Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 30

Global Women’s Rights Awards 2023: Defending Democracy + Advancing Equality

In a world where the fight for equality and democracy remains ever important, the Feminist Majority Foundation Gala, in collaboration with Ms. Magazine, stood as a beacon of hope and celebration. This remarkable event brought together advocates, activists, and supporters to honor the progress made in advancing equality and defending democracy, while acknowledging the incredible work of inspiring individuals who have made a significant impact. The event served as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of continuing the fight for a more just and equitable society. Thank you to my editor at Ms. Magazine, Carmen Rios, for all her work to make this event incredible.

Ms. Magazine, a pioneering force in feminist journalism, celebrates 50 years with a new book coming on Sept 19, 2023! I am honored to write for Ms. Magazine–click here to read my stories.

One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of exceptional individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing equality and defending democracy. These honorees, beacons of inspiration, were celebrated for their unwavering commitment to social justice and their relentless pursuit of a better world. The fight for equality is ongoing and requires steadfast dedication to create a more inclusive and just society.

I am in awe of the power of unity, activism, and the tireless efforts of organizations like the Feminist Majority Foundation and Ms. Magazine. This powerful network of changemakers and advocates will continue to challenge the status quo and work towards a more equitable future.

We must continue to support each other and keep working for a better world. The event was a powerful reminder that each person can make a difference, and that, together, we can create a future where all individuals can thrive and live in a truly just society.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi receiving her award Pre-order your copies today! My book, Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, launches the SAME DAY as the book, Fifty Years of Ms.

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Niver In PRINT: Blog Bytes Spring 2023 Jewish Journal

Thank you to the Jewish Journal for publishing me online for over twelve years. Since they resumed print publication in Fall 2021, I have been in the Blog Bytes section more than thirty-three times! Here are the three issues that I was in during March & April 2023: Jewish Journal March 10, 2023: p. 28—

From my article, What do you LOVE? Niver’s News: Feb 2023:

“I loved the PLACES TO LOVE Season 6 party in NYC with Samantha Brown! Places to Love is about seeking the little-known spots and haunts where innovators and disruptors create a brand new travel experience. In the sixth season, Samantha explores the incredible Belfast and Antrim Coast, the breathtaking Inside Passage of Alaska, chilly Madison, Wisconsin, and much more…”

Jewish Journal March 24, 2023: p. 32

From my article, Travels With Darley talking about SEASON TEN!:

“Her series takes viewers to remote and stunning locations to reveal fascinating global cultures, adventure and cuisine, and inspire viewers to break out of their comfort zone to learn more about the world.”

YOUTUBE

Jewish Journal April 21, 2023: p. 28

From my article, The Poet Maggie Smith Makes This Place Beautiful,

“I loved reading her book and her prose is truly like poetry. Her chapter titles are guideposts and the way they repeat like a chorus of a song but add more information is nearly like having a narrator sitting at your side.

THANK YOU TO THE JEWISH JOURNALSee my stories that were in

2021

the September print issuesthe October print issuesthe November print issuesthe December print issues

2022

the January print issuesthe February print issues

the April print issues

the July print issues

the August print issues

the WINTER Print Issues

2023

the Jan Print Issues

Spring 2023

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Brave-ish Summer News Spectacular

June News 2023 with Lisa Niver & We Said Go Travel:Thank you to Woman’s Day Magazine for highlighting my friendship with Carl Law for Best Friend’s Day! [image error] Exciting news! Join me in a virtual drum roll as I unveil the cover for my upcoming book! It’s been an incredible journey , and I’m beyond grateful for your unwavering support. I am the author of “Brave-ish, One Break-up, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty! PREORDER: https://lisaniver.com/braveish/  Thank you to the Los Angeles Press Club! I was nominated for TWO Southern California Journalism Awards! Thanks to BJ Korros, The Hollywood Moment, for all his support for my book! 65th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Journalist Lisa Niver (L) and entertainment reporter BJ Korros attend the 65th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards at the Biltmore Los Angeles on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)FIND and FOLLOW We Said Go Travel on GOOGLE NEWS! THANK YOU to the PENN GAZETTE for sharing about 1989 travel panel & my adventures with Carl

Lisa Niver C’89, founder of WeSaidGoTravel.com, participated in a virtual alumni travel panel last fall, hosted by the Class of 1989, and organized by Julia Stone C’89 with the Penn Alumni 1989 team. Other panelists included Brad Handler C’89 W’89, executive chairman of Inspirato, and Cara Schneider Bongiorno C’89, founder of Philly History Pop Ups; and the panel was moderated by Romy Buchman Coquillette C’89. Among the attendees were Mike Karz C’89 W’89 and Kenneth Pickar Gr’66. Lisa writes, “I also had a 38-year friendship anniversary with Carl Law C’87. We met on my first day as a student at Penn. In other news, my book will be out in September, I’ve spoken at four Travel and Adventure Shows this year (Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York), and I have started a new podcast called Make Your Own Map. You can find it on my website, at lisaniver.com/makeyourownmap.”

Alumni Notes

Thank you to Scott Jones from DiveNewsWire for sharing my podcast with Alex Fogg from Destin-Fort Walton Beach about the Lionfish Derby! I am honored to be part of this incredible publication that focuses on my passion of scuba diving! THANK YOU for watching my podcast! It has now been seen and heard in 32 countries on 6 continents!

USA Canada Ireland UK Italy India Singapore Australia New Zealand Switzerland Hong Kong France Latvia Philippines Netherlands Japan Fiji Portugal Kenya Mexico Guatemala Germany Uruguay Bangladesh Spain Panama Thailand Uganda UAE Greece South Africa Puerto Rico

New PODCAST episodes: Jeff Jenkins, host of Never Say Never, Dr. Richard Murphy on World Environment Day at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Pauline Frommer of Frommer’s Travel Guides and Nina Ruggiero, digital editorial director of Travel and Leisure and co-founder of “Be A Travel Writer” course. WATCH my podcast, “MAKE YOUR OWN MAP: Are YOU ready to be BRAVE?” on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Podcast,  Google Podcasts, Audible, Anchor, Pandora & iHeart RadioWHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have NEARLY TWO MILLION views on YouTube! (now at: 1,890,000 views)

Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 3,960 subscribers? I hope you will join me and subscribe! For more We Said Go Travel articles, TV segments, videos and social media: CLICK HERE

Find me on social media with over 150,000 followers. Please follow  on TikTok: @LisaNiver, Twitter at @LisaNiver, Instagram @LisaNiver and on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and at LisaNiver.com.

My Podcast: “Make Your Own Map!”

Fortune Cookie SAID:

“Open the pages of a book, and behold a universe unfurled. Adventure, knowledge, and inspiration await your curious mind. Let the words transport you to realms unknown, where dreams come alive and stories unfold. Lose yourself in the magic of reading, for within these words, a world of wonders resides.”

BRAVE-ish, One Break-up, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty

More soon about my stay at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico

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Unveiling the Uncharted: Jeff Jenkins on Embracing Life Beyond Comfort Zones

Thank you to Jeff Jenkins, National Geographic TV show Host of Never Say Never for joining me on my podcast. We met in person at the 2023 New York Travel and Adventure Show where I was a speaker!

Enjoy his new show from National Geographic and Disney+ starting July 9, 2023 and our interview below:

Lisa Niver:

This is Lisa Niver from We Said Go Travel and I am honored to be here today with Jeff Jenkins.

Jeff Jenkins:

Hey, Lisa. How are you? I am honored to be here, as well, so thank you so much for having me.

Lisa Niver:

It was so much fun to meet you in New York at The Travel and Adventure Show. The most giant congratulations. You have so much going on right now and so much success. Can you tell all the listeners what is happening with you, and tell the vision?

2023 New York Travel and Adventure Show: Mickela Mallozzi, Lisa Niver and Jeff Jenkins

Jeff Jenkins:

I’m excited just to announce that I have a travel adventure show that’s coming out this summer, July 9, 2023, called Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins, where I travel all over the world doing things outside of my comfort zone. I believe this show is going to be very motivational and inspiring.

Lisa Niver:

I completely agree. What I’ve watched on your incredibly thriving social media, TikTok and Instagram and everywhere, I think you’re right. I think you will inspire so many people that look like you, people that don’t look like you, and I love your quote, that life begins where your comfort zone ends.

Jeff Jenkins:

That’s it. That’s the whole theme of the show, actually.

