John was born and raised in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania and developed a strong passion for adventure travel at a young age. While completing his bachelor’s degree in philosophy at West Chester University, he embarked on his first solo backpacking trip across Europe. That experience inspired him to dedicate his life to international travel and study. Since then, John has visited nearly 90 countries on seven continents, studied abroad in Greece and South America, and has used his master’s in TESOL education (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) to teach English in New York City, Ecuador and Colombia. In addition to his teaching experience, John has also managed and led several licensed American groups to Cuba under people-to-people exchange programs. As an avid runner and hiker, John has finished several ambitious treks through Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North/South America and Oceania.
When he’s not hard at work as part of a leading conservation travel organization, John spends his time with his nose buried in The Economist, practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Purple Belt under Professor Michael Liera Jr. of Atos), meditating, writing, and planning his next journey to the edge of civilization.
Contact: john.holahaniv@gmail.com
Stirring Point 