In America, the road trip is more than a way to get somewhere. It is a promise: a highway stretching toward the horizon, a town you didn’t plan to visit, a roadside sign that makes you pull over and a story you couldn’t have found by staying home. https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/route-66-chicago/

In 2026, one of America’s most famous highways turns 100. Route 66 has carried generations of travelers from Chicago toward the Pacific, earning its nickname, the Mother Road, along the way. You don’t have to drive all 2,448 miles to celebrate. Start in Chicago this fall, explore the history behind the highway and discover a city with plenty of reasons to stay awhile before heading west.

I’ve enjoyed visiting Chicago, including when I spoke at the Travel & Adventure Show, but there is still so much more of this great city I want to explore. As I work toward my goal of 60 new experiences before turning 60, the Route 66 centennial feels like the perfect reason to return. I can’t wait to stay at Pendry Chicago, visit the Obama Presidential Center, experience The Hand & The Eye and discover more of the city before driving a stretch of the legendary Mother Road myself.

A road trip doesn’t have to mean weeks away or thousands of miles behind the wheel. Sometimes the best adventure begins with a long weekend, a great hotel and a list of places you’ve been meaning to see. Chicago offers all that and more, with the added excitement of celebrating a century of American travel.

Why Route 66 Is Called the Mother Road

To understand the fascination with Route 66, go back to the 1920s, when America was falling in love with the automobile. Cars were changing how people lived, worked and traveled, but the nation’s roads were still a patchwork of local and state routes. A connected highway system promised to make longer journeys easier and bring new opportunities to communities along the way.

Route 66 was officially designated on November 11, 1926. It brought together existing roads into a route of roughly 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, later celebrated at Santa Monica’s Pacific Coast endpoint. Its diagonal path connected the Midwest with the Great Plains and the Southwest, passing through eight states. The road was not fully paved until 1938.

The highway offered more than a route west. For towns that had been far from major transportation corridors, it brought the possibility of new customers and commerce. Gas stations, restaurants, motor courts and roadside attractions sprang up to serve the people traveling through.

Then history gave the road a much deeper meaning.

During the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, families left devastated farms and struggling communities to search for work and a better future in the West. Many traveled Route 66 toward California. John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath helped cement the highway’s place in the American imagination, using the nickname “Mother Road.”

The name captures the road’s complicated history. For some travelers, Route 66 was a road of escape and survival. For others, it became a road of family vacations, freedom and discovery. After World War II, as car ownership and leisure travel grew, its motels, diners and roadside attractions became symbols of a new era of American mobility.

Eventually, the Interstate Highway System diverted traffic away from much of the original route. Route 66 was officially decommissioned as a U.S. highway in 1985, but its story was far from over. Preservation efforts, historic businesses, popular culture and generations of road trippers kept the Mother Road alive.

A hundred years after its designation, Route 66 still speaks to something many of us want: the chance to explore at our own pace, find the unexpected and make a journey our own.

Chicago: Where the Journey Begins

Chicago was a natural starting point for Route 66. In the 1920s, it was a major transportation crossroads, connecting railways, waterways, industry and the expanding automobile network. Travelers heading west could leave the city and follow a route linking urban centers with rural communities across the country.

For the traditional Route 66 photo, head to the historic starting-point sign near Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, across from the Art Institute of Chicago. This is the familiar downtown location associated with the route’s beginning for generations of travelers.

For the centennial, Chicago is also celebrating a new ceremonial starting point at Navy Pier, which stretches out into Lake Michigan. The pier’s Route 66 marker creates a symbolic “pier-to-pier” connection with Santa Monica Pier at the western end of the journey. Visiting both downtown and Navy Pier offers two different ways to mark the beginning of the Mother Road’s next century.

At Navy Pier, walk along the lakefront, enjoy the skyline and explore the attractions. The views of Lake Michigan offer a reminder that Chicago’s identity is tied as much to its waterfront as to its highways and railways. The city is both a destination and a gateway to a much longer adventure.

But don’t rush off to the highway just yet. Chicago deserves more than a quick photograph before you leave town.

Art, Architecture and a Little Chicago Wonder

Start downtown with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the city’s great cultural treasures. While you’re there, look for Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. The painting’s late-night diner scene evokes a familiar American landscape: the glow of a restaurant after dark, strangers sharing the same space and the feeling that the road outside might lead anywhere.

It’s an especially fitting image to encounter before a Route 66 adventure. The highway’s story has always included the places where travelers stop, eat, rest and watch the world go by.

Chicago’s architecture deserves time of its own. Take an architecture cruise on the Chicago River to see the city’s extraordinary skyline from the water and hear how its buildings reflect changing ideas about design, engineering and urban life. Or look down on the city from the Skydeck at Willis Tower, where the scale of Chicago’s streets and skyscrapers comes into focus.

For another perspective, explore parts of the original Route 66 corridor and seek out the city’s Route 66 murals and public art. The highway was never just a line connecting two distant points. It passed through neighborhoods where people lived and worked, and where local culture shaped the road’s identity.

And if your idea of a perfect travel day includes an unexpected twist, save an evening for The Hand & The Eye.

A Historic Mansion Where Magic Happens

One of Chicago’s intriguing newer experiences is The Hand & The Eye, a destination for live magic inside the historic McCormick Mansion.

Rather than a conventional theater where everyone watches a performance from the same seat, the experience brings magic into intimate spaces throughout the mansion. The setting combines historic architecture, live performances and the thrill of not quite knowing what will happen next.

Why include a magic mansion in a story about Route 66? Because the best trips need a little wonder. Road trips are full of moments that cannot be planned: an unexpected view, a hidden gem or a stop that turns out to be the highlight of the day. The Hand & The Eye brings that spirit of discovery to an evening in Chicago. It’s on my list for my next visit, and I can’t wait to experience it for myself. Adventure doesn’t always require a long drive. Sometimes it begins when you step through an unfamiliar door.

Add a New Chapter at the Obama Presidential Center

For travelers interested in American history and contemporary culture, the Obama Presidential Center offers another reason to explore beyond downtown.

The campus in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side opened to the public in June 2026. Its grounds include gardens, public art, walking paths and community spaces. The museum offers a deeper look at the Obama presidency and the issues that shaped it.

The visit adds a different dimension to a Route 66-inspired trip. The Mother Road connects stories of migration, work, community and the pursuit of opportunity. The presidential center offers another place to reflect on the people and events that continue to shape the country. I cannot wait to go.

Check In Somewhere with a Story: Pendry Chicago

For a trip celebrating a century of American travel, why not choose a hotel with a history of its own?

Pendry Chicago occupies the landmark Carbide & Carbon Building, a striking Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1929. Its dark-green exterior and gold accents make it one of downtown’s distinctive architectural landmarks. Designed by the Burnham Brothers, the building originally housed the regional offices of Union Carbide and Carbon Co. It was designated a Chicago landmark in 1996 and became home to Pendry Chicago in 2021.

