Sara Button: Travel Writing, Editorial Excellence, and Global Inspiration
Discover the breadth of Sara Button’s passion for storytelling, travel, and editorial craft as seen through her diverse contributions to AFAR and beyond.
About Sara Button: A Decade of Travel Writing and Editorial Impact
Sara Button is a prolific writer and editor whose career spans over ten years, marked by creativity, curiosity, and a passion for immersive storytelling. Best known for her work with AFAR—a leading platform in travel journalism—Sara has shaped countless narratives, from in-depth magazine features to bite-sized travel tips. Her expertise covers family travel, culinary adventures, wellness, epic journeys, and an editorial eye for both the poetic and the practical aspects of global discovery.
Key Editorial Topics and Categories
- Epic Trips
- Family Travel
- Food + Drink
- Health + Wellness
- Road Trips
- Sustainable and LGBTQ Travel
- Holiday and Weekend Getaways
- Magazine Features and Longreads
- Travel Tips, News, and Etiquette
- Packing and Gear Advice
- Air Travel and Train Journeys
Signature Styles: What Sets Sara Apart
Over the years, Sara Button has developed a reputation for blending thorough research, cultural curiosity, and an inviting narrative voice. Her content is distinguished by several core attributes:
- Narrative Depth: Detailed, scene-rich stories that evoke place and personality.
- Practical Insight: Actionable advice for travelers, from how to arrive refreshed after a long flight to essentials for the perfect road trip.
- Curatorial Expertise: Lists of recommended books, podcasts, hotels, and destinations rooted in on-the-ground experience.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Engaging with local traditions, new perspectives, and the ethical dimensions of travel.
Highlighted Works and Recurring Columns
Sara’s byline appears across an extraordinary spectrum of travel journalism. Below is a selection of her notable topics and some representative article types:
- Health + Wellness:
- “Here’s How to Arrive at Your Destination Looking Like You’ve Just Had a Facial Instead of a 10-Hour Flight” — Expert tips for jetlag, skincare, and maintaining energy during travel.
- Wellness retreats and self-care on the road, from spa recommendations to mindfulness practices for globetrotters.
- Epic and Iconic Journeys:
- “11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express” — Honest advice and hacks for luxury train travel.
- Road Trips:
- “The 46 Best Podcasts for Your Next Road Trip or Long Flight” — Curated audio journeys for every mood.
- “16 Great Places to Stop Along California’s Pacific Coast Highway” — Off-the-beaten-path gems and must-visit stops along America’s scenic routes.
- Books and Culture:
- “14 Books to Read if You’re Dreaming About Italy” — Literary suggestions to whet the travel appetite.
- Magazine Features & Longreads:
- “Call of the Wild: Exploring the Beauty of South Georgia Island” — Immersive expedition storytelling blending natural history and adventure.
- “In the Faroe Islands, a Photographer Meets Locals Embracing Their Roots” — Cultural profiles through the lens of returning and preserving heritage.
In-Depth Focus: Notable Categories Explained
Epic Trips
Sara’s stories capture bucket-list experiences, from luxurious train journeys across Europe to intrepid ventures into remote destinations. She combines practical advice (e.g., navigating reservations, packing the right gear) with vignettes that bring the grandeur and detail of epic travel to life.
Family Travel
Many of her guides are tailored for families, offering advice on kid-friendly destinations, multigenerational trip planning, and strategies for making travel rewarding and accessible for all ages.
Food + Drink
Exploring the culinary world is a recurring focus. Sara highlights destination dining, tastemaker interviews, regional specialties, and the sensory pleasures that define a place through food and drink.
Health + Wellness
From spa retreats to on-the-go wellness habits, Sara considers the intersection of travel and self-care. Her advice ranges from managing jetlag and skincare in transit to selecting wellness resorts, mindful routines, and restorative experiences abroad.
Holiday and Seasonal Travel
Special occasions and holiday trips invite tips on festive destinations, cultural traditions, family gatherings, and unique ways to mark the calendar’s highlights while on the move.
Sustainable and LGBTQ Travel
Sara’s editorial work often champions responsible travel—promoting inclusivity, supporting local communities, and highlighting green initiatives. Guides include practical etiquette for travelers and spotlights on LGBTQ-friendly destinations.
Outdoor Adventure
For those drawn to nature, Sara’s writings span hiking, wildlife expeditions, and natural wonders. She emphasizes safety, preparation, and conscious enjoyment of the outdoors.
