About Against the Compass

Welcome to Against the Compass

Hello! This is Joan Torres, I am from Barcelona, Spain, and the author of Against the Compass, a blog about off-the-beaten-track travel, and the blog of reference in destinations of this kind.

In 2016, I quit my corporate job in an attempt to travel to the world’s most misunderstood countries, and my goal is to inspire you to do the same.

Joan Torres Against the Compass

What is Against the Compass?

Against the Compass is an alternative travel blog, that aims at HELPING you to travel to the most unusual and off-the-beaten-track destinations.

From Mali to Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan or Yemen, do you know what are the 2 main reasons why travelers don’t go to these sort of destinations?

Lack of information
Safety concerns

Those countries will never enter most people’s travel plans because either they are afraid, or they just have no idea about their awesomeness

That’s why Against the Compass was born…

To break stereotypes and inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and visit some of the most bizarre, yet, fascinating countries on the planet, always safely.

Check some of our destinations

We have written in-depth, comprehensive guides full of actionable advice for many destinations.


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In 2021, we started organizing group expeditions

After blogging for more than 5 years, writing comprehensive travel guides & tips to those destinations, while creating a loyal readership, Joan Torres decided to open a travel company in an attempt to help other travelers do the same.

Check out some of our upcoming tours:


More stuff you will find on this blog