Lisa Niver:

Tell us a little bit. I read about you, that you didn’t get on a plane until you were 20 years old in college. I know you traveled from Florida by car, but was it really that first flight when the travel bug bit you?

Jeff Jenkins:

Yes, I was 20 years old. My first flight was to Japan. I wasn’t in Japan less than an hour or two that I thought I’m ready to do this again. I’m ready…because I believed that we could go from Florida all the way to Japan in less than the time it takes to go from Florida to New Jersey, and I thought love this. They served me food, and you could watch movies. I was loving it. When I got to Japan, I was just in awe because I was on a whole other continent and country.

Lisa Niver:

Just so everybody understands, you’re saying you used to drive to New Jersey, and it took so long, that it was almost faster to get to Japan by a plane?

Jeff Jenkins:

Yes. It was faster to get to Japan from Florida by plane than it was to drive to New Jersey by car.

Lisa Niver:

So, you thought this is way better.

Jeff Jenkins:

Yes. I’ve really enjoyed that a lot more.

Lisa Niver:

Tell everybody a little bit about how things got started, because I think your first trip was as a choir director? Is that when you went to Japan?

Jeff Jenkins:

No, it wasn’t. My first trip, I was in college at that time, and I did this program called Camp Adventure, where we would work on military bases. We were contracted through the government to work on military bases, and I did summer camps and things like that with students in multiple countries.

Lisa Niver:

Were you always a singer? Tell us how you got in the choir.

Jeff Jenkins:

I was always a singer, and when I was in college, I thought I don’t really want to do business, and that’s what my first major was. I figured out what I wanted to do, and I wanted to sing and be a musician. I went into music education.

Even when I was in there, I thought I don’t know what to do, and that’s when my director said you can get a job as a choir teacher and get paid right out of college. That sounded good because, as a college student, we were broke, and a job out of college, that sounded really good. I like that idea.

Lisa Niver:

You definitely have a choir director smile. You’re so expressive.

Jeff Jenkins:

I’m pretty sure I didn’t get that from choir at all, not even a little bit, and actually, I don’t know that many choir directors that are as expressive as me. I think I get all my smiles from actually traveling. I remember the first time I actually smiled, consistently in pictures, was when I went to Japan the first time. I thought I look better when I smile, and it took until I was 20 years old before I started smiling in my pictures.

Lisa Niver:

Well, you should keep doing it. You look great, and is there any chance we might get a tiny snippet of singing from you?

Jeff Jenkins:

Not a chance. I know the power of singing. That was 30 something years of my life of doing that.

Lisa Niver:

I’m guessing you’re amazing as a singer. So, you were working with students. You were doing choir, and then what made the shift? I know you had The Amazi Project, where you were working with wells in Africa?

Jeff Jenkins:
My stepfather had passed, and that really opened my eyes that I really want to do something else, because I never wanted to be a public schoolteacher, and I became one, and then felt I was stuck as one, not because of the kids, but just because of public school teaching and administration and stuff like that.

Lisa Niver:

I did it also, and I totally respect your choice. So, I’m with you.

Jeff Jenkins:

Life is short. He died when he was 50 something, and I was 30, and I thought 20 years from now, What do I want to do? I don’t think I want to do this, and that’s when we started the project, the water well project, and while I was there, I kept asking myself the question of–Jeff, if money wasn’t an option, if whatever you dreamt up was to actually happen for you, what seriously would you do? And it was to be real with myself, and then that’s when I figured out that I wanted to help people and get paid to do it, or travel the world and help people and get paid to do it, and that’s what took me down this journey to becoming the internet sensation that I am today.

Lisa Niver:

You are an internet sensation. It’s true. So, you are out there traveling, and I think I read that you were talking about you didn’t see a lot of people like you being represented. You’ve taken a lot of steps to encourage that, so, can you tell the listeners… you’ve worked with some different alliances. You founded things. How did that go?

Jeff Jenkins:

It was my cousin who helped me pick my niche, because everybody kept saying you need a niche. She was a PR rep, and helped me realize that I’m chubby and black. I can talk about that. There’s nobody really talking about those experiences.

And even the books and stuff that I was reading…and I already had started down this entrepreneurial journey and I learned how to brand myself. I always tell people part of my success has come because I treat Chubby Diaries like a business, because that’s what it is, and so the way that Fortune 500 companies run themselves, I try to run Chubby Diaries in that same manner.

That organization and uniformity definitely has helped a lot, and it helped me realize, I need a mission statement, and my mission statement is redefining what it looks like to travel. We wanted to change the perspective of how you only saw skinny, usually white men, on different marketing ads and stuff like that. You never saw a person of size on there. You never saw a chubby person on there, a person in a wheelchair.

It’s those things that I wanted to tackle, and especially helping chubby people, and that’s what I wanted. I wanted there to be more representation in the travel space, and so, I was going to help change that. That was my plan, and through that the word got around, and the message resonated not with just people from my community, but it resonated with the world in a lot of ways. I’ve been able, during the pandemic, to help co-found the Black Travel Alliance.

I was named by Travel and Leisure as one of the most notable people in travel in the past 50 years, and that was a big, big honor. I continue to just strive. I think you being able to help people make it easier for people to come alongside you, because at the end of the day, that’s all I’m here to do. I love teaching…I’m still a big teacher.

Lisa Niver:

You’re definitely teaching. I noticed a lot of the TikTok videos have something about how to get past your perceived limitations. I loved some of your suggestions about, if you’re afraid to travel, you could start local, you could bring a friend, and I especially liked when you said follow people that look like you. People need suggestions.

Jeff Jenkins:

I even think that for myself. I have really big goals, and I think that’s what separates me, too, from a lot of people, is that my goals are massive. They are audacious. They’re bold.

Lisa Niver:

Like, what?

Jeff Jenkins:

Lisa, I want to go to space. I do. It’s going to happen just like I got this TV show.

I read off my goals every single day, and I do my affirmations and goals every single day, and having a TV show was on that list. I went two and a half years of saying it over and over again…well, almost three, of just saying, every day, that I’ll have a TV show, and then, boom, here we go. TV show. Nat Geo came a calling.

Lisa Niver:

National Geographic and Disney. You are in the super big times. Congratulations.

Jeff Jenkins:

Thank you so much.

Lisa Niver:

You didn’t just get a TV show that three people are going to watch. You’re going to be on the whole planet.

Jeff Jenkins:

One hundred and seventy-eight different nations is what I heard. I thought was just out of this world.

It’s the dedication. It’s the drive. It’s the determination. It’s the people believing in the dreams that you had. That, I think has separated me in a lot of ways, but then it’s also the thing that has continued to encourage others, and I think that part has just been so beautiful.

Lisa Niver:

So beautiful, and I’m impressed. TV show, going to space. Can you share any other bold, audacious goals with us?

Jeff Jenkins:

Yeah. I want to…I mean, it sounds crazy, and it’s a monetary thing, but it’s like, hey, I want a billion dollars. I didn’t want this ever in my life, and I still, in some ways, think it’s icky, but it’s not because I realize…because having that NGO that I had, building those water wells, I realized being a civil servant and as a teacher, and having a nonprofit, the theme that you run into the most is money.

Most nonprofits and NGOs have that same issue. It comes down to money, but having money, I can provide. I can provide for my family. I can provide for families to come, like my descendants, and then also be able to give to organizations, or create organizations, that I want to create, and so I have a why for everything. I want to take my family on trips. I want to be able to pay for my parents’ retirement, because our system didn’t set my parents up well.

I know that, as they get older, that they’re going to need some help, and I want to be able to provide that. So, that’s why I work hard and I do what I do now. I want to own part of the Orlando Magic. That’s my favorite basketball team. I want to own part of them, and so, those are some of the big goals that I have.

Lisa Niver:

Well, I imagine, when we talk again, that you will say you do own part of the Orlando Magic, or who knows, all of it, plus more than a billion dollars. I can’t wait until I see your pictures from outer space. That’s amazing.

Jeff Jenkins:

Yes, I can’t, either. I can’t wait, either, Lisa.

Lisa Niver:

I know you have the TV show, and I know you have goals, and what about, are you doing motivational speaking, because that seems like a natural next piece?

Jeff Jenkins:

That’s what we’re moving towards, motivational speaking. I am going to conferences and speaking on how to grow and develop yourself as a person or as an organization. I will be picking up more of those speaking gigs.

