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Travel Insight from Mark Chesnut

Travel Writer • Photographer • Copywriter • Travel Industry Consultant • Public Speaker • Author

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Travel Writing

The winner of the 2019 NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, I write for a variety of major trade and consumer outlets. Scroll down to see my latest work. Click to subscribe to my weekly updates!

Custom Content

I work with travel industry companies and organizations to create compelling copy and content that drives business. See how I can help your business grow with compelling content. 

Public Speaking

I've spoken at events including the New York Times Travel Show, ASTA Global and the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival.  See what I can bring to your next event. 

Books

I'm the author of the "funny and poignant" memoir Prepare for Departure: Notes on a Single Mother, Misfit Son, Inevitable Mortality and the Enduring Allure of Frequent Flyer Miles.

My Latest Articles + Travel Tips

TravelAge West •

Where to Dive With Sharks in Mexico

With Discovery Channel’s Shark Week already underway, now is the season when more eyes are focused on some of the world’s most legendary undersea predators. It’s also a good time for shark fans to start planning a trip to Mexico, where they’ll find lots of opportunities to view various species.We’ve already covered where to swim with whale sharks in Mexico, but dedicated enthusiasts shouldn’t limit themselves to just that variety. Dozens of other shark species also swim in Mexico’s waters, after...
TravelAge West •

Hot Trends in Multigenerational Travel in Mexico

According to the 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey by the Family Travel Association, beach destinations are the most popular choice for multigenerational vacations. That bodes especially well for Mexico, a nation known for its long coastlines dotted with family-friendly accommodations and activities.

“The demand for multigenerational travel to Mexico is incredibly strong right now,” said Sarah Bonsall, owner of and advisor for Latitude 21 Travel, a Nest member in Independence, Kentucky. “With so m
TravelAge West •

The 3 Best Beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Like Honolulu or Rio de Janeiro, the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, combines big-city sophistication with sun-soaked beaches. And in Puerto Rico’s capital, there are actually three main beaches to consider, each with its own distinct vibe.

Vacationing in an urban beach destination such as San Juan offers the best of both worlds. You can spend a day at the beach, then follow it up with shopping, a world-class meal and cocktails at a hip bar. San Juan’s biggest beachfront neighborhoods — Isla Ver
TravelAge West •

How AI May Influence Caribbean Tourism

The development of sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting many sectors of the travel industry, and the Caribbean is no exception. To maximize AI’s potential benefits for the region, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has released a new guide that serves as a playbook for tourism organizations, hoteliers and other suppliers.

“Artificial Intelligence Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism” — described by the CHTA as “the first guidebook of its kind released by a
TravelAge West •

Where to Have Cool DJ and Recording Studio Experiences in Mexico

Many travelers associate Mexico with sun-soaked beaches, bustling big cities and historic small towns. But for music lovers, this vast and diverse nation can also be a great place to learn new skills as a DJ or musician.

As one of the largest countries in Latin America, Mexico has long been one of the dominant players in the region’s music production, and it’s also home to some of the hemisphere’s most celebrated DJs. Mexico’s music scene is decidedly diverse, with variations that range from cl
TravelAge West •

Get Ready for Mardi Gras 2025 With This Helpful Guide

Like most people, I had preconceived ideas about Mardi Gras. But it wasn’t until my first time attending that I truly began to understand what makes this annual pre-Lenten celebration so special — and so multifaceted. I also soon realized that it’s possible to plan a Mardi Gras experience for just about any traveler.

“There are so many different aspects to the celebration, [and] it just depends on what you’re looking for,” said Arthur Hardy, founder of the Mardi Gras Guide, one of the go-to sou
TravelAge West •

What’s New in Aruba

With two new hotels, increased air connectivity and several new and renovated restaurants, Aruba offers many fresh reasons to visit. And the Aruba Tourism Authority is aiming to make the arrival process even smoother with a new processing option for international visitors.

In March, tourism officials introduced the Aruba Happy One Pass (AHOP), a digital “passport” that allows travelers to complete pre-boarding verification and share information with immigration officials without needing to prov
Northstar Meetings Group •

Arizona Offers Exciting Surprises for Groups

SPONSORED CONTENT in partnership with the Arizona Office of Tourism and Northstar Meetings Group.

Arizona may be home to world-famous attractions like Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley (Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park), but it’s also full of surprises for meeting planners looking for group activities and venues that will leave a lasting impression, according to tourism officials.
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