Camping | 94.9 KLTY - Dallas, TX

Travel Tip - Visiting The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, a geological marvel sculpted by the hands of time, stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the Earth's majesty. Visiting this natural wonder is a journey of a lifetime, promising breathtaking vistas, unparalleled beauty and...

Beyond Your Backyard - Scottsdale, AZ

In this episode, I'm learning the difference between “the new west” and “the old west” in Scottsdale, Arizona. The show takes time to learn more about the breathtaking scenery, the influence of native Americans and the visual and performing arts. I soar high above the valley floor in a hot air balloon and dines with an owner/chef specializing in authentic southwestern cuisine.

Beyond Your Backyard - Yosemite and Lake Tahoe

Get ready to explore a gorgeous part of the United States! Erik and the crew start at Lake Tahoe and work their way south to Yosemite National Park.

Beyond Your Backyard - Gettysburg, PA

We are jumping in the time machine in more ways than one! This is the very first episode of my PBS television series Beyond Your Backyard. My fifth grade math teacher haircut and I travel to Gettysburg, PA!

Beyond Your Backyard - PA's Great Outdoors Part Two

A return visit to this region of Pennsylvania proves to be even more fun for the whole family!

Beyond Your Backyard - Staunton, VA

This week, we travel to a small Virginia town with a big Virginia past! In this episode, we explore Staunton’s historic architecture, visit a Presidential birthplace and library, learn a little Shakespearean stage magic and enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner! Big fun in small-town Virginia.

Vacation Merchandise - Kids Busy Bags!

Keep your kids busy, engaged, happy and entertained during your flight with this Kids Busy Bag and Amenity Kit! Perfect for long car rides, flights or rainy days indoors!

Beyond Your Backyard - Muskogee, OK

On this edition of Beyond Your Backyard, I find out why so many people are “Proud to be an Okie from Muskogee.” The crew and I travel to this quaint Oklahoma town to learn about the history of the Girl Scouts, the Trail of Tears and the local country music connection.

Beyond Your Backyard - Yosemite Lake Tahoe

Get ready to explore a gorgeous part of the United States! Erik and the crew start at Lake Tahoe and work their way south to Yosemite National Park. Outdoor recreation and panning for gold are part of the fun!

Beyond Your Backyard - Bemidji, MN

Grab your swim trunks, Erik the Travel Guy heads to the land of 10,000 lakes! Bemidji, a charming enclave in Northern Minnesota, is the setting for this episode.

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.