The Team
MARKUS TAYLOR
FOUNDER/WRITER/
HOST
An actor/host/producer/writer based in Los Angeles, Markus grew up in Oceanside, CA., just north of San Diego. At 20 years old, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in various parts of the country and was deployed around the world. After serving five years, he continued traveling stateside and internationally until moving to Los Angeles, putting his traveling on hold to pursue acting. He threw himself into it, studying the craft and starring in various projects, but always longing to travel again. After a health scare in 2015, he created An American Explorer, hoping to influence others to step out of their comfort zones and open themselves up to different experiences!
“Growing up in a tough environment, as a kid I thought, there’s no way out, I'm stuck. I convinced myself, ‘There is nothing better than where I am, why would I leave?’ After joining the Coast Guard, I saw the country and the world. My entire perspective shifted, shattering all my stereotypes and misconceptions. I immersed myself in other cultures, challenging myself to experience life no matter how scary or unknown, and the world became less intimidating. When I got sick, I realized the decision to leave my comfort zone changed me and I wanted to encourage others to have that same experience. Especially those who think there is no way out, that there’s no place better than where they are now. Traveling changes you at your core and challenges your perspectives and perceptions. It makes you hungrier to see, hear, and learn more and that is the greatest gift you can give yourself.”
Make sure to check out his imdb.com page too!
A talented actress/host/photographer based in Los Angeles, Holly grew up in Sylmar, CA. She started traveling at 17 years old, modeling in countries like China, Italy, Germany, Taipei, and many more. Holly was introduced to the world and jumped right in.
“I enjoy seeing how other cultures live. I enjoy seeing all the beauty the
world has to offer. Every country and city has its own adventure and those new
experiences equal new memories and I’m all about that! Not to mention, you
never know what amazing people you will meet along the way. Learning about the
world first hand is mentally, spiritually and physically the best education you
can give yourself. I only hope that people take a step outside of their world
and into someone else's. There’s a lot of adventure you are missing out on, not
only all over the world but right here in the U.S.”
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Make sure to check out her imdb.com page
HOLLY LYNCH
GUEST HOST
HOLLY LYNCH
VANCE DANIELS
GUEST HOST/
PRODUCER
Vance Daniels is a sometimes actor, occasional producer, and full-time ne’er-do-well based in Los Angeles. Although he can frequently be overheard claiming to “hail from parts unknown,” birth and school records show he was born and raised outside of Raleigh, NC. As a child, before he even understood what it meant, Vance was consumed by wanderlust. He often sent his parents into fits of worry during his frequent exploratory weekends; following a creek through the woods to locate its source or meandering along a railroad track five miles through fields to the next town. Throw in a little boy scouts, camping, and way too many adventure books, and an insatiable thirst for adventure and travel was firmly implanted.
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“The best part about traveling is you can get excited about things you don’t even know you should be excited about. Twain said it beautifully, ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.’”
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Make sure to check out his imdb.com page too!
Ruben,a native Angeleno and third generation Mexican-American, grew up in Whittier, CA. His love for travel began early in life but became apparent when he studied abroad in France and Spain. DonnaLee, a small-town girl from Canal Fulton, OH. couldn’t wait to explore other parts of the country, and did so right after high school. After visiting various parts of Southern California in 2009, she returned home, packed up her suv, and headed out west to begin her new life. The two met while working in the service industry in Santa Monica and, although coming from different backgrounds, their love for traveling is something they’ve shared from the beginning of their relationship. They even began a side business managing vacation rentals to fund their dream vacations.
“It’s been a great way for us to not only make extra money but to meet people from all over the world who share our passion for travel.” They love giving guests tips on all that LA offers from restaurants and breweries to hiking and beaches.
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Everyone told Ruben and DonnaLee that they could never keep up their traveling once they had a baby... “But we’re enjoying proving them all wrong!” Little Miss Helena, in only her first year of life, has been to 4 countries, 13 states, and 10 national parks. “Traveling with a baby definitely has its challenges but it also makes every moment more special. Seeing things through her eyes makes everything so magical!”
RUBEN, DONNALEE
& LIL MISS HELENA
Guest Hosts/
Family Adventurers