Like every other American with a computer, I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit on the Internet.  That being said, I’ve realized that there are generally two types of travel blogs active on the Web these days:

(1) Travel blogs that discuss the newest and greatest high-tech travel gadgets, the best hiking and camping gear for outdoor excursions, the most efficient ways to keep your possessions from getting stolen while you’re abroad, and the best spots to enjoy banana pancakes.

(2) Travel blogs that consist of one person talking about where (s)he is currently located, what kind of tourist experiences (s)he has had in the past few days, and subsequently posting pictures – with the cycle on repeat.

In seeking to break with this trend, I have created “Beyond Backpacking” to provide more substantial insight into the realities of living life abroad.  Unlike most travel bloggers, I am averse to the time-honored tradition of country hopping that I feel has been favored by one-too-many backpackers – you simply can’t expect to understand any place or its people through a whirlwind tour, no matter how spectacular.

This blog has been created for those who are looking for an experience that moves past Lonely Planet and Frommers and explores more deeply the candid realities of international travel.  True to my own personal day-to-day experience, “Beyond Backpacking” offers a more detailed perspective on international living than can be perceived from within the walls of youth hostels and tourist joints.