Based in World
A.M. Hickman, also known as Andy, is a full-time writer and traveler whose work centers on his Substack blog, "Hickman's Hinterlands." Identifying as an "itinerant geographer," he embraces a semi-nomadic lifestyle. His extensive travels, often undertaken by hitchhiking, include journeys across all 48 contiguous U.S. states, parts of Northern Mexico, and six Canadian provinces. These experiences form the foundation of his distinctive perspective. Hickman's writing moves beyond simple travelogue, delving into a philosophy that champions individual autonomy, frugality, romance, wilderness, and village culture. He expresses a strong opposition to automobiles and advocates for the resettlement of the rural American heartland – concepts deeply rooted in his upbringing near the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. His essays, rambles, and screeds encourage readers to question dominant societal norms and embrace a more intentional way of life. While critical of modern digital life and not owning a smartphone, Hickman leverages platforms like Substack and X (formerly Twitter) to build his writing career and connect with a broad audience; his Substack is a prominent voice in the travel category. His work blends personal travel narratives with a call for a return to classical American values and localized living.