Jen Ruiz
Travel writer, author, and TEDx speaker; discusses the craft and business of freelance travel journalism and press‑trip workflows.
Grateful for Indie Bookstores Hosting My Debut Memoir
It’s independent bookstore day and I just want to express my appreciation for all the independent bookstores who took a chance on me and hosted a book talk and signing for my debut memoir, 12 Trips in 12 Months 🙏📖
Rising Fuel Costs Drive $90 Bag Fees—How to Save
Has your checked bag fee jumped to $90? I spoke with NTD News about rising fuel costs, how it affects travelers, and ways consumers can mitigate price volatility and costs this summer.
Remote Part-Time Commerce Editor Role with Top Brands
People, Inc. is looking for a Commerce Editor to work across brands like Travel + Leisure, Real Simple, and Food & Wine. 20 hours a week, $37-$40/hour, 3-month contract role, fully remote. These are the types of opportunities I share on...
Start Travel Media as Freelance Journalist, Get Paid Instantly
The best way to start in travel media is as a freelance journalist. You get paid right off the bat, even if it’s a small amount. You can start writing without traveling, covering places you live in or already know well. You get...
Travel Conferences Unlock Tourism Board Partnerships
I got my first tourism board partnership at a travel conference. Even better, the conference itself included local tours and FAM trips I could use to build my portfolio as a travel blogger. I highly recommend attending a travel conference...
Virgin Voyages Welcomes All—Except Passengers Under 18
Virgin Voyages CMO Nathan Rosenberg said yesterday in a live Q&A: “Everyone may not choose us but we want everyone to feel welcome. Except kids under 18.”
Entrepreneurship Feels Like a Falling Platform Game
In podcasts interviews I regularly compare entrepreneurship to a video game. It can feel like the track is constantly falling away beneath you but the only thing to do is lock in and keep going.
Peruvian Elixirs Offer Alcohol‑Free Beach Vibes
What if there was an alternative to alcohol at the beach this summer? Jharixa Ureña drew heavily on her Peruvian roots when launching Huanchaco Lounge in the OBX. She has a menu of Pachamama Elixirs infused with fruits like purple corn,...
Forbes Seeks Remote Editor for New Wine Vertical
Forbes is hiring an editor to help launch Forbes Wine, a new content vertical and e-commerce site. The role is fully remote, $100k-$110k salary. These are the types of opportunities I share on my Substack 💻
Flying Still Means Two‑Hour Drive From Norfolk
Just saw the new Abbott Elementary with Greg and Janine fighting about how to get to the Outer Banks (by plane or driving) and I want to reassure them that they will both be the winners here. The closest major...
Try These Life‑changing Experiences at Least Once
Experiences I recommend everyone have at least once: - Move to a new city - Eat dinner alone - Visit a place of worship different than your own - Go somewhere where the primary language is something other than your own - Climb a mountain...
Sunset Splendor Over Ocracoke's Remote Island Waters
Absolutely gorgeous sunset on the water in Ocracoke, North Carolina, one of the most remote islands in the United States.
Start Freelance Travel Writing: Pitch Editors or Answer Calls
There are two ways to get started as a freelance travel writer: 1️⃣ Pitch editors that are generally open to submissions (cold pitching) 2️⃣ Respond to calls for pitches from editors where they’re looking for a writer with specific experience or...
Paid Travel Writing Gigs and Grants Available Now
New opportunities on my Substack this week: ✈️ $100k National Geographic Grant for climate storytellers ✈️ GetYourGuide is looking for freelance travel writers ✈️ Paid opportunity for outdoor content creators to attend a retail show this summer ✈️ JRNY is...
Ocracoke Ranks Among America’s Best Shelling Beaches
Seashells by the seashore 🌊🐚 DYK Ocracoke has been named one of the best beaches for shelling in the United States?