What does a day as Deputy Editor of Explore look like?
I handle a few different aspects of Explore. I write short and long-form stories, commission freelancers based in different parts of the world, edit their work and assist the team in putting together the Saturday travel supplement included in ACM's 14 newspapers such as The Canberra Times, Newcastle Herald and Bendigo Advertiser.

I also manage Explore’s social media, publish online stories, build our weekly newsletter and attend industry events as much as possible. There’s an element of travel involved too, which as you can imagine is such an exciting aspect of this job.

How did you get your start in travel journalism?
It was a gradual, unintentional shift. I started off as a fashion journalist, got bored and became an arts writer. Then I explored topics like food, architecture and interior design, before somehow ending up in the travel world. I spent some time at SBS News during the COVID-19 years, which was a hugely enriching experience but I missed travel so much, I decided to come back.

Who makes up your team at Explore?
It’s a small team, consisting of ACM’s Head of Travel Kate Cox, Explore Editor Sarah Maguire, and myself. Of course, we have dozens of freelancers in Australia and overseas who contribute to the supplement not to mention a great stable of ACM writers, who we work closely with.

What are some of your favourite places to travel in Australia and abroad?
I love nothing more than wandering aimlessly and losing myself in a big, busy, atmospheric city and letting its sounds, sights and smells stimulate all my senses. Places like Melbourne, New York, London, Paris and Budapest are great for a meditative meander, but the city that left me totally intoxicated was Istanbul.

What are three things you would recommend to PRs when sending a pitch?
1. Mention all the key information - what, where and when - briefly and clearly at the start of your pitch. It’s surprising how many times I receive long emails about say, a festival, and the dates of when it’s being held are really hard to find.

2. Focus on “why”. Why should, for example, Explore write about a certain hotel? Is it new? Does it work for Explore’s audience? Fleshing out “why” shows attention to detail and makes a pitch stand out.

3. Following up once or - at a pinch - twice is OK. But if you still don’t hear back from the journalist, it’s time to maybe pitch something else.