Brad A. Johnson is a writer, editor and photographer specializing in food and travel. Brad is the editorial director at OLTRE, a luxury travel magazine published by Internova Travel Group. Brad also publishes the award-winning website Brad A. Johnson, Food & Travel (bradajohnson.com). He is a former longtime contributing reporter at Food & Wine, restaurant and travel critic at Orange County Register, frequent contributor to Robb Report and columnist at Food Republic and Mexico Today. He also previously helped pioneer Modern Luxury Media, the largest publisher of luxury lifestyle magazines in the United States, where he served as national food and travel editor. His writing and photography have appeared in dozens of leading publications worldwide, winning top awards from the James Beard Foundation, World Food Media Awards, Folio, NATJA, SATW, IACP, California Journalism Awards and more.
1. What got you into travel writing?
In college, I worked in luxury hotels to pay for tuition. I liked going to work better than going to school, so I dropped out to work full time. After working 10 years in hotels, I went back to school and got a degree in magazine journalism — then I interned at Hotels magazine. Decades later, I’m still a hotel junkie.
2. What’s the most challenging part of being a travel journalist for you?
I wear multiple hats. As an editor, I struggle to find enough time in the day to respond to emails. So I apologize to everyone whose message still languishes in my inbox. As a writer, my biggest challenge is speed. I’ve always been an excruciatingly slow writer. And as a photographer? No matter the assignment, I regularly travel with a full kit of gear, which means I’m always checking bags, even for short trips, but it’s worth the hassle.
3. What is the most rewarding aspect of travel journalism?
Inspiring others to get out and see the world and to taste something new.
4. What is something you wish people knew about travel journalism?
Lots of people think I’m constantly on vacation. LOL. See my previous answer about lugging 75 pounds of gear everywhere I go. It’s never a vacation — and travel writing is never just journaling about a trip. Ultimately, it’s about storytelling and creating a sense of connection.
5. What have you enjoyed most about being a NATJA member?
I like the unpretentiousness of this group. And, of course, winning an award from NATJA is always gratifying
6. How have cross-cultural experiences shaped your point of view of the world?
Travel expands the mind.