Lisa Niver:

That would be amazing. I can’t wait to hear you, and so, I know you went to Hawaii, and I think it was your 45th state? Is that right?

Jeff Jenkins:

Probably so. I’ve been to Hawaii a few times since the first time I went.

Lisa Niver:

Have you made it to all the states yet?

Jeff Jenkins:

No. Still got two.

Lisa Niver:

What’s left?

Jeff Jenkins:

We have Arizona and Alaska.

Lisa Niver:

Oh, wow, two of my favorite places.

Jeff Jenkins:

And the American territory of Puerto Rico. I want to count that, as well.

Lisa Niver:

Yes. I have been there many times. I used to work on the cruise ships. I used to sail out of Puerto Rico, and I work with the Destination Puerto Rico Team, and if that is on your list, that is one bold goal I can help you with. Space, I don’t know the right people, not yet.

Jeff Jenkins:

Not yet. Not yet. We will.

Lisa Niver:

Not yet. Not yet, and Alaska, I used to work on the cruise ship, and I spent three summers in Alaska, and I can tell you it is amazing. It is so beautiful.

Jeff Jenkins:

Yeah. I got to get there.

Lisa Niver:

I think that would make a very good video. Your 50th state. You’re in Texas now, right?

Jeff Jenkins:

In Austin.

Lisa Niver:

I’m trying to remember. I think Alaska is the largest, and is Texas second?

Jeff Jenkins:

Yes, it is.

Lisa Niver:

Although I’m sure, in Texas, they would tell you they’re the biggest and the best, right?

Jeff Jenkins:

Oh, definitely. Well, they’ll tell you…yes, they will. I understand now why they have so much pride in this place. So, it’s a great place, but they teach kids young here. Like, this is Texas. Welcome. We’re the great nation of Texas. Not a state. We’re a nation, they say.

Lisa Niver:

Well, they were their own country. I know that your episodes for the TV show are full of incredible challenges, and I imagine we can’t preview too many of the destinations, but are there some other challenges that you’re very proud of that you can share with us now?

Jeff Jenkins:
I would say that we had a grueling schedule, and we were filming almost eight months. It was a long time, but you’ll see in the show, that I do stuff that you normally don’t see plus-size people doing at all–from rock climbing to scuba diving, and handling apex predators. It’s some interesting stuff. I thought– what did I sign myself up for?

Lisa Niver:

I know you’ve written articles about can chubby people ski, and I saw some footage on TikTok of you scuba diving, and those are two of my favorite things. I can’t wait to see more of that, and if people want to learn more about you, what’s the best place to find you?

Jeff Jenkins:

My website, but you can also just go to Google and type in Jeff Jenkins Chubby Diaries or travel. You can see me there, on Instagram and TikTok. I’m on there consistently.

Lisa Niver:

And how does it work for you? You put out so much great content. Are you the filmer and the editor and the idea person? Are you doing that all by yourself, or do you have a whole team now?

Jeff Jenkins:

Not anymore. I have a team for some things, but I still am at the forefront of the filming part of it, but I do get help with ideas now, because I need it. It’s hard to just sit there and come up with ideas.

Lisa Niver:

Well, it’s an amazing step to have a whole team. You’ve done so much between the Black Travel Alliance, Chubby Diaries and the NGO that builds wells. We know that when you get a billion dollars, that you’ll use that to really make a difference.

Jeff Jenkins:

I sure will, and I’m making a difference now, and that’s my plan. So, even with the little bit I have, I am making sure that I make an impact with that.

Lisa Niver:

I agree. You are making an impact and remind everybody again about where and when this summer they can watch you overcoming these incredible challenges at the edge of your comfort zone.

Jeff Jenkins:

Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins premiers July 9 on Nat Geo and Disney+.

Lisa Niver:

It has been such a pleasure to speak with you.

Jeff Jenkins:

Thank you.

Lisa Niver:

You are truly an inspiration. I really want to thank you for spending this time with me.

Jeff Jenkins:
Thank you, Lisa, once again, and thank you, everybody who listened.

Lisa Niver:

We can’t wait to follow along. Thank you so much. Start watching July 9, 2023. This summer, it’s all happening. Thank you.

Jeff Jenkins:

Thank you. Thank you.

National Geographic’s “Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins” Release Date Announced

Bio: Jeff Jenkins is an award-winning Travel/ Food Blogger, speaker, podcast host, and Influencer based out of Austin, Texas. Jeff most recently is proud to add travel documentarian to his list of adventures as he stars in a show that explores diverse cultures, locations and overcoming fears, backed by National
Geographic and Disney+.

Jeff’s article for Travel and Leisure: The National Parks That Saved Us

EBONY: By providing representation, Jenkins hopes to inspire more plus-sized travelers seek adventure and voyage with confidence. “‘THE CHUBBY DIARIES’ JEFF JENKINS ON HIS UPCOMING NATGEO SHOW DOCUMENTING HIS EXPERIENCES AS A PLUS-SIZED TRAVELER”

“I’m praying that once the show is edited and comes out, you all will feel proud, Jenkins said. “I am literally doing this for us. NatGeo has never had a host that looked like me on any of their shows, I am the first. It is simply me being me as a fat, Black man, and I have made it my mission to take on these challenges so that you can see yourself through me, and hopefully be inspired to create your own adventures.”

Check out Jeff’s tips for plus-size travelers wanting to venture out more:

“Southwest Airlines does a great job with its ‘People of Size’ policy. The airline will allow you to get an extra seat for free if needed, if there is availability on the flight. If there isn’t availability, they will book you on the next flight that does, if you have flexible travel plans.”

The Amazi Project: Interview with Jeff Jenkins [Podcast 51]

Black Travel Alliance: Founding Board Member

How To Build Your Brand With Jeff Jenkins of Chubby Diaries

Texas Monthly: https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/chubby-diaries-documents-the-realities-of-vacationing-while-fat-and-black/ “Chubby Diaries” Documents the Realities of Vacationing While Fat and Black”

Jenkins, 35, is the penman behind the blog, Instagram account, and growing online community Chubby Diaries, which he created in 2018 to help other bigger-bodied people as well as people of color navigate the challenges that come up when they travel. He publishes posts headlined “The Best Theme Park for Plus Size People” and “Can Chubby People Ski?” based on the barriers he faces while visiting new places. He’s also a board member of the Black Travel Alliance, a nonprofit network of Black travel professionals. “I’m a fat, Black guy,” he says. “It’s my experience, and nobody else was talking about it.” 

For people who are fat, curvy, round, or plus-sized, the travel and outdoor industries can be prohibitive. There’s the blatant discrimination, as when some hotels and restaurants only hire people under a certain weight. And then there’s the subtler inequality, like pool towels that aren’t big enough to wrap around your body and in-room robes that come in just one size. Airplane seats are shrinking. Amusement park rides, skydiving, zip lines, and other adventure excursions enforce weight restrictions. Life jackets, wet suits, and other gear rentals often go up to only size large or extra-large. As a professional traveler, Jenkins knew he had to spend an additional $100 to buy his own wet suit to dive with sharks in South Africa, and he wants to prepare his similar-bodied readers for the realities of vacationing while fat—and to advocate for change in the travel industry.

Jenkins has been drawn to adventure since he was a kid growing up in Orlando, Florida. He eagerly anticipated eighteen-hour road trips to visit extended family in New Jersey, especially the stop at the highway landmark in South Carolina called South of the Border. He took his first airplane trip during college, when he worked for a program that hosted summer camps on American military bases across the world. He visited seventeen countries, including Germany and Japan. “That’s where I got that travel bug. I was bit hard,” he says.

More about my PODCAST at Make Your Own Map ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

and MY BOOK, Brave-ish, One Break-up, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, is available for preorder! CLICK HERE for more information! ⁠⁠

The post Unveiling the Uncharted: Jeff Jenkins on Embracing Life Beyond Comfort Zones appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Travel Enthusiast’s Dream: Nina Ruggiero, Trailblazing Founder of ‘Be a Travel Writer’ Class!

Thank you Nina Ruggiero, Travel and Leisure‘s digital editorial director and founder of the “Be A Travel Writer” course, for joining me on my podcast!

Nina told me, “Don’t be afraid to ask to do the things that you truly want to do.“

Learn more about her new “Be a Travel Writer” course- where they teach everything you need to know to get started.

