la travel fest
Traveling opens doors to new experiences, and we have the chance to turn each trip into something truly memorable. Over many years, we’ve explored places far and wide, learning how to embrace adventure while staying mindful of what lies ahead.
By sharing stories from some of history’s most daring explorers and diving into mysteries that challenge our understanding, we invite you to join us on a journey beyond ordinary travel. Along the way, we pick up useful tips and inspire each other to explore confidently and thoughtfully.
Meet Josh: Traveling Host and Adventurer
Our Time with Discovery Channel
We’ve spent many years working alongside Discovery Channel, hosting a variety of shows that dive into unique stories and adventures. Some of our favorite projects include Tales from the Explorer’s Club, which brings to life the journeys of history’s boldest adventurers. We also lead Expedition X, exploring the paranormal and mysterious creatures, shining a light on the strange and unexplained corners of travel.
Beyond those, we hosted Expedition Files, where we investigate historical mysteries like DB Cooper’s disappearance or the legends around King Tut’s tomb. Staying curious and digging into these stories keeps us connected with viewers eager for real adventure.
Decades of Worldwide Travel Experience
We have been traveling for nearly 20 years, spending about 150 to 200 days a year abroad. This lifestyle has taken us across the globe repeatedly, diving into various cultures and lending our voices to storytelling around these experiences. Throughout these travels, one thing is clear: preparation and understanding risks are key, but boldness fuels the best discoveries.
Whether staying overnight in places rumored to be cursed or exploring remote locations, our journey is fueled by curiosity paired with caution. This blend helps us turn every trip into a new, great adventure.
Transforming Travel Into Adventure
Welcoming Courage and Curiosity
When we approach travel, it’s all about daring to step beyond the usual. Being curious pushes us to uncover places and experiences we might have overlooked. Boldness isn’t about recklessness; it’s about opening ourselves to the unexpected with an open mind and heart.
Ways to nurture curiosity and courage:
- Ask questions and seek local insights
- Try new activities, even if they feel outside our comfort zone
- Embrace surprises as part of the journey
Grasping and Navigating Hazards
Adventure comes with risks, but understanding them helps us travel smarter. We make sure to research our destinations thoroughly, knowing what challenges to expect. Managing risks means balancing caution with excitement—being prepared while still allowing space for discovery.
Key risk management steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Research | Gather facts about the environment and culture |
| Evaluate | Assess potential dangers and difficulties |
| Prepare | Plan resources, gear, and contingency options |
| Stay Alert | Listen to intuition and local advice |
Inside Tales From the Explorers Club
Remarkable Lives of Historic Adventurers
In Tales From the Explorers Club, we dive into the lives and journeys of some of history’s most daring explorers. These stories reveal both the excitement and challenges they faced while pushing boundaries in unknown territories. Their adventures inspire us to appreciate boldness, preparation, and respect for the risks involved in exploration.
Connecting With Actual Club Members
We often engage with real members of the Explorers Club, giving us a direct link to living explorers who continue the tradition today. These connections enrich our understanding of what it means to be part of a community dedicated to discovery and adventure. Sharing their experiences helps us see how exploration evolves while honoring its roots.
Unlocking the Mysteries of Expedition X
Investigating Unexplained Phenomena
In our journeys, we dive into strange and unusual experiences that challenge what we think we know. We examine reports of mysterious encounters and delve into areas where the paranormal might be at play. Our goal is to explore these phenomena openly and with curiosity, understanding the risks and keeping an open mind.
Tracking Legendary Creatures Worldwide
We also chase stories of creatures that have been whispered about for generations but remain unproven. From remote forests to hidden mountain ranges, we seek evidence of elusive animals that many consider myths. By traveling extensively and investigating firsthand, we bring new perspectives to the fascinating field of cryptozoology.
Exploring Unsolved Enigmas
Notable Cases and Legendary Accounts
We dive into some of history’s most compelling mystery files. From daring disappearances like that of DB Cooper to the enduring tales surrounding King Tut’s tomb, these stories keep our curiosity alive. Each case challenges us to consider new evidence and perspectives as we explore what really happened.
| Mystery Topic | Key Details | Why It Intrigues Us |
|---|---|---|
| DB Cooper | Unknown fate after midair hijacking | The unsolved nature sparks endless theories |
| King Tut’s Tomb | Alleged curse reported by explorers | We’ve even spent nights inside to test the lore |
Encounters at Historic Landmarks
Our journeys often bring us face-to-face with places rich in history and mystery. Spending time at these sites gives us a unique connection to the past. Whether it’s sleeping overnight in a notorious tomb or walking the grounds of ancient ruins, these personal experiences add layers to our understanding of the unknown.
- We prepare thoroughly before any visit, knowing the risks involved.
- Being bold helps us uncover new details, but caution keeps us safe.
- Every visit becomes part of our ongoing adventure into history’s unanswered questions.
Tips for Crafting Your Own Great Adventure
Doing Your Homework Before You Go
Before we dive into any journey, it’s key that we gather information about where we’re headed. Knowing the history, culture, and potential challenges helps us stay safe and get the most out of the experience. Understanding risks doesn’t take the fun away; it actually prepares us to be bold in smart ways.
A quick checklist can help:
- Research the destination thoroughly
- Learn about local customs and rules
- Check weather and terrain conditions
- Prepare for emergencies or unexpected situations
Trusting Your Gut Feeling
Adventure often requires a mix of planning and spontaneity. While being prepared, we should also tune in to our instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Listening to that inner voice can guide us away from trouble and toward unique opportunities that planning alone can’t predict.
Staying alert and adaptable helps us enjoy our trip fully while staying safe.
Engagement and Community Connection
We believe every journey is more meaningful when shared with others who are passionate about exploration. Connecting with fellow travelers and adventurers enriches our experiences and helps us learn from each other’s stories.
By staying curious and open, we build a community that supports boldness while encouraging us to respect the risks involved. Engaging in conversations, Q&As, and shared storytelling creates a space where we grow together.
Ways we connect and engage:
- Sharing travel tales and lessons learned
- Discussing new discoveries and mysteries
- Supporting each other’s adventures with advice and encouragement
Our shared enthusiasm fuels our adventures, making every trip more than just travel—it becomes a collective journey.
If a day of travel storytelling sounds like your kind of fun, LA Travel Fest earns its spot on the calendar. Hearing Josh Gates talk through nearly twenty years of exploring — from Explorers Club legends to unsolved mysteries like DB Cooper and the lore around King Tut’s tomb — is genuinely inspiring, and his core message sticks: research hard, trust your gut, and be bold anyway. It’s less about booking deals and more about refilling your travel motivation alongside a community of people who love the road as much as you do. We left with fresh ideas and a longer wish list, which is exactly what a travel festival should do.