TODAY’S TRAVELER
Interviews With Those Who Wander The World
Joseph Jones – World Traveler
Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Joseph Jones (Joe) of Ontario, California. Joe has traveled to more countries than I can name. I first met Joe on a journey to Peru where I was inspired by his casual, easy-going style and his willingness to explore and experience the world and all it has to offer. When not exploring some exotic destination while wearing his trade mark hat he is either planning his next adventure or riding his motor cycle.
First, tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello! I’m Joseph Jones, but call me Joe. I’m 58 and live in Ontario, CA, which is 50 miles east of Los Angeles CA. I was born and raised in LA. I work for AT&T as a Telephone Cable Splicer. I’m also a retired Chief Warrant Officer from the United States Navy Reserves. I’m a UCLA graduate, BA in English (but thank God for spell check!). I love movies, motorcycling and traveling. And I’m looking to retire in a couple of years….LOOK OUT WORLD!

How did you get started as a Traveler?
When I was 14, my parents took me and my sister on a car trip around America. We went to New York, Washington DC, and the South, where my parents were born. But I really caught the bug when I joined the Navy, and saw a lot of sites in the Far East. As a civilian, I started out travelling alone, but have graduated to group tours! LOL !
Tell us about your favorite style of travel.
The last 10 years, I’ve preferred group travel, so I could maximize the places to see wherever I go. When I first started out, I was traveling alone, but mainly to places where English was well understood: England, Brazil, and France. Italy was my first group tour in 2004, and I liked it. And that’s when I started staying in touch with fellow travelers.
How do you prepare for an upcoming journey?
A year before I go, I start reading up on the place I’m going too, which includes newspaper articles, magazine articles, the Internet and travel books. Every time the country pops up in the news, I pay attention. I’ve managed to avoid coups. But in Xian, China in 2008 I was about 400 miles from a big earthquake that made headlines. We actually felt it on the bus. Of course there is no way to prepare for that!

Tell us about 3 pieces of your favorite travel gear and why you wouldn’t travel without them.
Hmmmmm….my passport! Well, a good umbrella, a good hat, and extra batteries and memory cards for my camera. A hat isn’t just for sun protection: in Turkey, I was one of the tallest people on the tour, and sometimes, the group wasn’t bunched together. The Tour Director asked me to bring up the rear since he and everyone could see me and my black hat!
What is one destination you would highly recommend to others? Why?
There are many…but I really liked a Peru trip I took 6 years ago. I’ve stayed in touch with folks on that trip, like Dr Bruce Bean. It was a fun trip! I didn’t know what to expect, and it turned out to be soooo much fun. Dune Buggies, a flight over the Nazca Lines, a train ride up the mountain to Machu Picchu, attitude sickness at 14,000 feet, a tour mate’s passport that was almost lost, people actually living ON Lake Titicaca…..WOW! A trip 5 years ago to Turkey comes in second.

Share one of your most memorable travel experiences.
Dune buggy riding over the sand dunes in Peru! I shared a dune buggy with a tour mate from Australia. We got in, and three other Americans, not on my tour, got in too. They were younger, in their 20s, just traveling. So my tour mate started talking about how it was going to be a rough and dangerous ride. She just went on and on…and the next thing you know, the three yanks got off the buggy! So I turned to her and said, Look what you did Vanessa! You scared them away. And you know….I was about to get off too!!! We had A LAUGH!

Is there any particular type of experience that you like to always include in your journey, no matter the destination?
A ride on a train, and/or a boat ride. I love trains…..and…well…I WAS in the Navy!
What do your friends and family think of all the traveling that you do?
They are supportive. But don’t tell everyone ….. then they will all want souvenirs!

What is your next travel destination – and why?
Singapore…..because I missed it in 2016 due to a fractured ankle at work. And I’m looking to do a motorcycle ride to Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon in Utah in October.
How do you factor travel security issues into your travel plans?
I check with the State Department, and register with them. I always keep an eye on the news prior to the trip. And something from when I was in the military: maintain situational awareness of your surroundings.
How do you manage to find the time and money for all your travels?
I work a lot of overtime!! Seriously! I have no kids or wife, so I’m a little selfish, but NOT in a bad way. I’m very fortunate and blessed to have a career that pays my bills and allows me to indulge in my hobbiesI

Be A Traveler ………………. And Enjoy The Adventure!
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