INTERVIEW

Lisa Niver:

Good morning. This is Lisa Niver, from We Said Go Travel and I am beyond excited and honored to be able to interview today, an editor from Travel & Leisure, who I just met in real life in Ireland. Hi, Nina.

Nina:

Hi, Lisa. Thanks so much for having me on. Nice to see you again, since Ireland.

Lisa Niver:

My goodness, that trip was amazing. I love Maren and Travel Classics.

Nina at Ashford Castle for Travel Classics Ireland 2023

Nina:

We met so many great people. Maren’s amazing and Ashford Castle, you really can’t beat that setting for a travel conference.

Lisa Niver:

That place was amazing. But even more amazing than Travel Classics, and Ashford Castle, is YOU! You are an incredible premiere editor at Travel & Leisure. Tell people about what you do now, and how did you become an editor at Travel & Leisure. Congratulations.

Nina:

Thank you so much. I’m the Digital editorial director at Travel & Leisure, which basically, means I oversee the digital team, everything from special packages to day-to-day coverage. We do everything from travel news to features, to SEO and travel guides. It’s a great job. I love it so much. I’ve been at T&L for seven years now.

I started as a senior editor, then deputy and now this. I’ve seen them under three different companies, and it’s been a little bit different each time, but we’re growing and evolving, and the traffic to our website is much higher than it was when I started. We have a really engaged audience.

And in terms of how I got here, it was a long process. I knew I wanted to do it since I was in college. I decided I love traveling so much, it’s my greatest passion. Anytime I’m not in school, I’m traveling. I’m spending all the money I have on traveling, and studying abroad, and all of that. Then I found out, travel writing is a real job.

I wasn’t sure if that was a full-time job. So, to get there, I did so many other types of journalism, first. I did take one travel writing course in college. It was the only one that they offered at the University of Miami. We took a trip to New Orleans and I did my first ever travel reporting from there and I just loved it. But I also needed a job.

When I graduated, I did local news for a while. I was, literally, chasing fire trucks and police cars, and reporting on a town that I was assigned to, sometimes even a house fire in the middle of the night. It was crazy. Then I ended up getting a job covering fashion for a few years, which was fun. I just got a little bored of it after a while. And then, I did all sorts of other things, I covered lifestyle, wellness and politics for a little bit, which I did not enjoy. And then, the main thing that got me to T&L is, while I was doing all of that, I didn’t forget that I wanted to be in travel.

So, wherever I was, even if my job was fashion, I figured I could also contribute to the travel section. When my job was hard news, but no one was contributing to the travel section. I asked, “Can I do it?” So, everyone kept saying, YES! because if you’re getting your actual job done, no one’s ever going to say, “No, don’t do more work.” So, I worked a lot of Sundays and things, but I really built out my travel clips. And by the time the job at T&L came about, I had plenty to show for myself, in terms in the travel world, even though that hadn’t been my job.

That being said, I know we are going to talk about my “Be A Travel Writer” course that I am doing right now, to teach other people, and a part of the reason that I wanted to start that, is because I don’t think everyone’s journey needs to be quite as long as mine. I did all that for about 10 years before starting at T&L, so it’s a lot. It was really rewarding along the way. I took a sabbatical at one point, I moved to Sicily for a few months, and just traveled around Europe, and wrote about it, and was sending stories back to the New York newspaper, I was working at the time. It was very New York centric, the place I worked. I wrote a New Yorker’s guide to Athens calling it “East Village of Athens.” Those stories did really, really well, and gave me momentum when I came back to my normal job to keep doing travel content as well.

Lisa Niver:

I think that is really incredible information for people. A lot of time when people ask me, how do I be a travel writer? How do I go on a trip like you? They want to know, can they go tomorrow? And it sounds like what you’re saying is it took a decade of hustle, and commitment and persistence, that you were acting like an adult, you were paying your bills, while you were working as a journalist. You were improving, and you were also making your side hustle of travel, travel, travel happen. That’s one of the things that people forget is that in journalism, and travel journalism, there’s a lot of hard work and late nights pulling it all together.

Nina:

Journalism has changed so much since I started. There are so many more outlets now. In terms of getting started, having your own site, growing your social media following, using YouTube and all of these things, there’s a bit more of a fast track now.

Stacey Leasca, my partner on Be a Travel Writer, is freelance now. When I first met her, we both worked together full time at a different job, and I watched her transition from full time to freelance travel writer, and something she always says is you need to diversify your income. She does work for Travel & Leisure, for example, but she doesn’t fully depend on Travel & Leisure. And that’s so, so, so important. She does a newsletter for TripAdvisor, and she works on projects for Expedia as well as projects outside of the travel space. Honestly, she’s ended up making way more money than I have having a full-time job.

Lisa Niver:

It’s definitely a hustle. One of the things that’s really important is networking. Like you and Stacey met at a job, you knew each other, you started this project together and created your class. You have to have people who are supporting you and get how challenging it is and understand the life! Can you talk about taking your sabbatical? How did that happen?

Nina:

First of all, to your last point, I love that, because we all talk about that as travel writers amongst ourselves- we can only talk to each other about complaints. But I have to say my mom is funny, because she’s not in this space at all, but she’s so quick to tell people, “Nina is doing this really cool thing at this really nice hotel, but she works so hard. Do you know how hard she works?” We are so lucky to have these experiences. For people who really want to get into it, the main thing you have to understand is it’s a lot of work. And it’s a lot of time away from home. And it’s a lot of juggling of schedules. For me, it’s totally worth it. But I think some people don’t realize how much actually goes into it.

Back to your question about my sabbatical. I was doing travel writing on the side, but I wasn’t really getting those kinds of jobs, and I wanted to be doing it full time. I also always want to be in Europe, especially Italy. At the time, I was living in the East Village in New York, with two roommates in a tiny apartment, and I felt like I could take a break and do something different, and really accelerate the amount of travel clips that I had in my portfolio.

Another thing that I’ve always liked working on, on the side, is my Italian language skills, which are decent, but they get rusty when I’m not there. I do have Italian background, but I didn’t learn at home. I learned in school, and from study abroad, so, it can get rusty. I applied to an Italian school for foreigners in Sicily, in Termini, actually, now so famous because of White Lotus, but I had just gone there once. My aunt took me on a vacation and I fell in love with it. On day one, I made so many friends there, and I wanted to go back. So, I applied to this little school in the middle of Termini. It’s so cute. It’s in this little lemon garden down this cobblestone street. I enrolled in an advanced Italian course there during the week. And when I wasn’t there, I was traveling throughout Europe on weekends and writing about it. It was amazing. And it is incredibly affordable it is to travel throughout Europe once you’re in Europe, which is something I’m so jealous of everyone who’s based, there for that reason.

It was an incredible experience. It really accelerated my, otherwise, very long path in some ways. So, it was taking a leap, right? I was lucky, too, to have a really supportive boss at the time, who said, YES take the sabbatical. Go do it. I had seen in our employee handbook, that this was available if your boss was supportive of it. And I’m so lucky that she was. It was such a worthwhile opportunity for me.

Lisa Niver:

I think that’s a really good point, is that sometimes people, they’re afraid to even ask.

Nina:

Yes. And I’m so guilty of that. I’m the person who’s usually afraid to ask for things. And oh, my gosh, I mean, it was so long ago, now, but I can still remember the anxiety and fear leading up to, am I going to really ask this? That was a real life lesson for me, because looking back, I came out of my comfort zone and just went for it, and everyone was really supportive. Don’t be afraid to ask to do the things that you truly want to do.

Lisa Niver:

I haven’t thought about this in a long time, but when I was teaching in public school in Culver City, I taught eighth grade, and my parents were going with the rabbi for two weeks on a trip to Israel. And I went to my boss in public school and I said, I’m sure the answer’s no, but my parents are going on this trip, and they invited me to go with them to Israel, and I’d love to go. And she said, “Well, then I think you should!” and she went to the school board for me, to get me two weeks unpaid leave, to go do it, in the middle of the school year. She was the best boss I’ve ever had.

Nina: 

People like that are such great people to work with and be around, and I aspire to be that person for other people. It can make such a difference in someone’s life. And you just reminded me that when I did bring that up to my boss at the time, she had told me how there was a birthright trip that she missed out on and didn’t get to do, because she didn’t ask to get off of work. It was a potentially life-changing trip and she said– I missed my window, because I just was too afraid to ask. And she didn’t want me to experience that. And I appreciated that so much.

Lisa Niver:

That’s great. And you said you studied abroad? Was that in college? Did you go to Italy again?

