Lisa Evans is a freelance travel journalist, photographer, podcaster, and published author. She
has always enjoyed the outdoors and nature and often includes them in her writing and
photography. History, culture, and music are other passions – every place has a story to tell if
only you find it. These loves push her to author stories to instill a desire in her readers to explore
the world and discover new places.
Lisa’s book, 100 Things to Do In Coastal Mississippi Before You Die, is available from
Reedy Press or Amazon. Her Journey Jukebox podcast airs every 3rd Travel Tuesday HERE.
She is a member of professional writing organizations NATJA, TravMedia, SATW, IFWTWA, and
Travel Writer’s University. Adding to her travel experiences, Lisa is also a travel advisor. Let her
take the stress out of travel planning and turn your next trip into a journey of a lifetime.
Check out her website at www.writerlisa.com For travel planning and recommendations, click
HERE for more information.
Her social handles are @MyGypsyTravel @100ThingsCoastalMS @lisae_travel
What got you into travel journalism?
I was looking for a ‘side gig’ that I could take with me into retirement. I’ve always been an avid
reader, I’ve enjoyed doing writing projects through the years, and I love going to new places and
discovering new things. It took me a bit but I realized I could combine the things that I loved and
actually make something out of it, something where I could share the knowledge I have gained
with others, perhaps encouraging them to travel and learn.
What’s the most challenging part of being a travel journalist?
I think the biggest challenge is finding the right outlet for the story you want to tell, to an
audience who would be interested in hearing about and learning about your experiences.
What is the most rewarding aspect of travel journalism?
For me, I think the most rewarding aspect is being able to share the beautiful places and unique
experiences I am lucky enough to have had first-hand, in the hope that it will instill something in
said person where they might want to visit the destination. As an example, maybe you don’t
consider yourself a “history buff” but you read something of mine, about some history that I
explored – about something I learned – and the reader’s response is – ‘that sounds great, I
want to see that too!’. Or maybe they learned something new, as I often do on my travels.
What is something you wish people knew about travel journalism?
Traveling anywhere opens your eyes and offers you a new perspective on the world around you.
Being lucky enough to be in travel journalism – being able to tell a story about a particular place
allows you to share what you have learned. Responsible travel journalism is not necessarily
about being an advertisement for a destination; it’s about being that destination’s spokesperson
for all the unique aspects travelers can find, according to their interests. One writer’s
perspective may be on the culture of an area where another’s perspective may be on the quality
hotels for families in the area. Both are needed to encourage people to visit.
How have your cross-cultural experiences shaped your point of view of the world?
It has allowed me to learn and adjust my perspective, realizing that “our” way is not the “only”
way to experience life. I love talking and mingling with people from all over, listening to their
stories, and learning about their little corner of the world.
What have you enjoyed most about being a NATJA member?
The networking opportunities offered to members, as well as the ability to contribute to
TravelWorld International magazine.
