“Think of us as your coolest traveler friend”: Q&A with Insider’s Travel Editor Emily Hochberg
In the latest installment of our @InsiderInc Twitter chat series, #TheInsideStory, we spoke with Emily Hochberg, the new editor of Insider’s refreshed travel section, Insider Travel. During our conversation, Emily shared what differentiates Insider’s award-winning travel coverage, her recommendation on where to travel next, and how her outlook on travel changed during the pandemic. Stay up to date on all things Insider Travel by following Emily on Twitter and checking out her most recent Insider articles.
Thanks for joining us today, Emily! Let’s kick off this chat with you describing your role at Insider.
Hi, thanks for having me! I’m Insider’s Travel Editor overseeing our newly revamped page. Here, we spotlight destinations with practical advice and must-see and do activities — all from a local perspective.
What were you doing before joining the team at Insider? Tell us a bit about your background.
Before getting into travel, I held many jobs in media, mostly in entertainment. I got my start reporting for People, booked talent for Reelz Channel, and wrote and produced for MTV. But entertainment didn’t feed my soul; travel did. When I got a job leading travel content for hotel guests at Porter & Sail, a booking and city guide app, I realized it was the medium for me. I’ve never looked back.
When did you first catch the travel bug and realize your passion for travel reporting?
My parents always prioritized travel, even when I was a baby. We visited family in Israel and would add on stops in places like London or Rome. That stayed with me; I’m always planning where to go next. When I started freelancing and took on travel assignments, I loved it more than anything else and looked for jobs where I could make it my focus. For me, writing about travel never feels like work.
Has your outlook on travel changed or evolved during the pandemic?
More than ever, I’m reminded that travel is an immense privilege that isn’t guaranteed. All of a sudden, I couldn’t just jump on a great deal anymore. I used to travel internationally once a year, and I haven't since 2019. I’ll never take that for granted again.
How would you describe Insider’s philosophy when it comes to travel coverage?
We feature unique perspectives and stories meant to inspire you, whether its practical advice, dreaming up the next place to go, or an inside peek at the coolest places in the world.
Insider recently relaunched its Travel section. What is your vision for the new Insider Travel?
Think of us as your coolest traveler friend, the one who generously shares in-the-know secrets, from incredible places to stay to the hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Our reporters are passionate about the places they report on and know them exceptionally well.
Traffic to Insider’s travel coverage has grown 630% over the last 6 months. What does this exciting growth mean for your team?
It means that the world is actively traveling again, and readers are looking to us as experts to help guide them on those journeys. It’s my goal to keep that excitement going.
What do you think differentiates Insider’s travel section from other publications’ coverage? What makes our travel coverage stand out?
All of our travel coverage comes from on-the-ground local writers who are experts on their city, country, and destination. Their advice provides an authentic point-of-view that just can’t be matched.
Where is your favorite place to travel? We love that your stories always have a personal touch, like when you wrote about your hotel experience during your Honeymoon.
What an unfair Q to ask a travel editor! However, this hotel was actually the place I dreamt of all pandemic. When I felt stressed, overwhelmed, or like I would never travel again, I imagined myself back on this beach, at this exceptional hotel, and it made me feel hopeful.
When friends and family ask you where to travel next, where do you suggest?
It depends on their needs, but I usually share a favorite from my recent travels. Lately, that’s the Azores, which are beautiful Portuguese islands that are a quick flight from the East Coast and can best be described as Hawaii meets Iceland.
What do you hope readers take away from Insider’s travel coverage?
I hope our stories will inspire readers, whether by actually booking the places we’re writing about or offering a transportive moment amid a busy day. Most of all, I hope to earn their trust and loyalty as their go-to source for all things travel.
What would Insider readers be surprised to learn about you?
That, like most people, I barely traveled this last year. But, I also had a baby in a pandemic, so that threw things for an added loop.
What do you love most about working at Insider Inc.?
I love Insider’s entrepreneurial spirit to share many types of stories and see what will resonate with our readers. I also think it’s a great place to be as a working parent!