Dalton Hunter’s journey to becoming a travel influencer wasn’t paved with luxury or frequent flier miles from an early age. Growing up, travel was a foreign concept. Living in a trailer with his parents, he remembers a diet of Lucky Charms, bologna, and canned soup.
It wasn’t until his grandmother took him on a trip to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands that he experienced the magic of travel.
At just 10 years old, Dalton had his first taste of adventure — and an accidental taste of rum at a chili cook-off. “I danced to the sound of steel drums and played limbo for the first time. It must have been the closest thing to magic to kid-me,” Dalton recalled during a recent interview.
From Humble Beginnings to Travel Authority
Dalton Hunter’s candid nature is part of his charm. When asked what qualifies him as a travel authority, he laughed, acknowledging that he lacks formal credentials. “Nothing qualifies me to be an authority in the travel space except my obsession with it … and that leads to experience.”
He isn’t a professional athlete or a tourism graduate; he’s just a guy who followed his passion and shares his journey. His content is authentic, rooted in genuine experiences and real stories. These traits — honesty and relatability — have earned him a large following.
Travel, as Dalton describes it, is inherently messy and full of learning experiences. But he insists that this unpredictability is what makes travel so exciting and fun. His adventures are not meticulously planned trips but rather explorations filled with surprises and challenges, which he embraces wholeheartedly.
“Unless you have an exorbitant amount of money or go to the same places again and again, travel will always be a little messy and you will always be learning,” he reflected.
The Joys and Frustrations of Travel
For Dalton, the thrill of travel lies in its constant novelty. He finds comfort in the ever-changing landscapes, the new people he meets, and the diverse experiences. Growing up in a chaotic environment, this constant change feels familiar and comfortable, like an old shoe that still fits. “I grew up in a very chaotic and dynamic environment, so maybe that feeling of constant change is comforting to me somehow.”
However, the inefficiencies of travel can be frustrating (for all of us). At home, everything is within reach, and daily routines are seamless. On the road, Dalton deals with the hassles of finding good food, navigating unfamiliar places, and the occasional scam.
Yet, these challenges are part of the travel experience, adding to its unpredictability and excitement. “It’s all part of the adventure,” he summed up.
Overcoming the Pain of Loss
All that said, Dalton’s life hasn’t been without struggle. His relationship with his parents, both struggling addicts, has left deep scars that will never fully heal. His father’s death, after a period of attempted reconciliation, and his mother’s subsequent overdose are traumas that continue to shape him.
“My dad and I had spent several years trying to repair our broken relationship when his health took a turn for the worst and he passed within a few weeks,” he shared. “Sadly, my mom overdosed six months later. I never reconciled with her — it’s one of my biggest regrets.”
These experiences, though painful, have driven him to share more personal stories, helping others find healing through his vulnerability.
Travel’s Impact on Personal Growth
Travel has made Dalton more aware of cultural differences and societal views and has taught him that people, deep down, are more alike than different. These experiences have encouraged him to empathize with others and consider their perspectives, fostering personal growth and a deeper understanding of his fellow humans.
“As I make it to new places and as I get older, I am trying to put myself in other people’s shoes more often, especially if I disagree with someone or feel offended by them,” he explained.
Dalton’s passion for people shines through in his interactions with strangers. He believes that the perspectives we choose shape our experiences. Conversations with people from different walks of life have taught him more than any formal education could, underscoring the power of human connection.
“I learn more about life from doing this than I ever did from University,” he reflected. “Like how incredibly powerful the perspective we choose is.”
Dalton Hunter’s Travel Essentials
As a fellow gear junkie, Dalton’s top travel essentials include:
- Arc’teryx Incendo Pants – Lightweight, versatile, and durable.
- Ultralight Pack – Essential for comfortable travel.
- Garmin Epix Pro II Watch – Packed with features for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Merrell Moab 3 Boots – Reliable for extensive walking and hiking.
- Aeropress Go – A compact coffee maker for a quality brew on the go.
Embracing an Unconventional Life
Dalton Hunter appreciates the freedom and unpredictability of his life, having left behind the constraints of a corporate career. But life is never perfect, and he still battles with the everyday challenges, just like the rest of us.
But overall, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of travel. Through his genuine storytelling and passion for exploration, he inspires others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the messy, beautiful adventure that is existence.
“My life is far from perfect,” he admitted, “but it is certainly wild, and I like feeling that the possibilities are endless.”
Follow Dalton’s journeys on Instagram and social media at @travelwithdalt.
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