About Rudy: Your Expert Guide at Backpack and Snorkel

Hello! I am Rudy, the passionate traveler and meticulous planner behind every single guide and itinerary you find on Backpack and Snorkel. My journey began in Germany, where I first discovered the joy of exploration by traveling through Europe. After moving to the United States, my love for travel only deepened, fueled by a multinational marriage that constantly opens new doors to cultures and experiences around the globe.
This website, Backpack and Snorkel, was born from a simple desire: to share the immense joy and knowledge gained from decades of personal travel. I believe that exploring our beautiful world should be an enriching, stress-free experience, and I am here to ensure it is for you.

My travel adventures began in 1994, and since then, I have had the privilege of exploring countless destinations across the globe. This is not just a hobby; it is a lifelong dedication. I have personally curated all the itineraries published on Backpack and Snorkel, and have another 70+ comprehensive itineraries meticulously planned that are yet to be shared on the site.
My particular expertise lies in crafting relaxing vacation itineraries that seamlessly blend seeing the world's iconic highlights with genuine local immersion. My goal is for you to not just visit a place, but to truly get to know its people and culture, creating deep and lasting memories.

What truly sets Backpack and Snorkel apart is the unparalleled dedication I pour into every single itinerary. It's not uncommon for me to spend more time planning a trip than the actual length of the trip itself! This meticulous process ensures you receive the absolute best, most efficient, and most enriching travel plan:

• Exhaustive Attraction Research: I dive deep into countless attractions, hidden gems, and local spots, leaving no stone unturned.
• Rigorous Scoring & Selection: Every potential point of interest is carefully evaluated and scored to pinpoint the absolute 'must-see' and 'must-do' experiences. Only the truly exceptional make it into our guides.
• Optimized Routing for Maximum Enjoyment: I design precise routes that maximize your time enjoying the attractions and minimize wasted hours traveling back and forth. Your time is valuable, and our routes ensure every moment is well-spent.
• In-Depth Local Understanding: I gather comprehensive information about each attraction and area, enriching your visit with historical, cultural, and local context for the best possible immersion.

While every itinerary is personally curated by me, Rudy, my planning process heavily involves the invaluable insights of those who know a place best: the locals. During my travels, I actively seek advice and recommendations from residents, ensuring that our itineraries contain authentic, up-to-date, and truly local perspectives. This collaborative approach means you're getting advice that goes beyond typical tourist guides.

At Backpack and Snorkel, our promise is to take the stress out of planning and to inspire you to create truly unforgettable memories. Our Purple Travel Guides are more than just information; they are meticulously crafted blueprints designed to deliver relaxing, immersive, and truly memorable moments that will last a lifetime.
Ready to embark on your next adventure with confidence? Explore Our Expert Purple Travel Guides Today!

Have questions or feedback? Contact Us.

Sharing is caring