gtrot | blog

This world traveler techie has been everywhere from Zanzibar to Rio de Janiero. Today’s Featured Traveler, Kevin Bluer is adamant about experiencing different cultures from a local’s point of view. Learn more about his experiences and how to make your very own even more memorable.

Name: Kevin Bluer

I have over 10 years in the technology sector having worked in companies such as Microsoft, JP Morgan, and co-founded two UK-based start-ups. I’m finishing up a role at MTV Networks to kick off the Mongol Rally 2011, a drive from London to Mongolia which I’m both excited and nervous about in near equal measure. I’m a huge fan of travel and the way in which it challenges your preconceived notions of the world and broadens the mind, often in directions you could have never predicted prior to to leaving. Other passions include photography, snowboarding, and attempting to learn new languages, with the emphasis on “attempting”.

I have a number of favorites, for a diverse array of reasons, so it’s hard to pick just one, but Stone Town in Zanzibar certainly stands out. The locals were fantastic and the place had such a great vibe and energy. In addition, the city’s depth and richness was mind-blowing, with influences from both Persian and Western cultures, as well as East Africa. If you’re ever there I highly recommend the 236 Hurumzi for both the hotel itself and the views from its Tower Top Restaurant.

For pure randomness it has to be the Supperclub in Rome, although more for the unique experience as opposed to the food, which was average at best. I was there with a few friends and it was a totally surreal mix of cabaret, music, and lights, all experienced from the “beds” which are positioned around the outside of the room.

Relaxing is something I find hard to do. Even if I’m on a beach I’m tempted to get up and head off exploring. This is why the Round Hill in Jamaica really suited me. It’s a resort, in so much that you’re reliant on taxis or buses to head out to other parts of the island, that really doesn’t feel like one. It also has an amazing mix of pools, beaches, and buildings that blend perfectly with tropical surroundings and come complete with wooden balconies and verandahs. It was also recently redesigned by Ralph Lauren who’s also a shareholder!

This has to be Whistler, Canada. I was there for the second time earlier this year with a bunch of friends from the UK and it is simply world-class. Whistler Mountain alone is more than big enough to keep you going for a few weeks, so that fact you have Blackcomb right “next door” and recently opened Peak 2 Peak gondola connecting the two, is just the icing on the cake.

This is kind of cheating given it was essentially a series of connected trips, but the best overall trip I took was the 4 months I took out when moving from London to New York. Highlights included Everest Base Camp, Angkor Wat, Hokkaido, Hawaii, Machu Picchu, Yyuni and Rio de Janeiro. One of the toughest, yet most profound, countries was Bangladesh. I stayed with a family there, shout out to Mafuz, and the heat and overall hit to the senses was on occasion overwhelming. However, it is still one of the countries I reflect on the most and would love to one day go back.

Go out of your way to be humble and respect absolutely everyone. Regardless of what you might occasionally think, every single person on this planet has near identical wants and needs: health, sustenance, shelter, etc. In addition, make a concerted effort to “connect” with local people. Without doubt, the most memorable aspects of any trip I have ever taken have come from doing this, although I definitely have a long way to go in terms of perfecting the art.

Personal - http://www.bluer.com

Photography - http://www.photopunk.com

Causes - http://www.randomgood.com