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.