Magazine Features and Unpacked Stories
Sara’s magazine-length features delve into untold stories and spotlight transformative journeys, using long-form narrative to inspire and inform. Her “Unpacked” stories dissect travel trends, behind-the-scenes interviews, and personal essays.
Popular Guides and Resources
- Where to Go Next: Destination inspiration, up-and-coming locales, and annual travel bucket lists.
- Hotels We Love: Reviews and roundups of standout accommodations, from boutique inns to wellness resorts.
- Travel Deals, Visas + Passports: Timely tips for budget travelers and practical advice on travel logistics.
Sample Table: Sara Button’s Key Categories at a Glance
| Category | Focus | Signature Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Epic Trips | Bucket-list journeys, luxury travel | Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, South Georgia Island |
| Wellness | Self-care, spa retreats, health on-the-go | Jetlag tips, wellness resorts, skincare routines |
| Road Trips | Scenic drives, itinerary planning | Pacific Coast Highway, podcast guides |
| Culture | Literary travel, local heritage | Book lists, festivals, culinary journeys |
| Travel Tips | Practical guidance, trending news | Packing gear, loyalty rewards, travel etiquette |
Editorial Philosophy and Approach
Sara Button’s core mission is to spark curiosity while equipping travelers with the knowledge they need to venture confidently and respectfully. Her writing invites readers to:
- Travel Deeply: Move beyond surface tourism to form meaningful connections with people and places.
- Honor Diversity: Appreciate both differences and commonalities across cultures.
- Stay Informed: Use up-to-date travel news, trends, and practical guides.
- Embrace Change: Respond to global developments—such as wellness trends, sustainability, and the future of travel—with an open mind.
Editorial Highlights: Selected Recent Articles
- “Here’s How to Arrive at Your Destination Looking Like You’ve Just Had a Facial Instead of a 10-Hour Flight” (Dec 19, 2024): In-depth skincare and travel wellness tips for frequent flyers.
- “The 46 Best Podcasts for Your Next Road Trip or Long Flight” (May 1, 2024): Handpicked podcast recommendations for every type of journey.
- “11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express” (Oct 13, 2023): Insightful lessons learned aboard Europe’s storied luxury train.
- “16 Great Places to Stop Along California’s Pacific Coast Highway” (Jun 28, 2023): A curated guide for exploring California’s iconic coastal route.
- “Call of the Wild: Exploring the Beauty of South Georgia Island” (Oct 19, 2021): Immersive nature storytelling blending wildlife and environmental reporting.
Expertise Beyond AFAR: Sara Button’s Broader Portfolio
In addition to her work with AFAR, Sara Button has adapted her storytelling to B2B communications, web strategy, and even food writing—applying narrative verve to client case studies, editorial direction, and specialty content. She is passionate about empowering brands to “shine” by weaving together creativity, meticulous structure, and authentic voice.
Tools, Skills, and Education
- Writing & Editing: Narrative structure, feature writing, digital content optimization
- Content Strategy: Web content planning, audience engagement, storytelling for diverse formats
- Creative Communication: Workshops, editorial leadership, mentorship
- Tools: Google Suite, Jira, Trello, Airtable, Figma, ZeroHeight
- Education: MFA in Nonfiction Writing (University of Pittsburgh), BA (University of Arizona)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What topics does Sara Button cover most often in her writing?
A: Sara Button’s articles frequently explore wellness, epic travel experiences, road trips, literary journeys, and practical tips for intentional travel, always with a focus on depth and cultural sensitivity.
Q: Where can I read Sara Button’s latest articles?
A: Sara’s most recent work can be found on AFAR.com, especially in sections like Health + Wellness, Epic Trips, Road Trips, Magazine Features, and the Tips + News category.
Q: What is unique about Sara Button’s travel writing?
A: Her writing stands out for narrative immersion, actionable advice, and an editorial commitment to thoughtful, inclusive travel—addressing not only where to go but how and why to engage with places meaningfully.
Q: Does Sara Button contribute outside of travel media?
A: Yes, alongside travel publications, Sara brings her storytelling expertise to B2B content, copywriting, and brand narrative strategy, drawing on her MFA and years of editorial experience.
Q: Which travel trends has Sara Button highlighted recently?
A: Recent focuses include wellness on the road, sustainable and responsible tourism, LGBTQ-friendly destinations, and adapting to new travel realities such as changing airline protocols and digital nomadism.
Contact and Connect with Sara Button
If you wish to learn more about Sara or connect for editorial projects, her professional profiles (such as those on AFAR or personal writing websites) provide a comprehensive view into her background, portfolio, and wide-ranging contributions to the world of travel writing.
