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

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Beyond Your Backyard - Cozumel

Come with me to the Mexican island destination of Cozumel to learn more about Mayan Culture, through the food and the archaeology. We'll spend time with a spiritual guru who teaches ancient history through deep breathing and self-discovery. We'll also dine on delicious Mayan delicacies and learn how to scuba dive!

Beyond Your Backyard - Currituck, The Outer Banks

The crew and I explore the northern end of this legendary and popular destination on North Carolina’s Atlantic coast. Join me in one of the few places in the United States where wild horses still run free! I'll discover how a beach vibe, tide and some historic lighthouses shaped this unique destination. All that, and plenty of fun and fresh seafood for all in a destination unlike any other.

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 - Jamaica

In this edition of Beyond Your Backyard, the show visits the island nation of Jamaica. Erik learns the history of the culture while exploring grottoes, riding horseback in the ocean, and sampling Jamaican-style culinary offerings.

Vacation - The New Perfume

Sometimes, travel can be funny! Watch this short commercial for a new perfume! 

Beyond Your Backyard - Key West, Florida

"Fun in the Sun" is given a whole new meaning in this Beyond Your Backyard episode as Erik The Travel Guy takes you down to Mile Zero to set sail and get some step-by-step snorkel instruction.

Destination Spotlight - Ocean City, NJ

Embark on an unforgettable vacation to Ocean City, NJ, a coastal haven that promises a delightful escape filled with sun-soaked adventures and endless entertainment.

Notes From The Road - Happy Summer

Happy Summer! Yes, the beach days, the amusement parks, the swimming pools! I love Summer and everything about it. 

Make A Rain Plan

The first day of spring 2023 is upon us and boy am I excited! The spring showers bring beautiful flowers! As I write this note, I am making my way down to Curacao to make an exciting episode of Beyond Your Backyard.

Destination Spotlight - Daytona Beach, FL

In light of the Daytona 500 on February 19th, I thought you might want to learn more about this iconic Florida beach paradise. 

Five Romantic Vacation Destinations

Valentine’s Day is upon us (or was) and perhaps that annual observance reminded you to book a romantic getaway with your significant other. Perhaps an extended weekend in a place you both adore or a week-long romance extravaganza is in order?

All Inclusive vs. Cruise

Greetings fellow vacation enthusiasts! We have a lot to cover as this is a busy week! One of the questions I get asked quite a bit is “which do you prefer, an all inclusive resort or a cruise?” This is such a loaded question because I love both.

My Trip to Half Moon Cay

OMG! This private beach is exactly what dream vacations are made of! This is a private island/beach and very popular stop with Carnival Cruise lInes and Holland America. White sand beaches, crystal clear water, you have to see it to believe it.

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 - Top Five Multigenerational Travel Ideas

While some people like to keep their trips light - as in not inviting anyone to come along with you - others have decided to go big. Multigenerational Trips have spiked in popularity since 2019 and it’s not hard to see why.

Destination Spotlight - Barbados

This Barbados Guide is a jumping off point in learning more about this Caribbean island paradise.

How To Shuck Oysters

On my recent trip to the Olympic Peninsula, I learned how to shuck oysters and it was so much fun!

Beyond Your Backyard - St Petersburg / Clearwater, Florida

In this edition of Beyond Your Backyard, Erik the Travel Guy seeks educational fun in the sun in St. Pete / Clearwater, Florida. This virtually undiscovered gulf coast destination is bursting at the seams with artistic flair. Erik dives into the mind of Salvador Dali, takes a colorful downtown walking tour, learns the art of glass blowing and samples BBQ from an iconic pitmaster. Thanks for watching, liking, subscribing and sharing these videos with your friends!

Bimini Bahamas In Full Color

Bimini is a district of the Bahamas and consist of two main islands located 50-miles east of Florida. 

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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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