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Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around
Things happen. When traveling abroad, many surprises are photographed ...but some are so unanticipated, it creates a series of events that simply could not be predicted. We gain from such experiences in unusual ways. As incredible as Machu Picchu indeed is, what happens next after it's announced while on the train going back to Cuzco that trainworkers will be going on strike later on that day ...before arriving back in Cuzco. What happens if you have a flat tire in a very remote part of Alaska? ...with no cell service ...in pouring rain ...and a plane to catch over 200 miles away. By the way, where is that spare tire on this rented Ford Explorer? What? No bumper jack? And what I learned from that bartender in central Mexico ...y'know, that guy with those strange bluish crosses tattooed on both eyelids ...yeah, that's the guy... Under a relentless hot desert sun in Alexandria, Pompey's Pillar is a very unusual site to see in Egypt. But don't fall down those famous Alabaster Steps. But if one does, do you go to the hospital? No, you go to a pharmacist. Never, I mean never ever lose your passports ...and airline tickets ...and travelers checks all in the same day in central Mexico. This collection of travel stories is not about jam-packed buses, cruise ships, tours, or about well-known places in the world. These are some true tales about several quite peculiar surprises that occurred while traipsing around ...a few hecic treks.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2018
8 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 22, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around is a delightful reminder that the best travel stories rarely come from polished itineraries or postcard-perfect destinations. Wes Choc captures the messy, unexpected, and deeply human moments that happen in the space between “touristing” and truly “traveling.”
What makes this book stand out is its honesty. These aren’t rehearsed adventures or glamorous highlights; they’re the wrong turns, awkward encounters, strange foods, and unplanned conversations that transform a trip into a genuine experience. Each story feels authentic, placing the reader right there in the alleys, back roads, and moments of uncertainty that ultimately become the most memorable parts of a journey.
Choc’s storytelling balances humor, tension, and reflection in a way that keeps the book engaging and relatable. Whether the moments are funny, unsettling, or simply surprising, they all carry a sense of curiosity and openness that encourages readers to embrace unpredictability rather than fear it.
This book is inspiring not because it idealizes travel, but because it celebrates learning, adaptability, and the growth that comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Hectic Treks will resonate with seasoned travelers and armchair explorers alike and may even inspire readers to travel a little less safely, a little more boldly, and a lot more openly.
A thoughtful, entertaining read that proves the real magic of travel lies in what you never planned.
What makes this book stand out is its honesty. These aren’t rehearsed adventures or glamorous highlights; they’re the wrong turns, awkward encounters, strange foods, and unplanned conversations that transform a trip into a genuine experience. Each story feels authentic, placing the reader right there in the alleys, back roads, and moments of uncertainty that ultimately become the most memorable parts of a journey.
Choc’s storytelling balances humor, tension, and reflection in a way that keeps the book engaging and relatable. Whether the moments are funny, unsettling, or simply surprising, they all carry a sense of curiosity and openness that encourages readers to embrace unpredictability rather than fear it.
This book is inspiring not because it idealizes travel, but because it celebrates learning, adaptability, and the growth that comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Hectic Treks will resonate with seasoned travelers and armchair explorers alike and may even inspire readers to travel a little less safely, a little more boldly, and a lot more openly.
A thoughtful, entertaining read that proves the real magic of travel lies in what you never planned.
December 22, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around by Wes Choc is an absolute celebration of what real traveling truly means. Rather than polishing destinations into postcard perfection, this book dives into the messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully human moments that happen between point A and point B. Wes Choc has a gift for storytelling that makes you feel like you’re right there stuck in the wrong taxi, wandering down unfamiliar back roads, tasting strange foods, and realizing that the best travel lessons are rarely planned. Each story feels authentic, honest, and refreshingly unfiltered, reminding us that travel is less about landmarks and more about lived experiences.
What makes Hectic Treks especially inspiring is its embrace of uncertainty. The book encourages readers to let go of rigid itineraries and instead lean into curiosity, adaptability, and humor. Whether the moments are funny, tense, or quietly reflective, they all carry insight about people, cultures, and oneself. This is the kind of book that doesn’t just make you want to travel it makes you want to travel differently, with open eyes and an open mind. Perfect for armchair adventurers and seasoned wanderers alike, Hectic Treks is a reminder that the most meaningful journeys are often found off the map.
