How Clever Journey came to be
It all started kind of incidentally. The first rocks were laid in 2015 when I travelled to China for a few weeks. I went there with my girlfriend and her family, as a way to better get to know her family. Back then, I was super focused on my day job, I didn’t have the finances to support the trip, and I had travelled internationally only a few times before. Spoiler alert – I ended up going anyway.
And boy am I glad that I did because it changed my life. We went through all of China: Shanghai, Bejing, Xian and smaller towns near Mongolia. I got to experience Chinese trains, domestic flights, the Mongolian mountains and meadows, their spicy noodle soups, haggling in the markets and much more. It all changed my life, and I started to drift away from the idea of working 9-5, living in one place and rarely travelling. And so I began to fly more often year by year.
When I went out with my friends, they always liked to talk about my trips and so did I. Quickly, I became the go-to person for travel advice between my friends and me. I also found like-minded people to whom travelling is a way of life, not a hobby. When I got more experienced, I discovered many ways to save money on flights, avoid tourist traps, how to quickly pack for my journies and much more.
A while ago decided that I want to give something back to the community, by creating a travel blog. And this wouldn’t be just any travel blog. On this travel blog, I would focus on helping others with their trips and vacations, not just rehearse what everyone else is doing by summarizing my trips. And that’s how Clever Journey was born: A resource that educates regular people about travelling smartly.
Is Clever Journey for you?
You’re working full-time. You travel one or two times per year, but you would like to do it more often. On the weekends you go out with your friends, and during work-days, you spend your evenings watching Netflix or browsing facebook, news sites and travel sites. You feel that life isn’t all about grinding at work and watching TV in the evening. It’s more. It’s about experiencing new cultures, trying out new things, and seeing breath-taking views. So you can’t wait to go on your next vacation.
Did this sound a bit like you?
If so, feel free to browse around the site, because after you’ll be better prepared for your next journey.
But how do you get prepared?
Well, first of all, you have to pack your suitcase. There are numerous different techniques and tips to pack a bag more lightweight and efficient. Often, you bring too much stuff that you don’t really need. For instance, I only travel with my carry-on, and I rarely carry a second bag for check-in. At the start, I always flew with two or more bags. Other than that, specific countries require specific items that you shouldn’t forget to bring. We will teach you what you should be packing.
Second, you got to use proper gear. Start with having good luggage that won’t break on your first flight, add in some accessories for organizing and comfort and you’re good to go. For a regular person, it’s hard to distinguish which gear is right and which isn’t. I’ve done several in-depth reviews to make your life easier.
Third, you got to know what to do when you’ve arrived. How to avoid tourist traps, how to do day-trips and don’t spend much on food, how to stay safe, e.t.c.
All we’re really trying to do is help you be better prepared for your vacations. It’s like doing a bit of research on how to properly hike before hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Or learning the various techniques of fishing before actually trying to catch a fish. Or anything else in life. If you come prepared, you’re increasing your chances of having a blast.
About me
My full name is Oscar Brumel, and I’ve got a real passion for travelling. I also love writing and all things digital (Building websites, social media and more). I’m not the ultimate traveller without a home who stays abroad 24/7. I’m just a regular guy, who likes to travel more often than most people, and now I’m helping others on doing the same.
Personally, I would never want to ditch everything and make trips that last years. I believe that everyone should have a home or a place to come back to. But you do have to blow some steam off now and then. Otherwise, life becomes too boring.
How can I help you become a better traveller?
Packing tips. Find out the best ways to pack and what you should be packing for a specific destination.
Travel tips. Learn how to save some money while travelling, get inspired, travel safe and learn the essentials that every tourist should know.
Travel gear. I cover all of the little knick-knacks that may be useful to you when travelling. Seriously, some of them are just genius, can save you a ton of stress, and cost only a few dollars.
Affiliate and Amazon Associates Disclosure
In some of our posts, you may encounter links to other websites. On some of these links, I earn a small commission if you purchase something from the linked site. That’s how I can keep travelling and adding new content to this blog.
Here’s the full Amazon Associates Disclosure:
www.cleverjourney.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.