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Nick Reed
Owner & Creative Director

Nick Reed

Nick’s path to TravelFreak wasn’t traditional, but then again, neither is he.

After playing collegiate basketball at the University of Rochester, Nick transferred to the University of Kentucky to focus on his education in economics, philosophy, and writing. He landed a business intelligence analyst role at NIQ, but analyzing data from a desk wasn’t where his story was meant to go.

His real education happened working remotely across Europe, hopping from country to country, experiencing cultures, attending football matches, and playing pickup games in co-ed leagues wherever he could find them. As a Manchester City fan, he made it his mission to catch matches at legendary stadiums from Camp Nou to the Etihad. After a year on the road, he settled in Barcelona, soaking up the culture, perfecting his tapas order, and falling deeper in love with the beautiful game, both watching it and playing it.

But Nick’s travels go beyond football. He’s explored 20+ countries across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, always chasing authentic experiences over tourist traps. Whether teaching English to kids in South Africa and the Dominican Republic, tracking wildlife on safari, or finding the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant locals don’t want tourists to know about, Nick believes travel is about connection, not collection.

That philosophy drove him to take over TravelFreak with his brother Spencer. Together, they’re building a brand that cuts through the noise of influencer culture and corporate travel advice to deliver something real: honest guides, tested gear, and experiences you can actually replicate.

Nick lives by a simple rule: the best stories come from saying yes to the unexpected. And TravelFreak is his biggest yes yet.

179 Dispatches Published
DISPATCHES

Articles & Field Guides

By NickPage 11 of 15
Big Sur
United StatesSep 16, 202123 min read

10 Day USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Few American road trips are as iconic as a drive up the West Coast. You can visit incredible national parks, cities packed with amazing culture and food, and everything in between.

By Nick ReedRead Dispatch
Best Hiking Sandals
Best Hiking GearSep 9, 202120 min read

12 Best Hiking Sandals of 2026

Chaco and Teva are the dominant names in hiking sandals. You'll just have to decide if you want rugged and chunky, or flexible and comfy.

By Nick ReedRead Dispatch
Best Hiking Shirts
Best Hiking GearSep 7, 202122 min read

11 Best Hiking Shirts of 2026

A good hiking shirt needs to protect you from the sun and keep you comfy in all weather. It also doesn't hurt if it looks good enough to wear around town after you get back from the trail.

By Nick ReedRead Dispatch
Best Roll Top Backpacks
BackpacksSep 1, 202121 min read

15 Best Roll Top Backpacks of 2026

Roll-top backpacks offer simplicity, waterproofness, and durability, which makes them perfect for people on the go. The best ones capitalize on those strengths.

By Nick ReedRead Dispatch
Best Waterproof Backpack
BackpacksJul 5, 202118 min read

15 Best Waterproof Backpacks of 2026

The right waterproof backpack can save you from having a bag full of sopping wet gear after it rains. Just know that not all bags claiming to be waterproof are created equal.

By Nick ReedRead Dispatch
Showing 121 – 132 of 179 dispatches