The timing feels especially fitting: Route 66 was designated in 1926, and this architectural landmark followed just three years later. Both belong to an era when America was looking ahead, embracing new technology and imagining new ways to live and travel.

Today, Pendry Chicago combines the building’s historic character with contemporary guest rooms, dining and cocktail venues. Its downtown location on Michigan Avenue makes it a convenient base for exploring the Route 66 starting point, Millennium Park, the Art Institute and the Chicago River.

I’m looking forward to staying at Pendry Chicago and experiencing the building for myself. I love discovering the stories behind the places where I stay, and this one has a particularly fitting connection to the Route 66 centennial. The hotel itself is part of the city’s architectural story.

Travelers can compare dates, room types and rates on Booking.com, or explore other Chicago accommodations to find a stay that fits their style and budget.

Start Planning Your Route 66 Centennial Getaway

You don’t have to wait for the perfect summer road-trip window to start exploring. Fall is an opportunity to plan a Chicago city break, enjoy the city’s architecture and cultural attractions, then decide whether to extend the adventure along historic Route 66.

I’m already thinking about how I’d put the trip together: a stay at Pendry Chicago, time to explore the Obama Presidential Center, an evening at The Hand & The Eye and visits to both Route 66 starting-point landmarks. I am going to rent a car and follow the Mother Road, stopping along the way rather than rushing toward the next destination.

Booking.com was named the Official Travel Partner of the Route 66 Centennial in 2026, spotlighting the highway and the stays and experiences that make a road trip memorable. Its platform offers travelers a way to compare accommodations, car rentals and travel options while putting together an itinerary.

Here are four ways to get started.

Find your stay. Compare hotels in downtown Chicago, considering location, amenities and how much time you want to spend exploring on foot. Pendry Chicago is one option for travelers drawn to historic architecture and a central base. Browse Pendry Chicago on Booking.com or search for other stays to compare your options.

Book your flight. Chicago is served by O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Compare arrival times and fares, then choose the airport that works best for your itinerary and budget. If you’re staying downtown, consider the transportation options from the airport before deciding whether you’ll need a car immediately.

Choose your experiences. Reserve timed-entry attractions in advance, especially if visiting the Obama Presidential Center museum or The Hand & The Eye. Consider an architecture cruise, a museum visit and a walk along the lakefront, leaving some unplanned time for discoveries. Check official attraction websites for current schedules and ticket availability.

Rent a car when you need one. If your trip is focused on Chicago, you may not need a vehicle for the whole visit. The city’s downtown attractions are close enough to explore on foot in many cases, and public transportation and rideshares can help with longer trips. If you’re continuing along historic Route 66, compare rental options and consider picking up a car when you’re ready to leave the city.

Booking.com announced its centennial partnership in February 2026, making the milestone an especially timely opportunity to plan a trip around the Mother Road. You can read more in the company’s Route 66 Centennial announcement.

The most important part of planning is leaving room for spontaneity. Make reservations for the experiences you don’t want to miss, but don’t fill every hour. The unexpected stop is often the one that becomes your favorite memory.

How Far Will You Go?

The beauty of Route 66 is that you can make it your own.

Maybe you’ll spend three days in Chicago, take photographs at both starting points, discover a new favorite painting, look out over the city from a skyscraper and spend an evening watching magic unfold in a historic mansion. Perhaps you’ll rent a car and follow the original route through Illinois, stopping in communities that still celebrate their place in the Mother Road’s story.

Or maybe Chicago will be the beginning of a much longer journey, one that takes you across the plains, through the Southwest and toward the Pacific.

You don’t have to complete all 2,448 miles to understand why this highway has inspired travelers for 100 years. You just have to experience a little of its history and imagine the journeys that began before yours.

Route 66 has carried families searching for a fresh start, vacationers chasing summer, musicians and artists, curious travelers and people who simply wanted to see what lay beyond the next bend. Its meaning has changed over the decades, but its invitation remains the same: get out there and explore.

I’m ready to start planning my own Chicago adventure as part of my 60 Before 60 journey. Between the history of the Mother Road, the architecture of Pendry Chicago, the Obama Presidential Center and the promise of an evening filled with magic, there is plenty to look forward to before even getting behind the wheel.

A hundred years after Route 66 first appeared on the map, the invitation still stands. Start in Chicago, follow the stories, take the detour and see where the road leads. You can travel all the way to California or simply begin with a fall weekend in the city where the journey starts.

The first mile is waiting.

Read more in Route 66 Gets a Hollywood Rewrite

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on October 29, 2026.

Some television interviews are special because of where they take place. Others are special because of the people involved. This one is both. I am thrilled to share my latest appearance on The Jet Set, where I joined Nikki Noya to talk about my first-ever SXSW experience in Austin, signing my memoir BRAVE-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, and my unforgettable stay at Four Seasons Austin.

What makes this interview particularly meaningful is my history with Nikki. We first met years ago when I was working on my 50 Before 50 project, challenging myself to take on adventures around the world before a milestone birthday. Later, Nikki interviewed me again when BRAVE-ish was newly released and I was holding my book in my hands for the very first time. That interview was so significant to me that it is actually included in my memoir.

Now, more than two years after publication, we reunited to talk about a new chapter in the book’s journey: signing BRAVE-ish at SXSW.

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/thejetsettv-sxsw/

A Dream Experience at SXSW

My first visit to SXSW exceeded every expectation.

As an author, I had the honor of signing BRAVE-ish at The Female Quotient BookShelf, meeting readers, connecting with fellow authors, and participating in conversations centered on storytelling, leadership, and community.

One of my favorite aspects of the experience was seeing firsthand how books bring people together. Throughout the event, I met readers, entrepreneurs, journalists, athletes, and creators who reminded me that stories have the power to connect us across industries, generations, and experiences.

I remain deeply grateful to Shelley Zalis and the entire Female Quotient team for creating such a welcoming and inspiring space.

Four Seasons Austin: My SXSW Oasis

While SXSW buzzed with activity throughout the city, Four Seasons Austin became my sanctuary.

Located along Lady Bird Lake beside the Austin Rowing Club, the hotel offered the perfect balance of energy and tranquility. Between book signings and events, I could recharge by the water, enjoy exceptional dining at Ciclo, relax at the spa, and take in beautiful views of Austin from my room.

One of the highlights of my stay was the Honey Rose Ritual, a luxurious spa treatment featuring grapefruit and rose oils, a honey foot scrub, and a restorative massage that felt like the perfect reset between busy SXSW days.

Dining at Ciclo was equally memorable, from sweet corn empanadas and heirloom tomato and burrata to a dramatic flaming Tomahawk presentation and a signature dessert served over swirling dry ice.

The hotel team also surprised me with one of the most thoughtful welcome amenities I have ever received: custom cookies featuring both the BRAVE-ish book cover and the SXSW logo.

Those details transformed a wonderful stay into an unforgettable one.

Why This Interview Matters

One of the themes Nikki and I discuss in the segment is something I think about often: the life of a book after publication. BRAVE-ish was released in September 2023. More than two and a half years later, it continues to create opportunities, spark conversations, and connect me with readers around the world. Standing at SXSW signing books reminded me that sharing your story can lead to places you never imagined. That is something worth celebrating.

