Mark Orwoll
@markorwoll.bsky.social
Person of interest. Notorious waterfront character. Notify authorities if you see this man. Also, author, journalist, husband and father. Probably good for a small loan, depending on your spiel. Plays mandolin, not well but with gusto.
Six free London museums in eight hours?! That's nuts. But if you enjoy jars full of pickled moles, vintage "lunatic restraints," Napoleon's toothbrush, ornate 19th-century enema syringes, and such rarities, I've got an itinerary for you! Mark Orwoll is at It Again. (Have a free subscription yet?)
Join Me on the Cheapskate’s Walking Tour of London’s Truly Odd Museums
No Entry fees! No taxis needed! No crowds! 6 free museums in 8 hours—if you have the stamina and don't stop at any pubs along the way
markorwoll.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Six free London museums in eight hours?! That's nuts. But if you enjoy jars full of pickled moles, vintage "lunatic restraints," Napoleon's toothbrush, ornate 19th-century enema syringes, and such rarities, I've got an itinerary for you! Mark Orwoll is at It Again. (Have a free subscription yet?)
Three Peruvian bananas made me a better traveler. Well, a more fearful one. It also led to my research into Nigerian noodle smugglers. No, I'm not on an acid trip. It's just that Mark Orwoll is at it again....
Leave the Milo Milk, Take the Vegemite
Three Peruvian bananas made me a better traveler. Well, a more fearful traveler...
markorwoll.substack.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Three Peruvian bananas made me a better traveler. Well, a more fearful one. It also led to my research into Nigerian noodle smugglers. No, I'm not on an acid trip. It's just that Mark Orwoll is at it again....
Not all hotel name changes rank high on the Orwoll Smart Meter. Here's my investigation into why some names succeed and others fall flat (I'm looking at you, Air Travel Hotel!). markorwoll.substack.com/p/whats-in-a...
What’s in a Hotel Moniker, I mean Handle, that is to say Appellative, perhaps Title, or maybe just Name?
Sometimes, a hotel’s initial brand is the best. So why do they keep changing?!
markorwoll.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Not all hotel name changes rank high on the Orwoll Smart Meter. Here's my investigation into why some names succeed and others fall flat (I'm looking at you, Air Travel Hotel!). markorwoll.substack.com/p/whats-in-a...
Did you know that the famous firepits on California's beaches almost went extinct in 2013?! True! But the ghosts of Gidget and Moondoggie saved the day against Thurston and Lovey Howell III. My latest column for Mark Orwoll Is at It Again! markorwoll.substack.com/p/frankie-an...
Frankie and Annette, Gidget and Moondoggie
California's coastal residents once stood up for a fundamental American right—to barbecue hot dogs and drink beer (ssh!) on the beach at sunset. They are heroes…
markorwoll.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Did you know that the famous firepits on California's beaches almost went extinct in 2013?! True! But the ghosts of Gidget and Moondoggie saved the day against Thurston and Lovey Howell III. My latest column for Mark Orwoll Is at It Again! markorwoll.substack.com/p/frankie-an...
In my quest to become a film reviewer, I erred in watching "Night Patrol." I wrote that the movie was ''cinematic sewage" and "a steaming shipload of senselessness." My favorite part was the closing credits. Here's my review for Highbrow Magazine. www.highbrowmagazine.com/26087-night-...
‘Night Patrol’ Is a Bloody Mess | Highbrow Magazine
'Night Patrol' is the sort of movie that makes one yearn for the good ol’ days when a new release was expected to bring cultural insight, commentary, and aesthetic quality to the screen, not simply gr...
www.highbrowmagazine.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:37 PM
In my quest to become a film reviewer, I erred in watching "Night Patrol." I wrote that the movie was ''cinematic sewage" and "a steaming shipload of senselessness." My favorite part was the closing credits. Here's my review for Highbrow Magazine. www.highbrowmagazine.com/26087-night-...
I'm on Team Greenland. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvDI...
We Are Kalaallit Nunaat
YouTube video by Visit Greenland
www.youtube.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:46 PM
I'm on Team Greenland. www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvDI...
