Jen Ruiz
Travel writer, author, and TEDx speaker; discusses the craft and business of freelance travel journalism and press‑trip workflows.
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?
U.S. National Seashores: 10 Sites, First Named 1937
Did you know in addition to national parks and rainforests, the U.S. also has national seashores? There are 10 total and Cape Hatteras National Seashore was the first, designated in 1937 🐚🌊
Outdoor Media Summit Seeks 2026 Speakers Across Industries
The Outdoor Media Summit is looking for speakers for 2026 🎤 They’re open to pitches from traditional media, entrepreneurs, content creators, and marketing professionals. These are the types of opportunities I share on my Substack 💻
Puerto Rico’s Cordillera Central Spans a Quarter of Island
Puerto Rico has mountains all throughout the middle, known as the Cordillera Central, which cover nearly a quarter of the island 🇵🇷🏔️
Revive Travel TV with Finance, Books, Games, Docs
What used to be the Travel Channel has turned into aliens and ghost shows. Here’s what I would schedule instead: - A show about different travel finances, like Budget versus Baller on Amazon - A show about travel books, like a Wishbone...
Remote Senior Communications Role at GoFundMe: $145k‑$218k
GoFundMe is hiring a Senior Corporate Communications Manager, fully remote, $145k-$218k salary. These are the types of opportunities I share on my Substack 💻
Seeking Essential Tips for a US Cross‑Country Road Trip
Has anyone ever taken a cross country USA road trip? What advice do you have? 🚘
Choosing Lincoln Highway: America’s First Private Transcontinental Road
Why did I choose to drive the Lincoln Highway? I knew Route 66 was well covered and wanted something different. The Lincoln Highway is older and is actually America’s first transcontinental highway. I learned they have a dedicated Lincoln Highway Association...
Turn Travel Passion Into Paid Writing for Top Magazines
I help you get paid to travel and write about it! Here’s how one of my Substack subscribers has landed paid writing assignments for National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, and Matador Network ✍️ https://jetplanecrew.substack.com/p/how-daria-got-published-in-national
Weekly Substack Roundup: Travel, Media, and Content Jobs
New opportunities on my Substack this week: 💻 Rough Guides is looking for a Junior Travel Editor, maternity cover for 6 months 💻 Matador Network wants to collaborate with micro influencers (20k followers or less) on paid social content 💻 Real Simple is...
From Library Babysitter to Published Author
Growing up in Philadelphia, the library was my babysitter. I waited for my mom to come and pick me up after work, and books became my safe place. I got lost in the Amelia Bedelia and American Girl book series. I...
Lawyer‑Creator Drafts Own Contracts, Signs Late‑Payment Emails
One of the best parts of being a lawyer turned content creator is being able to draft and review all my own contracts. Also, signing late payment follow-up emails with my full esquire title ⚖️
Skip Airport Food Lines with Mobile Ordering
Airport pro tip: there was a long, wrap-around line at Einstein’s Bagels this morning to order from a single kiosk, not even a person. The first thing I did is check if this airport has online ordering. I was able...
Costa Rica Airport Introduces Pet Water Stations Beside Fountains
San Jose airport in Costa Rica has water stations for your pets next to the fountains 🥰
Women Leaders Redefine Travel’s Future
What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than with an uplifting, women-led event by @latinoworldtravelers? Join us for Power in Motion: Mujeres Shaping the Future of Travel, a live conversation exploring how influence moves across storytelling, innovation, and institutional...
Volcano‑view Suites with Private Hot Tub and Natural Springs
My stay at the Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa this week is up there 🤩 Located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica with prime volcano views, a hot tub in the room, naturally sourced thermal hot springs and 8 soaking pools.