What makes Hectic Treks especially inspiring is its embrace of uncertainty. The book encourages readers to let go of rigid itineraries and instead lean into curiosity, adaptability, and humor. Whether the moments are funny, tense, or quietly reflective, they all carry insight about people, cultures, and oneself. This is the kind of book that doesn’t just make you want to travel it makes you want to travel differently, with open eyes and an open mind. Perfect for armchair adventurers and seasoned wanderers alike, Hectic Treks is a reminder that the most meaningful journeys are often found off the map.
December 25, 2025
Hectic Treks is an engaging, funny, and insightful collection that perfectly captures the unpredictable magic of truly traveling. Wes Choc reminds us that the most memorable moments don’t happen at landmarks or gift shops they happen in wrong turns, back alleys, unexpected conversations, and situations you could never plan for.
What makes this book shine is its honesty. These true stories embrace the chaos, humor, and occasional discomfort that come with stepping off the tourist path. Whether the encounters are amusing, unsettling, or simply strange, each tale feels authentic and relatable, making the reader feel like a fellow traveler rather than a spectator.
Choc’s storytelling style is approachable and conversational, with an easy rhythm that keeps you turning pages. There’s a genuine sense of curiosity and openness throughout, and the lessons learned along the way never feel forced they naturally emerge from lived experience.
Hectic Treks is perfect for anyone who loves travel stories with personality, humor, and heart. It’s a reminder that the best journeys aren’t about where you go, but about what happens when things don’t go as planned. A highly enjoyable read that will inspire you to embrace the unexpected and travel a little braver.
What makes this book shine is its honesty. These true stories embrace the chaos, humor, and occasional discomfort that come with stepping off the tourist path. Whether the encounters are amusing, unsettling, or simply strange, each tale feels authentic and relatable, making the reader feel like a fellow traveler rather than a spectator.
Choc’s storytelling style is approachable and conversational, with an easy rhythm that keeps you turning pages. There’s a genuine sense of curiosity and openness throughout, and the lessons learned along the way never feel forced they naturally emerge from lived experience.
Hectic Treks is perfect for anyone who loves travel stories with personality, humor, and heart. It’s a reminder that the best journeys aren’t about where you go, but about what happens when things don’t go as planned. A highly enjoyable read that will inspire you to embrace the unexpected and travel a little braver.
December 25, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around by Wes Choc is a refreshing and entertaining celebration of real travel the kind that happens far from guidebooks and polished itineraries. Instead of postcard moments, this book embraces the detours, wrong turns, and unexpected encounters that truly define being on the road.
Choc’s storytelling is lively and honest, capturing the humor, tension, and surprise found in back alleys, unfamiliar meals, and conversations with strangers. Each true story feels like a reminder that the most meaningful travel experiences are rarely planned, and often happen in the moments between destinations.
What makes Hectic Treks especially inspiring is its sense of curiosity and openness to the world. The book encourages readers to embrace uncertainty, learn from unpredictability, and see misadventures as opportunities rather than obstacles. It’s an engaging, often funny read that will resonate with anyone who believes that real travel begins when plans fall apart.
Choc’s storytelling is lively and honest, capturing the humor, tension, and surprise found in back alleys, unfamiliar meals, and conversations with strangers. Each true story feels like a reminder that the most meaningful travel experiences are rarely planned, and often happen in the moments between destinations.
What makes Hectic Treks especially inspiring is its sense of curiosity and openness to the world. The book encourages readers to embrace uncertainty, learn from unpredictability, and see misadventures as opportunities rather than obstacles. It’s an engaging, often funny read that will resonate with anyone who believes that real travel begins when plans fall apart.
December 25, 2025
Hectic Treks is a refreshing, entertaining reminder of why real travel has nothing to do with itineraries and everything to do with what happens when plans fall apart. Wes Choc captures the true spirit of being on the road the unexpected turns, strange encounters, and moments that are funny, unsettling, and surprisingly insightful all at once.
What makes this book stand out is its honesty. These aren’t polished postcard moments; they’re the alleyways, wrong turns, odd meals, and chance conversations that most travelers remember long after the landmarks fade. Choc’s storytelling feels natural and engaging, pulling readers into situations that are relatable whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who just dreams of getting lost somewhere new.