Watch the Segment

In this Jet Set TV interview, Nikki and I discuss:

* My first SXSW experience
* Signing BRAVE-ish at The Female Quotient BookShelf
* Why the memoir continues to resonate with readers
* Luxury travel at Four Seasons Austin
* The Honey Rose spa experience
* Dining at Ciclo
* The power of community, storytelling, and saying yes to new opportunities

I am so grateful to Nikki Noya and The Jet Set team for inviting me back. I hope you’ll watch the segment and join me in celebrating this exciting chapter of the BRAVE-ish journey. Because sometimes the best adventures begin long after you think the story is finished.

Read more: “Saying Yes at SXSW: Signing BRAVE-ish and Finding Gratitude in Austin”

See all my social media and articles from SXSW here.

WATCH all my videos from SXSW and Four Seasons Austin here:

See it on The Jet Set TV Facebook page and their Instagram!

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on June 23, 2026.

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/pasadena-magazine-windstar/

“Personalized service and unforgettable experiences make every moment aboard Windstar Cruises feel like your own private escape.” By Lisa Niver

FRENCH POLYNESIA has long lived in the collective imagination as the ultimate escape, turquoise lagoons, jagged green peaks, and islands that feel both impossibly remote and deeply welcoming. Exploring the region with Windstar Cruises transforms that dream into a seamless reality, where every detail, from ship design to dining to shore experiences, feels intentional, personal, and refreshingly unhurried.

My journey began before boarding. Air Tahiti Nui’s nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Papeete takes just eight and a half hours, with only a two-hour time difference this time of year, the same as Hawaii, making the transition surprisingly easy. Flying Mānava Premium, the vacation began in the air with wider seats, leg rests, refined meals, and warm Polynesian service. Even before takeoff, a Windstar Cruises video played onboard, an unmistakable sign that paradise awaited.

Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze is perfectly suited for Tahiti. With its small-ship design, the experience feels more like sailing on a private yacht, elegant, relaxed, and deeply personal. Guests recognize one another, conversations linger, and the pace feels human.

My suite offered generous space and smart design: a separate seating area, a large picture window framing endless blues, a walk-in closet, and a well-appointed bathroom with double sinks. Windstar Cruises’ commitment to sustainability is evident with thoughtfully provided refillable water bottles throughout the ship.

What truly defines the experience, however, is the Windstar Cruises team. Under the leadership of Captain Roman Krstanovic and hotel general manager Iulian Petrasuc, the crew delivers polished service with sincere heart. From officers greeting guests on deck to staff joining evening celebrations and teaching line dancing, there is a sense of joy and pride that permeates the ship.

Windstar Cruises is the only cruise line that is officially partnered with the James Beard Foundation, and that commitment to culinary excellence is evident throughout the voyage. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, menus are creatively executed, and every dish is focused on flavor and experience. Guests may dine nightly in Amphora, the elegant main restaurant, where menus change daily and service feels polished yet approachable.

Basil + Bamboo, new to the fleet and a standout on Star Breeze, is a vibrant fusion of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian flavors. Shareable plates, fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and creative twists make each meal a delight for the senses. Chef-driven and beautifully executed, it became an instant favorite, highlighting Windstar Cruises’ evolving culinary vision.

Candles, the ship’s signature steakhouse, transforms from the open-air Veranda, serving breakfast and lunch, into an intimate evening venue featuring premium cuts and beautifully prepared sides beneath the stars. From custom breakfasts to specialty steaks, every dining moment reflects careful sourcing, creativity, and an emphasis on taste and presentation.

Our itinerary included Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Huahine, each offering its own natural beauty, culture, and charm. On Taha’a, a private motu lunch at Motu Mahaea delivered palm-fringed perfection: tender boat rides, shaded loungers, tropical drinks, and a beach barbecue, all set against shallow, turquoise lagoons where stingrays glided past swimmers.

In Bora Bora, the Destination Discovery Event: Feast & Fire experience took us by catamaran to a private motu at sunset. Guests were welcomed with leis and enjoyed a lavish dinner under the stars, followed by a powerful Polynesian dance and fire performance. Immersive, celebratory, and deeply connected to the culture and place, it’s a memory that will linger long after leaving the lagoon.

I loved snorkeling in coral gardens and my encounters with black-tip reef sharks, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, and turtles. I also went scuba diving in Papeete with Fluid Tahiti, explored pearl farming in Raiatea, where you can snorkel and harvest your own pearl, and fell in love with the lagoon colors and vibrant marine life throughout the journey. Each stop felt personal and unhurried, allowing true immersion in island life.

One of the most magical features of Windstar Cruises is the Marina, opening from deck 3 when anchored. Guests can swim directly from the ship or enjoy kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel gear, and floating loungers, completely included, with attentive staff nearby. The spontaneous access to warm, crystal-clear water in every shade of blue is effortless and fun. From coral gardens to motu beaches, small-ship access and a talented crew make every adventure intimate and authentic.

Before and after the cruise, I stayed at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, just minutes from the airport. Multiple pools, including the sand-entry Le Lotus, a turtle sanctuary, expansive gardens, and excellent dining create an immediate sense of relaxation.

Bucket-list overwater bungalows provide serenity, sweeping lagoon views, and soaking tubs, perfect for celebrating milestones, enjoying champagne at sunset, and I loved hula hooping in the morning on my deck.

Adding my memoir, , to the ship’s library was a reminder that travel is about new journeys, friendships, and courage, exploring both the world and oneself. From indulgent dining and immersive island experiences to quiet sunsets and bridge visits, Windstar Cruises delivers a French Polynesia adventure that is luxurious, intimate, and unforgettable.

Read my articles on Pasadena Magazine

See me on The Jet Set TV to talk about Windstar Cruises and all of my adventures in French Polynesia

More of my coverage including all of my social media posts: CLICK HERE

See the article, “Chasing Paradise across Polynesia” on Pasadena Magazine’s instagram

“French Polynesia’s turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows and postcard-worthy sunsets continue to make Tahiti one of the world’s ultimate escapes.⁠
⁠
🌊 From Bora Bora to Moorea, the journey included coral gardens, manta rays and crystal-clear water in every shade of blue.⁠
⁠
🍽️ Luxury dining, private island dinners and laid-back beach excursions made every stop feel unforgettable.⁠”

Also on Pasadena Magazine’s Facebook

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on June 15, 2026.

This year’s nominations reflect the variety of work I love creating-from print and digital journalism to podcast interviews that connect listeners with inspiring voices and meaningful travel experiences.

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/finalist-2026-socal-awards/

My nominations include two print features for Pasadena Magazine: “Frozen Fun on The World’s Final Frontier in Antarctica” and “Castle Green: Embracing Luxury, Adventure and Whimsy,” which explored Ireland through the lens of history, luxury, and adventure.

