Welcome—I’m Deryk
A Few Days Off with Deryk is my travel journal in real time—part practical guide, part video diary, and part healing journey. I’m a medically retired police officer, and travel has become one of the ways I rebuild my life: slowly, thoughtfully, and with a lot of curiosity.
If you’re here for destination ideas, tips that actually work, or just a place where travel stories feel human, you’re in the right spot.
What you’ll find here
- Honest travel stories—the good days, the hard days, and what I learn in between.
- Practical tips for solo travel, budgeting, planning, and staying grounded on the road.
- Mindful travel—simple routines that help when anxiety shows up far from home.
- Videos and behind-the-scenes from my YouTube travel channel, plus context I don’t always fit on camera.
Travel tips I wish I’d known earlier
To kick things off, here are a few basics that have made my trips smoother—especially when I’m traveling solo and trying to keep my nervous system steady.
- Build “buffer time” into every travel day. If I land at 2:00, I plan like I land at 4:00. Less rushing = fewer spirals.
- Pick one anchor routine. Mine is a morning walk and a tea. It’s small, but it tells my brain, “We’re okay.”
- Keep your first day simple. One neighborhood, one meal, one easy win. Save the big adventures for day two.
- Write down the plan. A quick note with my address, transit steps, and a backup option helps when my mind gets loud.
A note on PTSD and being on the road
I won’t pretend travel fixes everything. Some days are heavy, and unfamiliar places can amplify that. But travel also gives me something powerful: new evidence that I can handle change, meet good people, and keep moving forward. It’s like the unfamiliarity is the stimulation that I need to thrive and feel alive.
I share this part of my story because I know I’m not alone. If you’re a veteran, first responder, or someone carrying your own invisible load—welcome. Remember that don’t have to “perform”. Just show up.
Where to start
If you’re new, start with whatever you need most today:
- Looking for inspiration? Browse the latest stories on the Blog.
- Prefer video? Head to YouTube for travel vlogs.
- Want the backstory? Read About.
Let’s take a few days off and travel the world—together
If a post helps you plan a trip, take a breath, or feel a little less alone, that’s a win. Thanks for being here—see you in the next story.