Each story carries a sense of curiosity and reflection, showing how unplanned moments often teach the biggest lessons. Hectic Treks celebrates the chaos, humor, and humanity found between “touristing” and truly “traveling.” A delightful and memorable read for anyone who believes the best adventures are the ones you never planned.
What makes this book stand out is its honesty. These aren’t polished postcard moments; they’re the alleyways, wrong turns, odd meals, and chance conversations that most travelers remember long after the landmarks fade. Choc’s storytelling feels natural and engaging, pulling readers into situations that are relatable whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who just dreams of getting lost somewhere new.
Each story carries a sense of curiosity and reflection, showing how unplanned moments often teach the biggest lessons. Hectic Treks celebrates the chaos, humor, and humanity found between “touristing” and truly “traveling.” A delightful and memorable read for anyone who believes the best adventures are the ones you never planned.
December 22, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around is a lively, engaging celebration of real travel, the kind that happens far from guidebooks and glossy photos. Wes Choc captures the magic of what unfolds between destinations: wrong turns, unexpected encounters, strange meals, and moments that are by turns funny, unsettling, and enlightening.
What makes this book inspiring is its honesty. These true stories remind us that the heart of traveling isn’t found in famous landmarks, but in alleys, back roads, and spontaneous decisions that lead to unforgettable lessons. With wit and curiosity, Hectic Treks invites readers to embrace uncertainty, stay open to surprise, and see the world with humor and humility. A delightful read for anyone who believes the best journeys are the unplanned ones.
What makes this book inspiring is its honesty. These true stories remind us that the heart of traveling isn’t found in famous landmarks, but in alleys, back roads, and spontaneous decisions that lead to unforgettable lessons. With wit and curiosity, Hectic Treks invites readers to embrace uncertainty, stay open to surprise, and see the world with humor and humility. A delightful read for anyone who believes the best journeys are the unplanned ones.
December 22, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around is a joyful celebration of real travel, the kind that happens when plans fall apart and stories are born. Wes Choc captures the magic of the in-between moments: wrong turns, unexpected encounters, and the small surprises that turn ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures.
Written with humor, honesty, and curiosity, these true stories remind us that the heart of traveling isn’t found in landmarks or itineraries, but in openness to the unknown. Each trek reveals how missteps often become the most meaningful lessons.
This book inspires readers to loosen their grip on control, embrace uncertainty, and trust that the best journeys are the ones we never planned. A delightful read for anyone who believes adventure begins the moment you step off the map.
Written with humor, honesty, and curiosity, these true stories remind us that the heart of traveling isn’t found in landmarks or itineraries, but in openness to the unknown. Each trek reveals how missteps often become the most meaningful lessons.
This book inspires readers to loosen their grip on control, embrace uncertainty, and trust that the best journeys are the ones we never planned. A delightful read for anyone who believes adventure begins the moment you step off the map.
December 22, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around is a lively, entertaining celebration of real travel, the kind that happens off the map and far from curated itineraries. Wes Choc captures the moments most travelers recognize but rarely write about: wrong turns, unexpected encounters, strange meals, and the in-between spaces where plans fall apart and stories are born.
With humor, curiosity, and honesty, these true tales remind us that the most meaningful travel experiences are often unplanned. Whether funny, unsettling, or quietly insightful, each story highlights how detours and surprises shape perspective and deepen understanding. Hectic Treks inspires readers to embrace uncertainty, stay open to the unexpected, and rediscover why traveling rather than touristing can be so rewarding.
With humor, curiosity, and honesty, these true tales remind us that the most meaningful travel experiences are often unplanned. Whether funny, unsettling, or quietly insightful, each story highlights how detours and surprises shape perspective and deepen understanding. Hectic Treks inspires readers to embrace uncertainty, stay open to the unexpected, and rediscover why traveling rather than touristing can be so rewarding.
December 25, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around is a refreshing and entertaining celebration of real travel the kind that happens off the map and far from polished itineraries. Wes Choc captures the humor, chaos, and quiet insight found in wrong turns, unexpected encounters, and moments that no guidebook could predict.
What makes this book inspiring is its honesty. These true stories remind us that the heart of traveling isn’t in landmarks or photos, but in the messy, surprising experiences that teach us something new about the world and ourselves. By embracing uncertainty, Hectic Treks encourages readers to step beyond comfort zones, laugh at the unexpected, and appreciate the lessons hidden in detours. A delightful and memorable read for anyone who believes the best journeys happen in between the plans.
