What is air.dreaming?
The air.dreaming mindset embodies that electrifying moment when you take the leap for your dreams. Air.dreaming honors that “going-all-in” moment by telling the stories of legendary adventurers and crafting badass trips. We’re all about those who live on the edge, fly by the seat of their pants, dance to their own beat, make their own pesto… You get the picture.
Our Mission
Our mission is to spark your sense of wander and take you far beyond the ordinary. It’s time to unplug from the daily grind, soak in the moment, and adventure beyond the resort bubble to dive deep into exotic cultures, stunning landscapes, and delicious new cuisines.
How do you choose where to go?
Much like Donnie Darko, I go wherever my energy pulls me. To me, choosing a destination is about discovering new places, meeting incredible people, and adapting to new environments. It’s amazing what you can learn sharing a meal and a laugh with complete strangers on the other side of the world.
Adventures
Over the last few years, I’ve planned some banger trips. Backpacking in Vietnam, wakeboarding in Colombia, mountain biking in Ashville, poker in Hong Kong, glacial trekking in Patagonia, surfing in Costa Rica, speakeasy tours in Singapore, jungle parties in Talum, motorbiking adventures in Thailand, climbing weekends in Joshua Tree, skydiving trips in the Florida Keys, and a Mt. Fuji expedition in Japan to name-drop a few. Planning adventures is a huge passion of mine. I’d be happy to plan one for you. DM me @air.dreaming.
Influences
Anthony Bourdain has been a massive inspiration for me. So much so that I went on a 2-month backpacking adventure across Vietnam and East Asia following in his footsteps, visiting now renowned spots like the Bún Chả Hương Liên, the Lunch Lady in Vietnam, Tian Tian Hainanese in Singapore, and Bo Innovation in Hong Kong. His unique perspective on the world and his talent for storytelling left me in awe, but Bourdain also taught me the simple yet profound magic of sharing a beer and a laugh with a friend over a great meal.
Bear Grylls is another one of my heroes who sparks my sense of adventure. His knowledge of survival skills is mindblowing, and he is insanely positive. It’s like he beerbongs cocktails of serotonin mixed with dopamine-producing rays of sunshine. His journey and unyielding “can-do” spirit are seriously motivating.
Demi Bagby makes this list as well. What a small and mighty badass. Her ability to overcome adversity, positive attitude, and natural curiosity make her a hugely inspirational figure in the fitness world. She started by posting backflips on Instagram and nowadays you’ll see her playing sports, racing cars, flying jets, and going on all sorts of cool adventures.
And last but not least, Tom Cruise. This guy knows no bounds. He flies planes and jumps out of them, rides motorcycles and jumps out of them, scales the world’s tallest buildings, and jumps out of them. Whenever life throws a challenge my way, I remind myself that if Tom Cruise can do all of this crazy shit, I might as well give it a shot too. So, Bear or Tom, if you’re listening, I’m down for that motorcycle ride off of a gorge, into a freefall, onto a biplane, that lands in the middle of the ocean, whenever you are!” Just be safe so you can make it to Mission 10.
Alight we need one more. We’ll get one more. Keanu Reeves. This guy is a total badass, and his story is heartwarming. He’s an example of someone who shows incredible passion for his work, radiates positivity, and never gives up. Keanu, here’s to you brother!
Well, I feel like I’ve squeezed out as much badassery as possible from this list for now, but I’ll definitely continue to add more heroes to this list over time. Survivorman, Les Stroud, you’re on deck!
Fails
I’ve had my fair share of “issues” during my travels like that time my phone was stolen in the middle of a Colombian street festival. It was 3 am, and admittedly, I was slightly intoxicated, in an unknown city, didn’t have any cash on me, and didn’t know the address of my apartment. Basically, all of the things they tell you not to do, I did. The only way I was able to find my apartment was by locating the gym in the neighborhood and backtracking from there. My most embarrassing story has to be the time I had bad shellfish on the beach in Rio. That one was a nightmare that we’ll leave alone for now. Luckily, I’ve had my fair share of wins as well, like the time I hiked Mt. Fuji and shared a meal with an awesome group of people from all over the world, or when I completed my first climb on ice in near record time. We’ll get into these stories, travel hacks, and more.
Vision
Ultimately, we’d love to help as many people as we can get out and see the world, share a laugh, have a beer, eat a meal, and bask in the moment of freedom and togetherness. I’d personally like to take on badass adventures well into my 60’s, at which point I’ll fuck-off into the mountains to live on a self-sufficient farm. Until then let’s go as hard as we can. Time starts now!
99 Summits
99 Summits is where the “rubber meets the road” for us in our effort to embrace community around the globe. Hi! I’m Eric Rehm. This year, I raced cars on the Nurburgring in Germany, wakeboarded in Colombia, and completed my first climb on ice in Patagonia. My curiosity has driven me to travel around the world experiencing different cultures and adapting to new environments, but now I’m aiming for a higher purpose. Starting in June 2024, I’ll be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime to raise money for wounded warriors and local communities in need across the globe. To learn more visit our 99 Summits Initiative Page and click here to support our GoFundMe. Thank you for the Support!
Collaboration
Remember the early days of YouTube when there weren’t any commercials? Remember when you could go on a website and not be bombarded with ads? We’d like to continue to offer our resources without a fee, and not clutter our site with ads. If you dig this, support us and help launch our next trip on GoFundMe. While you’re at it why not join us? You’ve earned that PTO. Let’s have the adventure of a lifetime.
Embrace your Wild!
Want to get in touch?
Don’t worry! We’re here to help you out with anything you need. Let’s have a quick chat.
Photo credits:
President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain – Photo Credit: Pete Souza/Barack Obama Twitter
Follow Bear Grylls on Instagram @beargryllssurvivalacademy
Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick – Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Follow Demi Bagby on Instagram @demibagby
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John Wick: Chapter 4 – Photo Credit: Murray Close
Survivorman Les Stroud – Photo Credit: Laura Bombier