Nate Hake is the founder and CEO of Travel Lemming. Nate left his career as a corporate attorney in 2016 to explore the world full time, and has been on the road ever since. Nate started his journey as a budget backpacker, but these days he prefers hotels over hostels. Nate’s travel advice has been featured in dozens of international publications, including NBC News, CNN, Mic, Business Insider, Mashable, and Yahoo News.
🎓 Education: University of Pennsylvania (BA, Communication, 2008), Yale Law School (JD, 2011)
✔️ Fun Facts: Has 8 sisters and brothers. Lived in Japan for 3 years as a child. Once visited 43 countries in a single year
Meet Nate
Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
Venice, Italy
Sintra, Portugal
Ayutthaya, Thailand
📚 What was Your Favorite Travel Experience or Story?
I once visited 43 countries across 6 continents in a single year. I had the foolish idea that somehow I could check off my entire travel bucket list in just one year. I did see a lot of amazing places that were on my list like Machu Picchu, the pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal, and the Eiffel Tower.
But, for every place I visited, I discovered 10 more than I wanted to see! That trip convinced me that travel needed to be a permanent part of my lifestyle, so I quit my career as a corporate attorney and eventually transitioned to travel writing full time. I’ve been on the road ever since (though I’ve slowed down how fast I travel!). For more, see my posts about my trip around the world, and about my personal story.
🗺️ What’s Your #1 Expert Travel Tip?
Don’t limit your travel to the famous spots – there are many lesser-known destinations that are worthy of your consideration. With fewer tourists, it’s easier to find authentic experiences and, as an extra bonus, these places are often more affordable to travel! Most of my favorite travel experiences have come where I least expected them, so dare yourself to get off the beaten path!