I'm a New York City-based journalist, editor, public speaker and travel industry expert with more than 30 years of experience. The winner of the 2019 NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, I'm also the author of the memoir Prepare for Departure: Notes on a Single Mother, a Misfit Son, Inevitable Mortality and the Enduring Allure of Frequent Flyer Miles (Vine Leaves Press, 2022).

Read on to learn more about my travel writing, copywriting and branded content, as well as my travel industry consulting, public speaking and books!

I've written for a variety of leading consumer and trade media, including Fodor’s, Forbes Travel Guide, GayCities, Global Traveler, HuffPost, the Miami Herald, Orbitz, Passport Magazine, Travel + Leisure Mexico, Writer's Digest, several literary journals, the New York Times bestseller “1,000 Places To See Before You Die” and the inflight magazines of Aeromexico, American Airlines and Avianca, to name a few. I regularly contribute to travel trade publications including TravelAge West, Travel Weekly, TravelPulse, Meetings & Conventions, Northstar Meetings Group and Successful Meetings.

 I've spoken at and moderated panels at events including three ASTA Global conventions, the New York Travel Festival, New York Times Travel Show, South American Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (SAHIC), the Los Cabos Tourism Board's annual holiday event, the Louisville Book Festival and the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival. My growing list of public appearances, voiceovers and Webinars attest to his ability to connect with various audiences, with a tailored message designed to inspire, entertain and inform.

I've written and managed custom and branded content for a variety of clients, including the Costa Rica Tourism Board, Mexico Tourism Board, Turismo Chile, the U.S. Travel Association (for about 20 years, I wrote content for IPW Daily, the official publication and site of the USA's largest international tourism conference), the World Travel & Tourism Council and hotel brands including Hilton and IHG. I also consult with travel suppliers to develop new products, including a major tour operator brand looking to develop new offerings in Panama and Colombia.

In short, I'm a travel addict. And my passion shows in my work, and my ability to create messages and content that resonate. What can I do for you?

Whatever it is about the travel industry that drives you, I'm ready to help you reach your destination.

Please feel free to follow me on social media, email me at MarkChesnut [at] outlook.com or click on CONTACT to send me a message!

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C. S. Lewis