I was also recognized for two episodes of my Make Your Own Map podcast: “Explore Wild Ireland with Founder Killian McLaughlin!” and “Tara Schuster Isn’t Afraid to Go There-And You’ll Be Glad She Did.” As I continue into Season 8 of the podcast with 85 countries listening, I remain grateful to every guest who has shared their stories, expertise, and experiences with my audience.

Rounding out the nominations is my digital feature for Reader’s Digest, “Here’s What You Need to Know About ‘Aisle Lice’ Before Your Next Flight,” a story that resonated with travelers navigating today’s airport experience.

I’m especially grateful to the editors, publications, podcast guests, readers, listeners, viewers, and industry colleagues who continue to support my work. From award-winning print and digital journalism to recognized podcasting, bestselling-author events, and a YouTube channel that has nearly 2.8 million views, I am continually inspired by the opportunity to tell stories that inform, connect, and encourage curiosity.

Thank you to the Southern California Journalism Awards and the Los Angeles Press Club for this recognition. I am honored to be nominated and excited to celebrate journalism and storytelling with this year’s finalists.

E5. PRINT LIFESTYLE FEATURE

Lisa Niver, Pasadena Magazine, “ Frozen Fun on The World’s Final Frontier in Antarctica “

Brian W. Carter, Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, “St. Eugene’s ONSTAGE Performing Arts

Program Brings the Talent from the Playground”

Ana Figueroa, Beverly Hills Courier, “José Andrés Wants It All”

Holly Gleason, POLLSTAR, “Koe Wetzel: Red Dirt Renegade Smashes Confines & Rocks The FOut”

James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, “Knives Out: Celebrities Reveal Plastic SurgerySecrets — But One Procedure Still Taboo”

H6. MAGAZINE FEATURE (Under 1,000 Words)

Lisa Niver, Pasadena Magazine, “ Castle Green: Embracing Luxury, Adventure and Whimsy “

Shana Nys Dambrot, Palm Springs Life Magazine, “Murals by Shepard Fairey, Benjamin JeanJean, Others Decorate Desert Hot Springs”

Selome Hailu, Variety, “How Planned Parenthood’s Caren Spruch Works With Lena Dunham and Other Creatives to Sensitively Portray Abortion on Screen”

Brad A. Johnson, OLTRE, “Showdown at The Grand”

Michael Saponara, Billboard, “Country Power Players Innovator: BigXThaPlug”

K4 AUDIO JOURNALISM Radio broadcast, podcast or stream produced in Southern California.

LIFESTYLE FEATURE

Lisa Niver, Make Your Own Map, “ Explore Wild Ireland with Founder Killian McLaughlin!”

https://open.spotify.com/episode/625B1FL1On925PezmZZQKK?si=LBURMjwjRQqjYwkYLtFS3A

Caroline Feraday, KCLU, “A rescue camel lives with his human best friend on a ranch”

Robert Garrova, Josie Huang, LAist, “The macabre history of the Verdugo Hills Cemetery”

K6. PERSONALITY PROFILE/INTERVIEW, Non-Entertainment Personalities (Over 10 Minutes)

Lisa Niver, Make Your Own Map, “Tara Schuster Isn’t Afraid to Go There-And You’ll Be Glad She Did”

Billy Binion, Reason Magazine, “Helen Prejean: Why This Nun Is Fighting To End the Death Penalty”

Esther D. Kustanowitz, Erin Benmoche, The Bagel Report, “Breaking Down the Prince of Egypt with Tzivia Schwartz-Getzug”

Larry Mantle, LAist, “The CEO of SoCal Edison’s parent company discusses the Eaton Fire, answers listener questions”

L21. LIFESTYLE FEATURE

Lisa Niver, Reader’s Digest, “ Here’s What You Need to Know About “Aisle Lice “ Before Your Next Flight”

Rance Collins, IndieWire, “How Cinespia Turned a Cemetery Into L.A.’s Weekend Hot Spot”

John Lavitt, The Hollywood Times, “The Royal Hawaiian: Waikiki’s Pink Palace of History, Luxury, and Aloha”

Rebecca L. Root, Noema Magazine, “Would You Eat This Bug To Save The World?”

Weilian Zhu, Matjaž Tančič, Noema Magazine, “China’s Pet Parents Choose ‘Fur Kids’ Over Human Children”

MORE ABOUT MY OTHER AWARDS:

National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards: First Place for Podcast Host

I’m deeply honored to share that my podcast, Make Your Own Map, was recognized by the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards (NAEJ) with First Place for Podcast Host, along with Second Place for my one-on-one interview with Tara Schuster, “Tara Schuster Isn’t Afraid to Go There-And You’ll Be Glad She Did.”

In 2025, my Ireland Travel Special on The Jet Set TV, Celtic Charm, earned recognition across three of the industry’s most respected platforms — forming a true Triple Crown of honors in digital media, broadcast television, and journalism.

🏆 Platinum — dotCOMM Awards

🏆 Silver Winner (Travel & Tourism) — Telly Awards

🏆 First Place, Lifestyle Feature — Southern California Journalism Awards

Awards & Honors

Over the past several years, my work across podcasting, television, and journalism has been recognized by leading industry organizations, reflecting a continued commitment to thoughtful storytelling, cultural curiosity, and meaningful conversations.

2025

2024

• Winner (2x) — Southern California Journalism Awards
  Podcast interviews with:
• Samantha Brown (Places to Love)
• Tony Phelan (A Small Light)
• Finalist (4x) — National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards
• Online Journalist of the Year
• Podcast interviews with:
• Beth Santos (Wanderful)
• Carolyn Ray (JourneyWoman)
• Samantha Brown (Places to Love)
• Finalist (6x) — Southern California Journalism Awards
  Categories included:
• Online Journalist of the Year
• Podcast Host
• Podcast interviews with Andrew McCarthy, Samantha Brown, Christie Tate, and Tony Phelan (A Small Light)

2023

• Podcast Host
• Diversity in Entertainment
• Personality Profile
• Make Your Own Map has been streamed in 68 countries across all seven continents, connecting global audiences through conversations about creativity, courage, travel, and reinvention.
• 2025 Winner: 1st place Lifestyle Feature for Make Your Own Map, “Ireland: Neville’s Stories at Giant’s Causeway”, 3rd place Online Journalist of the Year
• 2025 Winner: Silver Telly Award for Celtic Charm travel special!
• 2025 5x Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for Online Journalist of the Year, TV/Streaming/Radio Feature, Lifestyle Feature (Podcast) & Travel Reporting (Podcast)
• 2024 Winner: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards Diversity in the Entertainment Industry
• 2024 4x Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards finalist for Online Journalist of the Year, and for three of my podcast interviews with Beth Santos, Wanderful, Carolyn Ray, JourneyWoman, and Samantha Brown, Places to Love.
• 2024 2x Winner: Southern California Journalism Awards for podcast segments with Samantha Brown, Places to Love, and Tony Phelan, A Small Light
• 2024 6x Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for Online Journalist of the Year, Podcast Host and for my podcast interviews with Andrew McCarthy, Samantha Brown, Tony Phelan and Christie Tate
• 2023 Winner: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards Diversity in Entertainment
• 2023 3x Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards
• 2023 2x Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for Travel Reporting and Podcast Interview
• 2022 Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for BOOK CRITICISM
• 2021 Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Commentary Diversity/Gender and Commentary Analysis/Trend — Film
• 2021 Winner: Southern California Journalism Awards for TECHNOLOGY REPORTING
• 2021 Finalist: Southern California Journalism Awards for BOOK CRITICISM
• 2020 Winner: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Book Critic. See all of Lisa’s book reviews here.
• 2020 Finalist: National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards for Book Critic
• 2020 Winner: Southern California Journalism Awards for print magazine article: Hemispheres Magazine for United Airlines
• 2020 Five Time Finalist: Southern California Journalism awards

More about Lisa Niver: https://lisaniver.com/awards/

Have you read my memoir, BRAVE-ish? My book has won 10 awards!

