John Morrison

John Morrison

John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip. His guides cover the logistics that matter: how to get there without a tour, where to stay without overpaying, and what to skip entirely. John specialises in offbeat beach destinations, budget-friendly ski country, and shoulder-season travel in places most guidebooks overlook. His work has helped hundreds of thousands of independent travellers plan smarter, cheaper, and more rewarding trips.

Medellin - 02-063 Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe.JPG

Medellin Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

City Guides / John Morrison

Sweet corn arepas stuffed with melting white cheese — the paisa breakfast of choice. The corn is ground fresh, and the best versions have a caramelised…

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Hoi An Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

City Guides / John Morrison

Another legacy of Chinese traders — delicate pork-and-shrimp wontons in a clear broth, served with crispy wonton chips on top. Simpler than Cantonese…

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Chiang Mai Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

City Guides / John Morrison

Available everywhere in Chiang Mai during mango season (March-June) and often cheaper than Bangkok. Sweet yellow mango with warm sticky rice soaked in…

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Dubai skyline at sunset with the Burj Khalifa and city lights

Dubai Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

City Guides / John Morrison

Tender meat (usually lamb) slow-smoked in an underground tandoor oven, served on fragrant spiced rice. The smoking process gives the meat an incredible…

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International Driving Permit for Americans: Real Guide (2026)

Blog, North America, Travel Tips, USA / John Morrison

I’ve rented cars in 20+ countries since 2018. I’ve been required to show an International Driving Permit four times, asked about it eleven other…

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Jongno and Insadong (Historic Centre) - Seoul

Pre-Travel Checklist: 47 Things Americans Forget Every Trip

Blog, Travel Tips / John Morrison

I’ve forgotten everything on this list at some point. Each item bit me hard enough to add it to the master pre-travel checklist. Print this, save it,…

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Lake Atitlan with volcanoes in the background

Luxury Travel Without the Luxury Price (12 Hacks That Actually Work)

Blog, Destinations / John Morrison

I’ve flown business class round-trip from NYC to Tokyo for $200 + 70,000 points. I’ve stayed at the Conrad Maldives for $300 a night when retail was…

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Natural limestone pools at Semuc Champey

The Travel App Stack That Actually Works (22 Apps Tested)

Blog, Travel Tips / John Morrison

I’ve tested over 100 travel apps across 6 years of full-time travel. Most are forgettable. Here are the 22 that actually live on my phone.

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Cheap Flight Tools That Actually Work (8 Tested for Americans)

Blog, Travel Tips / John Morrison

I’ve booked 30+ international flights since 2022 using every major flight deal tool. Three are genuinely useful. Five are mostly marketing. Here’s the…

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