Ralph Grizzle

Chief Evangelist, Avid Cruiser

Location: Asheville, North Carolina Area
Industry: Leisure, Travel & Tourism

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Ralph Grizzle's Overview

Current

Chief Evangelist at Avid Cruiser
President at Avid Travel Media Inc.

Past

Contributor at Fodor's Essential Scandinavia, 1st Edition: The Best Cities, Sights, and Cruises
Fodor's Complete Guide to European Cruises, 1st Edition at Fodor's Publications
Contributor at Fodor's European Ports of Call, 1st Edition

Roving Reporter at ASTA Agency Management Magazine
Managing Editor at Pace Communications

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Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Recommendations

8 people have recommended Ralph

Connections

500+ connections

Websites

I began my journalistic career at the age of 32, following the conclusion of my ’sabbatical decade.’ From 1980 through 1990, I bicycled across America, pedaled through Europe and island-hopped the South Pacific.

After backpacking through Bali, bussing through Java, hopping a boat to Singapore and crossing Malaysia to Thailand, I flew into Burma, tramped to Dhaka and endured a 32-hour train ride from calamitous Calcutta to bustling Bombay.

From there, I hopped a plane for Greece and traveled to Switzerland before returning home, where I settled, quite naturally, into a career of travel writing.

From 1996 to 2009, I contributed to HEMISPHERES, United Airlines’ award-winning inflight magazine. The North American Travel Journalism Association, awarded my article, Ship Shape, which appeared in the September 2005 issue of Hemispheres, in the category of ‘Best Cruise Writing.’

I make my home in Asheville, North Carolina and live part of the year near Copenhagen, Denmark.

When in Asheville, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, lingering in coffee shops and frequent trips to the gorgeous Biltmore Estate. When in Scandinavia, I enjoy biking, lingering in coffee shops and trying to learn Scandinavian words.

My work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and numerous consumer magazines. I am the author of four books, including Remembering Charles Kuralt,’ a biography that Publisher’s Weekly called ‘a sweet and lovely homage, a welcome commemoration.' For a complete list of my books, visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001HD407S

Specialties

editor, publisher, award-winning writer

Chief Evangelist

Avid Cruiser

April 1997 – Present (14 years 10 months)

Avid Cruiser aims to help travelers make informed cruise vacation decisions by providing insights, analysis and robust content that is personal and passionate, informed and inspired.

President

Avid Travel Media Inc.

January 1995 – Present (17 years 1 month)

A small publishing company focused primarily on providing travel insights and analysis.

Contributor

Fodor's Essential Scandinavia, 1st Edition: The Best Cities, Sights, and Cruises

Public Company; 10,001+ employees; AMZN; Internet industry

January 2009 – December 2009 (1 year)

Fodor’s helps you unleash the possibilities of travel by providing the insightful tools you need to experience the trips you want. Although you’re at the helm, Fodor’s offers the assurance of our expertise, the guarantee of selectivity, and the choice details that truly define a destination. It’s like having a friend in Scandinavia! http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Essential-Scandinavia-1st-Cruises/dp/1400008832/

Fodor's Complete Guide to European Cruises, 1st Edition

Fodor's Publications

Public Company; 10,001+ employees; AMZN; Internet industry

January 2008 – December 2008 (1 year)

Europe was the fastest-growing cruising region in the world in 2006, and more ships will cruise there in 2007 than ever before. But cruising in Europe isn't the same as cruising anywhere else in the world! This guide offers everything a traveler needs to know in order to plan the ideal European cruise.

Contributor

Fodor's European Ports of Call, 1st Edition

Public Company; 10,001+ employees; AMZN; Internet industry

January 2008 – December 2008 (1 year)

More Americans than ever are taking cruises in Europe, the fastest-growing cruise region in the world. Fodor's European Ports of Call is filled with concise and practical overviews of over 70 major cruise ports throughout Europe, offering cruise passengers everything they need to know to make the most of their day ashore and enjoy unique shore excursions independently.