Welcome to BrokenPassport! I’m Joseph, and I’m thrilled to have you join me on this unfiltered adventure through the world of travel. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting your global exploration, this blog is your ultimate guide to seeing the world through the eyes of a true traveler.

Meet Joseph

Born in America, I carry my red white and blue roots with pride and identify as a Global Citizen by choice. My passion for travel has taken me across four of the six inhabited continents, and my adventures are what fuel the stories, tips, and insights here on BrokenPassport. From sleeping in unfamiliar beds to navigating unexpected challenges like being robbed at gunpoint by corrupt cops in Mexico, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of travel firsthand.

My Travel Philosophy

Traveling is not just a hobby; it’s a way of life and, to be candid, an obsession I wouldn’t give up for anything. I believe in immersing myself deeply in cultures and breaking down the barriers that often separate us. Sure, there are moments of discomfort, like when your puking your guts out on a picture perfect private island, or the language barrier makes ordering food a spectacular comedy of errors, but these are the puzzle pieces that create the full picture of authentic travel. I’m passionate about showing you that exploration is raw and real, not a series of polished Instagram posts. It’s about stepping out into the unknown with an open heart and mind, eager to learn, connect, and grow. Trust me, the world has a lot to teach us—if we’re bold enough to embrace it.

The Lessons I’ve Learned

Travel has been my most influential teacher, stripping away ignorance and replacing it with understanding and empathy. Each experience is a lesson in humility and gratitude. It’s fundamentally changed the way I view the world, stripping it down to its core: a shared space where our differences are the threads that weave the fabric of our global village. I’ve learned the importance of listening more than speaking, of observing rather than judging, and of living in the moment, because sometimes the most breathtaking scenery isn’t captured in a photograph but imprinted in memory. These adventures remind me that despite geographical divides, the essence of humanity remains the same; we all seek connection, crave adventure, and need a sense of belonging. So pack your bags, leave your preconceived notions behind, and allow the world to teach you in the most astonishing ways imaginable.

Why BrokenPassport?

The name “BrokenPassport” comes from a serendipitous chapter in my life when I traveled through over 10 countries with a damaged passport. That peculiar experience opened my eyes to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of travel, inspiring this blog’s mission to share genuine, gritty travel experiences, devoid of the gloss and pretense found in mainstream travel guides.

What We Offer

At BrokenPassport, we celebrate the beauty of raw, real-world travel. We cover a wide range of topics, from cruising and backpacking to vegan travel tips. As a lifelong plant-based eater, I provide unique insights into traveling the world as a vegan, ensuring you know the best spots for a delectable plant-based meal—whether in Kuala Lumpur or beyond.

Join The Journey

This isn’t a place for luxury hotel recommendations or Instagrammable moments. Instead, it’s about experiencing the world in its truest form—finding the cheapest places to sleep, savoring street food, and navigating local transport systems. It’s about the stories that shape us and the connections we forge along the way.

If you’re ready to leave your comfort zone and venture into the world of authentic travel, you’ve come to the right place. Explore BrokenPassport for tips, tricks, and a no-BS guide to traveling the planet with an open heart and an inquisitive mind.

Pack your bags and prepare for the unexpected—the world awaits, and I’m excited to share this incredible adventure with you. Welcome to BrokenPassport, where every story adds a new stamp to the passport of life.

Tips for the Fearless Traveler

Beyond the stories, our mission is to equip you with the tools to travel fearlessly and intelligently. Whether it’s mastering the art of travel hacking to score the cheapest flights or learning the subtleties of a new language on the go, we’ve got you covered. We’re passionate about breaking down barriers that hold you back from exploring the world, urging you to wander boldly and embrace the unpredictable. This isn’t about checking destinations off a list; it’s about immersing yourself fully in the journey.

Travel is transformative. It’s about embracing the unknown with an open heart and fierce determination. So let’s forge paths less traveled, taste the world through its diverse cuisines, and dive headfirst into cultures with a respectful curiosity. This is BrokenPassport, and this is your invitation to discover the world, one raw, vibrant experience at a time.