2025 International Impact Book Awards -Travel

2024 Gold Medal — Inspirational — North American Book Awards

2024 Gold Bookfest Award — Nonfiction Memoir Travel

2024 Gold Nonfiction Book Award — Nonfiction Authors Association

2024 Literary Titan Gold Book Award — Non-fiction

2024 Silver Bookfest Award — Nonfiction Self-Help Inspiration

2024 Readers’ Favorite Honorable Mention — Non-Fiction — Women’s Genre

2023 Hearten Book Awards First Place Winner — Inspiring & Uplifting Non-Fiction

2023 Zibby Awards Runner-up — Best Book for The Strong Woman

2023 Goody Business Book Awards Winner — Memoir/Self-Help

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler Women Who Travel Book Club: 10 New Books We Can’t Wait to Read this Fall As seen in Forbes Best New NonFiction

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on June 8, 2026.

For nearly a century, Route 66 has stood as the ultimate symbol of American freedom-an asphalt thread stitching together small towns, big dreams, and the mythology of the open road. Established in 1926, the highway became a lifeline during the Dust Bowl migration, carrying families west in search of opportunity, and later evolved into a postwar playground of neon-lit motels, roadside diners, and cinematic Americana.

As the country looks ahead to the Route 66 Centennial-and a broader season of patriotic milestones-there’s a renewed fascination with what the road represents. Not just distance, but possibility. Not just movement, but transformation.

This summer, that legacy is being reimagined in a way that feels both nostalgic and entirely current. https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/route-66/

🎬 When Route 66 Became a Movie Set

Long before Instagram itineraries, Route 66 lived on screen. Hollywood turned the highway into shorthand for rebellion, escape, and reinvention.

• In Thelma & Louise, the open road becomes a symbol of freedom and defiance, forever linked to a 1966 Thunderbird convertible.
• Back to the Future gave us the DeLorean, transforming a car into a time machine-and the road into a portal.
• Little Miss Sunshine made the VW Bus a rolling stage for family, dysfunction, and connection.
• Even earlier, Easy Rider cemented the highway as a symbol of counterculture freedom.

These films didn’t just feature road trips-they defined them. The cars became characters. The landscapes became emotional terrain.

🚗 The Cars That Carry the Story

The new “Hollywood-style” Route 66 experience taps directly into that cinematic legacy, offering travelers the chance to step inside the story-literally.

• 1966 Ford Thunderbird — sleek, open-air, and forever tied to female friendship and rebellion
• DeLorean — stainless steel, futuristic, and instantly transporting you to another era
• 1960s VW Bus — sun-soaked, communal, and quietly transformative

Each vehicle isn’t just transportation; it’s tone-setting. It shapes how the journey feels-and what kind of story you’re telling.

🗺️ A Shorter Route, A Deeper Journey

Unlike the classic cross-country drive, this experience focuses on a 57-mile stretch between Albuquerque and Santa Fe -a segment rich with history, art, and atmosphere.

This is where the evolution of road trips becomes clear:

• The destination is no longer the goal
• The moments in between take center stage
• The journey is curated, not rushed

Stops along the way-neon diners, artist enclaves like Madrid, and offbeat attractions-echo the golden age of Route 66 while aligning with today’s appetite for slower, more meaningful travel.

💡 Why Now? The Centennial Effect

Anniversaries have a way of reshaping how we see the past. The Route 66 Centennial isn’t just about looking back-it’s about reinterpreting what the road means today.

In the 20th century, Route 66 was about migration and mobility.
In the postwar era, it became about leisure and discovery.
Now, it’s about storytelling and experience.

That shift is reflected in this new offering: a trip that’s intentionally short, highly stylized, and rooted in emotion rather than endurance.

💰 The Hook (Yes, It’s Real)

• $1 booking price
• $10,000 in travel credits
• Three-night journey for two
• Professional photoshoot with your chosen car
• Dates: June 25–28, 2026
• Booking opens: May 20 at 12 PM ET

It’s a headline-grabbing offer, but it works because it’s layered on top of something deeper: a cultural moment where the road trip is being rediscovered and redefined.

✨ The Road Ahead

Route 66 has always been about reinvention. Towns rose and fell along its path. Travelers came searching for something-and often found something else entirely.

This new version doesn’t try to recreate the past. Instead, it edits it -zooming in on a single stretch, amplifying the atmosphere, and inviting travelers to step into a narrative that feels both classic and contemporary.

For a highway built on movement, that might be its most interesting evolution yet:
slowing down, and letting the story catch up.

Booking opens on May 20th at 12pm ET 1960s VW Bus 1966 Ford Thunderbird 1981 DeLorean

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on May 7, 2026.

“Do you know the way to San Jose?” 🎶

This time, I didn’t just hear the song, I followed it, and San Jose delivered far more than I expected. Somewhere between the California coastline views from the plane and touchdown in Silicon Valley, what I thought would be a quick getaway turned into something much more layered, dynamic, and memorable.

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/do-you-know-the-way-to-san-jose-i-do-now-and-its-delivering-at-every-level/

From Stopover to Standalone Destination

San Jose wasn’t entirely new to me. My college friend Carl lives nearby in Campbell, and over the years I’ve visited him a handful of times but often as part of a larger San Francisco trip.

But those visits were quick. This time, I stayed.

What had once felt like a stopover became the destination. With more time, the city revealed itself as a place where innovation, culture, sports, and community don’t just coexist; they actively shape the experience.

An Airport That Sets the Tone

Arrival matters and San José Mineta International Airport makes it easy. Two terminals. Efficient, calm, and just minutes from downtown. No long drives, no logistical puzzle; just land and go.

And then there’s the personality. The airport celebrates its 1949 founding, including its first commercial flight carrying 2,550 baby chicks, now remembered through “Ernie” the chick throughout the terminals. It’s a small but memorable detail that reflects the city itself: practical, innovative, and quietly playful.

Santana Row: Where the City Comes Together

I checked into Hotel Valencia Santana Row, the only hotel on Santana Row, and immediately understood why this area is the center of it all. Santana Row feels like the Rodeo Drive of San Jose, but more relaxed, more walkable, more livable. Restaurants, cafés, and boutiques spill onto the street, and everything invites you to slow down and stay awhile. It became my home base and everything radiated out from there.

