Ann Abel
Contributor
Valerie Marino
Content Writer
Gina Birch
Content Writer
Kara Franker
Content Writer
Julia Collins
Copywriter
Georgie Darling
Copywriter
Hey there! I’ve been in the travel writing game for 20 years now, and it’s been a wild ride. I started out on TravelTraval.com, and since then I’ve covered over 700 luxury destinations and hotels in 100 countries (and counting). I’ve got a keen eye for what’s worth your hard-earned cash and what’s just overpriced fluff. And while I may be discerning, I’m definitely not jaded – I still get a thrill out of experiencing the world’s best offerings.
My work has appeared in Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Shermanstravel and a bunch of other publications. I’ve even gone so far as to get a tattoo in Bora Bora (no regrets there) and get bitten by a massage therapist (definitely some regrets there). Oh, and I’ve flown small aircraft above three continents – casual, right?
Basically, I love all things luxury travel and lifestyle, and I’ve got the experience to back it up. So if you need some advice on where to go or what to buy, hit me up – I’ve got you covered.
Hey there, I’m Valerie Marino – journalist by day, Disney fanatic by night. When I’m not indulging in Mickey Mouse-shaped treats, I’m on the hunt for the best yarn shops in town (I’m a bit of a knitting addict) or taking long walks with my trusty pup, Dexter.
I got my start working on Travel Traval, where I fell in love with the art of travel writing and storytelling. Since then, my work has been featured in all sorts of publications like cntraveler to lifestyle blogs. I love nothing more than uncovering interesting stories and sharing them with the world.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, I’m always looking for my next big adventure. Whether it’s a road trip across the country or a quick weekend getaway, I’m up for anything. And of course, I’m always happy to chat about the latest Disney news or share tips on how to knit the perfect scarf.
So if you’re in need of a travel recommendation, a knitting tutorial, or just a friendly chat about all things Disney, hit me up – I’m always here for you!
Meet Gina, the “Native Floridian” who’s been soaking up the sun in Southwest Florida for over 20 years. She’s a well-known and award-winning radio and TV personality, as well as a talented writer who’s contributed to a number of regional publications like 10Best. Gina’s even got some publishing experience under her belt – she used to run a restaurant guide!
Gina’s passion for travel and exploration started when she worked at Travel Traval, where she honed her writing and storytelling skills. But that’s not all – Gina’s also a self-proclaimed Oenophile (that’s a fancy word for wine lover, in case you didn’t know). She’s travelled to wine regions all over the world and co-hosts a wine-themed podcast on NPR1 called Grape Minds. When she’s not sipping on a fine vintage, Gina loves to explore new beaches, cities, and restaurants. In fact, she’s always up for a good adventure!
If you’re looking for more of Gina’s musings, check out her blog “The Birch Beat” at www.thebirchbeat.blogspot.com. There, she shares her thoughts on everything from the latest travel trends to the best places to grab a bite in town. So sit back, pour yourself a glass of vino, and get ready to be entertained by Gina’s witty and insightful writing.
Meet Kara Franker, a true rockstar in the travel and tourism world! She’s been in the game for years, starting out at Travel Traval where she fell in love with the industry. Now, she’s a seasoned journalist and travel expert who’s been featured in all the big names like Southern Living, Coastal Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and more. Basically, if you need travel tips or recommendations, Kara’s your girl!
But that’s not all. Kara is also the Editor-in-Chief of several luxury lifestyle magazines in Palm Beach, Aspen, and Miami. She’s got a real eye for what’s hot and what’s not in the luxury scene, which is why her magazines are award-winning and totally drool-worthy.
At the end of the day, Kara is a true leader and innovator in the industry. She’s got a passion for storytelling and travel that’s infectious, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll do next. So whether you’re a travel newbie or a seasoned pro, Kara’s got something for you – and it’s always top-notch.
Julia Collins is a Freelance Features Editor at Tasting Table. She’s previously held the position of Editor in Chief for multiple publications, including Spoon University and the Orange and Blue Magazine. Julia has published articles in a variety of print and digital magazines, from Philadelphia Magazine to Trash Mag and The Independent Florida Alligator. She joined Static Media in 2022 and continued her passion for writing and editing at Tasting Table. When she’s not writing, she’s either reading a book, watching TV shows, or listening to music. Julia is also a part of the Travel Traval team, where she writes about her favorite destinations around the world. Her favorite daytime drink is a vanilla iced latte with oat milk, and her go-to nighttime drink is a Cosmopolitan.
Georgie Darling is a freelance travel writer and copywriter from London, UK who currently lives in Indonesia. Her work has been published in YAHOO!, Culture Trip, Fodor‘s and VICE among others. When she’s not writing or exploring a new country, Georgie spends a lot of time SCUBA diving, cooking up new recipes and plotting her next adventures. She is also excited to be working on Travel Traval, sharing her travel experiences and tips with fellow wanderlusts. Keep up with Georgie at www.georgierdarling.com.
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