Hi! I’m Liz, the voice behind Zest for Latitudes.
By day, I’m an academic with a background in audience and consumer research. I’ve spent two decades studying how people connect to stories and experiences, and I’ve authored dozens of peer-reviewed articles on the topic. Writing – and understanding how people engage with the world – is what I do.
This blog is where I blend that passion with something equally personal: travel shaped by curiosity, movement, and meaning.
I didn’t study abroad or backpack through Europe after college. Between competitive swimming, grad school, and building an academic career, travel came later. In my 30s, I finally had the time and means to explore more. It’s never too late to start traveling – over time, it’s become a meaningful rhythm in my life.
Soft Adventure in Europe & Beyond
Zest for Latitudes is about soft adventure – active, curious travel that adds movement and meaning, and gets your heart rate up just enough to remind you you’re alive.
Whether it’s hiking to a hilltop view, swimming off a rocky cove, cycling through a new neighborhood, or trying something a little outside your norm, I believe adventure doesn’t have to be extreme to be unforgettable. That often means slowing down and savoring one destination – choosing a single home base and exploring from there – but sometimes it’s a multi-day journey, like walking the Camino de Santiago.
Most of my soft adventures here focus on Europe, though I also periodically share stories from beyond the continent. Within Europe, I have a special love for the Mediterranean – its light, landscapes, and the way history blends with everyday life. That connection is personal too: my grandfather was from Malta, and I’m currently pursuing citizenship there.
Honest Travel Insights
This space isn’t just a creative outlet; it’s deeply authentic. I write about places I’ve actually been, adventures I’ve actually done, and gear I’ve actually tested – sharing what I truly think about it all. My goal is to create content that’s useful but still human, helping you travel a little more adventurously, wherever you’re headed next.
Shared Adventures
Though I do most of the writing and behind-the-scenes blog work, I rarely travel alone. I think travel should be enjoyed with others – whether that means you travel with family or friends, or you arrive solo but make connections along the way. Steve (my partner) and Zoey (our daughter) are my frequent travel companions and enthusiastic co-adventurers. We’re based in Minnesota, but travel has become a core part of how we move through the year.
Steve (an academic himself) helps me vet trip ideas and proofreads nearly everything I write. Zoey (a freshman in college) keeps me on my toes by always wanting to know what we’re doing each day — which means I’ve usually done my research. We all pitch in on photos, which helps us see the places we visit from different perspectives.
And in case you’re wondering: Zest for Latitudes is a bit of a play on words. I like to think of it as energy for exploration – and a love of moving through places, not just arriving at them.