Word Travels
From Colombia to Ethiopia, Jordan to Macau, “Word Travels” follows the real-life drama of freelance travel writers Robin Esrock and Julia Dimon as they battle deadlines, jetlag and culture shock on their hunt to find the next great story. Filmed in 36 countries across six continents, “Word Travels” gives a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional travel journalism – the truth behind the byline.
Robin and Julia are perfect guides to the exotic world of travel writing. Robin’s “Modern Gonzo” commitment to chase down exciting adventures without losing his humor, everyman personality or backpack, has enabled him to attract a global newspaper and online audience. Filing weekly stories for a national column, Julia “The Travel Junkie” has an uncanny ability to find powerful human stories and connect with local cultures.
Their unique experience, talent, and chemistry ensures that the action is thick, and the images unforgettable. Edited with a music video edge and scored to some of the most memorable indie music, this weekly half-hour documentary series mirrors the very world it discovers: unpredictable, emotionally charged, breathtaking and full of surprises.
SEASON ONE
Episode 1. Bolivia
Julia investigates indigenous female wrestling, while Robin bikes down the world’s most dangerous road.
Episode 2. Ethiopia North
Robin tests his theory of the People Chain, while Julia’s shopping savvy is tested to the limits.
Episode 3. Venezuela
Julia hunts for the elusive moriche worm, while Robin hurls himself off a canyon and catches piranhas.
Episode 4. Jordan
A sponsored press trip leads Julia to the hip size of modern Amman, while Robin explores Petra Indiana Jones-style.
Episode 5. Columbia
The writers look for Colombia’s edgier side for a sellable story.
Episode 6. Ethiopia South
Writers grapple with their ethical responsibilities when promoting tourist activities.
Episode 7. Dubai
History that saves the day in a city with the newest and biggest everything.
Episode 8. Latvia
Writers explore the country’s rich and somewhat bizarre architectural legacy.
Episode 9. Yukon
The travel writers brave the cold in search for the northern lights.
Episode 10. Lithuania
Robin traces his roots to a small town, while Julia looks into a quirky Soviet theme park.
Episode 11. Thailand
Julia looks into a Canadian-run Thai kickboxing school, while Robin succumbs to a chili eat-off.
Episode 12. Hong Kong & Macau
The travel writers search for new and cutting edge stories.
Episode 13. New Zealand
Julia geocaches and Robin sweeps his way into the adrenaline capital of the world.
SEASON TWO
Episode 1. Sri Lanka
Robin and Julia explore a remarkable religious festival in Sri Lanka.
Episode 2. Korea
Teaching English in Asia, Robin learns that teaching a class of 11-year-olds is as terrifying, and rewarding, as any adventure activity.
Episdoe 3. The Philippines
Robin focuses on the northern tip of El Nido, the place that inspired the book and film, “The Beach.” In Manila, Julia’s gets a taste for balut, a fertilized duck egg.
Episode 4. Canada’s West Coast
Covering a story about a luxury expedition yacht, Robin and Julia reflect on how their jobs often give them a taste of a life neither of them could ever afford.
Episode 5. Slovenia
Robin and Julie explore a jewel in Central Europe, the tiny nation of Slovenia.
Episode 6. Romania
Robin and Julia head into the Transylvanian countryside on a cultural tour.
Episode 7. The Maldives
Robin and Julia learn having a dream job on a dream tropical island is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Episode 8. Turkey
Robin and Julia head east to investigate a story about biblical tourism.
Episode 9. Ukraine
Robin and Julia explore the “cradle of Slavic civilization” on the streets of Kiev.
Episode 10. Taiwan
New travel writing assignments bring Julia and Robin to Taipei.
Episode 11. Belize
Robin and Julia immerse themselves in the jungle surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins.
Episode 12. Jamaica
Robin and Julia learn about Rastafarians and dancehall – two cornerstones of Jamaican culture.
Episode 13. Mexico
Robin and Julia discover the back story about tequila, Mexico’s national drink.
SEASON THREE
Episode 1. Georgia
Not to be confused with the U.S. state, Georgia has a rich medieval history, complete with weapons and folklore.
