Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Favorite Food: Chicken saag with garlic naan, avocado, Jimmy John’s Turkey Tom sandwich - lose the sprouts and add Dijon

One musician I’m really into right now: Mumford & Sons - beautiful modern folk from the U.K.

One place I’d really like to visit: Nepal

One thing I can’t travel without: A little notebook to jot down thoughts, e-mail addresses of fellow travellers, train schedules, and whatever else tickles my fancy along the journey.

One thing I miss most when travelling: Guaranteed hot showers

One thing that really scares me: Great white sharks

The most daring thing I’ve ever done: I decided to become a TV producer and host and move to L.A. with little more than ambition.

ProjectExplorer.org Expeditions: Thailand, Central America (Fall 2011)

Rachel Rudwall is a storyteller and lover of our beautiful globe. She enjoys people watching and imagining that Mike Rowe and Anthony Bourdain are best friends. No one braves 20-hour days in sub-zero temperatures in the wintery crevasses of Alaska like this woman. Check out her website: www.RachelRoams.com