Ready...Set...Vacation! with Erik the Travel Guy

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Beyond Your Backyard - Thanksgiving

Beyond Your Backyard travels to Plymouth, MA to learn more about “the first Thanksgiving” and shows you how to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving feast with turkey and all the trimmings.

Explore the United States!

National parks, small towns, big cities, beaches, forests, desserts, this country is big and diverse! Get out there and explore! 

Beyond Your Backyard - Colonial Williamsburg

Beyond Your Backyard goes back in time and learns about American life in Colonial Williamsburg. Erik The Travel Guy steps into the shoes of an early American settler in this historic triangle where he takes up arms and learns all about the proper way to fire a musket, ax-throwing, the honest slave story, and how to make delicious ginger biscuits.

Notes From The Road - Summer Marches On

My goodness, summer is zooming by and I can’t believe it’s nearly August. While most people (perhaps you) are basking in the late summer sun, allow me to remind you to book your holiday travel NOW

Destination Spotlight - Montgomery, Alabama

Nestled in the heart of Alabama, Montgomery is a captivating city that combines a deep historical heritage with a thriving modern culture. From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement to its vibrant arts scene and delicious Southern cuisine, Montgomery offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

Travel Tip - How To Drive On A Two Lane Highway

Picture this. You made the decision to take a family vacation. You booked all the arrangements, packed the car and are setting out for fun, excitement and much needed relaxation.

Beyond Your Backyard - Winston-Salem, NC

Join Erik as he gets a history lesson about the Moravian culture of Old Salem. Prepare to be entertained as he challenges a professional baker to a cookie-making race at Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies, and fine tune your senses as he experiences the grandeur of The Reynolda House Museum of American Art. He’ll also dig into some delicious and award winning southern cuisine at his visit to Sweet Potatoes Restaurant.

Destination Spotlight - Lafayette, LA

Lafayette, LA isn’t called the “The Happiest City in America” just because it sounds good. It earned that name by being a community filled with good people who greet visitors with warm smiles, delicious food, and authentic, inclusive Cajun culture. By simply walking the streets of Lafayette, you will see what I mean. 

Destination Spotlight - Montauk, NY

You know what they say…meet me in Montauk! And in case you haven’t been, please allow me to expound. Montauk is located at the very end of Long Island (to the east) after the Hamptons. It is a charming beach community featuring miles of sandy beaches, lush, green state parks, quaint shopping and dining districts and plenty of accommodation options if you book in advance.

Travel Tip - Car Rental

We’ve all been there. We arrive at our destination, we get our bags (unless you’ve paid attention and only brought carry-on luggage), and you trudge your way over to the Rental Car Center.

The Viewcaster - Travel Parody

Celebrities, rock stars even royalty know how to use this travel hack. You too can vacation just like them anywhere in the world!*

*Of course this product is satire. We do not substantiate any claims made in this video because it isn't a real product.

Fudge Making On Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, Michigan is famous for it's delicious fudge so I donned the apron with Ryba's famous owner to learn how to make their delicious fudge!

Destination Spotlight - Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Step into a world of luxurious accommodations. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is located in Farmington, PA and is an excellent location for family fun! This video shows you what to expect during your stay.

Erik Hastings Biography

Erik Hastings, a.k.a. "Erik the Travel Guy"

Erik “the Travel Guy” Hastings is an EMMY award-winning television personality who speaks directly to consumers who can't afford to "get their vacations wrong". He is the host and managing editor of three internationally syndicated television series; "Beyond Your Backyard", “Food for Thought” and “Cruise Food”.

Erik leads an incredibly talented team of industry pros and is the editorial driving force of his platform. While the travel industry directly supports millions of families worldwide, Erik believes travel makes the world a better place. Through exploration and discovery, he has learned that travel brings cultures together and he eagerly shares that spirit with his viewers.

In 2005, Erik launched his own production company that specialized in creating high-quality, low-cost travel videos for online distribution, which has added “world traveler” to his resume. This enterprise encapsulates all of Erik’s true joys by combining video production, writing, discovery, adventure, performing and interacting with fascinating people in some of the most inspiring and beautiful travel destinations in the world. Since inception, he has amassed an impressive client roster including Hertz, The Greenbrier Resort, CruiseOne, Carnival, Pinehurst, Iberostar, and countless official tourism bureaus throughout the world.

In 2017, Erik and his creative team began production on "Beyond Your Backyard", a new educational travel series for Blue Ridge PBS. The series debuted in April of 2018 on Blue Ridge PBS and other public broadcasting stations and quickly gained national attention and new affiliates. Today, the series is seen by millions of viewers nationwide. The series is syndicated by NETA and carried on the CREATE Channel. In its first season, the series was honored by the industry with two EMMY awards for the show and its host.

In 2022, Erik formed a new venture (4:55 AM Entertainment Co.) with his longtime friend and creative partner Jason Zumwalt. His new company produces two series: “Cruise Food” and “Food For Thought”.

Erik spends (on average) about 25 weeks on the road per year. When he's not traveling, he spends time with his two daughters in the New York City area.

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