A recent adventure took me to Brooklyn’s POWERHOUSE Arena where I met popular traveler and YouTube personality Drew Binsky and left with a signed copy of his newest book: Just Go: A Globe-Trotting Guide to Travel Like an Expert, Connect Like a Local, and Live the Adventure of a Lifetime.
It all started the night before when one of my best friends from Washington D.C. asked if I’d like to accompany him at a book signing in Brooklyn, New York that he was considering flying into the city to attend. He explained it was for Drew Binsky’s new book launch.
Drew Binsky’s Book Launch Event at POWERHOUSE Arena
Truth be told, I didn’t know who Drew Binsky was prior to receiving this invitation. However, a quick Google search helped me catch up rather quickly as I realized he is a notable figure in the travel space. He’s officially visited all 172 countries on Earth – something that’s long been a dream of mine.
Somehow, I hadn’t encountered Drew’s content before but I was pretty quickly captivated and impressed. I got back to my friend right away and expressed that I’d be more than happy to attend with him.
We each visited the website and my friend purchased his ticket first. Just as I was about to buy mine, the event refreshed to say “SOLD OUT.” Immediately filled with disappointment and frustration, I took to Instagram where I successfully managed to reach Drew who reassured me and ultimately told me, “Dude, do not worry! Just show up and we’ll figure it out.” ✌🏼
I felt bad showing up that way so I kept refreshing the event webpage over the hours leading up to the book signing and I ended up purchasing a ticket normally after someone must have cancelled, but it was still nice to know Drew was willing to accommodate me like that! That level of humanity and kindness left me with a great first impression of him. He could have easily said, “Sorry, we’re at capacity! Better luck next time.” (Thanks again for that flexibility, Drew!)
Who is Drew Binsky?
Drew Binsky is a renowned travel vlogger who has achieved the extraordinary feat of visiting all 197 countries in the world. 📍
His adventures, shared through his YouTube channel, offer viewers a glimpse into diverse cultures and landscapes. Drew’s content is not just about travel; it’s about connecting with people and exploring the unique aspects of each destination. His book, which I recently had the pleasure of exploring, encapsulates his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
My Memorable Trip to Drew Binsky’s Book Launch in Brooklyn, NY
In the bustling heart of Brooklyn, I had the unique opportunity to attend Drew Binsky’s book launch and signing event.
I’m incredibly grateful to have had a chance to connect with Drew because his world mentality and approach to travel aligns closely with my own.
Much like Drew, I also love meeting locals and traveling off the beaten path. From what I can tell, both he and I view connecting with people around the world as our number one focus and source of joy while traveling.
It’s always been my favorite approach to travel. Experiences flood my memory like the time I was able to harvest olives in Croatia with my new friend from Zadar, have a Bosnian local show me around the abandoned Olympic bobsled tracks, or exploring China in general where every day was a new adventure! 🌏
Unfortunately, my friend who originally invited me to the book signing event ended up encountering an issue with his flight schedule due to the unpredictability of flying standby. 😞 After not making it onto the flight he had hoped to be on, he arrived a lot later than anticipated and landed in New York right as the book signing ended. At least I had his ticket for the event so I was able to get his signed copy of the book which I passed along to him during our dinner plans following the event.
(Once my friend was in Manhattan, we got soup dumplings together. 🥟)
I was the last person at the book signing because I was trying to remain hopeful my friend would make it to the event before they closed/locked the doors. I felt bad he didn’t get there in time since exiting his airplane took too long, but I had an opportunity to tell Drew’s mother, sister, and girlfriend the story of what had happened. They extended their sorrow that it didn’t work out but expressed gratitude to my friend for his level of commitment!
Had it not been for my buddy in D.C., I wouldn’t have known about the book signing or been able to attend it either!
Meeting Drew Binsky and His Crew
The book signing was held in a cozy venue filled with travel enthusiasts. By the time I entered, the venue was nearly at capacity so the seats were all taken. I squeezed into a spot where I could see Drew and listen to him share a few stories along with his open forum Q&A.
Meeting Drew Binsky was an incredible experience. Although I wasn’t very familiar with Drew before the event, I was immediately captivated by his stories and the energy in the room. Drew was approachable and took the time to answer tons of questions from attendees all around the room making everyone feel special. Additionally, I had the chance to meet his family and crew, who were just as engaging and friendly.
