Scott Harris is a veteran journalist well known globally for his work online and in print
luxury publications. In addition to being a journalist he is also a sommelier through the
court of master sommeliers and is one half of a husband-and-wife team that are known
in most hospitality circles in the United States and abroad.
He is very prolific on many social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, X,
Youtube and he and Elaine Harris host a weekly podcast Cuisineist Travels. For well
over a decade, his use work has earned him a reputation that brings his readers with
him on assignments that provide true insight as if they were there in person. His work
has appeared in the LA Times, Chicago Tribune, The Daily Meal, Modern Luxury and
Chic Compass Magazine just to name a few.
1. What got you into travel writing?
I got onto Travel Journalism along with my wife Elaine in 2005. Looking back, It all
began with wine and after we competed the Court of Master Sommelier exam. We
began to travel to vineyards and wine events all over the country. The hotels and resorts
were brilliant and of course with wine you must have great food. We decided to combine
all of these elements together, we received attention from the James Beard Foundation,
magazines took notice and now we travel globally doing what we are passionate about
full time.
2. What’s the most challenging part of being a travel journalist for you?
The most challenging part of being a travel journalist is being organized and keeping up
with technology and social media. We have our own Podcast Cuisineist Travels also a
YouTube channel of the same name. Instagram Cuisineist and event Tik Tok
@Cuisineist and on X @TheCuisineist. Education is always ongoing!
3. What is the most rewarding aspect of travel journalism?
The most rewarding part of travel journalism for me is meeting people from all over the
world. Learning about their culture and history. When all the hard work is over, see our
work in print or online makes it all worthwhile.
4. What is something you wish people knew about travel journalism?
Most people think being a travel journalist the assignments are a vacation. Free Airfare,
Food, accommodations. That is very far from the truth. It is very hard work and time
consuming. It is far from a vacation and certainly not free. You also must be in good
physical shape. Trips can go from a plane to a train, to a trolly and even a ship. Hiking
miles, biking, parasailing and much more. Be flexible. Pack light, be prepared for taking
stairs with luggage which happens often.
5. What have you enjoyed most about being a NATJA member?
As travel journalist we meet many people from many cultures and have customs and
beliefs very different from ours. Together we learn about each other and have a better
understanding of the world.
6. How have cross-cultural experiences shaped your point of view of the world?
We just returned from the conference in Palm Springs. It was a very enjoyable
experience meeting other journalists and sharing experiences. The education gained
from each other is invaluable and made new friends.
