About

What is FlashpackerHQ?

Flashpacker HQ is a resource for tech savvy, budget travelers – now known as “Flashpackers”.  (If you don’t already know what a flashpacker is, go here real quick.)  This site is a collection of travel knowledge, photography and information in addition to a chronicle of my own travels.  However, this site is much more than that.  Flashpacker HQ is a community of travelers sharing their knowledge and journeys abroad.  Come here often to find out where to go, what to do, and how to make it happen.

If you aren’t already on the road, or planning to be soon, I hope to use my travels to help stimulate that part of you that’s itching to travel.  I want to prove to you that all it takes is will and determination to make it work.  I will use this site to share with you information that’s helped me get where I am and new information I find out along the way.  Being a photographer, I hope that the images I take add to your sense of being here with me on this journey.

Freshest sushi ever at Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. Delicious!

Who is Travis Ball?

I’m a recent 30-something who has given up the rat race and am currently flashpacking my way around the world.   Ten years prior to when this trip began, I spent three months backpacking on a budget through Europe.  It truly was a life-changing experience and I promised myself I would travel again.  After spending time pursuing a handful of jobs I thought might make me happy, I realized I wasn’t doing the one thing I really enjoyed.

So, in 2007 I decided that I would get back to travel.  The next two years, I paid off my debt and spent time picking up skills like bartending so that I could work along the way.  In early 2009 I sold off everything I couldn’t carry with me, packed up my two backpacks, said my see-you-laters to friends and family and went abroad.

The grand plan was to spend five years traveling the world, working along the way to support my travels.  I told myself that I’d basically do anything that would pay for my room and board, giving preference to things that interest me such as photography or scuba diving.

My first stop was Ibiza, Spain.  I went planning to work as a bartender but ran into work visa issues and had to go with “plan B”.  I managed to find work as a photographer for a British company and it couldn’t have been a better situation.  I spent four months doing what I love and gained access to the biggest clubs and DJs in the world.

After Spain I spent two weeks traveling around Ireland before catching a plain to Japan.  It took longer than I hoped, but I succeeded at finding work as an English teacher.  Teaching English was an amazing experience and I highly recommend anyone considering it to go do it.

Upon leaving Japan, I spent 14 months traveling through South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Maccu, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. I’ve climbed mountains, scuba dived wrecks, toured the biggest religions structure on earth, seen countless festivals, swam with whale sharks, eaten some insanely delicious food, met some wonderful people, and basically had a great time.

I am now back home for a bit spending time with friends and family while planning the next big trip. I’m always looking to meet fellow travelers, so if you’re headed my way, let me know!

-Travis