Pakistan Travel Mart and podcast host Adeeba Khalid Jadoon just posted a fun video interview with me. Jeez, I hope I didn't sound too pompous! It's available on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=730D...
Travel Before the Algorithm? | Mark Orwoll on PTM Podcast with Adeeba Khalid Jadoon
YouTube video by Pakistan Travel Mart
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Pakistan Travel Mart and podcast host Adeeba Khalid Jadoon just posted a fun video interview with me. Jeez, I hope I didn't sound too pompous! It's available on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=730D...
Peaceful journey, Bobby.
Bob Weir, Guitarist and Founding Member of the Grateful Dead, Dies at 78
www.nytimes.com
January 11, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Peaceful journey, Bobby.
Hey, gang! Let's all go to France and steal their diamonds! And no, I don't mean those amateurs who broke into the Louvre in October. I'm talking about an even bigger ice heist, one with élan and panache. So come with me now to the humble seaside village of Cannes, won't you? tinyurl.com/ye24py6k
Diamonds Are Forever
The recent Louvre robbery was a disgrace compared to the elegance, the élan, of 'le vol de diamants du Carlton,' in which the thief was cool and suave, but security was totally inept
tinyurl.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Hey, gang! Let's all go to France and steal their diamonds! And no, I don't mean those amateurs who broke into the Louvre in October. I'm talking about an even bigger ice heist, one with élan and panache. So come with me now to the humble seaside village of Cannes, won't you? tinyurl.com/ye24py6k
A Wee History of Berlin's Historic Urinals. At least one of them now serves a darn good burger! These ornate pissoirs are fading into the gloaming, slowly replaced by modern toilets that have as much charm as a self-storage unit. Mark Orwoll Is at It Again! markorwoll.substack.com/p/pissed-off...
Pissed Off? Head to Berlin, Quick!
Germany’s capital city boasts some of the most beautiful, 19th-century public urinals in Europe. You might even be able to get lunch while you’re there
markorwoll.substack.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:11 PM
A Wee History of Berlin's Historic Urinals. At least one of them now serves a darn good burger! These ornate pissoirs are fading into the gloaming, slowly replaced by modern toilets that have as much charm as a self-storage unit. Mark Orwoll Is at It Again! markorwoll.substack.com/p/pissed-off...
Adventure on the bounding main! International war! And the micro-nation of New Atlantis founded by Ernest Hemingway's brother Leicester. It's all here in "Guano Mania and the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands: A Saga of the High Seas," the latest from Mark Orwoll Is at It Again! (Subscribe for free.)
Guano Mania
Come with me, won't you, back to the days when the world was bat-shit crazy. Literally.
markorwoll.substack.com
December 27, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Adventure on the bounding main! International war! And the micro-nation of New Atlantis founded by Ernest Hemingway's brother Leicester. It's all here in "Guano Mania and the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands: A Saga of the High Seas," the latest from Mark Orwoll Is at It Again! (Subscribe for free.)
My gift to you this holiday season? Why, Obligatory Holiday Doggerel, of course. Roll your eyes and shrug your shoulders if you must. But at least be grateful it's not a rip-off of "The Night Before Christmas." Mark Orwoll, that jolly old elf, Is at It Again! markorwoll.substack.com/p/obligatory...
Obligatory Holiday Doggerel
Hey, just be grateful It’s not a riff on ‘The Night Before Christmas’
markorwoll.substack.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:24 PM
My gift to you this holiday season? Why, Obligatory Holiday Doggerel, of course. Roll your eyes and shrug your shoulders if you must. But at least be grateful it's not a rip-off of "The Night Before Christmas." Mark Orwoll, that jolly old elf, Is at It Again! markorwoll.substack.com/p/obligatory...
I got it! The perfect Christmas gift you can get me! Apparently, Mark Orwoll Is at It Again!
All I want for Christmas is an Airplane Foot Hammock and Traveling Harem Pants
I’ve finally decided: This year, I plan not to give gifts, but to receive them. Here are some ideas for you
markorwoll.substack.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I got it! The perfect Christmas gift you can get me! Apparently, Mark Orwoll Is at It Again!