Nina:

Yeah, there’s definitely an Italian theme in my travels. In college, I studied abroad in Rome. I went to this tiny little school called LUMSA, which is just around the block from the Vatican, and it was not your typical kind of American study abroad school. There were two Americans, including me, in the school that semester, and classes were in Italian. My Italian, at that point, was okay, I was not fully prepared for that level. They do all their exams orally. In my American schools, in foreign language, we’d have an oral exam, but we didn’t have an oral medieval history exam. They did. So, I had to do things in Italian, which was a real real challenge to me. And of course, a lot of my friends, at the time, were at American University of Rome, doing walking tours of Rome, and simple tests, and not really studying very much at all.

It was a really interesting way to do it, and I made local friends there. I met people who I’m still friends with today, who were took me under their wing and showed me around, and I got to know the city. I saw so much of Rome from a real local’s point of view. I ended up living in this neighborhood that none of my American friends had even ever been to, and it was such a cool way to immerse myself in Rome and Italian college life. And I think that was in my head, too, when I did the sabbatical, I wanted to experience something like that again.

Lisa:

Nina, you are so very interesting. I love this. If people want to learn more, you mentioned that you have this class with Stacey. Tell us about how to get started and what can we learn? And how do we join?

Nina:

The course that Stacy and I launched this year is called Be a Travel Writer. We teach everything you need to know to get started. We’ve had a really great response. You can buy individual classes, or you can do the full master course.

Some people are starting from square one. They want to get into travel writing, and they don’t have any background in it. With the whole course, there are worksheets, and we give feedback. You can take it to as intensive as you want. Some people are already writers, but not in the travel space, or some took a few years off, and want to see what’s going on now, and how important is social media these days, and what’s happening in the world of SEO, and all that.

Some people are taking it as more of a refresher. And then others are taking it as a 101, depending on what they’re looking for. We have a newsletter we send out every week, which highlights the classes or answer questions we’ve been getting. We also send out calls for pitches and job openings within the travel and lifestyle space. That’s been really popular and that’s free.

We have an online community where people are asking questions and sharing about their challenges like “I’ve been struggling to negotiate better freelance rates lately. What do you guys think? Or I’m traveling here. Has anyone ever been? Any inside tips? Or I had this weird press trip situation? What do you guys think about this?”

And it’s been really fun to see. It’s an industry that Stacy and I are both really, really passionate about, so, to be able to share that and to be able to help other people get into that is, is really special. And we both are so fired up on Mondays when we send out the newsletter. We enjoy it so much, and we have a great community going there, and I hope it keeps growing.

Other topics we cover are writing for digital, specifically, travel feature writing. There’s a kitchen sink class, that covers a bit of everything, including the business side and rates and things like that. And in each class, we didn’t want anyone to have to take just my word or just Stacey’s word for anything, so, we have an expert guest on the topic, who we interview, as well, on every class. So, there’s some great people there, as well.

Lisa Niver:

I noticed Rachel Chang, who was with us at Travel Classics in Ireland, is one of your guest speakers.

Nina:

Yes, Rachel Chang’s so great. She writes a ton for Travel & Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler, and edits so many special edition magazines. Once again, another good example of hustling in this business. She is the expert on our writing a travel feature story course. And she’s so great and honest.

That’s the other thing. It’s not like taking a college course and it’s not super formal. It’s industry insiders, chatting back and forth, and asking the real questions, and talking about the real things that you wouldn’t necessarily learn in school. We also have Jeff Jenkins, who is known on social media as the Chubby Diaries, and he has a brand-new show that’s about to come out for Nat Geo, called Never Say Never, and he’s doing all of these amazing travel challenges, which actually will be interesting to you as another travel challenger.

Lisa Niver:

I actually have an episode with him on my podcast that I’m putting up next month in June, because his show comes out in July. I met him at IMM in New York.

Nina:

We have had many good people, and they know what they’re doing. We talk about things like, when to follow up on a pitch that you haven’t heard back from, and what works. So, I think it’s well rounded to hear from a bunch of different people within the industry.

Lisa Niver:

I think it’s amazing. I will put a link to your class and the article you sent me about your course in Forbes in the show notes for the podcast.

Nina:

Thank you. Yes. Laura Begley Bloom wrote that for her transformative, travel column in Forbes. She’s did a really good job of capturing Stacey’s story and how she got there, and my story and how I got there, and then how we came together and why, and everything that the class offers.

Lisa Niver:

Also in your class, Stacy offers some one-on-one coaching.

Nina:

Yes. Anyone who buys the full course gets one on one coaching with Stacy. I feel like she’s my personal coach and she also feels like I’m her’s. We go back and forth a lot. Stacey is so dynamic. She writes and she also does newsletters, a podcast, and social media. She does sponsored content, and so many different things within this industry that I think she has a lot to teach people. She also deeply enjoys giving this kind of feedback, and she’s recently kicked off one-on-ones with people in our course.

Lisa Niver:

Congratulations again on the new class.

Nina:

Thank you. People are finishing up and taking their one-on-one sessions with her, and they’ve been going great. People are really enjoying them. Stacy’s really enjoying them. And I think they’re learning a lot.

Lisa Niver:

That’s amazing. So, you have a full-time job, your dream job, and your passion of travel. You’ve lived in Italy a few times. What’s on your personal list? If you could do anything or go anywhere, what’s your goal?

Nina:

That’s such a good question. My next travel goals are to do things that are totally different from things I’ve done before. Because yes, I love a European summer trip, but I want to make sure I’m always branching out and having new experiences. I have never been on a safari and I am absolutely dying to go on a safari. Everyone seems to really love Botswana. So, maybe I’ll go to Botswana. But that’s the next big thing on my list.

The next trip that’s actually happening for me is, I’m going to Kauai for the first time next week.. I’ve been to Maui and Honolulu, but I’m excited about Kauai, because I’m a big coastal adventurer water sport-type of person. I’m working on my surfing, and will take some surf lessons. I’m judging a poke contest, which is something fun to add to my resume. I’ve definitely never judged a poke contest before.

Lisa Niver:

Oddly, after Ireland I was in Destin, Florida, judging for a lionfish contest. They prepare lionfish in different ways in the different restaurants. I had never been a judge before either. I’m sure you will enjoy it. It was very fun.

Nina:

That’s so interesting. Had you eaten lionfish before that?

Lisa Niver:

I have eaten lionfish. Lionfish are invasive, and decimating the Caribbean, and so one of the things that we’re working on is helping people understand that they are very good eating. And if we can create consumer demand, they’ll commercial fish more, if that’s possible, or at least figure something out. It’s actually very tasty.

Nina:

I learned about the lionfish when I was visiting St. Croix. There was a diver I met who, was protecting the island from that invasive species. But, I haven’t actually, tried it, and I’m curious.

Lisa Niver:

Well, the next time you’re in the Caribbean, or when you’re in Florida, there are restaurants that serve it as well as a project with one of the culinary schools where they’ve been training chefs to know about it, and prepare it, and put it on the menu.

Nina:

That’s great.

Lisa Niver:

I did a podcast with a guy, Alex Fogg, he’s called The Fish Guy. He did all his research about lionfish. He’s based in in Destin, Fort Walton, Florida.

Nina:

I’ll have to I’ll listen to that one.

Lisa Niver:

Thank you. It has been so much fun to talk to you. You are incredibly knowledgeable. I bet that everyone who takes your class will really learn so much from your passion and your enthusiasm, and your deep knowledge of traveling.

Nina:

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me about it.

Lisa Niver:

Oh my gosh. I’m so excited for you. I hope you get to take another Italian sabbatical soon and again, congratulations on the new course for you and Stacey. I will have all the links in the show notes so that people can sign up for your class. Thank you for joining me!

FORBES ARTICLE: The Secret Way To Get Paid To Travel The World, According To Two Industry Pros

“Travel can be an exclusive niche, but we hope to open it up to more people with varying points of view. We believe there’s space for everyone who really wants it and is willing to learn,” says Ruggiero.

