If you’ve been following @DiningTraveler on social media this summer, you have probably read about The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico on my posts. With our crowdfunding in effect, I decided to share with you a little about this concept that is so close to my heart.
What is The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico?
In this world of social media, I did not want to create the typical travel guide. One of the things I have noticed about my years as a travel blogger is that a single image on social media can inspire a traveler to book a ticket to a faraway land. I am creating a book in which an image can transport you to the destination. This is why I decided to partner with Italo Morales, a friend and a talented photojournalist to capture must-see spots on the island. The book will be edited by fellow boricua and SUNY Albany alum Nina Alvarez, writer, editor, and founder of Dream Your Book Author Services and The Aurora Center for Creative and Spiritual Arts in Rochester, New York.
Merging Digital & Print
I believe you should be able to touch inspiration. There is always room for a photography book in your office, living room, or bedroom. However, I am all about packing light. The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico will provide both. The book will have an e-book companion for your travels. There is also an app in the works.
Why The Dining Traveler Guide To Puerto Rico?
Throughout the years, I’ve read dozens of articles about Puerto Rico on publications such as Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Although the stories can provide a great snapshot of the things the island has to offer, I noticed there was something missing: articles about Puerto Rico written by Puerto Ricans on traditional travel media in the United States and Europe. Having grown up in Puerto Rico, done part of my college studies there, and countless trips, I decided to take matters into my own hands: publish a book about travel experiences from a boricua perspective.
What Will Be showcased?
During my latest travels to Puerto Rico, I have taken road trips throughout the roads less traveled for tourists. Whether it is lechon (roasted pork) at Guavate, deep in the center of the island or a sunset at La Guancha in Ponce, I want to merge popular experiences with sights not as well known for those who visit from abroad. One of the things I enjoy about traveling to Puerto Rico is that you can blend luxury and budget experiences on the same trip. The content will be diverse as I will focus on showcasing locally owned businesses such as restaurants, tours, and hotels.
What is the inspiration?
As a kid growing up in Puerto Rico, I discovered the island on road trips with my parents. We used to take trips to the beach, mountains, and visit my father’s friends who owned restaurants in tiny towns like Arroyo and Peñuelas. I want to bring back that childhood discovery into the book. From an aquaponic farm in the heart of Puerto Rico to a “jungalo” in Cabo Rojo, I want to include my favorite discoveries.
The content is of El Pueblo (everyone)
One of the great things that has happened with sharing my project is the outpour of support from personal friends and The Dining Traveler followers. I get tagged on Instagram and Facebook on photos of restaurants and beaches I should add to the guide. People send me emails on where to go and what to see to add to the book. I recently shot the video for our campaign with a talented young Puerto Rican videographer, Jose Marquez who I discovered through Instagram. The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico is about featuring ideas from our community. Do you have a spot you would like to have featured? Tag me on Instagram or Facebook with @diningtraveler and #DTGuidePR.
How does the campaign help?
To be part of the Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico, please contribute to our Kickstarter page.
So exciting! I love Puerto Rico and really want to return and explore more much more of the island. One of my favorite travel moments is stumbling spending a warm evening in Old San Juan with one my girlfriends watching a ‘free concert’ and older locals dancing. Still melts my hear thinking about it. Can’t wait for you to share the Puerto Rico that you love.
Thanks Danielle! Can’t wait to share the experience as well. I just got my video first edit… eek! I can’t wait to share it!
This is awesome Jess, I can’t wait to read it and see the photos, I’m sure they will be gorgeous! I want to go to Puerto Rico, do you think it’s a good place for a solo traveler?
Thanks Michelle! Puerto Rico is safe for the solo traveler, however, I think you will have a better experience traveling with someone so you can venture into the island beyond San Juan.
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