American Hardie Karges took his first extended international trip at the age of twenty-one in 1975 and traveled to his first ten countries within two years, all for less than two thousand dollars. Thus began a way of life that has taken him to some 150 countries (and counting), living and working in a dozen of them, learning several languages and trading in folk art and cottage industry products. He has also published poetry and created videos, before finally deciding to write about what he knows best-travel. His first book, "Hypertravel: 100 Countries in 2 Years," was published in 2012. The full initial set of "Backpackers & Flashpackers" is projected to include 6 to 8 volumes and be completed in 2014.