BE A TRAVEL WRITER: Individual Class Offerings, Guest Lectures, Master Class

Want to get paid to travel the world and write about it? @SLeasca and I teamed up with other media industry experts to bring you Be A Travel Writer: An 8-class course full of insider tips and simple ways to get started. https://t.co/SaPEOyW5uV (DM me for a discount code!) pic.twitter.com/4qIPW2q5WX

— Nina Ruggiero (@NinaMarieNYC) March 7, 2023

Nina Ruggerio and Lisa Niver filming MAKE YOUR OWN MAP

Lisa’s book, Brave-ish, is coming SEPT 19, 2023

The post Travel Enthusiast’s Dream: Nina Ruggiero, Trailblazing Founder of ‘Be a Travel Writer’ Class! appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Grateful and Honored: Finalist for Two 2023 Southern California Journalism Awards

Thank you Los Angeles Press Club and 65th 2023 Southern California Journalism Awards! I am honored to be a finalist for TWO CATEGORIES 2023 Finalist: 65th annual Southern California Journalism AwardsB6. TRAVEL REPORTING

* Lisa Niver, Jewish Journal, “Joshua Tree National Park: My First Visit!” from our Genesis GV70 Road trip.

* Julia Carmel, Los Angeles Times, “34 hours on America’s most scenic train. Is it as dreamy as it sounds?”
* Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, “Welcome to Portugal, the new expat haven. Californians, please go home”

* KCET, KCET, “The Migrant Kitchen: Puerto Rico”
* KCET & Tastemade, KCET, “Broken Bread: Tijuana”

K6. PERSONALITY PROFILE/INTERVIEW, Non-Entertainment Personalities, over 10 minutes

* Lisa Niver, Make Your Own Map Podcast, “Deepak Chopra on the Divine Feminine and World Meditation Day”

* Jonathan Bastian, Andrea Brody, KCRW, “Inciting joy: Poet Ross Gay on gardening, grief, and basketball”

* Steve Chiotakis, Christian Bordal, Giuliana Mayo, Phil Richards, KCRW, “I don’t know if I’ll be able to avoid crying”
* Danielle Chiriguayo, KCRW, “How the ‘Christmas spirit’ brought joy and redemption”

* Mo’Kelly, KFI AM640/iHeartRadio, “Chief Robert Luna for Sheriff”

Lisa Niver interviewing Deepak Chopra for Mental Health Awareness Month Thank you to the Los Angeles Press Club and Diana Ljungaeus, Executive Director!

Lisa Niver has won many awards! From 2017 to 2023, in the Southern California Journalism Awards and National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards, she has won five times and been a finalist twenty-two times for a variety of broadcast, print and digital categories.

2022 Finalist : Southern California Journalism Awards for BOOK CRITICISM2021 Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Commentary Diversity/Gender and Commentary Analysis/Trend — Film2021 Winner: Southern California Journalism Awards for  TECHNOLOGY REPORTING 2021 Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for BOOK CRITICISM2020 Winner: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Book Critic. See all of Lisa’s book reviews here.2020 Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Book Critic2020 Winner: Southern California Journalism Awards for print magazine article: Hemispheres Magazine for United Airlines2020 Five Time Finalist: Southern California Journalism awards2019 Winner: NAEJ Award for KTLA TV segment2019 Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards in three categoriesCategory H2a. Soft News: Ms. Magazine: Polar Bears Can’t Vote So You Have ToCategory F6a. Soft News Feature – Under 5 Minutes—Film/TV: KTLA TV Oscars Countdown to Gold with Lisa NiverCategory C1b. Business, Music/Tech/Art: My Wharton Magazine article: Four Female Founders Share Their Origin Stories2019 Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for Broadcast Television Lifestyle Segment: Ogden Ski Getaway2018 Finalist for three categories of Southern California Journalism Awards:SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY REPORTING: Smithsonian TRAVEL REPORTING: Popsugar FitnessPERSONALITY PROFILE: Saturday Evening Post2017 2nd place winner for Southern California Journalism Award Print Column “A journey to freedom over three Passovers” and finalist for Travel Reporting.

More about Lisa Niver: https://lisaniver.com/awards/

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 16: BJ Korros and guest attend the Los Angeles Press Club’s 63rd Annual Journalism Awards Dinner at Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles on October 16, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

The post Grateful and Honored: Finalist for Two 2023 Southern California Journalism Awards appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Wanderlust Whisperer: Wisdom from Travel Maven Pauline Frommer

Thank you Pauline Frommer for joining me on my podcast!

I was honored to speak at the Travel and Adventure Show in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles–just like my travel idol, Pauline Frommer! I loved having her on my podcast and I know you will learn so much from listening to her extensive travel knowledge! Want more? Listen to her podcast, The Frommers Travel Show! And BUY the brand new guidebooks she talked about from their website or at your favorite local bookstore.

Lisa Niver and Pauline Frommer both speakers at the New York Travel and Adventure Show Jan 2023

Watch our interview on Spotify, YouTube or your favorite PODCAST platform. Enjoy the transcript here:

Lisa Niver:

Good morning. I’m so excited to be here with one of the most impressive people in travel publishing. Pauline Frommer. Thank you, so much, for being here.

Pauline Frommer:

Well, it’s such a pleasure. Thank you for inviting me.

Lisa Niver:

It was such an honor for me to speak at the Travel and Adventure show this year, and to see you in so many cities. And I can’t believe that, what started with you and your dad, The Frommer Travel Guides, that you’ve published, is it really true 75 million books?

Pauline Frommer:

Yes. It started well, before I was born. It started in 1957. My dad was drafted into the Korean War, and luckily, the day before he would have been sent to Korea, the powers that be discovered that he spoke Russian and German, because he was the son of immigrants. So, instead of being sent off to Korea, which was a very bloody war, he was sent to Berlin, and started traveling all over Europe. But this is after World War II, so, Europe was in rubble, and most of his fellow GIs just stayed on the base. They were too nervous to travel, because they thought if they couldn’t spend a lot of money, it wouldn’t be worthwhile, and when he came back to the base, they would pepper him with questions. And he thought, well, maybe I’ll write a little book for my fellow GIs. He called it the GIs guide to Europe, and he self-published it. The day it went on sale, it sold out at the PXs across Europe, and so when he got out of the army, he thought, well, maybe civilians would like this, too. And again, he self-published. He self-published a little book called Europe on $5 a day, which became the bestselling guidebook of all time when it came out in 1957. And so that was the start of it all. But I wasn’t born until well, after that.

Lisa Niver:

Wow. I had no idea. That’s such an incredible story.

Pauline Frommer:

He was very lucky, because the jet age was starting, and after World War II, Americans had a lot more money than people in Europe did, for the most part, and so, they were finally able to go out and see the world. If you ever go to the World War II Museum in New Orleans, the weight of that war, and the numbers involved, it was the bloodiest war in the history of humanity. Getting through the other side of that, there was this feeling of great possibilities, and joy and relief, and that’s what spurred travel.

I think it’s spurring travel, right now, getting out of that awful pandemic. Everybody wants to be on the road. So, even though inflation is high, travel numbers are higher still, because we came out of that pandemic, with the understanding that life is short, and that you have to grab life when you can, and there’s no better way to grab it, then through travel.

Pauline Frommer, Lisa Niver and Patricia Schultz at the New York Travel and Adventure Show 2023

Lisa Niver:

I can see why your travel show podcast is on the New York Times top travel show to listen to, because you’re so interesting. I’m fascinated. Please thank your dad for his service, and does he still work with you in the company?

Pauline Frommer:

It’s not easy being 93. I see him, at least once a week, and I tell him everything that’s going on, but on a day-to-day basis, he’s not involved anymore.

My father wrote the first book, and he wrote it in a very personal way. The thing people would always say about his writing was, I felt like I was traveling with a friend, and we try and keep that going with the current books. All of our books are written by local writers.

I write New York City, since I’m based in New York. I have a wonderful woman named Margie Rin, who lives in Paris, and she writes Paris. I have a great author named, Liz Heath, in Rome, and she writes Rome, and so on. And we tell them that our biggest rival isn’t Lonely Planet, and it isn’t Rick Steves. It’s TripAdvisor and Yelp. People often think–I can’t trust travel guides. It’s all an institution. It’s written by committees, and so, we tell our writers, you need to show the reader that you’re a human being. Tell them what doesn’t work, as well as, what does, because unlike a lot of travel journalism, we don’t get paid to put a hotel in the book, or on our website, or a restaurant.

People assume that we’re all influencers now, and that the ethics have gone out of travel journalism, and that isn’t the case with Frommers. Our wonderful England writer, Jason Cochran says, “Don’t waste your time on the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. They’re going to play Abba tunes, it’s just gotten really silly. It’s a total mob scene. And you can actually go to another part of London where they do a smaller changing of the guard, and get right up to it, and show up five minutes before it starts, rather than having to waste two hours of your time waiting for the thing to happen.” Our reader is our only client, and we take that seriously.

