Wyatt Meyers

Hi!

My name is Wyatt Meyers. I’m a 25-year-old college grad who was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, USA.

I have traveled to over 25 countries on 5 continents in the last six years.

I’ve been from the top of Rainbow Mountain in Peru (17,060 ft.; 5,200 m) to the depths of the Haliburton shipwreck in Honduras (-110 ft.; -33 m), with stories in between.

Let me tell you (and more importantly SHOW you) how you can do the same!

Growing up a couple hours outside pristine, untouched wilderness areas has allowed me ample opportunities to engage in adrenaline-rushing activities.

I’ve been alpine skiing since I was 3 years old. I spend at least a month every year ultralight backpacking. I have peaked some of the tallest mountains in the continental US. I also love rock climbing and whitewater rafting.

My love of the outdoors eventually led me to an interest in traveling.

I spent two summers living and working within walking distance of 11,000 ft. peaks in Stanley, Idaho (population 68). My coworkers were some of the most incredible humans on this planet, who globetrotted in the off-season.

Hearing captivating stories from places I’d never even thought about visiting ignited an eagerness to expand my horizons. Their tales of foreign adventures inspired me to create my own.

However, I was just a broke 19-year-old college kid who didn’t know anything about anything, let alone traveling.

After saving up one summer to go on a 10-day tour of Costa Rica, I quickly learned three things:

1) I love traveling! (The trip was amazing!)

2) Tour companies definitely aren’t my preferred way of traveling.

I did like our guide, and I didn’t spend one second trip-planning. However, the freedom of creating my own open-ended plans through a country is thrilling.

3) There was no way I could afford $2,200 for 10-day trips.

So how was I able to travel during every college break and visit 15 countries during my last three years of university?

One afternoon, I was writing a research paper in the small chemistry computer lab at Boise State University. I noticed a guy across the room flipping around Google Earth, looking at beautiful pictures from exotic countries.

Wanting any excuse to avoid putting together yet another painfully long essay, I decided to strike up a conversation.

His name was Jordan. I asked him what kind of trip he was planning. He said, “I’m going to Paris to meet up with some friends this weekend. And trying to decide where to go for Spring Break.”

I still distinctly remember how surprised and shocked I was at this statement. I wondered, “How much could his parents possibly make for him to afford all that?”

We talked for a while, and Jordan told me about the trips he’d been on to around ten countries.

Jordan told me he flew on something called “standby.”

Basically this means that, as an airline employee, he was able to book any flight for little to no cost. However, he only got to fly when there were empty seats on the flight.

Time seemed to vanish as he told enthralling stories about his travels over the next few hours.

After our Physical Chemistry class the next day, Jordan said he wanted to show me something. He told me that he had an extra buddy pass on his standby employee benefits. Out of all the people who wanted these benefits (come to find out is EVERYONE), he knew I was one of a select few that would actually use them.

“I’ve been doing this for a few years, and everyone says they want to travel the world, but not many ever push themselves to do it. To go out of their comfort zone.”

“Neither of the people on my benefits used them last year, and I have a feeling you’d actually enjoy them. It costs $200 to get signed up and cleared with security. Just bring it tomorrow if you’re in.”

I didn’t know if I could afford it. Not only that, he needed a lot of my personal information to “fill out the forms.” Also, $200 buys a lot of beer!

Looking back on this moment, it’s crazy to think about how my hesitance could’ve changed the course of my life.

The adventure-loving side of me quickly won over, and I gave a stranger my driver’s license, passport, and $200.

One month later, I successfully completed my first week-long international trip for under $500 (including flights).

After one week surfing some of the best breaks in the world in the “most dangerous country” (El Salvador), I was hooked. Jordan and I went on many more trips, together and separately, in the next year.

I met Katelyn at a house party in college. We became friends, and she was jealous of my international escapades. Through Jordan, she was able to get a job with the airline after graduation.

We took many trips together as travel buddies before officially becoming a couple. Now we live together, and look forward to a life of endless adventures!

My experience as an ultralight backpacker has pushed me to new limits.

Ultralight backpacking is all about minimalism. While you do end up with a lighter pack, the real goal is to minimize the amount of gear you bring while maximizing safety, comfort, and your natural experience.

Since my backpack alone weighs less than 10 pounds, I’m able to bring the largest first aid kit and extra warm clothes on outdoor adventures.

Bringing less stuff also allows me to spend more time enjoying this beautiful world, which really is our main goal. I focus on the experience, rather than worrying about all the stuff I’m carrying.

Obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry has given me an up-close look at the impending climate change crisis.

As an outdoorsman, nature-lover, and chemist, I like to do things in an eco-friendly manner. Actually, a lot of the same tips that save you money also help you be more green.

In order to reduce waste and increase reusability, I search first for used gear, then look at eco-friendly new options, and finally ponder the cheapest options.

In many cases, what will help save our planet will also slim down your expenditures. Many eco-friendly options have a great return on investment.

For example, let’s say you spend $25 on a quality water purifier instead of $5 dollars each on single-use plastic bottles. The filter costs more up-front, but it pays itself off after just a one-week trip. In the end, you’re saving money AND reducing waste.

Buying used, on the other hand, saves you money up-front, and is much better for the environment than buying new.

With my background, I believe I can give you the best advice on how to travel safely, lightly, comfortably, sustainably, and affordably, so you can maximize your time and money.

I’m interested in helping people travel in any way that I can, because traveling has done so much for me.

Finding new and interesting ways to save for my next trip is a true passion. My mind is often flooded with ideas, and I will be sharing them on our blog and Instagram.

You can message us on Instagram or any of our social media accounts to ask for specific tips for your next trip!