Author: Don Mankin

Don Mankin has filled many roles in his professional life: aerospace engineer, business consultant, psychologist, educator, and now travel writer. Before fleeing the academic life in 2006, he authored four books in management and organizational psychology, including "Teams and Technology" from Harvard Business School Press and "Business Without Boundaries" from Jossey-Bass. The Wall Street Journal called his first travel book, "Riding the Hulahula to the Arctic Ocean: A Guide to 50 Extraordinary Adventures for the Seasoned Traveler" (from National Geographic Press) one of the best travel books of 2008. Don has won several awards for his travel writing including first place in the 50+ Travel category every year from 2011 to 2014 in the annual competition sponsored by the North American Travel Journalists Association.

CRUISING IN A “BUBBLE” DOWN THE CALIFORNIA COAST

As the full moon reflected off the dark seas and our boat gently rocked on the rolling swells, I thought, “this sure beat washing my hands, disinfecting delivery from my favorite Thai restaurant, and searching for something new to watch on Netflix.” What does a travel writer do during a pandemic, other than fantasize about the exotic trips he can’t take? If you are […]

Whales, Walruses, and Polar Bears in the Russian Far East

The polar bear sauntered down the beach toward us. My heart pounded as he squinted in our direction, no doubt weighing the nutritional value of the 20 or so tasty morsels wrapped in fleece, down and Gore Tex just 40 yards away.

Big Bend National Park

Big Country and Big Surprises in the Lone Star State

Bangkok: The Side Tourists Rarely See

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he chubby six-year-old with the heavy-duty water cannon scanned the crowd, looking for targets. He spotted me, one of the few Western tourists in sight, and hesitated. I smiled. That was all he needed. The wet blast from his weapon hit me square in the chest. I didn’t mind. There are worse things than […]