J.R. Patterson J.R. Patterson has firsthand experience working in agriculture, alcohol production, and the oil-and-gas industry. His formal education in environmental science provides a basis for his observations as a travel writer. He is currently researching Central Asia for a book-length project. James has traveled to 50 countries and lived in North America and Europe.• Received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science• Has a private pilot's license• 10+ years of experience working in the beef and grain agriculture industry About Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is a top travel media brand with a mission to inform and inspire passionate travelers. Our expert team includes a network of hundreds of writers and photographers across the globe, all providing a local eye on the best places to stay, eat, and explore. We reach an audience that takes 76 million round trips annually, offering valuable travel tips, ideas and inspiration, and products you need to get you to your destination — whether it’s a small town or big city, beach or lake, national park or theme park, road trip, cruise, or long-haul flight, and everything in between. Learn more about us and our editorial process