WanderLearn With

Francis Tapon
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Who is Francis Tapon?

Francis Tapon is the author of Hike Your Own Hike and The Hidden Europe. He has traveled to 125 countries. He has walked across America four times, Spain twice, and Madagascar once. From 2013-2018, he traveled overland nonstop to all 54 African countries. In 2019, he was inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. He also spent 2021-2023 in Africa; thus, he's spent 8 years in the hot continent. In 2024, he plans to release his book & film, The Unseen Africa.
About Francis Tapon
Francis Tapon is the white guy in this photo, which was taken 100 km away from Agadez, Niger.
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What are experts saying?

“Francis Tapon provides us with a wide-ranging personal and historical travelogue. . . . The result is one of the world's most personal, idiosyncratic, and unorthodox cultural and historical travel guide. It's really an impressive and ambitious book.”
Michael Krasny
Michael Krasny Host on KQED's Forum
"The Hidden Europe is an invigorating narrative packed with useful tips and colorful stories. . . . I had so much fun reading through this book. And it covers every country and every corner of Eastern Europe with a beautiful breezy style, with a fun, intimate report on how Francis enjoyed 3 years exploring Eastern Europe."
Rick Steves
Rick Steves Travel Expert
“Francis Tapon is a modern-day Marco Polo, though unlike Marco Polo he has taken a nude sauna with a gorgeous Finnish woman. So maybe even a little better than Marco Polo. His book The Hidden Europe is a great adventure story.”
AJ Jacobs
AJ Jacobs Bestselling Author
Kilometers traveled
TB of Video Taken
African Countries Visited
Total countries visited

Many travelers brag that they are "adventurous" because they bag a popular peak, visit Vietnam, or eat escargot. Although I celebrate anyone who pushes their travel limits, let's calibrate our definition of adventurous

My definition of an adventurous traveler is Francois

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Advertorial

Phuket, a vibrant island in Thailand, is a popular destination among tourists for its stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Exploring this beautiful island becomes even more thrilling when you can

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Getting your first passport is your ticket to exploring the vast world beyond your borders. It is a crucial step for any traveler, opening doors to international adventures and cultural experiences that books and movies can only hint at.

However, the process can feel a bit overwhelming.

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Advertorial

Located in the heart of the United States, Texas is home to Read More...

This advertorial is by Tim David

Navigating personal finance can often feel like solving a complex puzzle, especially when understanding our income. One of the first steps in this journey is converting our Read More...

Contributed article

Medical insurance is necessary whether you’re moving abroad for work, study, retirement, or taking an extended trip across multiple countries. As simple as it sounds to choose the best policy for your needs, it can be a slow process when you’re exploring the

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This is an advertorial by Julia Smith

In the 1800s, people began betting at the horse races held in Hyde Park, Sydney. That was the starting point for gambling in Australia.

Little time passed, and the first lottery was held in 1880. And if we look back at the

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This advertorial is by Manuela Muroni

When people plan trips to Eastern Europe, countries like Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland instantly spring to mind. Those five countries

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