Derek Cullen
Derek Cullen is an adventurer and travel writer from Dublin, Ireland. Having traveled the world in search of new experiences since 2008, Derek now spends most of his time leading adventure tours through Africa.
Articles by Derek Cullen
Why is Ireland called the “Emerald Isle?”
By Derek CullenIreland is often referred to as the “Emerald Isle,” due to the vast greenery throughout the island. Most of the Irish countryside is dotted with farms and national parks, while the landscape in almost every county is dominated by some of the greenest hills anywhere in the world. But is … Read more
Ireland Landscape History
Welcome to Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley
By Derek CullenStretching for more than six thousand kilometers from Mozambique to Syria in the Middle East, the Great Rift Valley is home to thousands of tribes and some of the most stunning landscapes anywhere in the world.
Africa Experiences
How Spending Time Alone on the Pacific Crest Trail Changed My Life
By Derek CullenI recently spent five months hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. It was an incredible backpacking trip through stunning deserts, mountains, and forests but also a journey of self-discovery. At the same time, my trips were now motivated by self-growth rather than deficiency.
North America Backpacking & Camping Off the Beaten Path
Want to Volunteer in Africa? You Should Consider Tanzania
By Derek CullenTanzania is not just a friendly and affordable country in which to volunteer but also the kind of place that lets the imagination run wild. For instance, it is here in Tanzania that you can climb the tallest mountain in Africa or perhaps take a wildlife safari in the most … Read more
Africa Volunteer Travel
One Magical Night on the Great Blasket Island in Ireland
By Derek CullenI was frustrated when the Wi-Fi died. My trip to the Great Blasket Island was hinging on the availability of a small boat, and I was now unable to contact the owner. However, after a ten-minute jog to the harbour in Dunquin, I was welcomed on board – the result … Read more
Ireland Off the Beaten Path
The future of elephant conservation in Kenya
By Derek CullenKenya is a no-nonsense nation when it comes to conservation in recent times and in particular, with elephant conservation. I
Africa Volunteer Travel Preservation
Sustainable Travel in Thailand: A Homestay at the Ban Rai Kong Khing Community
By Derek CullenCommunity-based tourism (CBT) is a sustainable model which promotes local communities and invites tourists to learn more about local culture and customs. In recent times, this tourism model has gained traction in Thailand as more and more visitors yearn for more “real” or authentic experiences.
Asia Experiences Sustainability
Why Namibia Should Be Your Next Travel Destination in Africa
By Derek CullenLet’s be honest, most people head for the same places when they visit Africa for the first time like the Masai Mara, Kruger, and Serengeti National Parks. However, some of the most fascinating experiences on the continent are far off the beaten track and this is certainly true of Namibia … Read more
Africa Insights
5 Ways to have a more cultural experience in Cambodia
By Derek CullenWhen you think of Cambodia, first impressions can come with some very negative connotations.
Asia Experiences
Mombasa: A different side of ancient Kenya
By Derek CullenMombasa is a sublime mix of cultures and one of the most popular destinations in East Africa for white powdered sands and five-star luxury resorts. At the same time, there is as much to experience for backpackers as there is for wealthy tourists and this is best seen in the … Read more
Africa Family Travel
Why Walking the Camino de Santiago is Not Just a Religious Journey
By Derek CullenThough it’s best known as a religious pilgrimage, walking the Camino de Santiago does not need to be a spiritual journey and people from all walks of life can and do take this adventure for different reasons.
Europe Experiences Religious Travel
Aran Mor: Reliving a Traditional Way of life in Ireland
By Derek CullenAran Mor is arguably the most significant example that comes to mind and an island on which you can learn about the past, while enjoying everything it has to offer in the present.
Ireland History Preservation
7 Hidden Treasures that You Shouldn’t Miss on the Wild Atlantic Way
By Derek CullenDriving the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the best ways to make the most of your trip to Ireland.
Ireland Off the Beaten Path
Why and How Irish Culture has Changed Over the Years
By Derek CullenFor most of history, Irish culture was primarily “Gaelic” and stayed that way until the Normans arrived in the 12th Century.
Ireland History
How I’m Dealing with the Coronavirus Lockdown in Ireland
By Derek CullenIreland was quick to respond to the coronavirus situation. While many world leaders were waiting to “see what happens”, social gatherings were banned and even the pubs were closed.
Ireland Social Responsibility
The Rise of Dark Tourism
By Derek CullenHave you ever wondered what draws people to the morbid places associated with suffering or death? Auschwitz, Ground Zero, and Chernobyl come to mind.
The World Insights History
The East Coast Trail: How far are you willing to go?
By Derek CullenLesser known and far less populated than the long distance trail in British Columbia, the East Coast Trail stretches for more than 300 kilometers from Cappahayden in the south to Cape
North America Backpacking & Camping Off the Beaten Path
Trophy Hunting in Zimbabwe
By Derek CullenI knew very little about the black rhino when I first arrived in Africa. In fact, I knew next to nothing about African wildlife in general and even less about the impact of hunting in Zimbabwe. After three years guiding on the continent, black rhino poaching is now a problem … Read more
Africa Social Responsibility Sustainability
Why You Might Want to Visit Zimbabwe Sooner Rather than Later
By Derek CullenWhen I first visited Zimbabwe ten years ago, hyperinflation had sent the entire country into a controlled state of panic.
Africa Insights History
Chernobyl: most strangely enjoyable travel experience
By Derek CullenAside from Auschwitz in Poland and the incredibly morbid S-21 Prison in Cambodia, I have never felt so absorbed and captivated on my travels. Located to the north of Kiev, this infamous power plant in Ukraine set the scene for one of the most shocking incidents in the history of … Read more
Europe Off the Beaten Path
Is Nepal the ultimate cultural experience in Southeast Asia?
By Derek CullenNepal is one of the few countries in the world which can feel unspoiled by the effects of tourism. Immense and majestic in every way, it is also here that you will find the infamous Mount Everest but make no mistake; this isolated pocket in the mountains is popular for … Read more
Asia Experiences
Local experiences in Vietnam and doing something different
By Derek CullenMany years have passed since the infamous war that divided Vietnam, but the scars are still evident: for the variety of food, busy cities, and rolling landscapes are a distinct contrast to dark times in Vietnam such as the Chu Chi tunnels or the War Remnant Museum in Ho Chi … Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path