Rolf Potts has been interviewing one travel writer a month for more than two decades, including Rick Steves, Gary Shteyngart, Jan Morris, Andrew McCarthy, and this month, me. I’m embarrassed to be mentioned in the same sentence. Thanks, Rolf Potts, for the opportunity.
rolfpotts.com/mark-orwoll/...
rolfpotts.com/mark-orwoll/...
Mark Orwoll – Rolf Potts
rolfpotts.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Rolf Potts has been interviewing one travel writer a month for more than two decades, including Rick Steves, Gary Shteyngart, Jan Morris, Andrew McCarthy, and this month, me. I’m embarrassed to be mentioned in the same sentence. Thanks, Rolf Potts, for the opportunity.
rolfpotts.com/mark-orwoll/...
rolfpotts.com/mark-orwoll/...
For once—packing tips for men! The secret? Almost enough underwear for the entire trip! Unfortunately, Mark Orwoll Is at It Again... (Go ahead and subscribe. It's free!) markorwoll.substack.com/p/packing-ph...
Packing? Phht! Easy-Peasy. If You're a Man
Women: Three pairs of shoes, extra shawls, matching pant suits, makeup... Men: Enough clean underwear for most of the trip
markorwoll.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:47 PM
For once—packing tips for men! The secret? Almost enough underwear for the entire trip! Unfortunately, Mark Orwoll Is at It Again... (Go ahead and subscribe. It's free!) markorwoll.substack.com/p/packing-ph...
When I flew to California, my real goal was to see some famous people. It didn't work out very well until, unexpectedly, it did. (Don't forget to subscribe to Mark Orwoll Is at It Again! It's free.) markorwoll.substack.com/p/famous-sta...
Famous Stars Who Have Known Me
They're crawling out of the woodwork! From New York to California! Actually, ONLY in New York and California. Whatever. Just read and you'll get my point: Celebrities! Me!
markorwoll.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:55 PM
When I flew to California, my real goal was to see some famous people. It didn't work out very well until, unexpectedly, it did. (Don't forget to subscribe to Mark Orwoll Is at It Again! It's free.) markorwoll.substack.com/p/famous-sta...
We have the Man Cave. In England, they have the Man SHED. Sometimes they even have a Pub Shed! See, this is why there will always be an England while we in the States are barely climbing out of the primordial ooze. Mark Orwoll Is at It Again, so have a peek. markorwoll.substack.com/p/the-joys-o...
The Joys of a Man Shed
The joys of a British Man Shed—or better yet, a Pub Shed—define the essence of the United Kingdom
markorwoll.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:54 PM
We have the Man Cave. In England, they have the Man SHED. Sometimes they even have a Pub Shed! See, this is why there will always be an England while we in the States are barely climbing out of the primordial ooze. Mark Orwoll Is at It Again, so have a peek. markorwoll.substack.com/p/the-joys-o...
When did Rod Serling take over the New York dining scene? Rumpled chicken skin and chicken feet for $175 per person?! Here's my latest Substack column—with bonus content! markorwoll.substack.com/p/the-part-t...
The Part That Went Over the Fence Last
When did it become too expensive to eat in New York restaurants? Seriously. When did this happen, and why did no one tell me?
markorwoll.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:09 PM
When did Rod Serling take over the New York dining scene? Rumpled chicken skin and chicken feet for $175 per person?! Here's my latest Substack column—with bonus content! markorwoll.substack.com/p/the-part-t...
Another Substack?! Please, God, no... Yes! It's "Mark Orwoll Is At It Again." I hope it'll make you smile. Travel, oddballs, strange food, maybe cute dogs. But always good humor (and no politics). So join us, won't you? It'd be strange if I sat there all by myself... substack.com/home/post/p-...
Another Substack? Please, God, No...
Mark Orwoll decides to get in on the action
substack.com
October 19, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Another Substack?! Please, God, no... Yes! It's "Mark Orwoll Is At It Again." I hope it'll make you smile. Travel, oddballs, strange food, maybe cute dogs. But always good humor (and no politics). So join us, won't you? It'd be strange if I sat there all by myself... substack.com/home/post/p-...
