Liz Orient
Travel Journalist and Editor
San Diego Reader; The Traveling Editor
I am a travel journalist by passion and an editor by trade. Both worlds allow me to express my love for wanderlust, erasable pens, and the Oxford comma.
I enjoy writing about unique destinations in the United States and abroad. My favorite experiences involve meeting new people and learning about different cultures. I regularly contribute to the San Diego Reader, Food/Wine/Travel Magazine, and my own travel website. I have published over 30 magazine articles and blog posts.
Let's work together on promoting your destination or brand with publications and social media coverage. I am also available for ambassador opportunities, affiliate partnerships, and sponsored posts.
I am a proud member of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), the San Diego Press Club, the American Copy Editors Society (ACES), and the San Diego Professional Editors Network (SD/PEN).
In my spare time, I watch cooking/design shows on Netflix, go horseback riding, or cuddle with my feline assistant, Sputnik.
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26 Sep 2021
Urban Adventuring in Oakland
San Diego Reader
Oakland, California, is the ultimate destination for those who love urban adventure. As San Francisco's sister city, it's known for its amity, vibrancy, and spunk. Whenever I visit, I always learn...
27 May 2021
If Found, Please Return to Milfontes, Portugal
FWT Magazine
Whether by car, train, or airplane, I have been traveling my entire life. Amidst the madness, it's too easy to lose sight of the purpose of your journey. Every once in a while, there is a place that...
06 May 2021
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Bay Area
Travel-Wise
My roommate had grown up in Oakland, San Francisco's sister across the bay, and was heading home to see family. He suggested we travel there together so that he could show me some of his favorite...
02 May 2021
How to Spend a Weekend in Santa Barbara
San Diego Reader
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, charming Santa Barbara exemplifies the Mediterranean lifestyle to the degree that it's often referred to as the “American Riviera.” Santa...
01 Apr 2021
A Magical Day Trip to Sintra, Portugal
TravelWorld International Magazine
They say the best way to get to know Portugal is by car. When pressed for time, day-tripping from Lisbon is a practical alternative to road tripping. There are districts outside of the city, such as...
28 Feb 2021
Taking it SLO on California's Central Coast
San Diego Reader
San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast epitomize California's laid-back lifestyle. However, many San Diegans don't consider these destinations due to the lack of direct travel options. Thankfully,...
23 Feb 2021
The Best Places to Eat in San Francisco During the Pandemic
Go World Travel
Ready to try some of the most delicious dishes on the West Coast? Here is your guide to the best restaurants to visit in San Francisco while staying safe during the pandemic
06 Jan 2021
Urban “Kamping” at San Diego's KOA Resort
FWT Magazine
Camping is a beloved pastime and a quintessential part of the San Diego lifestyle. Since 1962, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been on a mission to preserve the joy of camping and to make it an...
14 Dec 2020
The scent of ocean air mixed with fresh asphalt woke me from my slumber. The sound of construction filled my ears as I opened my eyes. Shipyards and industrious workers whizzed past our car. The sea...
04 Dec 2020
Partying on a remote island off the coast of Morocco? No problem for those who aren't a walking contradiction like me: I love traveling, but I'm not keen on flying. Once you accept that you'll be...
01 Nov 2020
Weekend in Julian: Solo Travel for the Soul
San Diego Reader
The word “solitude” has a negative connotation, as if being alone equates to loneliness. Today's society encourages overstimulation and overcommitment, even in the midst of a pandemic. More than...
17 May 2020
Nostalgic Daycation in Los Angeles
San Diego Reader
Like most people hailing from Los Angeles, I have a healthy love-hate relationship with the city. I grew up a "valley kid" in the suburbs of the San Fernando Valley. Downtown, Santa Monica, Venice...
11 Apr 2020
COVID-19: How to “Keep House” as a Travel Writer
The Traveling Editor
Get Organized Those notes, draft articles, and photo dumps aren't going to magically file themselves away into their respective folders. This is the perfect time to take inventory of what you have...
02 Feb 2020
The Road to Cádiz, Spain
San Diego Reader
Sometimes, an adventure shifts your perspective and uproots your priorities. For me, that adventure was a road trip through Portugal and Spain in September.
The story begins in Lisbon, Portugal: My...
15 Sep 2019
Discovering Oakland's Roots
The Traveling Editor
Oakland, California: welcoming and enterprising in spirit and gritty and multicultural in soul. It is a diverse city that has a similar “hustle and bustle” to San Francisco. After spending a weekend...
07 Sep 2019
Wine and Dine Temecula "Staycation"
San Diego Reader
Confession time: As a San Diego resident, it took me almost a decade to go wine tasting in Temecula. I broke the spell when my best friend celebrated her birthday at Pechanga Resort and Casino. She...
10 Mar 2019
Among the Pines in Pine Valley, CA
San Diego Reader
As someone who has primarily lived in suburbia, I find myself escaping to small-town USA when I am in need of a change in scenery. Most San Diegans head to Julian, Palomar, or Cleveland National...
06 Mar 2019
Essentials for Working While Traveling
The Traveling Editor
With the “digital nomad” movement in full swing, travel writers and bloggers are keen to share their must-have items for working on the go. Read on to find out more about my working-while-traveling...
23 Sep 2018
Idyllic Idyllwild: A Weekend in the Woods
San Diego Reader
"Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
Ah, now I understand why my friends...
22 Jun 2018
Joshua Tree Glamping and the Integratron
San Diego Reader
Oh, Joshua Tree. You are unique, far-flung and downright bizarre....
I first visited the quirky desert town several years ago and took to the creative community. While brainstorming road trip ideas...
