Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Varr.
Richard, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My career began when I finally found something that truly motivated me: writing, reporting and telling a story. After graduating with a MS in journalism from Boston University, I started as a newspaper reporter in suburban Boston before breaking into broadcast news as a television reporter and substitute anchor. I was in fact that for 15 years, working mostly for Houston’s KRIV-TV FOX26 and before that, KTBC-TV in Austin. When it was time to move on, I found that I could still be a writer and reporter — but this time not covering hard news, but instead telling stories from around the world. Yes, places we would all love to visit with shimmering shorelines, majestic mountain panoramas and rich cultures, including historical perspectives that have shaped a country, island or destination to what we find today. As a part-time travel writer since 2000, I have visited more than 80 countries and overseas territories on six continents and island chains. My advice: travel when you can. Life is too short and the world too big.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Traveling is not easy. As we find seemingly everyday in the headlines, there are flight delays, cancellations and other mishaps that hamper smooth travel, sometimes turning a vacation into a part-time nightmare. Things get lost. Hotels are getting more and more expensive. Many places are dealing with mass overtourism, which makes a stroll down a city street sometimes more like competing for sidewalk space, and making it more difficult to photograph landmarks without a sea of faces crowding the views. Nonetheless, I just press on because the rewards far outweigh the hassles we put up with, at least in the long run.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Writing for travel is not so much what you see, but also what you feel, taste, hear and sense. I have found some of the greatest joys of travel come afterwards, recalling the memories of a great trip — who you were with, the people you met, and marveling at the natural wonders of the world and landmarks of intriguing locations and historic gems. Since 2000, I have written for many publications including print magazines and newspapers, websites, blogs, custom publications, and in recent years, travel websites, many of which were magazines that are now only digital. I am also a photographer — not so much a professional, but I consider myself to be a writer who takes pictures and who knows how to frame dramatic scenery and sites.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love British detective television series!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richardvarr.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richard.varr/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-varr-07760219/
Image Credits
Photos by Richard Varr
