There are a lot of roles a person can have in life. Spouse, parent, professional, friend. But somewhere along the way, I picked up a title that I never expected, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I am the plus-one to a travel writer.
Now, before you start imagining me schlepping bags through airports, juggling reservations, or frantically researching restaurants at midnight, let me stop you right there. I do none of that. Zero. My role is far more refined than that.
I show up.
And every once in a while, I might take a photo.
How It All Works (From My Side of the Story)
When you’re married to someone who writes about travel for a living, you quickly realize that trips don’t just “happen.” There are emails. Lots of emails. There are pitches, confirmations, follow-ups, itineraries, and more emails. There are relationships with PR teams, editors, cruise lines, hotels, and brands. There are deadlines, angles, and content plans.
And then there’s me.
I’m the guy sitting on the couch while all of this unfolds, occasionally being asked, “Do you want to go to Alaska? What about a Caribbean sailing? How do you feel about Boston in the fall?”
I’ve learned that the correct answer to all of these questions is: “Yes.”
Almost always yes.
Because what follows is the magic part. While she handles the logistics, the storytelling, and the business side of things, I get to step into the experience itself. I get to enjoy the destinations, the food, the accommodations, and the adventures, all without having to worry about how it all came together.
I’m not going to lie, it’s a pretty good gig.
The Perks (And There Are Many)
Let’s talk about the obvious.
Traveling with a travel writer comes with perks. Not in an over-the-top, champagne-on-every-flight kind of way. Although occasionally, yes. But more in the thoughtful, curated, “someone really wants you to experience this properly” kind of way.
We stay in places that have a story. Hotels that aren’t just a place to sleep, but part of the destination itself. Cruises that showcase not just the ship, but the entire experience, from dining to entertainment to the little details most people might overlook.
Meals aren’t just meals. They’re experiences. There’s intention behind where we go and what we try. And I get to sit there, take it all in, and enjoy every bite without having to take notes, photos, or remember exactly how the sauce tasted.
That’s her job.
Sometimes I don’t get the shot right….
The “Work” I Actually Do
Now, I wouldn’t say I do nothing. That wouldn’t be entirely fair.
I am, after all, the occasional photographer.
At least in theory.
In reality, this means I’m handed a phone at random moments with instructions like:
- “Can you get this angle?”
- “Wait, let me fix my hair.”
- “Take it again, but more natural.”
- “No, not that natural.”
It’s a learning curve.
Truth be told, when I was younger, I loved photography when I was young. But, take that Minolta out of my hand and lead me away from the dark room, and I really don’t know what I’m doing. I mean, over time, I’ve developed a basic understanding of lighting, framing, and patience. Mostly patience! I’ve learned that a “quick photo” is rarely quick, and that the difference between a good shot and a great one is often just one more try.
Or five.
But honestly, it’s a small price to pay.
The Art of Being Present
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about traveling this way is the balance between work and experience. Yes, there are moments when she’s focused on capturing content, jotting down notes, or making sure she doesn’t miss a detail. But there are also plenty of moments where we’re just… there.
Sitting at a café. Walking through the atrium. Watching the ocean from the deck of a ship.
And in those moments, I get to be fully present.
I’m not thinking about what to write or how to describe it later. I’m just experiencing it as it happens. And there’s something incredibly valuable about that.
Not Every Moment Is Glamorous (And That’s Fine)
Let’s be honest. Travel, even at its best, isn’t always glamorous.
There are early flights. Delayed flights. Long lines. Occasional mix-ups. The weather doesn’t cooperate. Days that don’t go exactly as planned.
But here’s the thing. When you’re the plus-one, those moments feel a little less stressful.
Because you’re not the one coordinating everything.
You’re not the one fielding emails or adjusting schedules or figuring out Plan B.
You’re just along for the ride.
And somehow, that makes even the less-than-perfect moments easier to handle.
The Insider Perspective
Traveling with someone who knows the industry also gives you a bit of an insider’s perspective. My background was in the restaurant business, so I can’t help but notice service that others might not have otherwise. The way a hotel staff anticipates needs. The thought that goes into a well-designed space. The difference between good service and great service. THAT was my job as a restaurant owner.
I completely understand just how much work goes into making these experiences look effortless.
And I appreciate not just the places we go, but the people behind them.
The Upcoming Adventure: Vancouver and Beyond
Next month, we’re heading to Vancouver to board the newly refurbished Celebrity Solstice, and I have to say, I’m genuinely looking forward to this one.
There’s something about a freshly updated ship that adds an extra layer of excitement. Everything feels new again. Refreshed spaces, updated dining, reimagined experiences. It’s like stepping into a familiar world that’s been given a second life.
Of course, she’s already thinking about the angles, the stories, the details she wants to capture. And I’m thinking about:
- the views from the ship
- the meals we’ll have onboard
- the simple pleasure of unpacking once and waking up somewhere new
Why I Wouldn’t Trade It
Being a plus-one to a travel writer isn’t something I ever set out to be. But it’s become a part of my life that I genuinely cherish.
It’s not just about the travel itself, although that’s certainly a big part of it. It’s about the experiences we share. The memories we create. The stories we bring back with us.
And yes, it’s about the perks.
But more than anything, it’s about the partnership.
She does the work. The planning. The writing. The storytelling.
And I get to be there for all of it.
And I’m happy to give my opinion when asked as well.
Final Thoughts from the Guy In the Seat Next to Her
If you had told me years ago that I’d be traveling the world as the plus-one to a travel writer, I probably would have laughed. I was always the breadwinner. She was an actress and dancer, barely making ends meet. But here we are.
And I’ve learned a few things along the way.
Say yes to the trip.
Be patient when she asks for help.
Appreciate the details.
And never underestimate the value of just being present.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what this is really about.
Not just the destinations, or the hotels, or even the incredible meals.
It’s about the experience.
And from where I’m standing, it’s a pretty great view.