Pauline Frommer speaking at the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show Feb 18 2023, Photo by Lisa Niver

Lisa Niver:

That is really good to know, because I do think people are confused about what’s sponsored content, and what’s paid for, what’s advertorial. That’s a really important commitment. And I know, when you speak at the travel show, I’ve always been mesmerized with your talk. You really share the best travel tips. One of the things that I think is really important for people, and I’ve heard you speak about this many times and has been a challenge on the COVID coaster. Can you speak to people about why it’s important to have travel insurance?

Pauline Frommer:

Well, it’s not important if you just take your flight. It’s not important if you’re driving somewhere and staying in a hotel. But if you’re paying a lot of money for a cruise, or a tour, or if you have to put down a hefty deposit on a vacation rental, you’re crazy not to get travel insurance, because that money could be gone. But there’s no one travel insurance company that’s always the best one. I like the Travel Insurance Marketplaces. They have names like Square Mouth, Insure My Trip, Travel Insurance.com. There are other fine ones. What you do is, you go to them, you put in your name, you put in your age and the details of your trip, and within 30 seconds, they’ve spat back a list of 500 different policies. And inevitably, the one that covers the most, isn’t the most expensive one. Usually, it’s one from somewhere in the middle of the list. I’ve used this and each time I’ve done it, I’ve ended up with an insurance policy from a different provider. When I went on safari in Africa, John Hancock had the best one. When I went to walk the Wu trail in Patagonia in Chile, Allianz did best for us. So, you never know what it’s going to be.

Pauline Frommer speaking at the 10th Women in Travel Fest in NYC March 5, 2023. Photo by Lisa Niver

Lisa Niver:

Thank you. Because I do think it’s really important that people understand that it’s complicated. I’ve heard you speak about travel insurance several times, and just after September 11, the cruise company that I was working for went bankrupt. And people who bought the insurance from the now-defunct company realized that was a mistake when things didn’t go their way.

Can you tell people about some of the new books that are out, and places that you’re recommending for 2023 and 2024?

Pauline Frommer:

Greece was one of the very first countries to come out of the pandemic and start welcoming tourists again. In the last decade, Athens has done so much to make itself more visitor friendly. They’ve built a glamorous new Archaeological Museum rather than the dusty old place that used to exist near the Parthenon. When you go there, it gives you context for what you’re seeing all these ancient master works. They really help you understand it. They have great restaurants now. The islands have always been spectacular, and they still are.

We have a new Athens and the Greek Islands book, written by author Stephen Brewer, who’s an incredible expert and a very erudite guy. He helps our readers understand why things may feel familiar in Greece, because so much of American culture comes from the classical era. He really does an amazing job of drawing the strands of history, so that it feels contemporary, so that you understand why history is still shaping our lives today. We’re really, really proud of the Athens and the Greek Islands book.

I’m working on the Maui book, which will be out in a couple of months. It’s really interesting. The dirty little secret is, you can go to Frommers.com, and see all of our guidebooks online, too. You can’t carry them with you, so, we still know that people buy the books, but you can see the text. As I was editing the Maui guide, I was looking to see what the prices were before. I realized that from pre-pandemic to today, prices for hotels have doubled in Maui, literally doubled. A cheap hotel in Maui right now is $300 a night, which is insane. For moderate hotels, you’re looking  at $6-7-800 dollars a night. If you want really the glamorous ones, that’s over $1,000.

Lisa Niver:

Oh, my goodness, that’s very pricey!

Pauline Frommer:

I spoke to Jeanne Cooper, who’s our author who explained that because of understaffing, a lot of these hotels are only 50% full. They cannot handle a full hotel, and so, they’re charging what they think the market will bear. What we’re finding is you have to make your reservation a couple of months before going to Maui, but the week before you travel, go to one of the private clubs, that gets better rates on hotels. Travel & Leisure magazine has one called the Travel & Leisure club. There’s one called Room Steals. The one I tend to use, which has some problems, but still has very good prices is one done by Trip Scout, and it’s only found on Instagram.

So, you write to Trip Scout, or you go to @hotels and you say where you want to go and they give you a list of what the prices will be. The reason it has problems is they don’t often surface all the information you might need to make a decision. So, for example, I was looking last year, for a place near Acadia National Park. I found really good rates. I didn’t realize until I looked at other sources of information that it was a hotel with a bathroom down the hall, which some people wouldn’t want, but the prices were still 25 to 50% less than they were everywhere else.

Why is that? Every hotel on the planet, right now, has a contract with Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, Priceline, etcetera, all of the major booking engines. And those contracts state that they cannot give discounts that are searchable, that are much lower than what they’re giving to Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, Priceline, but these hotels still want to move rooms, but they don’t want the whole world to know that they’re willing to let you pay 50% less than what you usually pay. When you go to Trip Scout on Instagram, what comes up can’t be searched by Google. The hotels can move a handful of rooms, and people going to Maui are not paying these insane prices. We’re trying to break this down in the book, so that people can still have it a vacation in Maui, and not pull their hair out for how much they’re paying, and so that will pay for the cost of the book.

Lisa Niver:

Wow. Like I said, I’ve heard you speak many times. You have a vast knowledge from generations of being in this business. I know that you have a new book, and people are so excited about Yellowstone from the TV show. Are you seeing many people buying the book about Yellowstone?

Pauline Frommer:

Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons came out, maybe three weeks ago. We were in the process of updating it, and then these terrible floods hit Yellowstone. This was about maybe a year and a half ago, now, and so we had Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, who’s our author there, stop her work, and we waited for a good five months, until we had more clarity on what was going to change, because these were really devastating floods. Entire roads were wiped out, and a lot has had to be rebuilt there. As soon as it was clear that that things were going to be as they were going to be for the next year or so, she went back to work. Right now, Lonely Planet is the best seller for the area, but it’s a book that came out pre-flooding. So, I have a feeling a lot of things that are in it probably aren’t as up to date as they need to be. And that’s the hard thing with travel books.

When you go to TripAdvisor and look at a hotel review, you’re taking the advice of someone who’s been to exactly one hotel. They may not know that, right down the road, there’s a place that’s just as nice, but cheaper. Our authors visit every place. So, they have context. They can talk about places in relationship to your other choices, whether it’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, what have you.

Lisa Niver:

One of the things you spoke about at the Travel and Adventure show in New York City, and because the Olympics will be in Paris, many people are going to be thinking about traveling to France. Can you tell us about your bike tour? I remember you spoke about how it was hard to find the information online and ended up being so economical.

Pauline Frommer:

We, actually, have a new France book that’s being researched, right now. It’ll be out in time for the Olympics.

But I went to a city called Dijon, which is in the region of Burgundy, which is of course a major wine growing region, and I looked online to see what I should do. And in Dijon, I, obviously, also looked at the Frommer guide, but when I looked online, Google told me that there was absolutely nothing to do in the city of Dijon, that the only thing to do when you go to Dijon was to get out into the countryside and take a wine tour. And I thought, that’s weird.

Our book has all of these museums in it, and they look great. One is considered the fourth most important museum in all of France. Why aren’t these being brought up by Google? I realized it was because they were all free. And so, all of the sites that cover travel, and then now make a lot of money by selling entrance fees and tours, and the like, weren’t covering these museums because there was no money to be made. Google hoovers all of the information up online, so their search was also kind of screwy.

Dijon was the seat of government for the Dukes of Burgundy. So, it has spectacular architecture, gorgeous museums, ancient mansions, extraordinary restaurants, where everything is made with wine in some way, whether it’s beef bourguignon, or these eggs meurette, which are these eggs that are poached in red wine and come with a red wine sauce, and are really delicious. They’re served at dinner, as appetizers, but you’d never know this, if you just searched online.

Lisa Niver:

You are such an incredible, gracious resource, and I am so honored that you were able to spend time with me here on the podcast. Obviously, people are going to want to know more, so, tell everybody, how can they find your podcast? Where’s the best place to buy the guidebooks? Tell them how do we find more of all of this?

