Jill Robinson

Writer, Photographer, Adventurer

travel writing

A New Book Before the New Year

By

Traveler's Atlas of the World

At the end of each year, I’m usually out of breath from a full schedule of travel, work, and family. While 2025 included plenty of stressful national news, it also had a Goldilocks-inspired “just right” amount of work and travel, allowing me to enjoy being at home, as well. 

I’m happy to announce that I have a new book out!

Recently published by National Geographic, The Traveler’s Atlas of the World covers every country in the world, includes 250 illustrated maps to inspire your travels, and offers expert advice for must-see sights and experiences. I was lucky enough to be among the 47 writers who contributed to this behemoth coffee-table book, and the 18 countries I covered range from Finland to Honduras. Get one for yourself, and gift another to a traveling friend.

Before 2025 ends, here is a list of my most recent articles, in case you missed them when they first came out:

For National Geographic: I talked with Antoni Porowski of Queer Eye fame about his belief that food can tell a person about who they are, and his new travel series, No Taste Like Home. It’s worth catching on Disney+ and Hulu if you’re looking for some culinary travel inspiration.

For Condé Nast Traveler: I reviewed some excellent places to stay near Redwood National and State Parks. The Coast Redwood landscape in California is among my favorite landscapes in the world. If you haven’t experienced this region, put it on your list for 2026.

For Sierra: I covered the strand-feeding behavior of Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, and what people are doing to keep the population safe from human disturbance.

For the Saturday Evening Post: I talked with acclaimed South Carolina quiltmaker Cookie Washington about her artistic journey, her preference for repurposed material, and what inspired her to help keep the craft of Gullah Geechee rag quilting alive.

For the Nob Hill Gazette: I revisited my family’s Alaska summer trip to Tutka Bay Lodge. The lodge, about a 30-minute boat ride from the fishing town of Homer, is a luxurious home base deep within the wild with incredible gourmet dinners and an ideal launching point for adventures.

Here’s to a new year with positive inspiration, the comfort of family and friends, and the opportunity for adventures both near and far. 

Time for an Update

By

Galápagos penguin

The first months of the year have zoomed past, and here I am, catching my breath. It seems that my travel schedule fills up more and more in advance, and it’s not long before I’m booked for the year. I suppose that’s both a good and bad thing. While I’m not at a loss for storytelling opportunity, it’s harder to be spontaneous.

Here are a few of my recent articles:

For Sierra: I covered the decline of the Atlantic blue crab and how a South Carolina native is helping conservation efforts by connecting people to water.

For Condé Nast Traveler: I wrote about how to ditch the crowds on Hawaiʻi island and where to eat, stay, and play on the Hāmākua Coast.

For Afar: I talked about the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood in Charleston, why you should include it in a trip, and what to put on your itinerary.

For National Geographic: I wrote about cycling the vehicle-free 45 miles of historic carriage roads in Acadia National Park.

For the Globe and Mail: I covered last summer’s European river cruise with my teenager.

I hope your 2025 so far has had inspiration, bright lights, and plentiful adventures.

Wrapping Up 2024

By

A few years ago, I started giving myself time off from around mid-December until about the second week of January. I’m not always good at slowing myself down, but this particular tradition has been helpful—especially since many of my editors are taking time off, so why not join them in spirit? It also gives me time to reflect on my work for the year and consider how I want to move forward.

Last month, I received the 2024 Lowell Thomas Silver Award for Travel Journalist of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation. This award is given for a portfolio of work during a particular time frame. While I’ve never expected it, I’m grateful for the recognition. If you’re curious, take a look at the judges’ comments on my portfolio, as well as that of the other writers who placed in this category. It’s an honor to be among them.

Before I log off for the year, I want you to know about a couple of my recent articles:

For AAA Explorer, I covered my experience on a Hurtigruten cruise along the coast of Norway to Svalbard, one of my favorite places in the world.

For Via, I wrote about a weekend getaway in Salinas, California. Agriculture towns are some of my secret favorite destinations to write about. I get so much pleasure in talking with the people who grow ingredients for our tables and glasses (remember, wine is agriculture).

Enjoy your last moments of this year and I will see you in 2025, with new stories to report, of course!