Episode 2. Nicaragua
Robin hikes to the peak of Cerro Negro while Julia investigates the story of fair trade coffee.
Episode 3. Chile
Chile’s miles of coastline, soaring Andean peaks and parched desert invite Robin and Julia to explore.
Episode 4. Italy
Robin and Julia explore Italy during the blistering heat of summer.
Episode 5. Alberta
Julia and Robin climb aboard a helicopter for the breathtaking experience of heli‐yoga.
Episode 6. Russia
Julia investigates the black market for sturgeon caviar in Russia while Robin takes a deeper look into majestic Moscow metro.
Episode 7. Barbados
Robin and Julia explore island living, turning vacation activities into story
Ideas.
Episode 8. Portugal
Robin and Julia head to Terceira, an emerald island in the Azores, for the thrilling
summer festivities.
Episode 9. Egypt
The traffic, chaos and 3000 years of bureaucracy can take their toll, so Robin and Julia choose to belly dance over the Nile.
Episode 10. Finland
Heading to Lapland, Julia confronts Santa Claus with some unanswered childhood questions.
Episode 11. Kenya
The two sides of Africa – the beauty and the despair, covered one day after the next.
Episode 12. Tunisia
Robin and Julia arrive in North Africa for a challenging press trip.
Julia Dimon is a TV host, writer and travel expert who has traveled around the world four times, in over 80 countries, across six continents.
Julia Dimon is co-host of Word Travels, a 40-episode TV series broadcast nationally on OLN in Canada and internationally on National Geographic Adventure in over 45 countries worldwide. This show follows the real lives of two top travel writers as they jet set around the world, under pressure and under deadline. Co-creator, associate producer, co-writer and co-host of “Word Travels,” Julia Dimon has just finished filming the third series.
Julia Dimon has partnered with Kayak.com, the world’s leading travel search engine, as their spokesperson and “chief travel junkie.”
Julia has been featured as a travel expert by ABC Nightline, NBC New York Non-Stop, Forbes Traveler, MSNBC, Outside’s Go magazine, Arthur Frommer’s radio show (syndicated across 100 radio stations throughout the US), as well as major Canadian media outlets.
Julia’s popular blog www.traveljunkiejulia.com shares expert travel advice, stories from exotic destinations and budget travel tips.
Follow her on her:
Robin Esrock’s success as a global adventurer, travel writer and TV personality was no accident, although it started with one. Struck down on his bike at an intersection, he hobbled away with a broken kneecap, and one year later, a $20,000 insurance settlement. It was just enough for him pack up his things, quit his desk job, and set off on a one-year solo round-the-world backpacking adventure to 24 countries.
Now in it’s sixth year, his pioneering blog, Modern Gonzo, enjoys a cult-like status, drawing thousands of visitors each day to literally see the world through Robin’s eyes. “The best travel writing should be inspirational, entertaining, and informative,” says Robin. “Sometimes, we’re the only good news people read. It’s important to hear positive stories about the world we live in.” Robin has spoken about his adventures at conferences, keynotes, exhibitions, and colleges. He continues to freelance, and is a columnist for the Globe & Mail, Sympatico.ca, and Outpost Magazine in Canada.
Robin noticed the fascination and misconceptions surrounding the profession of travel writing. He conceived the idea that became the first TV series to show the truth behind the byline. “Word Travels” took Robin and co-host Julia Dimon to 36 countries on 6 continents, filming 40 action-packed episodes as the two battled deadlines, schedules, and sometimes each other in their race to cover the best story.
Heli-yoga in the Rockies, racing supercars in Italy, volcano boarding in Nicaragua – it’s all in a day’s work. Robin has now visited nearly 100 countries, all the new Seven Wonders, and continues to write, blog, tweet, and Youtube his ongoing adventures (his visit to China’s Death Hike has over half a million views on Youtube!)
Robin Esrock is living proof that sometimes, life is just an accident waiting to happen.
Find out more about Robin on his:
Word Travels: Articles
Want to read the articles “Word Travels” hosts Robin and Julia while filming the series? Click on the location to read the article that came out of that episode.
Word Travels: Music from the Show
Love a song you heard on the show? Click on the location to find out the music played in that episode.
