Formerly a features editor for Maxim and editor-in-chief of Travelocity magazine, and current editorial director for CNNGo.com, CHUCK THOMPSON is the author of the widely acclaimed comic travel memoirs Smile When You’re Lying and To Hellholes and Back, as well as a two-volume World War II survey (The 25 Best World War II Sites: Pacific Theater and The 25 Essential World War II Sites: European Theater), regarded as the most comprehensive catalogue of World War II sites in existence.
Raised in Juneau, Alaska, he graduated from the University of Oregon with degrees in history and journalism; he has lived in Japan, Hong Kong, New York City, Dallas, and Portland, Oregon, and traveled on assignment in more than 50 countries. Thompson’s writing and photography have appeared in numerous publications including Outside, Men’s Journal, Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, Hustler, Cowboys & Indians, and the Los Angeles Times.