What makes this book inspiring is its honesty. These true stories remind us that the heart of traveling isn’t in landmarks or photos, but in the messy, surprising experiences that teach us something new about the world and ourselves. By embracing uncertainty, Hectic Treks encourages readers to step beyond comfort zones, laugh at the unexpected, and appreciate the lessons hidden in detours. A delightful and memorable read for anyone who believes the best journeys happen in between the plans.
December 25, 2025
Hectic Treks is a refreshing, entertaining celebration of real travel the kind that happens far from guidebooks and glossy postcards. Wes Choc captures the messy, hilarious, and sometimes unsettling moments that arise when plans fall apart and curiosity takes over. These true stories bring readers into back roads, unexpected encounters, and strange meals, revealing the heart of what it truly means to travel rather than merely visit.
What makes this book inspiring is its embrace of unpredictability. Each trek reminds us that wrong turns often lead to the best stories and that growth comes from stepping outside comfort zones. Written with humor and honesty, Hectic Treks encourages readers to welcome uncertainty, stay curious, and see the world not as tourists but as adventurers open to learning wherever the road leads.
What makes this book inspiring is its embrace of unpredictability. Each trek reminds us that wrong turns often lead to the best stories and that growth comes from stepping outside comfort zones. Written with humor and honesty, Hectic Treks encourages readers to welcome uncertainty, stay curious, and see the world not as tourists but as adventurers open to learning wherever the road leads.
December 25, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around is a lively, engaging celebration of real travel the kind that happens far from guidebooks and glossy photos. Wes Choc captures the humor, tension, and surprise found in wrong turns, unexpected encounters, and moments that unfold in alleys and back roads rather than famous landmarks. These true stories feel immediate and authentic, reminding readers that the most memorable experiences often happen between destinations.
What makes this book inspiring is its embrace of uncertainty. Hectic Treks encourages curiosity, adaptability, and openness to the unknown, showing how unplanned moments can lead to insight, laughter, and growth. Whether funny, unsettling, or simply surprising, these stories highlight why traveling is more than seeing places it’s about learning from what you didn’t expect to find.
What makes this book inspiring is its embrace of uncertainty. Hectic Treks encourages curiosity, adaptability, and openness to the unknown, showing how unplanned moments can lead to insight, laughter, and growth. Whether funny, unsettling, or simply surprising, these stories highlight why traveling is more than seeing places it’s about learning from what you didn’t expect to find.
December 22, 2025
Hectic Treks: Unusual Stuff Encountered While Traipsing Around is a lively, engaging celebration of real travel, the kind that happens far from guidebooks and glossy photos. Wes Choc captures the humor, tension, and unexpected wisdom found in wrong turns, chance encounters, and moments that don’t go according to plan. These true stories remind us that the heart of traveling lies not in destinations, but in surprises and adaptability.
With warmth and wit, the book encourages readers to embrace uncertainty, curiosity, and the lessons learned along the way. Hectic Treks is inspiring for anyone who believes the best stories come from alleys, back roads, and experiences you never meant to have, but are glad you did.
With warmth and wit, the book encourages readers to embrace uncertainty, curiosity, and the lessons learned along the way. Hectic Treks is inspiring for anyone who believes the best stories come from alleys, back roads, and experiences you never meant to have, but are glad you did.
December 25, 2025
Hectic Treks is a fun, engaging reminder of why real travel happens far from the guidebooks. Wes Choc captures the messy, surprising, and unforgettable moments that live between “touristing” and truly traveling wrong turns, odd encounters, unexpected lessons, and all. The stories are honest, entertaining, and often laugh-out-loud funny, with just enough edge to keep things exciting. This book celebrates curiosity, adaptability, and the joy of embracing the unknown. A great read for anyone who knows the best travel stories are never planned.
April 21, 2022
In his book Hectic Treks, Wes Choc makes a clear distinction between "touristing" and "traveling" and boy, does he travel! From Alsaka to the Gallapogos Islands Wes takes you down back street and local stops that most folks pass by in this engaging travel log of his adventures and yes, misadventures. You'll be glad you came along!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews