Who I Am
Hi, I’m Anthony. Welcome to The Travel Mentor.
I created this site to solve a problem. Too many travel guides are written by people who have never stepped foot in the destination. They recycle information and gloss over the details that actually matter.
I do things differently.
Note: This publication is an independent travel guide authored by Anthony. It is not associated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Transport for London (TfL) mentoring scheme.
My Expertise
For over 30 years, I have traveled to more than 40 countries. While I love seeing new places, I have shifted my focus. I do not try to be an expert on the whole world. Instead, I focus on deep, verified knowledge in three specific areas:
Las Vegas: I dig past the tourist traps to find the best dining on and off the Strip.
Japan: I explore everything from the neon lights of Tokyo to the quiet, tiny bars in the countryside.
Restaurant Reviews: I plan my travels around what I am going to eat. I review a wide range of places, from popular restaurants to cheap local spots. My main goal is to tell you if the food is delicious and if it is worth the money.
My “Secret Shopper” Standard
Trust is the most important currency in travel advice. To earn yours, I adhere to a strict code of ethics that separates me from typical influencers:
1. I Pay My Own Way.
I pay for every flight, hotel, and meal with my own money. I never accept freebies, press trips, or comped meals in exchange for coverage.
2. I Stay Anonymous.
I never announce that I am a travel writer or photographer. I want to experience the service exactly as you would, not as a VIP. This ensures my reviews reflect the reality of the experience, not a performance put on for the media.
3. I Verify Everything.
You cannot review a dinner if you did not eat the food. I physically visit every location on this site to test the quality, value, and service myself.
Why I Travel
Travel is more than a hobby to me. It is an education. It has challenged me and forced me to grow. It has introduced me to friends who have traveled from around the world to visit me here in California.
But I also know that leaving home is hard. Things go wrong. Flights get delayed. Food disappoints.
My goal is to share the reality of these experiences so you can navigate the highs and lows yourself.
If you have questions about a specific guide or want to know more about my process, please contact me.