A City That Shows Up for Sports

San Jose’s sports culture is not secondary, it’s central.

At SAP Center, I saw the San Jose Sharks play in a setting that felt electric from start to finish. From the Penthouse Lounge, Carl and I saw in a row that had only four seats, fully padded, food and drinks included! It felt like business class for hockey, but the real story was the energy in the arena.

When Crazy George, the inventor of the wave, was honored with his own Sharks jersey, the entire stadium erupted into a wave. It was spontaneous, collective, and unforgettable.

During one intermission, kids took the ice for a competition that had the whole arena cheering, a reminder that sports here are both present and future. I’ve loved hockey for years, but seeing it here, in this environment, felt different. More connected. More local. More alive.

And the bigger picture is just as strong. San Jose helped host the energy surrounding Super Bowl LX, will welcome global attention for FIFA World Cup 2026, and is set to host Olympic soccer at PayPal Park for the 2028 Summer Olympics. This is a city fully engaged in the global sports landscape.

Innovation You Can Taste

In Silicon Valley, innovation doesn’t stay in tech, it shows up in unexpected places.

At Alamitos Vineyards, I met founders Shaun and Chris, who do everything themselves including planting, harvesting, producing, and pouring their wines. The vineyard, located in historic New Almaden, has earned national recognition and reflects a true farm-to-glass experience.

At 10th Street Distillery, I met co-founder Virag Saksena, an engineer who set out to create better whiskey after falling in love with single malts. He trained in Scotland, adapted his process for California’s climate, and built a distillery whose award-winning spirits-including Best of Show honors-are now recognized globally. Even more compelling: some of those whiskies are finished in barrels from Alamitos Vineyards.

Two Silicon Valley stories. One shared ecosystem. This is what innovation looks like here, not just in code, but in craft.

A Movie Experience Like No Other

At The Tech Interactive, I experienced something that truly surprised me. Watching Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling on the world’s first dome laser projector on the largest IMAX® dome screen in the Bay Area goes beyond watching a film, you’re fully immersed in it.

During my visit in April, as the Artemis program captured global attention, the timing made the experience even more powerful. Science, storytelling, and real-world exploration all aligned.

I went with a group of 10 including friends, family, and fellow University of Pennsylvania alumni across generations. Three had already seen the film and came back just to experience it again on the dome. That alone says everything.

Food That Reflects the City

San Jose’s food scene is as diverse as its community.

At New Krung Thai, people lined up before opening and the flavors delivered. At Augustine and Zazil, outdoor dining on Santana Row turned meals into experiences with fajitas, table side guacamole, and desserts worth lingering over. Meals here aren’t rushed, they’re shared, extended, and part of the experience.

Nearby Japantown San Jose, one of only three historic Japantowns in the U.S., adds cultural depth and context to the culinary landscape.

So… Do I Know the Way to San Jose?

Yes. San Jose isn’t a stop along the way. It’s a destination that brings everything together-sports, innovation, culture, and community-seamlessly and authentically.

You don’t just visit San Jose, you step into it. And once you do, you’ll understand exactly why you want to come back.

“Do you know the way to San Jose?” Now I do-and I’d take that road again. 💫

More information and visitor guides at Visit San Jose, California

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on May 5, 2026.

The biggest headline is one that still feels surreal: Make Your Own Map is now streaming in 75 countries, and what’s unfolding feels bigger than numbers.

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/april-news-2026/

🌍 75 Countries. The Map Is Alive.

In the past few weeks alone, the map has expanded across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America, with new listeners joining from:

🇨🇴 Colombia
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇴🇲 Oman

Just days after welcoming listeners in Iran, Vietnam, and Iraq, the reach continues to grow in real time-each new country a reminder that stories don’t just travel, they connect.

This moment isn’t simply about scale. It is about presence across borders, languages, and lived experience. The map is not just expanding-it is alive.

📺 On Air, In Print, and On Stage

That sense of expansion has carried into every corner of my work this month.

On Jet Set TV, I shared conversations around sailing with Windstar, exploring travel that slows you down just enough to see the world differently. In print, my feature on Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort appears in Pasadena Magazine, highlighting luxury as a gateway to deeper discovery across Central Florida.

At the same time, new stories continue to reach audiences through Bored Panda and Deer Valley, extending the conversation across digital platforms in unexpected and exciting ways.

There was also a meaningful moment of recognition with a DotComm Award-earning a Triple Crown -which I celebrated while in Ireland, a place already filled with memory, history, and connection.

🎤 Speaking, Signing, and Showing Up

This month has also been about connection in person and in conversation. From speaking with the Brandeis community in Tucson to signing BRAVE-ish at SXSW, these moments are a reminder that storytelling lives not only online or in print, but in the shared space between people. Each conversation, each book signing, each question asked across a table reinforces why this work matters.

🌴 Stories from the Road: San Jose and Beyond

San Jose brought collaboration, reflection, and connection, including time with Carl and witnessing the continued impact of his work.

A special congratulations to Dr. Carl Law, featured in the “ Inspirational Black Men and Women in Medicine “ series. His leadership through Doctors First Staffing, now celebrating its one-year anniversary, reflects a thoughtful and intentional approach to transforming healthcare staffing with care and purpose.

✈️ Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy

The journey continued with the Travel Classics Magazine Conference in Lugano, Switzerland, then on to country #103: Liechtenstein, and time with friends in Italy. I am grateful for the ability to move through the world, to witness, to listen, and to share.

Videos from Travel Classics Ticino are live and more photos, stories and videos coming soon!

💛 Gratitude, Health, and Joy

And yet, the most meaningful update this month has nothing to do with distance traveled. My mom is out of the hospital and was home in time for her birthday. There is no greater milestone than health, and no deeper gratitude than being together. This month, that is the wish-for her and for all of us. More health. More freedom. More joy.

🌎 Looking Ahead

With 75 countries now listening and new voices joining every day, this moment feels both like a milestone and a beginning. The map is alive-and there is so much more to come.

Want to travel more? I have a Travel Writer 101 class on Udemy.

My students are from 13 countries:
Australia, Canada, India, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, USA!
Join us on the adventure of travel writing!

THANK YOU for watching my award-winning podcast, Make Your Own Map: Are YOU ready to be BRAVE? It has now been seen and heard in 75 countries on 7 continents.

Have you heard my recent podcast episodes?

WATCH my podcast, “ MAKE YOUR OWN MAP: “ on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Podcast, Google Podcasts, Audacy, Audible, Anchor, Pandora & iHeart Radio

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I now have over 2.7 Million views on YouTube! (now at: 2,710,468).

I hope you will join me and subscribe! For more We Said Go Travel articles, TV segments, videos and social media: CLICK HERE

Find me on social media with over 150,000 followers. Please follow me on social @LisaNiver TikTok, X Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, BlueSky and at LisaNiver.com.

