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Europe Destination Spotlight Erik the Travel Guy

Destination Spotlight - Europe

Did you know Europe is the world’s second smallest continent? That's right! Europe welcomes more than half of all the visitors in the world. As a matter of fact, seven of the 10 most visited countries in the world are European nations! Ancient history and diverse cultural heritage are two of the reasons people visit today.

Beyond Your Backyard - The Azores

In this episode, Erik travels across the Atlantic Ocean to learn what all the fuss is about in this undiscovered, island paradise. He learns more about the history and culture by talking with the locals, exploring on foot through the terrain, and showing you how viewers can explore for themselves.

Travel Tip - A Beginner's Guide to River Cruising

River cruising has emerged as a captivating way to traverse the world's most enchanting waterways, providing travelers with a unique blend of luxury, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Travel Tip - ETIAS Unveiled: The Future of European Travel for Americans

You may have heard about this somewhere in the last few months so let me set the record straight. If you are an American or Canadian citizen with a respective passport, then you previously did not need a visa to enter European Union countries.

Beyond Your Backyard - Stockholm Sweden

Wow! What a unique corner of the globe. In this episode, we tour the Vasa Museum, learn more about ABBA and sample unbelievably delicious fire grilled cuisine. Not to mention, we spend some time chatting with the Captain on the flight deck of a gorgeous Boeing Dreamliner. Sit back and enjoy Beyond Your Backyard in Stockholm, Sweden.

8 Best Places to Visit In Europe

Did you know Europe is the world’s second smallest continent? That's right! Europe welcomes more than half of all the visitors in the world. As a matter of fact, seven of the 10 most visited countries in the world are European nations! Ancient history and diverse cultural heritage are two of the reasons people visit today.

Dining Out in Stockholm

Charcoal and smoke are their most powerful tools. No electric griddle, no gas stove - only natural heat, soot, ash, smoke and fire. My dinner at this eclectic Stockholm restaurant was simply amazing!

Travel Tip - How Not To Get Robbed On Vacation

Listen, while the world is a beautiful place (see literally every video we’ve ever produced) there is always a chance you’ll run into the wrong element while traveling abroad.

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.