• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Hangry Backpacker

Go Alone. Get Lost. Eat.

  • Go Alone
    • Go Alone
    • Facing Fears as a Solo Backpacker
  • Get Lost
    • Get Lost
    • The Best Places to Travel in Southeast Asia
    • Do Tourists Ruin the World’s Most Famous Attractions?
    • City Guides
  • Eat
    • Eat
      • Eat
      • And Drink
        • Beer in Southeast Asia
    • Time is Food
    • The Ultimate Guide to Pizza in Portland
  • Lagniappe
    • Lagniappe
    • Hangry Backpacker Travel Gear
    • Pack Light, Pack Right!
    • Starting a Travel Blog
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Southeast Asia
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Africa
  • Hostels
  • Tours
You are here: Home / About

About

 

Hangry Backpacker eating weird food
I’ll eat just about anything, even whole roasted frogs…

Welcome to The Hangry Backpacker!

Presenting travel information in an unfiltered, honest way is our goal.  At the Hangry Backpacker, we are ready to wander, encourage solo travel and are always ready to eat!

I’m John Paul, the Hangry Backpacker. I’m a hungry traveler who loves to see new places, eat new (often strange) foods and learn about the world. I have always had a passion for travel, as long as I can remember.

Even as a child, I would rarely sleep on long family road trips, opting instead to look at the passing cities and countryside. There is simply too much to see out the window. My curiosity and commentary would keep me (and any others willing to listen) awake as long as necessary.

This curiosity as a child grew into an obsession to know and learn as much as possible about far off places. As a 4th grader, I read a set of 50 mini-reference books from my school library about each and every state in the US, learning facts, legends, history and more. I had dreams of seeing and living in strange, far away places. Each time I was exposed to a new place, even somewhere not-so-exotic or close to home, I observed intently and my curiosity grew.

But I’ll try to keep this short. A few years ago, I set off on a solo backpacking trip through Europe. I told myself and others this would be one last distraction, one last bit of personal exploration, before it was time to focus on my future in law school and the real world. Clearly, that did not happen. What did happen was that little flame for travel inside me transformed into a blazing inferno.

After moving away for a couple of years, I realized I could no longer deny myself. I needed to see the world and to learn more about it. I have to explore as much as possible. And I want to share in hopes of helping others learn about the world and make the most of their own travels. I’ve traveled extensively as a solo backpacker, as part of a couple, for short weekends and for several months on end. My goal as the Hangry Backpacker is simple – to encourage others to explore and learn about the world through food and a little bit of wandering.

I am a firm believer that food and drink is an open window into another culture. My experiences have taught me the importance of getting lost in new places and the value in traveling alone, which is why the motto at The Hangry Backpacker is this:

Go Alone. Get Lost. Eat.


Check out some of our latest travel happenings:

Spain

Egypt

Romania

Morocco

 

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Essential Egypt Travel Tips by the Hangry Backpacker27 Essential Egypt Travel Tips
    January 12, 2025
  • Hangry Backpacker First Impressions of Travel to Barcelona SpainFirst Impressions of Barcelona: An Unpopular Opinion
    December 26, 2024
  • Taking the Train Between Madrid and Barcelona by the Hangry BackpackerTaking the Train Between Madrid & Barcelona
    August 18, 2024

Travel Prepared!

Search hotels and more...

Destination

Check-in date

Sat 24 May 2025

Check-out date

Sun 25 May 2025
Booking.com

Popular Posts

  • Eating in Brasov, Romania
    Eating in Brasov, Romania
  • Eating in Madrid: Cheap, Local & More
    Eating in Madrid: Cheap, Local & More
  • A First-Timer's Guide to Eating in Cairo
    A First-Timer's Guide to Eating in Cairo

Featured Post: What’s in My Bag?

Hangry Backpacker's Travel Gear

Follow the Hangry Backpacker!

hangrybackpacker

The Magnolia State! I've always thought Magnolia The Magnolia State! 

I've always thought Magnolias are cool flowers, all the way back to 3rd grade when I brought one from my grandparents house to show the class.  Nyctinasty (plant circadian rhythm!) - fascinsting how they respond to light, opening in the day and closing at night. Not sure the other 8-9 year olds were impressed 😆

• • • • •

#HangryBackpacker #travel #travelblogger #magnolia #mississippi
Staple (noun) - a basic or necessary item of food Staple (noun) - a basic or necessary item of food

Pizza fits that definition and there is always time and always room for awesome pizza.

• • • • • 

#HangryBackpacker #pizzaislife #pizzaislove #pizzaishappiness #brickovenpizza #foodblogger #eattheworld #foodporn #justeatit
I love a good view! This one, from the Clock Tower I love a good view! This one, from the Clock Tower of Tirana, offers great views over Skanderbeg Square.

From the top, you can see that Tirana is different than what people may assume. It's green and lively with a mountain backdrop, modern and historic at the same time. 

- - - - -

#HangryBackpacker #travel #travelblogger #albania #tirana #albaniatravel #skanderbegsquare #visittirana #visitalbania #viewfromabove
The Church of St. Michael, Berat. This tiny Orthod The Church of St. Michael, Berat. This tiny Orthodox church sits on the cliffside between old town and Berat Castle. Though it isn't the most majestic church, it dates back to the Byantine era of the 14th Century and has great views.

The walk up may be difficult for some, but it's easier and shorter than it appears from street level. To my surprise, only a few other people were up there the whole time we were looking around.

- - - - -

#HangryBackpacker #travel #travelblogger #berat #albania #visitalbania #albaniatravel #shqiperia #omsystem #unescoworldheritagesite #travelalbania #olympusomdem10 #worldcaptures #skymileslife #traveltips
Follow on Instagram

Hangry for More?!

Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the Hangry Backpacker for updates, travel tips & more!

    No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Built with ConvertKit

    Before Footer

    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
    • About
    • Contact
    • Disclaimer

    Copyright © 2025 · The Hangry Backpacker

     

    Loading Comments...
     

    You must be logged in to post a comment.