Do you LOVE my book BRAVE-ish? PLEASE WRITE A REVIEW!! Click here to go directly to rate or review BRAVE-ish on Amazon (now at 66 reviews. Help me get to 75) You can find my book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Simon & Schuster, Post Hill Press, Target, Walmart, BookShop, BAM! and wherever you get your audiobooks!

People always ask me where is it best to buy my book. I recommend you go into or call your favorite local book store and ask them to order it for you and pick it up IN THE STORE! You never know what other treasures you will find. Any bookstore can order my book because my publisher is Post Hill Press and it is distributed by Simon and Schuster. My book is now in the library on Quark Ultramarine, Windstar StarBreeze, NCL Escape and in the store at Dubray bookstore on Grafton in Dublin, Ireland! Brave-ish is available all over the globe!

You can also find me now on SUBSTACK!

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on April 30, 2026.

From the beginning, he stood out — calm, thoughtful, grounded. Even then, he had the rare ability to make people feel steady in moments of uncertainty. It wasn’t loud leadership or ego-driven confidence. It was presence. Decades later, that same presence would define him as a physician, a mentor, a founder, and — to me — chosen family.

Carl went on to build an extraordinary medical career: undergraduate studies at Penn, medical school at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and a pain management fellowship at Stanford. Over more than three decades, he became not only a highly respected anesthesiologist, but also a medical director and healthcare leader — shaping systems, mentoring physicians, and improving patient outcomes across hospitals and regions.

But titles don’t explain Carl. Stories do.

One afternoon at a wine tasting in Los Gatos, a fellow guest suddenly collapsed. While others froze, Carl immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation and stepped forward, calmly offering his help as an anesthesiologist who teaches advanced airway management. When paramedics arrived, they gratefully accepted his expertise and assistance. Working alongside them, Carl helped stabilize the individual until the patient could be safely transported. A life was saved that day — not through heroics, but through preparation, humility, and the quiet confidence that comes from decades of experience.

That same calm under pressure shows up everywhere in Carl’s life — in operating rooms, classrooms, leadership meetings, and living rooms.

Carl teaches advanced airway management to other physicians, a role that reflects both his technical mastery and his commitment to education. He understands that medicine is not just about what you know, but how you show up when seconds matter. That philosophy extends far beyond the hospital.

(regional center post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nathaniel-carlton-law-md-02362535_watch-ktvu-2-at-9am-this-thursday-august-activity-7100351315280629760-WavU/

In 2014, during one of the most difficult moments of my life, Carl showed up for me — not as a doctor, but as family. His compassion, steadiness, and unwavering support quite literally helped save my life. That moment became part of my memoir, , because it revealed who Carl truly is: someone who doesn’t disappear when things get hard. Someone who stays.

Those values — presence, integrity, responsibility — are the throughline of everything he does.

Outside of medicine, Carl is deeply devoted to his family. He raised two sons, both now out of college, and spends time surfing with them whenever he can — the ocean a place of connection, joy, and reset. He loves skiing, something we’ve shared together over the years, and live music, often filling his calendar with concerts and shared experiences.

Today, Carl is also raising his fiancée Sonja’s daughter — teaching her to drive, encouraging her love of concerts, and guiding her through adolescence with patience and humor. Recently, the entire family traveled together to the Summer Olympics in Paris — a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that blended curiosity, culture, and connection. It’s no coincidence that Carl approaches family the same way he approaches medicine: with intention, attentiveness, and care.

After years of working as an employed physician, medical director, and locum tenens provider, Carl began to see the same problems repeat themselves across healthcare systems: staffing models that burned out doctors, misaligned incentives, and administrative decisions made without physician insight — all of which ultimately impacted patient care.

The idea for Doctors First Staffing didn’t come from a business school whiteboard. It came from lived experience — and from his family.

Carl’s older son encouraged him to take everything he had learned over decades in medicine and build something better. His younger son now works alongside him full time, helping grow Doctors First Staffing from the inside out. What began as a father-son conversation became a physician-led company grounded in trust, accountability, and relationships.

Founded in 2025, Doctors First Staffing is built on a simple but powerful mission: Physician Focused. Facility Friendly. Where Quality Care Meets Reliable Staffing. The company connects hospitals with physicians in a way that prioritizes showing up — literally and figuratively. Carl personally vets every provider. He understands that when staffing works well, everyone benefits: physicians, facilities, patients, and families.

Unlike traditional staffing models driven by volume and margins, Doctors First Staffing is informed by the realities of clinical practice. Carl remains an actively practicing hospital anesthesiologist, staying grounded in the day-to-day challenges physicians face. That perspective shapes every decision the company makes — from recruitment to placement to long-term partnerships.

Leadership, Carl believes, isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about responsibility. Whether he’s mentoring a young physician, supporting a hospital during a staffing crisis, or helping his daughter parallel park for the first time, the approach is the same: show up, listen, and do the work.

Nearly forty years after that first meeting in Ware College House, Carl Law is still doing exactly what he’s always done — quietly raising the standard, caring deeply, and building systems that work because they’re rooted in humanity.

Doctors First Staffing may be a new company about to celebrate its first birthday, but it’s built on a lifetime of values. And in healthcare — where every case matters, every shift matters, and every patient is someone’s family — that makes all the difference.

Kiplinger: “ 5 Ways to Save on a Trip to the 2026 Olympics in Italy “ -Doctors First Staffing founder, Carl Law, was quoted in the November 2025 issue of Kiplinger. Carl went with his family to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and shared one of his favorite practical tips: “Buy a public transportation pass. For our group of six, weekly Metro cards were a game-changer — far more affordable (and faster) than relying on rideshares across a busy Olympic city.”

Medscape Employed Physicians Report: Who Owns the White Coat? Doctors First founder Carl Law is quoted in this Medscape Employed Physicians Report sharing thoughts from the perspective of a practicing physician and founder of a physician-staffing firm. The report sheds light on what employed physicians value — and what challenges remain.

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on April 24, 2026.

It began in Los Angeles, where I was first invited to speak after someone in the Brandeis community noticed a postcard for my memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, at my dad’s office. That moment-small and unexpected-led to a speaking opportunity. And that opportunity led me to Tucson.

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/brandeis-tucson/

The Brandeis National Committee (BNC) has long championed education, community, and the power of ideas. Rooted in the values of Brandeis University-intellectual curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning-their Books & Authors programs bring those values to life, creating space for meaningful dialogue between writers and readers. In Tucson, that spirit was evident from the very first evening.

The two-day program began with an intimate dinner and panel discussion featuring four authors: Jeanine Cummins ( Speak to Me of Home), Miriam Gershow ( Closer), Larry Waldman ( Silver Sex: Insights into Senior Sexuality), and myself. Each of us brought a different perspective, and together, the conversation reflected the richness of storytelling across genres and experiences.

By the second day, the energy had grown into something even more dynamic. A full room of engaged readers-many of them alumni and dedicated supporters-gathered for individual author talks followed by Q&A sessions. Each author had the opportunity to share their work in depth, and I was honored to take the stage and speak about Brave-ish -and the power of overcoming fear.

