For Councilman Travis Lindley, turning 50 wasn’t about slowing down -- it was about going everywhere. On his milestone birthday last December, Travis completed a self-made bucket list that had taken him across 50 countries, all seven continents, all 50 states, and a majority of the U.S. National Parks. He calls it his “50 by 50,” but to hear him tell it, it’s really a story about wonder, community, and a deep appreciation for home.
Travis’ passion for exploration didn’t come out of nowhere. A second-generation Smyrna native, he has always been proud of his roots in the community. He grew up in Ward 3, graduated from Campbell High School, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 88 back in 1991. Later, Travis earned a Communications degree from the University of West Georgia. And today, he’s a small business owner and civic leader, dedicated to keeping Smyrna thriving. But his adventurous spirit has also pulled him far beyond Cobb County, across oceans and into some of the most breathtaking corners of the world.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
It was a college art history trip across Europe -- Czech Republic, Austria, France, and England -- that planted the seed for Travis’ future adventures. “Our first city was Prague,” he says. “It was an amazing journey back in time to old world Europe.” That first taste of international travel opened the door to a lifelong love of discovery.
Over the years, Travis realized he had nearly reached a milestone without even trying -- almost 40 countries under his belt. “Since turning 40, I told friends and family I would see all 50 states and visit all seven continents by my 50th birthday,” he explains. “I realized I was already close to 40 countries, so I set my sights on 50 countries and as many national parks as possible. That’s how ‘50 by 50’ was born.”
A World of Surprises
The road to 50 wasn’t always smooth -- and that’s what made it fun. Travis lights up when recalling his most surprising adventure: a safari in South Africa and Botswana. “We didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the best trips,” he says. “The scenery, the people, the animals -- amazing. And you quickly realize you do exactly what you’re told, or you might become a meal!” he jokes.
The tales don’t stop there. Like the time he and a friend found themselves stuck between a pride of lions and the safety fence outside a pool in Botswana -- “A tense few minutes, but the lions wandered on,” he laughs. Or the misadventure at Victoria Falls, where a troop of monkeys launched a daring raid on high tea, stealing trays of sweets and scaling the hotel roof in triumph.
There was even a brush with an arctic hurricane while traveling from Canada to Greenland and Iceland. “It meant a night of wild waves, wind, and fury,” Travis says. “But it’s a grand tale now.”
The Heart of Travel
For all the close calls and funny stories, some moments stand apart. Like his first visit to the Holy Land -- walking the Via Dolorosa and standing in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher as sunlight streamed in and his favorite hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” played on the organ. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” he says.
Or the unforgettable journey to Antarctica -- his most cherished memory of all. “If I could bottle up one travel memory and share it with Smyrna, it would be Antarctica,” he says. “The unmatched beauty, the animals that endure so much, the vastness -- it was the trip of a lifetime.”
Home Sweet Smyrna
For all his wanderlust, Travis says there’s nothing like coming home to Smyrna. “Travel has allowed me to experience so many diverse cultures and people, and it’s shown me how blessed we are to live here,” he reflects. “Smyrna is my home, and it’s always good to come back to our wonderful community and city.”
As a councilman and community leader, Travis brings those global perspectives back to his work. “Seeing the world has shaped the way I see Smyrna,” he says. “It’s about appreciating the small things, valuing connections, and remembering that we’re all neighbors in this great big world.”
More Adventures Ahead
So, what’s next for someone who’s seen the Roman Colosseum, the Great Pyramids, Petra, Victoria Falls, Machu Picchu, and the farthest reaches of Antarctica? More lists, of course!
“I’m already working on the next set,” Travis says with a smile. “I’d love to visit the balance of the U.S. National Parks. I want to visit every major league baseball stadium and see a game. And I’m aiming to visit 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.” This year alone, he has plans to explore the Galapagos Islands, China, South Korea, and Japan.
For Travis Lindley, the magic of travel isn’t just about checking off a list -- it’s about the stories, the connections, and the deep sense of wonder that comes with each new adventure. “I called it my ‘50 by 50,’” he says, “but really, it’s about opening yourself up to the world -- and then bringing those lessons back home.”
A Lesson for All of Us
Travis’ story is more than a personal milestone -- it’s an invitation to rediscover our own sense of wonder. Whether it’s the view from Antarctica or the warm glow of Smyrna’s community, his journey reminds us that there’s a whole world out there, just waiting to be seen.
As you’re making your own summer plans, Travis’ story is a perfect reminder: there’s a great, big world out there waiting to be explored. Whether you’re wandering across continents or discovering the treasures of our own city, the journey is always worth it.
“I called it my ‘50 by 50,’ but it’s really about wonder and connection.”
“Travel has shown me that we’re all neighbors in this great big world.”