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Matthew Reppond, Travel Lemming writer

Matthew Reppond

Senior Travel Writer, Travel Lemming

LinkedIn | Facebook | MuckRack

Matthew Reppond is a freelance writer and history nerd from Alaska, currently residing in eastern Washington. When not road-tripping around the western United States, he’s probably enjoying some lively Irish tunes in a Dublin pub or wandering the winding streets of Old Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia.

🏠 Local to: Kodiak, Alaska

📍 Currently: Eastern Washington

🌟 Favorite Destinations: Alaska, Ireland, Georgia

🎓 Education: John Brown University (B.A. History, 2007)

✔️ Fun Facts: I speak a modest amount of Georgian (it’s not an easy language!). Lived two years off-and-on in Georgia. Traveled from Alaska through Canada and America twice on buses with a non-profit I worked for back in 2007 and 2009.


Meet Matthew

The Holy Trinity Cathedral during sunset in Tbilisi, Georgia
Sunset at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Tbilisi, Georgia
Matthew Reppond wearing a Georgian costume at his friend's house in Tbilisi, Georgia
“Becoming Georgian” at a friend’s house, Tbilisi, Georgia
Matthew Reppond on top of the Croagh Patrick in Ireland
Atop Croagh Patrick in Ireland
Matthew Reppond with his friends during their hike in the Georgian backcountry
Hiking with friends in the Georgian backcountry

📚 What was Your Favorite Travel Experience or Story?

Georgia! I’ve spent around two years of my life visiting Georgia off and on. There’s simply nowhere else on earth like it. Sitting on the border of the cradle of civilizations, its memory reaches to earliest history. Georgian culture, music, and language are totally unique and unforgettable once you’ve experienced them! Best of all, the people are extremely hospitable and it’s easy to find yourself becoming “one of the tribe.”

One of the best experiences in Georgia is sitting at a supra listening to the toasts. Toasting in Georgia is way different from most western countries. Georgians are both heartfelt and eloquent, and even if they are relatively “poor” materially, they are among the richest people in the world in immaterial things. Once you’ve been to Georgia, it’s hard to stay away for too long!

🗺️ What’s Your #1 Expert Travel Tip?

Take advantage of stopovers and longer layovers! It may add a little to your expenses, but it’s a great way to see more sights, get some rest on long hauls, and offset jet lag. Some of my favorite places for a quick visit are Reykjavik and Istanbul. I’ve also made several day trips through the United Kingdom, France, and Spain on my way between Alaska and Georgia.

Also, keep an eye out for in-airport hotels, especially airside ones. They’re few and far between, and a bit on the spendier side, but are life-savers if (like me) you can’t sleep on planes! 

🧳 Backpack or Suitcase?

Backpack. Suitcase if backpack’s not enough.

✈️ Window or Aisle Seat?

Window seat!


Matthew’s Recent Posts

19 Best Things to Do in Tbilisi (in 2023)

19 Best Things to Do in Tbilisi (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedSeptember 20, 2023
20 Best Things to Do in Leavenworth (in 2023)

20 Best Things to Do in Leavenworth (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedSeptember 7, 2023
21 Best Things to Do in Yakima (By a Local)

21 Best Things to Do in Yakima (By a Local)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 30, 2023
Where to Stay in Yakima (Best Places, By a Local)

Where to Stay in Yakima (Best Places, By a Local)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 29, 2023
27 Best Yakima Restaurants in 2023 (Local Guide)

27 Best Yakima Restaurants in 2023 (Local Guide)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 29, 2023
Where to Stay in Leavenworth (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

Where to Stay in Leavenworth (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedSeptember 7, 2023
Alaska Road Trip: A Local’s Guide + 8 Day Itinerary (2023)

Alaska Road Trip: A Local’s Guide + 8 Day Itinerary (2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 12, 2023
Alaska Packing List (15 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

Alaska Packing List (15 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 9, 2023
The Perfect Alaska Itinerary – Planned by a Local [for 2023]

The Perfect Alaska Itinerary – Planned by a Local [for 2023]

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 12, 2023
10 Airports in Alaska (Map, Connections & Local Guide)

10 Airports in Alaska (Map, Connections & Local Guide)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 31, 2023
Hiking in Ireland (13 Best Trails in 2023)

Hiking in Ireland (13 Best Trails in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 22, 2023
49 Best Things to Do in Alaska in 2023 (By a Local)

49 Best Things to Do in Alaska in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 12, 2023
13 Best Pubs in Dublin (in 2023)

13 Best Pubs in Dublin (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 7, 2023
37 Best Things to Do in Anchorage (in 2023)

37 Best Things to Do in Anchorage (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 19, 2023
25 Best Day Trips from Anchorage (in 2023) 

25 Best Day Trips from Anchorage (in 2023) 

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 12, 2023
Where to Stay in Anchorage (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

Where to Stay in Anchorage (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 14, 2023
Dublin Airport Car Rental (2023 Guide + Best Sites)

Dublin Airport Car Rental (2023 Guide + Best Sites)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJune 6, 2023
Best Time to Visit Anchorage (in 2023)

Best Time to Visit Anchorage (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 8, 2023
9 Best Dublin Neighborhoods (in 2023)

9 Best Dublin Neighborhoods (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 7, 2023
Dublin Car Rental (2023 Guide + Best Sites to Compare)

Dublin Car Rental (2023 Guide + Best Sites to Compare)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJune 6, 2023
16 Best Kodiak Hikes for 2023 (By a Local)

16 Best Kodiak Hikes for 2023 (By a Local)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedMay 30, 2023
11 Best Places to Live in Alaska in 2023 (By a Local)

11 Best Places to Live in Alaska in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 7, 2023
The Best Time to Visit Ireland (in 2023)

The Best Time to Visit Ireland (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 22, 2023
The Best Time to Visit Dublin (in 2023)

The Best Time to Visit Dublin (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 7, 2023
Dublin Itinerary – A Foolproof 3 to 5 Days Planner [2023]

Dublin Itinerary – A Foolproof 3 to 5 Days Planner [2023]

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 7, 2023
Is Dublin Safe for Travel? (Honest Advice for 2023)

Is Dublin Safe for Travel? (Honest Advice for 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 7, 2023
Where to Stay in Alaska (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

Where to Stay in Alaska (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 14, 2023
Where to Stay in Dublin (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

Where to Stay in Dublin (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 14, 2023
29 Best Things to Do in Dublin (in 2023)

29 Best Things to Do in Dublin (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 7, 2023
Where to Stay in Kodiak (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

Where to Stay in Kodiak (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 14, 2023
15 Best Things to Do in Kodiak (in 2023)

15 Best Things to Do in Kodiak (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedMay 20, 2023
The 17 Best Towns in Alaska in 2023 (According to a Local)

The 17 Best Towns in Alaska in 2023 (According to a Local)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 18, 2023
5 Best Cities in Alaska in 2023 (A Local’s Picks)

5 Best Cities in Alaska in 2023 (A Local’s Picks)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedJuly 31, 2023
27 Best Places to Visit in Alaska (in 2023)

27 Best Places to Visit in Alaska (in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 12, 2023
Best Time to Visit Alaska (When to Go in 2023)

Best Time to Visit Alaska (When to Go in 2023)

ByMatthew Reppond UpdatedAugust 6, 2023

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