I shared some of the 50 challenges I completed before turning 50, including jumping out of a plane on my 50th birthday, scuba diving with sharks alongside my instructor, and receiving the gift of a life-changing journey to Antarctica-where I even hula hooped with penguins. I talked about pushing myself physically as well, from skiing with a blind athlete named Jennifer to taking on the adrenaline rush of a bobsled run.

There was even an unexpected Olympic thread running through it all. I had the unforgettable experience of being part of the 1984 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies, and years later, saying yes to new challenges led me to try a bobsled run of my own. In many ways, the spirit is the same-showing up, pushing limits, and stepping into the unknown.

And then-one of my favorite parts of the entire experience: signing books.

There is something incredibly meaningful about meeting readers one-on-one, hearing how the story resonates, and seeing Brave-ish continue to connect in such a personal way. I truly loved every moment of it-the conversations, the laughter, the shared stories. Being an author and signing a book that still resonates so deeply is a joy I don’t take for granted.

What makes the Books & Authors program so special is the way it builds community-bringing together readers, alumni, and lifelong learners who are deeply engaged, thoughtful, and genuinely excited to connect through ideas and stories. What stayed with me most, though, was that connection. The questions were thoughtful and personal. The conversations continued long after the program ended-during lunch, between sessions, and in those meaningful moments that remind me why storytelling matters.

This experience would not have been possible without the incredible leadership behind it. My sincere thanks to Wendy, Debby, and the entire Tucson Brandeis team, whose dedication and warmth made the event so memorable. Their work reflects the heart of the Brandeis community-bringing people together through shared curiosity and a love of learning.

Having now spoken at Brandeis events in both Los Angeles and Tucson, I am struck by the continuity of that community across cities. Each gathering is unique, yet grounded in the same values: connection, conversation, and a deep appreciation for books and ideas-qualities that make the Brandeis community so special in every city I’ve experienced it.

As I continue to share Brave-ish with audiences around the country, I am reminded that small steps can lead to big changes-on stage, in conversation, and in life.

And sometimes, all it takes is one postcard to begin-and a willingness to say yes to whatever comes next.

Videos from Brandeis Tucson Event:

WHEN? March 11, 2026 — Book & Author Dinner | 5:30 PM March 12, 2026 — Book & Author Luncheon | 9:30 AM
WHERE? Hilton Tucson East 7600 E. Broadway Blvd.

READ about the Los Angeles event: on WeSaidGoTravel, on MSN, in the

More about the event: click here.

Click here to see all of my social media, videos and articles from the events.

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on April 21, 2026.

My first time at South by Southwest in Austin began with one clear intention: to show up fully, share my story, and say yes to every moment.

I arrived as an author, honored to sign my memoir, BRAVE-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty, at the The Female Quotient Lounge. From the very first day, it became clear that this experience would be defined not just by events, but by connection.

https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/sxsw-2026/

The Female Quotient: Where Stories Meet Community

At the heart of my SXSW experience was the Female Quotient BookSHElf, a space alive with conversation, curiosity, and collaboration. I spent hours signing books, meeting readers, and engaging in the kinds of conversations that remind you why stories matter. There is something powerful about handing someone your book and seeing their reaction-recognition, excitement, and sometimes even emotion.

I am deeply grateful to Shelley Zalis and the entire Female Quotient team-Talia, Paige, Nikki, Hamsa, Erika, Fleming, and so many others-who created a seamless, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated environment where every detail felt intentional and every voice valued.

Moments That Define SXSW

SXSW is known for its energy, but what stayed with me most were the people. Meeting Emma Grede, celebrating her upcoming book Start With Yourself, and watching her connect with the Broadlines podcast team was a powerful example of women supporting women. Connecting with Rae Williams felt equally meaningful; our shared background in storytelling made the moment feel both grounded and full of possibility.

Hearing Ilona Maher speak was another highlight. Her presence-strong, confident, and fully authentic-captured the spirit of showing up as your whole self.

A Riverfront Oasis: Four Seasons Austin

In the middle of SXSW’s nonstop pace, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin became both my home and my reset. Set along the water near the Austin Rowing Club, the hotel offers a rare balance of vibrant city energy and natural calm. The riverfront setting, framed by trees and skyline views, creates a sense of space that feels both grounded and expansive.

My day started with breakfast at Ciclo, and the hotel offered so many spaces and moments to pause-whether at the pool, with a margarita in hand, or simply taking in the view before returning to the energy of SXSW.

The Honey Rose spa ritual was a standout experience, combining grapefruit and rose oils with a decadent honey foot scrub and pressure-point massage. It offered a restorative pause that balanced the pace of the festival with a sense of calm and renewal.

Dining at Ciclo: Flavor and Experience

My dinner at Ciclo was a highlight of the stay, where the meal felt both elevated and inviting. From heirloom tomato and burrata to sweet corn empanadas, braised short ribs, and a perfectly cooked filet, the menu showcased bold flavors and thoughtful preparation. Signature moments-like a flaming Tomahawk steak and a dessert presented with dramatic dry ice-added a sense of theater that made the experience as memorable as it was delicious.

My thanks to Chef Juan Mateo and the entire team-Liz, Fernando, and Sophia-for creating a dining experience that felt both refined and personal.

Details That Make a Stay Unforgettable

What makes a stay truly memorable often comes down to the details.

Waiting in my room was a custom cookie featuring the cover of BRAVE-ish, alongside an SXSW-themed cookie, delicate macarons, and thoughtful touches that made the welcome feel entirely personal. Combined with a balcony overlooking downtown Austin and the soft glow of the hotel along the river at night, these moments created a sense of place that lingered long after the stay.

Gratitude-and Momentum

This experience was about more than attending SXSW-it was about showing up, sharing my story, and connecting with people who reminded me why that story matters.

I am deeply grateful to The Female Quotient for the opportunity to be part of the Book SHElf and sign BRAVE-ish, and to the Four Seasons Hotel Austin for creating a space that balanced energy with calm throughout the experience.

Most of all, I am grateful for the conversations, the connections, and the reminder that when we share our stories, we create something far bigger than ourselves-and open the door to what comes next.

✨ Say yes. Share your story. And keep going.

See all my social media and articles from SXSW here.

WATCH all my videos from SXSW and Four Seasons Austin here:

SXSW’s 40th edition is going back to its roots: a campus-style event at venues across downtown Austin. From March 12–18, 2026 the city will be buzzing with visitors hopping from film screenings and technology workshops to panel discussions where innovators will discuss the future of every industry under the sun.

Lisa Ellen Niver

Lisa Niver is an award-winning author, travel journalist and international speaker who has explored 102 countries on all seven continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel. On her award-winning global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded five Southern California Journalism Awards and four National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist thirty-five times. Named a top travel influencer, Niver talks travel on broadcast television, her YouTube channel with over 2.5 million views, and in her award-winning memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

Originally published at https://www.wesaidgotravel.com on April 14, 2026.