About

We are Michael and Teresa. Business partners and friends. This is our story.

Backpacking is about simplicity. It’s cutting the unnecessary and going for what really counts; experiences. It’s not only a way of travel, it’s also a lifestyle. For many backpackers, they’ve quit their daily routine at home and went to travel the world for a year or more.

It is the  lifestyle of one who chooses to travel simply with a large backpack. They are budget seekers and tend to go on extended trips because of this. You’ll find them nearly in every part of the world and usually they’re trying to blend in as a local. Best of all, anyone can be a backpacker.

The goal of Art of Backpacking is to show you through words and media of the wonders around us. Natural wonders that may seem like you’re looking directly at a postcard, the unbelievable kindness of strangers, foods you wouldn’t have imagined would taste so good, and cultures that make no sense to you, but does to them. It’s a big world we should all share.

The website initially launched December of 2008 and continues to grow at a rate faster than anticipated. Stay up to date with our RSS Feed, Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks.

Thanks to the dozens of contributors, Art of Backpacking is our site; made up of stories of travelers around the world. We love hearing about fellow travelers and encourage others to share!

Our focus is simplicity, minimalism, experiences, and adventure. It’s cutting travel costs, but not cutting the exciting elements of adventure. Our mission is to help you travel in style; to distinctive places and to have fun doing so!

Faces behind Art of Backpacking

Michael Tieso
Role: Editor in Chief
From: New Jersey, USA
Contact: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blog, Email
Dream Destination?: Since I was a kid, I had always dreamed of going to Japan.
Favorite Food?: Ceviche, Argentinean Pizza, Sushi, and all around Thai food.
Favorite Quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde
A Little About Me: I was working at an office cubicle with a typical 9 to 5 job for UPS. Thanks to the internet, I had discovered backpacking and decided to make a small trip to Canada in 2008. Since then, I was hooked. I made an immediate change in my lifestyle. Saving, budgeting, and getting ready to take the leap to travel around the world. In May 2009, I quit my job and headed with a one-way ticket to Beijing, China. Never looked back since.

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Teresa Gotay
Role: Executive Editor
From: New York City, USA
Contact: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blog,  Email
Dream Destination?: Greece; it’s my lifelong dream to soak up the Mediterranean.
Favorite Food?: Empanadas, Pizza, Ceviche, Pad Thai, Arroz con Gandules, Sushi, Sunflower seeds, Greek salad and good ole American cheese fries.
Favorite Quote: “Go for long walks, indulge in hot baths, question your assumptions, be kind to yourself, live for the moment, loosen up, scream, curse the world, count your blessings, just let go, just be.” -Carol Shields
A little about me: While trying to find a way to unite my love for writing and my need to travel, things kind of just fell into place. After freelancing in NYC for travel sites and being laid off from them, 2010 became the year of travel and self discovery. I spent 4 months traveling through South America getting a taste of the backpacking experience. It left me with a craving for more and the appreciation of people, culture and travel. If I am not on the road or planning my next adventure, you can find me in the heart of NYC, looking for backpackers to help! My next trip? The Netherlands, for relaxation, my favorite flower and to follow my heart!