ExploreTraveler · John and Karen Gentry
Real journeys. Remarkable places.
Travel with John and Karen Gentry through food, culture, history, adventure and life on the road. Our firsthand stories and original videos bring places to life; practical travel guides help you plan your own journey.
Meet John & Karen and explore our adventures · Watch our videos
Try our free 12-page Penang workbook (English PDF)—no email required. Optional travel updates · Browse books and guides.
Meet the family behind ExploreTraveler
Where will curiosity take you?
Explore our travel stories by place or follow what you love: local food, culture, history, nature, adventure and life on the road.
Asia
Follow food, everyday life and travel experiences across Asia.
Europe & the Middle East
Discover places through their landscapes, history, food and cultural traditions.
USA & RV life
Find domestic travel stories and the practical side of life on the road.
Food & culture
Come along for street food, markets and meals that help tell the story of a place.
Adventure & nature
Explore outdoor stories, underwater experiences and time in the natural world.
Prepare for the journey
Bring your questions about planning, travel budgets and preparation.
Browse all ExploreTraveler travel stories · Meet John and Karen
Featured travel video
Experience Penang Hill with us
Travel through Penang, Malaysia with our videos and companion stories. Discover the places behind the footage and use our free planning resources.
Watch the story and explore Penang →
Turn inspiration into your own trip
Start with our Penang collection, one of the places in our wider travel archive, or choose a book for your next adventure.
Plan a Penang adventure
Choose foods to explore, work through a budget and keep your own trip notes with our free planner.
Prefer paper? Get the free English Penang workbook.
Watch the story behind the place
Explore our Penang videos by topic, then read the companion travel stories.
Take a guide with you
Browse John J. Gentry’s travel, budget and destination books. Each edition labels its reading language and links to our website catalog. Free planning guides are available now while direct paid downloads are prepared.
The next chapter of our food journey
Our international food adventures are inspiring plans to grow ingredients and bring those flavors home in East Texas. Follow the planning and preparation as this next chapter develops.
- From Malaysia to the USA: bringing our food adventures home
- Preparing for the next chapter: exploring sheep fencing
Travel with curiosity. Plan with context.
Our stories and videos document particular visits. Before you travel, check current prices, opening hours, access and local guidance. The free planner helps you keep those checks alongside your own choices.
Meet ExploreTraveler · Visit our official YouTube channel · Read more travel stories