Where are you based? 

I'm usually based in Brooklyn, NY, but often I'm all over the world. Starting in 2021, I lived in Baja California Sur, Mexico, for several years, but New York has been my base for nearly the last decade. Before NYC, I lived in Washington, DC, for many years, and I grew up in the great state of Maryland. 

What topics and places do you cover?

I cover adventure travel, culture, conservation, and the environment. My ultimate goal is to focus on the positive impact travel can make.

What outlets do you usually pitch (and write for)?

I've worked in travel media for almost the last twenty years, both as an on-staff editor and a freelance journalist. Earlier this year, I started as the Senior Travel and Culture Editor at Outside magazine, where I work across digital and print. My bylines include Afar, National Geographic, BBC Travel, TIME, Travel + Leisure, and more. 

What is your approach to press trips?

Without press trips, I wouldn't be able to cover all the stories I do. That said, I am selective of the ones I take. I love to be invited on a new style of trip or a destination that's under-the-radar.  Individual trips often are the best, as I can get a unique story and have time to uncover what makes sense for my angle. Though if it's a remote place, expedition-style trip, or a trek, traveling with a group is all part of the experience. 

What are your professional pet peeves?

Not necessarily a pet peeve, but now that I'm back on staff as an editor, I make sure I thank my freelancers always, tell them when a story does well in traffic, and try to make sure they get paid on time. From all my years freelancing, I know how important this is. Both as a freelancer and an editor, I also appreciate when those who cold pitch me take the time to tailor the pitch and make sure the pitch makes sense for what I cover. In short, always read the outlet first (not just skim it) to see what they cover, and see what a writer covers before pitching. 

In your past professional life, you were …

I always knew I wanted to be a journalist; I majored in journalism at James Madison University. After I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, I knew I wanted to be a travel writer. I wrote a bio for my college magazine that said I hope to be a travel writer when I graduate. My first job in travel was my dream job. I worked at Travel Channel as an editor/ digital producer during its heyday when Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown were making great TV there. It was a cornerstone of my career, and over the seven years I worked at Travel Channel, I managed Samantha Brown's website, incubated new voices in travel, and fell even more in love with travel. 

I feel so fortunate to be doing what I've always wanted to do. It hasn't been easy staying in the field of travel journalism, but I am grateful I get to do what I love.

Where would you like to return to?

I lived in Baja California Sur, Mexico,  for several years post-pandemic. It's a place I feel at home. Years ago, I spent a lot of time in Haiti, and  I would love to return one day to see it in a better place. Haiti gave me so much: lifelong friends and some of my most meaningful and transformative travel experiences. 

What's on your bucket list?

Some of my best adventures have been on multi-day treks; from hiking the Trans-Bhutan Trail in 2022 to summiting Kilimanjaro on International Women's Day in 2015 with WHOA Travel and women from all over the world. My next dream trip is a Community Homestay Network trek in Nepal. 

Where do you travel for fun?

I would say the things I like to do are often what I write about: hiking, scuba diving, and anything revolving around the water. And that includes the sauna beat I'm on. 

Your funniest (or most harrowing) travel story is …

When I was in my early twenties, I fell off a horse in Belize as it took off when other horses started racing home. The horse was going so fast, the pony tail in my hair fell out, and even my shoes fell off while I was hanging on for dear life. Thankfully, no broken bones, and it's just a funny travel story now. It was the same trip I also went scuba diving for the first time. So a very memorable adventure in Belize. 

What advice would you give your younger professional self?

You're doing great. Celebrate the wins. 

How best should people contact you?

See my TravMedia profile here. I know there might be worthy exceptions, but an email is always best versus being contacted on social media. I try to make that my pitch-free space.