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
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 CullenFor many people, even those fortunate enough to have their livelihood or health unaffected by the coronavirus, this pandemic is affecting us all. It’s true, one third of the world is under restrictions, and even my own country went into full-lockdown this week. While I can appreciate these measures, this … Read more
Ireland Social Responsibility
Aran Mor: Reliving a Traditional Way of life in Ireland
By Derek CullenFor many visitors, it comes as a surprise that two languages are spoken in certain parts of Ireland. That is to say, Ireland is predominantly an English-speaking country but specific pockets known as “Gaeltacht” regions use Gaelic (Irish) as their spoken tongue. Now, that’s not to say these locals will … Read more
Ireland History Preservation
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
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. That is to … Read more
North America Backpacking & Camping Off the Beaten Path
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. In the case of the latter, a recent miniseries about the nuclear power plant disaster has seen the number of visitors to Chernobyl almost double over … Read more
The World Insights History
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. Taking a long-distance walking trip like the Camino is an extremely fun way … Read more
Europe Experiences Religious Travel
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. After all, it was here that civil war and one of the most notorious genocides in the world took place in the late 1970’s. However, majestic temples and a fascinating culture have re-emerged in force throughout … Read more
Asia Experiences
The East Coast Trail: How far are you willing to go?
By Derek CullenNorth America is home to some of the most intriguing cities and travel destinations in the world. Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Vancouver, there is something mystical about the Albertan wilderness while the busy cities offer a vibrant and comfortable refuge in between. Lesser known and far less populated than … Read more
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. While there was no specific ‘danger’ of which to speak, tourists were still frightened by the actions of President Robert Mugabe and the prospect of visiting a country in the … Read more
Africa Insights History
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
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
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
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. Impressively, this concentrated effort has been consistent since the late 1980’s when the President at that time, Daniel Arap Moi, proceeded to burn more than twelve tons of ivory to show … Read more
Africa Volunteer Travel Preservation
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. Amidst this continuous marvel in East Africa, you will also find a region in … Read more
Africa Experiences
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 Cullen“I just feel like everyone tries to do something different, but you always wind up doing the same damn thing” Leonardo di Caprio, The Beach Many years have passed since the infamous war that divided Vietnam, but the scars are still evident: for the variety of food, busy cities, and … Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path