I even got a photo with Drew which was super cool since I think everyone there wanted one. This was also my very first book signing- another reason I found it to be a special event. I love capturing notable moments in my life through photography and something told me this event could be a pivotal moment for me. Even though I hadn’t read Drew’s book yet, something within me told me that Drew’s event might reignite some of my own wanderlust. 📸
I could tell I was in the presence of someone who had the potential to greatly influence my own journey and experience with travel.
The Extended Q&A Session
One of the most enjoyable parts of the event was the extended Q&A session. Drew answered questions from the audience, providing insights into his travels and personal experiences. The questions asked by other attendees were thoughtful and led to engaging discussions. This session turned into an unexpected networking opportunity, allowing me to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts and exchange stories and tips.
People asked fantastic questions pertaining to the challenges of not knowing the local language, concerns about safety, questions about meeting people, lodging and accommodation questions, and more. I learned so much from it! 💡
Following the event, another attendee even asked me if I’d like to accompany her on a long-term trip across Asia and the Middle East. While the dates and itinerary of her trip didn’t work out for me, I was so happy to connect with someone who I definitely could see myself traveling with in the future. ✈️
REDiscovering TRAVEL Inspiration From Someone Who Has Been to Every Country on Earth
Attending Drew’s book launch wasn’t just about getting a signed copy; it was an inspirational experience for me. Reading his book, I was drawn into his narrative, learning about different cultures and the perseverance required to achieve such an ambitious goal to travel to every country on Earth.
It transported me back to 2018 when I was consuming books and movies left and right as I prepared to leave for a one-year backpacking trip! 🎒
Drew’s journey from a regular traveler to someone who has seen every corner of the globe is truly motivational. Since the event, I’ve found myself watching Drew’s YouTube videos, appreciating the diverse content he shares.
How Drew Got Started
Drew Binsky’s passion for travel started as a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison when he had the opportunity to study abroad in Prague in 2012. He decided then to make seeing the world a priority. After graduating with a degree in economics, he chose not to pursue a corporate job. Instead, he moved to South Korea to teach English, which solidified his love for traveling. 🇰🇷
While teaching in South Korea, he started a blog called the Hungry Partier to document his travel and nightlife experiences. This blog’s success led him to launch a YouTube channel and a Facebook page in 2015. His big break came in 2017 when a video about a three-day guided tour in North Korea went viral, amassing nearly 10 million views. This success spurred him to focus on creating more content for YouTube and Facebook. 🇰🇵
Binsky’s Impact and Approach
Drew Binsky emphasizes the common humanity between his viewers and people in distant countries. He often travels to places that many consider dangerous, such as Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, to show the beauty and humanity within these regions. Despite the challenges of filming in these areas, Drew loves overcoming obstacles to share the best stories he can.
I really admire Drew a lot for this.
Binsky’s Best Budget Travel Tips
Binsky initially traveled on a budget and offers valuable tips for budget travelers. He suggests sticking to low-cost regions like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America. For accommodations, he recommends hostels or using CouchSurfing. He also advocates for using credit cards strategically to finance travel, especially cards that offer significant travel rewards and perks. 💳
Related: How to Find Cheap Flights
Final Thoughts on Drew Binsky’s Book: Just Go: A Globe-Trotting Guide to Travel Like an Expert, Connect Like a Local, and Live the Adventure of a Lifetime
The experience turned out to be memorable. It reminded me of the joys of spontaneous adventures and the importance of seizing opportunities to learn and grow. Meeting Drew Binsky and his crew was wonderful, and reading his book has left a lasting impact on me.
It’s been just over a month since the event and I’ve finally finished reading his book. If you have an interest in long-term travel, I’d highly recommend it. ✅
The book along with Drew’s mindset closely resembles my own approach to travel. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about understanding the world, connecting with people, and finding inspiration through the journey.
Drew’s book is full of actionable travel tips, entertaining stories, and helpful information if you want to go on some crazy adventure around the world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone who wants some extra inspiration & motivation to travel!
Order your copy of Just Go: A Globe-Trotting Guide to Travel Like an Expert, Connect Like a Local, and Live the Adventure of a Lifetime.
I watch Drew Binsky, and I enjoy his videos! Very inspirational he’s been to all countries in the world; I’m far from being close to seeing them all, but very impressed he did, especially at such a young age! Glad you got to see him in person and hear him speak. It’s true it’s not just about “collecting” countries, but rather connecting people at each destination. Thanks for sharing, Rocky!