa Valley, I go on long bike rides to clear my head. When in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I'll go surfing or even just a jump in the ocean.
Nicholas Kontis
I highly recommend The Way of Wanderlust by Don George.
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