Hi Reader,
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Every time one of you hits reply to say a UNESCO site finally clicked, or that one of my itinerary posts or PDFs pulled you out of a planning spiral, I save the note.
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Those messages are the whole reason this exists.
So this week I'm doing something I don't do often enough: saying thank you, and properly introducing you to the two history obsessions I've turned into a real business. π€
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Here's the honest part. For years I have worked here in Austin.
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And I never once imagined the work I'd love most would be reading buildings and landscapes like historical documents.
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That's one of the things I get to do now.
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And you're the reason I get to keep doing it.
In the spirit of gratitude, here's what I actually do. Two brands, both real businesses, run by one very grateful person.
The Nerd Traveler is history-first travel built around UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It's the blog, the guides, and the travel advisory work. If you want help with an actual trip, there are three ways in:
- Travel Planner: a full trip mapped out for you to book yourself
- Travel Logistics Research: your smartest flights and European rail routes, figured out
- Travel Agent: hands-off booking, at no cost to you
Prefer to plan solo? The Confident Traveler is my AI assistant plus two fillable workbooks that walk you through every pre-trip worry, from packing to those first hours on the ground.
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The system is yours to keep and use again and again!
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And the 3-1-1 Hack for carry-on toiletries is still free. βοΈ
Austin Time Traveler is my other love: short videos on the history hiding in plain sight around the city I've called home for 30 years.
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And I'm still finding stories most people drive past every day.
Come find me. I'd love to have you along on both.
The Nerd Traveler
- Instagram: @the_nerd_traveler
- TikTok: @the_nerd_traveler
- Facebook page: facebook.com/The.Nerd.Traveler
- Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/thenerdtraveler
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thenerdtraveler
Austin Time Traveler
- Instagram: @TheAustinTimeTraveler
- TikTok: @the_austin_time_traveler
- Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/the.austin.time.traveler
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@The-Austin-Time-Traveler
And if a trip is quietly forming in the back of your mind, the easiest first step is a free 15-minute discovery call.
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No pressure, just two history nerds figuring out if we're a fit. Click here to see all the services or book a call.
Now, one question, and please hit reply: what's one place, anywhere in the world, you'd time-travel to if you could?
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I read every single answer.
Yours in nerdy history and travel!
Audra
The Nerd Traveler
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Here are my personal recommendations to help with booking trips:β
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βοΈ Airline mistake fares and deals, consider signing up for Going.com Premium. They even track when airline points are good options.
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πΆββοΈββ‘οΈBook free walking tours on Guru Walks. Please budget some money (in local currency) for tips, though!
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π§ Book guided tour experience on Get Your Guide and Viator.
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π I always always protect my trip with Travel Safe travel insurance. Click here to see options and to get a quote.β
Unless you have quite a few pre-trip expenses (deposits, tickets purchased in advance, etc.), you will likely not need Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance.
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π€ I created an AI Assistant to help you with your trip planning. It includes my lessons, tips, and trip across my 30+ years of international and domestic travel. It also has two fillable workbooks to help you stay organized. Click here for more details!β
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π³ I use my Capital One Venture X card when traveling. I earn miles with each purchase and do not pay any foreign transaction fees (it was the least expensive way to spend 50 Euros on my recent trip!)
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π I have used Welcome Pickups for my airport transport upon arrival and departure. I like knowing someone will be waiting for me, I can walk past anyone posing as a taxi driver, and usually the driver is a local who can give you more information about your desination.
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π¨ Lastly, I always recommend booking hotel rooms directly with the hotel company. 3rd party booking sites - Expedia, Booking, Trivago, Kayak - could prove to be a nightmare if you have any delays or cancellations.
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