WANDERLUST FOR THE SOUL | WILLIAM ATKINS

“WHAT INSPIRES MY TRAVEL PLANNING ARE TWO THINGS, FAMILY AND EXPLORATION.”

William (Bill) Atkins is an avid outdoorsman, author, and family man

Bill and Betsy, exploring on bikes.

with a knack for business. Bill is a very active traveler who is helping re-define generations by coining the term “Perennial” to describe his own ‘live life to its fullest’ mantra. Retirement is not on any radar in Bill Atkins’ life-journey.

Whether he is authoring a new novel, starting a new company or planning his family’s next adventure, Bill will always be on the go.

We sat down with Bill to discuss his extensive world travels. Inspired by family and exploration, he has visited some of the globe’s greatest treasures.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CITY TO WHICH YOU’VE TRAVELED?

Buenos Aires, Argentina.

It was a combination of things. Buenos Aires is a large city with many different nationalities representing different cultural flavors, both in the literal and figurative sense. Between 1995 and 1999 I lived and worked in Buenos Aires. I could walk to work as everything is very laid back.

Tempo of life and work is all intertwined in this city, and there is a big emphasis on lunch followed by siestas. In the evening, people eat late – restaurants do not open for dinner until 9pm. Dinner is the most important and largest meal of the day and often involves asado-style cooking.

WHERE ARE YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTS/ACTIVITIES OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia and hiking in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland. Also the incredible view from above the village of Grindelwald.

Railways of the Jungfrau Region
www.myswitzerland.com

What is the strangest thing you’ve eaten while traveling?

Besides flowers, berries and other vegetation while camping, it would be drinking bull’s blood in a traditional Mexican celebration honoring patron saint Santa Ana.

Next would be molleja (thyroid gland) which always comes from veal and there are two cuts, one is the thyroid gland from the neck, and another rarer and larger cut is from around the heart. You grill in the traditional Argentine asado fashion over medium heat on a wood fire for hours along with steak, the cow’s small intestines and tongue.

Mollejas Asadas
www.canalcocina.es

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHERE TO GO ON YOUR NEXT TRIP?

What inspires my travel planning are two things, family and exploration.

For family trips we pick a location where our three kids and their families can come together under one roof at least once a year.

For exploration I consider how I want to travel – by water, by road or by trail. I always want an activity that includes options to kayak/canoe, bike or hike. And, at least one day of fishing on new water.

With these as my parameters I begin a search for hotel locations that also offer a spa, fine dining and deep knowledge of the region I’m visiting.

Most recently I took a 6 day bike tour of the Loire Valley in France followed by 8 days in the town of Oia in Santorini Greece where we sailed, hiked and immersed myself in the ancient history of the Aegean culture and island’s geological formation.


Bill and Betsy in Loire Valley.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL HACK?

Raising our family pet to become a therapeutically approved “comfort animal” for travel onboard, at our feet on all international and domestic airlines. She’s a better passenger than most humans.

JackieO’s first international trip. (Harbour Island bound)