Mr. Smith is a familiar figure to most students: the organized stack of papers, the warm smile, and the uncanny ability to turn ordinary topics into meaningful discoveries. But outside the classroom, he is something entirely different—an adventurer whose passion for travel has taken him far beyond textbooks and lesson plans. So how does he balance teaching with his love for exploring the world?
“I try not to work while I’m traveling if I can avoid it,” he explained. “However, for several years I worked as an international raft guide and kayak instructor, so part of my job was to travel and take clients with me wherever I went.”
When asked whether being a teacher makes traveling easier, he had a thoughtful response. “I don’t know if it’s any easier being a teacher or not. We do have a schedule that allows us to travel during the summer or a little bit in the winter. I like to travel in the Southern Hemisphere, and it doesn’t always line up with our vacation schedule since their best weather is during our winter. That can be challenging.”
One of the highlights of his travels is a place he strongly recommends to others. “I would recommend any teacher or any person to travel to Turkey. The nation is wonderful. It’s the same latitude as California and has similar weather patterns, but the history is rich and the culture is eclectic, warm, and hospitable. The food is AMAZING! From the eastern Khachkar Mountains to the western Bosphorus coast, it’s a phenomenal nation.”
Frequent travelers always learn tricks of the trade, and Mr. Smith has picked up a few of his own. “Two travel tips I’ve learned over the years: pack light—you don’t need as much as you think—and always try to learn some of the language of the country you’re visiting. A little effort goes a long way and can help you make lifelong friends in faraway places.”
With so much to see in the world, entertainment is never an issue for him. “I didn’t have to work very hard to be entertained. Everywhere I went was something new and awe-inspiring. People are the best entertainment.”
There are still places he hopes to explore. “I would really like to visit Egypt and tour the Valley of the Kings. So much history lives there, and I’m very curious to see it up close and personal.”
Unlike many travelers, Mr. Smith doesn’t come home with bulky souvenirs. “I rarely collect souvenirs from places. I usually travel with a small backpack and not much else. I often sleep in youth hostels, camp in the woods, or stay with friends I meet along the way. My souvenirs are usually photographs and experiences with new friends. Occasionally, a piece of art or something meaningful finds its way into my backpack. For example, I was once given a ram’s horn to blow into to signal others. And I very nearly brought a wife home with me—but that’s another story.”
Traveling extensively requires creativity and resourcefulness, especially on a small budget. “I lived on a pretty small budget, as you can imagine. I often took jobs wherever I was visiting to earn a few coins to continue my adventures. I worked as a bartender in different cities and towns, a ski instructor, and a photographer and videographer. I did work for National Geographic and contributed to guidebooks such as Lonely Planet and Frommer’s Guide.”
This is just a glimpse into Mr. Smith’s incredible experiences as both a world traveler and a math teacher. His adventures show that life outside the classroom can be just as educational, inspiring, and unforgettable as anything taught inside it.
