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.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution for travel insurance. Choosing the right policy depends on your age, health background, travel destination, and risk tolerance.
You can’t go wrong, but Monos is better if you want the absolute best bang for your buck, and July is better if you want fancy features like built-in battery banks or removable laptop sleeves.
Peak Design Travel Backpack is ingeniously crafted to cater to photographers and travelers alike, merging adaptability with sleek, functional design.
Monos is the number one suitcase brand we recommend, but Samsonite is the most popular luggage manufacturer in the world. Ultimately, which brand to choose depends on how you travel and what you prioritize.
Delsey offers timeless style and excellent durability, while Samsonite loads up on innovative features and modern design. The choice depends on what you prioritize in your luggage.
We prefer Samsonite luggage overall for durability and functionality, but American Tourister is a great choice for travelers on a budget.
Use proven strategies to pack efficiently and travel stress-free. Learn expert tips on using packing cubes, choosing the right luggage, and more.
Carry-on luggage gets stowed away in the overhead compartment, while a personal item is a smaller bag that stays under the seat in front of you.
Weight limits for carry-on luggage can range from 11 to 40 lbs, depending on the airline. Do your homework to make sure your bag isn’t overweight.
Airline carry-on size limits are generally 22 x 14 x 9 inches for domestic flights or 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches for international flights, but it’s a good idea to check with your specific airline.
Monos’ combination of superior build quality and lower prices makes picking Monos luggage over Away an easy choice—unless you want a softside suitcase.
Monos luggage is higher quality overall, but Béis is a great alternative that’s a bit cheaper and has more features.