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Groombridge’s travels lead him to uncharted territory

By Mark Pavilons
When you are one of the wor

ld's most travelled young men, it's not easy to predict where the journeys will lead.
For Schomberg's Brock Groombridge, he's aiming to visit 100 countries by the time he's 30. So far, he's managed to travel to 74 distant lands.
In an unusual pit stop for the non-stop adventurer, Groombridge spent the past year in Boston. While Massachusetts is definitely a must-see destination, Brock fell into an interesting project.
He answered a Craigslist ad for a personal communication assistant, and that employer turned out to be Nick Littlefield, former staff director and chief counsel for Senator Ted Kennedy on the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Littlefield suffers from MSA, an aggressive form of Parkinson's and he needed help finishing his book, "Lion of the Senate,"?which was released recently. Groombridge was part of his trusted team who went through the painstaking editing process. Given Littlefield's condition, Groombridge spent countless, patient hours getting Littlefield's thoughts on paper and in email messages.
The effort was well worth it and the book is a success. It chronicles Senator Kennedy's efforts during the tumultuous years 1994-96, when the "Republican Revolution" took control of congress, with Newt Gingrich intending to fulfill the Contract with America. The Republicans were determined to enact a conservative agenda that would reshape American government. Had it not been for Ted Kennedy, they would have succeeded.
Kennedy rallied the Democrats, including President Bill?Clinton, passing key legislation.
This cemented Kennedy's role as a liberal "lion in the Senate." Kennedy was the second most senior member of the Senate when he died and was the fourth-longest-serving senator in United States history, having served there for almost 47 years.
Littlefield's book (co-authored by David Nexon)?is a first-hand account of those times and Groombridge said it's an excellent read, even if you're not a political pundit. Groombridge noted Littlefield kept very detailed notes on everything –?from meetings to dinner conversations – that found their way into the retelling of this story.
Groombridge admitted it was quite an experience, working with someone of that caliber, who was routinely visited by other senators, judges and dignitaries.
With this fascinating pit stopover, it's time for Groombridge to hit the road, literally.
He's a self-made world traveler, blogger and videographer, spending the last six years as a "nomad."?He just got his first car –?he never really needed one in the past. He considers himself to be "one of the luckiest and most fortunate"?people on Earth, having explored 74 countries to date.
Through Viator, considered to be the world's leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide, Groombridge is heading off to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The eight-day junket will include many unique tours offered by Viator.
This will mean long days of traveling and filming. "We'll be working our tails off,"?Brock admitted.
He was hoping to get in some skiing this season, and he'll get his wish, although the hills he'll be visiting are indoors, in the middle of the desert.
It's the ultimate in reality TV and Groombridge says "it's incredible not only to travel but be paid to do it."
His next stop is Mexico for a friend's wedding. He's purchased a one-way ticket because from there, the real adventure will begin. Groombridge hopes to explore Central America but doesn't have a set itinerary or game plan. He seldom does. He simply goes where the wind takes him.
He's adventurous but definitely not stupid. Years of experience have taught him how to travel well and safely. His mother says he has "horseshoes"?because, in all those years, he's never had an issue. There are ways to travel inexpensively and really enjoy the culture of the places you visit.
Groombridge has become a bit of an advocate for travel, and even advises people on their routes and choices, especially students who choose to travel in their "gap year." He recommends it to everyone.
Travelling really builds character skills such as confidence, perseverance, and communication. He admits he doesn't speak any other language fluently, so he gets by the best he can in each new nation. He inspires many to go traveling. However, something that isn't discussed as often is what will happen upon arriving in this new country. For example, people moving over to America for a year will have no credit history. This means that they'll be unable to do a lot of basic things, such as apply for credit cards. However, people can make use of some financial blogs (click here for one) that can suggest some credit cards that might be better for people with no credit rating. People going on these gap years will need to research the area beforehand. It can be fun, as long as you are prepared.
He's uncovered some interesting truths about the world. Despite our differences, people the world over are basically the same. The world is huge, but at the same time, it can be a rather small place. Brock noted he met two female travellers in India one spring and the following fall he bumped into them at the mountain-top ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru.
Through his blog (backpackwithbrock.com), YouTube channel, Instagram and Snapchat (@backpackerbrock), Groombridge keeps his followers informed. He's personable and light-hearted in his reviews, but sometimes you can't help but get a little philosophical. That time in Machu Picchu was very moving.
His adventures have made him quite appreciative and grateful, for every day on this beautiful blue-green ball.
Groombridge doesn't know what he will do after he reaches 100 countries. Perhaps another must-see list will be created. Or maybe he'll find a niche helping other world travelers in search of mysteries.
Whatever he decides, Brock Groombridge may very well become "the world's most traveled man."
For more, visit backpackwithbrock.com.

Excerpt: When you are one of the world’s most travelled young men, it’s not easy to predict where the journeys will lead. For Schomberg’s Brock Groombridge, he’s aiming to visit 100 countries by the time he’s 30. So far, he’s managed to travel to 74 distant lands.

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