Q&A With a Travel Editor: Abby L. Johnson

We asked our Assistant Editor to share some of her favorite travel memories with us. Here’s what she had to say!

Abby L. Johnson is a writer and editor who grew up in the Austin area and went on to study English at UT Austin. While she plans to stay in Austin, her favorite city, she also loves to explore the world.

What place is at the top of your bucket list?
AJ: My bucket list trip is actually to ride a train from the west coast to the east coast. I don’t have one particular destination in mind, which is fairly typical of the way I approach travel. I like to let the world unfold in front of me, bringing me to surprising experiences. 

Out of all the places you’ve travelled, what destination has the best food?
AJ: In Whiteriver, Arizona, I had the chance to try frybread. Think savory funnel cake meets a large tortilla. It is usually served so that it functions like a taco shell, holding refried beans, sometimes ground beef, and usually lettuce and tomato. I haven’t found anything like frybread elsewhere.

What’s your favorite souvenir from all your travels?
AJ: I bought my favorite pair of shoes when I was visiting Greenwich Village. It might sound silly, but when I wear them I always imagine I’m walking down those iconic cobblestone roads. Or maybe, from the same trip, my Hadestown playbill. 

Out of all the places you’ve visited, what’s your favorite locale?
AJ: Believe it or not, Bentonville, Arkansas, is beautiful. I love the landscape, and the local art museums are actually some of the most interesting I’ve ever experienced. 

What’s your best memory/experience from all your travels?
AJ: Hiking through the Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado. It’s a humbling experience. The trails are surrounded by the dusty white Aspen trees and lined by smooth stones worn soft by the freezing river rapids fueled by melted snow runoff. The landscape feels ancient. 

What’s your favorite airline to travel?
AJ: I love Southwest. They are definitely my go-to, as I feel like I usually know exactly what my travel expenses will be; there aren’t many hidden fees.  

What do you enjoy most about working with EASTside Magazine? 
AJ: I most enjoy supporting our mission. It runs deep in everything our team produces, and it makes the work personally meaningful and truly impactful in the community.