From exotic to far away destinations, this special engagement series has got you covered.

Presented by Hostelling International Washington State Council, these unique and FREE (suggested donation $5) travel talks are a fantastic resource aimed at engaging Seattleites in the travel community. Come hear expert travelers give talks on Tanzania, Nicaragua, South America, and finding your Guru in Southeast Asia. Quick fact — Seattleite’s own writer Jon Meyer will be entertaining us all with his whacky adventures in South America.

Exploring Tanzania | Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.

Go on an African safari without leaving Seattle. Veteran traveler Rebecca Blankinship and Tanzanian native Nyangusi (Stanley) Sirikwa will engage the audience in sharing tips and stories of their life in Tanzania. Recently back from running projects with her company Cultural Links USA,  Rebecca is an expert in traveling and finding volunteer opportunities while trotting the globe. Stanley offers Seattleites a rare perspective, from growing up deep in Maasailand to living in Europe. He also has over 15 years of experience in the tourism industry in Tanzania leading many groups on wildlife and cultural safaris and to the roof of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. The speakers will cover ongoing volunteer opportunities in Tanzania, giving Seattleites the chance to learn how to vacation for a purpose.

Tales from South America | Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.

Seattleite writer, local Washingtonian, and all around adventure seeker Jon Meyer  is sure to get the audience laughing with his witty stories from his trip around South America. Jon spent six months moving around Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina and lived to talk about it. Currently writing a book about his experiences, this talented writer knows how to tell a good story. Come learn about what went wrong, what went right, and what he did about it.

Seeking Nirvana | Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

If work and city life are stressing you out, consider making your next vacation a total spiritual retreat. Veteran traveler and Yogi Robert Servine will be giving a talk on Yoga and meditation retreats in Southeast Asia, India, and Nepal. Practicing Yoga in its native land can be a deeply transformative experience. Seattleites will learn about the different kinds of Yoga and meditation available, how to recognize a good teacher or school, avoid scams, and pick the right type of practice for you. This talk is perfect for all of the passionate Yoga Seattleites wanting to visit and learn about the places their practice came from.

Traveling Nicaragua | Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m.

The second poorest country in Latin America, Nicaragua, offers visitors unique opportunities to experience a country still developing its tourism industry. This means, you will be one of only a few travelers with fewer tourists than neighboring countries. The brave and bold traveler Jessica Dally will share her very recent experience of traveling alone as a single female in Nicaragua. Unwilling to heed the warnings of her friends and family of the “dangers” of this country, Jessica sought her own path in which she was able this beautiful and special county. Join her as she shares tips, itineraries, and pictures of her incredible journey.

For more information on traveling to any of these destinations, please contact Tom Tidyman at Tom.Tidyman@hiwsc.org.

Winter Wanterlust Speaker Series at The American Hotel | 520 S. King Street, Seattle