Elaine Harris is a seasoned culinary and travel writer with over two decades of experience in the field. Passionate about exploring and sharing the world’s diverse flavors, cultures, and experiences, she has cultivated a network of relationships in the culinary world and beyond. Elaine weaves the tapestry of storytelling, backed by real-life experiences, research, and heartfelt insights, for her audience at Cuisineist.com, the Cuisineist Travels podcast, and social media outlets. Published stories have appeared in various publications, including the LA Times, the Chicago Tribune, Google Travel, and The Daily Meal as a staff writer. She covers culinary experiences, travel, and food trends, as well as interviews with top chefs and hospitality insiders.
With years of experience as an editor, content creator, and professional Sommelier, her mission is to inspire, educate, enlighten, and entertain others. Her experience as a professional art educator also allows Elaine to share her artwork illustrations in her stories and her travel photography on her website, artbyelaineharris.com. As travel indeed has the best education, providing journalistic nourishment for the body, soul, and spirit is both an honor and a pleasure.
1. What got you into travel writing?
I began travel writing in 2005 with a wine blog. I started learning about wine through the American Wine Society, and at that time, blogging was emerging as a popular outlet on the internet. At that time, I was a professional educator, and I wanted to utilize my skills to learn about the subject, write about it, and conduct research. The research was the most enjoyable aspect of learning about wine. I started visiting wineries in the Santa Rita Hills area, just north of Santa Barbara, California, after a winemaker I met at a wine event in Las Vegas suggested I do so. He helped set up an itinerary for my first in-depth exploration of the wine world. Every holiday and time off from work, I was there, helping out in the wineries, learning about the trade, networking with the wine industry, and blogging. Eventually, I connected with other people in the food and beverage industry here in Vegas, where I met a publisher of a Vegas-centric food and beverage magazine, for which I began writing gratis. As time and reputation increased in the hospitality arena, I started receiving a paycheck to write articles, and eventually, it led to more local outlets, and then to a national outlet, The Daily Meal. This nationwide website hired me as a staff writer, and that’s where the connection to travel writing took off into another facet of my journalistic venture. At that time, I decided to quit my profession and become a full-time writer, working with a PR firm in California that specialized in the wine industry. The Daily Meal started branching out into travel writing and began asking people to visit various locations around the world, and I stepped up and quit my job. My first assignment was to Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, at this exquisite resort, where I wrote about their new spa program in the Rainforest. After that experience, I never looked back and took as many assignments as possible; this was the onset of travel writing for me, before the influencer world took effect. Building a reputation as a seasoned travel writer requires a significant amount of time and dedication. I have been fortunate enough to work with my husband, Scott, on many assignments together. I never looked back and kept showing up, learning new skills, and embracing the unknown. With many epic trips internationally and numerous national trips, I am grateful that I made the fateful leap from a very safe job into this wonderful and exciting world of travel writing.
2. What’s the most challenging part of being a travel journalist for you?
The ever-changing world of social media, AI, and world affairs influences how we communicate and travel. What was a relatively computer-processed industry 30 years ago is now a technological web of new innovations that a writer must be aware of and adjust to as time goes on.
3. What is the most rewarding aspect of travel journalism?
Being able to meet the people who share their expertise, passion, and finances to make the world of travel possible. Over time, I have developed many meaningful and close relationships with winemakers, hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and some of the world’s greatest chefs, as well as public relations and tourism professionals, to name a few. The reward in the interpersonal aspect of travel journalism is the human connection, and that is priceless, going beyond any paycheck.
4. What is something you wish people knew about travel journalism?
I encounter many people who think it is extremely glamorous, but the truth is that it is a job that requires a tremendous amount of stamina, professionalism, and research skills. Many of the best travel journalists have spent a great deal of time honing their skills, and now, with the advent of social media, one must be proficient in film, video, and technological skills that are constantly evolving. Being and staying physically fit is very important, as traveling does demand endurance. The days can be long with many moving parts, and multiple forms of transportation to deal with, as well as excursions that are arduous, such as mountain biking in the Alps, ocean kayaking, or visiting many historical sites where climbing and miles of walking are required. As a travel journalist, you must be able to conduct yourself in a manner that is respectful and knowledgeable about the place and people you are there to learn about. Although this is the selfie generation, travel writing is entirely about your subject, not a personalized self-grandoisement. Making a living as a journalist can be challenging; having other streams of income to supplement the downtime is beneficial. Additionally, I believe that travel journalism is the best way to live life to the fullest, truly. I wish I had known about this career when I was very young; I didn’t start this journey until much later in life.
5. What have you enjoyed most about being a NATJA member?
I thoroughly enjoyed attending the National Conference this year in Palm Springs. As it was my first Conference, I was impressed by the wealth of insights and information we received, as well as the curated excursions, meals, and networking opportunities. Being with other like-minded and seasoned travel journalists was the most valuable benefit I received at the Conference. Natja does a splendid service by bringing this extraordinary community together through their dedicated staff and ongoing education for the travel industry.
6. How have cross-cultural experiences shaped your point of view of the world?
As a former professional educator who emphasized multicultural curriculum as a means of best teaching practices, my entire viewpoint revolves around highlighting the diversity of the vast majority of people who make up this great nation. Everyone brings a richness and depth to the saga of our human condition, with tradition, cultural stories, food, art, music, and lore. I think that’s why I love to share the stories of those who honor their cultural backgrounds and are proud to share them with the world.
