Rolf Potts

Rolf Potts is an American travel writer known for his expansive worldview and his contributions to the literature of global exploration.

Potts was born in California in 1968, but moved to the Midwest during his early childhood. After graduating from college, Potts moved to Laos, where he began his career as a freelance writer and photographer. During his time in Laos, Potts discovered his passion for travel, taking trips throughout Asia and developing a keen interest in the diverse cultures surrounding him.

In 1997, Potts began publishing his articles and photographs abroad, earning him recognition as a renowned travel writer. In 2003, Potts released his debut book, Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. The book was an immediate success with readers around the globe and was lauded by the likes of National Geographic and The New Yorker.

In Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel, Potts draws on his own experiences of deep-sea diving in South America and living among the Bedouins of North Africa to provide unparalleled insight into the art of long-term travel. He discusses essential traits for the traveler, such as flexibility, independence, and resourcefulness, and outlines methods for researching, planning, and financing a world-spanning journey.

Potts has followed up the success of Vagabonding with an array of non-fiction books, such as Marco Polo, Didn’t Go There: Stories and Revelations from a Life of Travel and The Naturalist’s Guide to Exploration. In addition to book-length works, Potts has written numerous essays and articles for prestigious publications, such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, Slate, the New York Times, and TIME Magazine.

Throughout his career, Potts has become known for his commitment to advocating for responsible tourism. He has written about the importance of sustainable travel and its implications for local economies, as well as the environmental impact of tourist activities, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. Potts also explores the need for travelers to educate themselves about their destination and the customs of different cultures.

The work of Rolf Potts has been largely influential in the modern travel writing genre, offering readers the unique perspective of one of the most accomplished international travelers of his generation. His essays and books provide a much-needed platform for readers to contemplate the journey of exploration and the true spirit of travel.