TJ developed a taste for travel while living and (ostensibly) studying in Rome, Italy. Thankfully, his self-financed study abroad coincided with the liberalization of Europe’s airline industry. With Ryanair tickets and a rail pass in hand, he traveled around Western Europe, but somehow managed never to set foot in Germany. He in no way meant this as a slight against the good and efficient people of Germany.
On returning to the States, TJ devised an independent study in travel narrative, which was mostly an excuse to travel for college credit. The capstone of the project was a 7200-mile road trip across the United States made in 11 days with two friends in a Mitsubishi Mirage. Miraculously, the three are still close friends.
After graduating from SUNY Albany, TJ taught in Brooklyn for a short period before setting his sights on travel publishing. His internship with eurocheapo.com eventually landed him a gig as New York correspondent for the budget travel website, and he later contributed to the redevelopment of europeanhostels.com. In his free time, he broadened his palate, frequented dodgy bars, and generally became snarkier due to prolonged exposure to Manhattan.
At the end of February, TJ will move to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he will develop travel stories, teach English, and volunteer with the nonprofit Armed with a Paintbrush. By the grace of god, he will also finish the final draft of his graphic novel.