Just One Little Hitch is finally available as an audiobook from Audible. Click on the "preview" link to get a free sample. Would love a review (if you like it)! The audiobook will be available on Amazon and iTunes in a couple of days. Thanks for your support! Peace.
www.audible.com/pd/Just-One-...
www.audible.com/pd/Just-One-...
Just One Little Hitch
Check out this great listen on Audible.com. 1976. The ass end of the hippie era. Adrift in college, Mark Orwoll drops out in favor of the hitchhiker's road through Europe, the U.K., and Morocco. Along...
www.audible.com
April 25, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Just One Little Hitch is finally available as an audiobook from Audible. Click on the "preview" link to get a free sample. Would love a review (if you like it)! The audiobook will be available on Amazon and iTunes in a couple of days. Thanks for your support! Peace.
www.audible.com/pd/Just-One-...
www.audible.com/pd/Just-One-...
Today my 25-minute interview with the charming, talented, and hugely well-traveled @PaulineFrommer went live! Thanks, Pauline, for building on your dad's legacy at @frommers.bsky.social and for this morning's interview. Fun! Enjoy, and follow Pauline's podcasts. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Hitchhiking Through Europe and Morocco in the 1970's
Podcast Episode · The Frommer's Travel Show · 04/20/2025 · 31m
podcasts.apple.com
April 20, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Today my 25-minute interview with the charming, talented, and hugely well-traveled @PaulineFrommer went live! Thanks, Pauline, for building on your dad's legacy at @frommers.bsky.social and for this morning's interview. Fun! Enjoy, and follow Pauline's podcasts. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Ever been to the Texas Hill Country? You should definitely go! My latest feature for East/West News Service is about German immigration to the Hill Country and how you can still enjoy that heritage today, 175 years later. www.eastwestnewsservice.com/wilkommen-in...
Wilkommen in Texas Hill Country - Travel & Cultural Analysis From Around the World | East-West News Service
East-West News Service covers travel and in-depth cultural analysis from around the world, edited by journalist and author David DeVoss.
www.eastwestnewsservice.com
March 27, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Ever been to the Texas Hill Country? You should definitely go! My latest feature for East/West News Service is about German immigration to the Hill Country and how you can still enjoy that heritage today, 175 years later. www.eastwestnewsservice.com/wilkommen-in...
My 20-minute interview aired today with legendary broadcaster and travel guru Peter Greenberg on Eye on Travel, the nationally syndicated CBS radio program. We talked about my new travel memoir, Just One Little Hitch, beginning at the 1-hour 30-minute mark: petergreenberg.com/2025/02/15/e...
Eye on Travel - New York City - February 15, 2025 - Peter Greenberg Travel Detective
This week’s broadcast of Eye on Travel is from The Ritz Carlton New York Central Park. I have all the updates on the continuing investigation of the mid-air collision at Washington Reagan. What the in...
petergreenberg.com
February 15, 2025 at 11:41 PM
My 20-minute interview aired today with legendary broadcaster and travel guru Peter Greenberg on Eye on Travel, the nationally syndicated CBS radio program. We talked about my new travel memoir, Just One Little Hitch, beginning at the 1-hour 30-minute mark: petergreenberg.com/2025/02/15/e...
A very nice plug today for my new book from Insider Travel Report! www.insidertravelreport.com?s=travel-wri...
Insider Travel Report
Insider Travel Report
www.insidertravelreport.com
November 26, 2024 at 1:17 PM
A very nice plug today for my new book from Insider Travel Report! www.insidertravelreport.com?s=travel-wri...
My book, "Just One Little Hitch," is Amazon's #1 Hot New Release—in the Historical African Biographies category. Boy, oh boy, this is so wrong, considering that a) it is more hysterical than historical, b) I'm not African, and c) it's a memoir, not a biography. Other than that, they nailed it!
November 24, 2024 at 10:32 PM
My book, "Just One Little Hitch," is Amazon's #1 Hot New Release—in the Historical African Biographies category. Boy, oh boy, this is so wrong, considering that a) it is more hysterical than historical, b) I'm not African, and c) it's a memoir, not a biography. Other than that, they nailed it!