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Pauline Frommer:

Well, for the podcast, you go to frommers.com, which is frommers.com/podcast. We cover a lot of the breaking news at frommers.com. Recently, remember when coming out of the pandemic, all of these destinations were saying they would give people free travel. Hong Kong actually followed through on it, and we were able to post, last week, that Americans could get, 5000 free airfares to Hong Kong. When you come to frommers.com, we’ll have great breaking news that you can use like that. Look for our guides at your local bookstore. You can, obviously, find us on Amazon, but I always push people to go to the great independent bookstores because I want to support them.

Lisa Niver:

And if they want to meet you in person, you’ll be next year at the best show, the Travel and Adventure Show. I look forward to seeing you there, and I can’t wait to learn more from you. And again, I just really appreciate you making the time to come speak with me on my podcast.

Pauline Frommer:

This was a lot of fun. Thank you.

The post Wanderlust Whisperer: Wisdom from Travel Maven Pauline Frommer appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

Celebrating Best Friend Day: Embracing the Magic of Friendship!

Thank you to Nicole Pajer, Meaghan Murphy and Woman’s Day Magazine for including Carl and I in their celebrations of Best Friend Day: June 8 which embraces the Magic of Friendship! We were on page 2 of the June/July 2023 issue!

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These BFFs became family

Lisa Niver los angeles
Carl Law san jose, ca

In 1985, Lisa was in her first year at University of Pennsylvania and Carl was a junior as well as her advisor. The two hit it off instantly, but it was a hilarious exchange one night  that solidified  their friendship. “Carl knew I had a date, who was picking me up at our dorm, so he put on a bathrobe and waited in my room. When my date showed up, he asked, What are your intentions with my daughter?” says Lisa. “Ever since then, we’ve told people that we’re family.” 

Over the years, the duo has supported each other through divorces, career shifts, dating, parenting adventures and more. “When my marriage crumbled, he was the person I called in tears from Thailand,” says Lisa. Lisa kicks off the first chapter of her upcoming memoir Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty with with Carl’s advice from that day. 

“When people look at us, they don’t think that we’re family because Carl is Black and I am Jewish, but we know that we are chosen family,” says Lisa. Carl describes Lisa as the sister he wishes he had. “She’s a person that brings sunlight into my life,” he says. “When I look back on my life so far, our friendship is one of the highlights.”

[image error] [image error] [image error] Do you want to unlock the power of friendship? Dive into Christie Tates’ book for a better BFF experience!Learn more from Christie by watching our podcast:

Best Friend Day is something I learned about recently but I have always celebrated my friendships. These remarkable individuals have been by my side through thick and thin, creating a tapestry of unforgettable moments and everlasting memories. Make time to shower them with appreciation and gratitude, reminding them of just how much they mean to you.

Friendship is like a beacon of light, guiding us through life’s ups and downs. It’s an everlasting bond that transcends time and distance, forever etched in our hearts. They are the ones who have seen me at my best and my worst, always offering unwavering support and love.

How can you honor this extraordinary person and cherish the beautiful memories of your friendship? Take a thrilling adventure, explore new destinations or go out for dinner, sharing laughter, stories, and a feast fit for royalty. Best Friend Day is about expressing gratitude and celebrating their ability to make even the darkest days feel lighter, and their knack for understanding us on a level that no one else can.

Happy Best Friend Day to all the incredible souls out there who make our lives brighter, our hearts fuller, and our adventures more exciting! Cheers to friendship!

The post Celebrating Best Friend Day: Embracing the Magic of Friendship! appeared first on We Said Go Travel.

World Environment Day 2023 at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Ocean Guardians Unite! Celebrating World Environment Day with Richard Murphy of Ocean Futures Society and co-creator of Ambassadors of the Environment at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

World Environment Day at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, today was an extraordinary event that left a lasting impact on all who attended. The celebration was a perfect blend of inspiration, education, and action, bringing together passionate individuals from various backgrounds to commemorate this important day.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the presence of Richard Murphy, a true legend in the field of marine conservation, who has dedicated an impressive 50 years to the Ocean Futures Society working with Jean-Michel Cousteau. I had the privilege of interviewing him, capturing his insights and experiences in this captivating video podcast. 

Throughout the day, the resort buzzed with excitement as guests engaged in various activities and workshops. From guided tours showcasing the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives to interactive displays and educational sessions, attendees were immersed in an environment of learning and discovery. 

The celebration culminated with a meaningful tree planting ceremony. We came together, shovels in hand, to plant trees in the nearby forest. The act of planting trees served as a reminder that our actions today shape the world of tomorrow, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

World Environment Day at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, was celebrated at the Ambassadors of the Environment Program, which inspires guests to embrace sustainability and take their newfound knowledge and passion back to their communities. World Environment Day was started by the United Nations in 1972. Join in the Ambassadors of the Environment Program on your next holiday with The Ritz-Carlton Family!

Thank you Discover Puerto Rico!

Learn more about Ambassadors of the Environment.

Read Dr. Richard Murphy’s book, Coral Reefs: Cities Under The Sea

Lisa Niver with Jean Michel Cousteau at the 2018 DEMA Dive Conference

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Mafalda Costa Tavares, Dr. Richard Murphy and Lisa Niver at the World Environment Day 2023 at Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

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Marvelous May: Memorable Journeys and Momentous Moments

Marvelous May News 2023 with Lisa Niver & We Said Go Travel:Thank you to Travel Classics Ireland and Tourism Ireland!

A giant thank you to Maren Rudolph for creating and running this amazing conference and to Ruth Moran and Fallon Griffin and the entire Ireland team for an amazing event and tour. Go raibh maith agat Paula Carroll, Niall Rochford, Regina O’Donoghue and the entire team at Ashford Castle, I absolutely loved being back again! Want to see more about my adventures? Enjoy my 73 VIDEOS– Below is one of my favorites with Ireland School of Falconry and Inca & Tommy! My first visit to Ireland was also a memorable journey–I have big news about where you can read more about it coming soon!!!

After the conference, I went with my travel writing friends to Northern Ireland. One of the highlights was THE LOST VALLEY

I just found out that We Said Go Travel was listed #8 in 2022 for BEST ONLINE TRAVEL MAGAZINES and WEBSITES!! Thank you to Nomad Revelations and João Leitão.

IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS NEWS: Some highlights:: I am honored to be #11 on the Best Travel and Lifestyle Blogs List! Thank you Afluencer for naming me the #3 Top Travel Influencer for 2023! Thank you Feedspot for naming me #21 on your 30 Best Jewish Book Blogs and Websites. My website is now available on Google News! I was honored to be a speaker EIGHT times at the Travel & Adventure Shows in 2023! I spoke in FOUR cities: Los Angeles, Chicago, NYC and Dallas!

Thank you to The Travel Mom, Emily Kaufman, for inviting me to #CAMPTRAVELMOM in San Diego! I loved it! Thank you to Scott Jones from DiveNewsWire for sharing my podcast about PADI for EARTH DAY! I am honored to be part of this incredible publication that focuses on my passion of scuba diving! Thank you Debra Eckerling for celebrating my mother and her recipe for Mother’s day in your print Jewish Journal article on FOOD and FAMILY! THANK YOU for watching my podcast! It has now been seen and heard in 31 countries on 6 continents!

USA Canada Ireland UK Italy India Singapore Australia New Zealand Switzerland Hong Kong France Latvia Philippines Netherlands Japan Fiji Portugal Kenya Mexico Guatemala Germany Uruguay Bangladesh Spain Panama Thailand Uganda UAE Greece South Africa

New PODCAST episodes: Walking with Andrew McCarthy and Saving our Planet One Lionfish at a time with Alex Fogg WATCH my podcast, “MAKE YOUR OWN MAP: Are YOU ready to be BRAVE?” on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Podcast,  Google Podcasts, Audible, Anchor, Pandora & iHeart Radio WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have NEARLY TWO MILLION views on YouTube! (now at: 1,870,000 views)

Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 3,940 subscribers? I hope you will join me and subscribe! For more We Said Go Travel articles, TV segments, videos and social media: CLICK HERE

Find me on social media with over 150,000 followers. Please follow  on TikTok: @LisaNiver, Twitter at @LisaNiver, Instagram @LisaNiver and on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and at LisaNiver.com.

My Podcast: “Make Your Own Map!”

Fortune Cookie SAID:

“Embrace the Unseen, Wanderer, for Travel Unfolds the Extraordinary.”

“Enthusiasm is infectious, stimulating and attractive to others. People will love you for it.”

I loved hula-hooping all over Ireland and at Camp Travel Mom in San Diego! So many memorable journeys! THANK YOU for all of your SUPPORT!

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