Q&A With a Travel Editor: Jerod Morales
We sat down with the travel expert behind Let’s Go Travel Dad to get the inside scoop on his favorite destinations.
In addition to being one ESM’s contributing travel editors, Jerod Morales works in IT, loves to travel, and moderates the Award Travel 101 Facebook group with over 75K members. He’s always on the hunt for the next adventure with his family of six.
What place is at the top of your bucket list?
JM: Iceland. The landscape there feels like an alien planet. I’d like to visit Blue Lagoon, Black Sand Beach, the volcano, and all the waterfalls.
Out of all the places you’ve travelled, what destination has the best food?
JM: I love the food in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Churrascarias, Pao de Queijo, Guarana, Maracuja, all of it!
What’s the most meaningful trip you’ve ever taken?
JM: My wife and I went on our first big trip without kids to Rome and Venice. We were deep into family life at the time, and this helped us rediscover and remember why we chose each other. Then we came home and had more kids.
What’s your favorite souvenir from all your travels?
JM: I like to say I don’t collect things as much as memories. So it would be all the photos and videos taken to look back on to remember various trips.
Out of all the places you’ve visited, what’s your favorite locale?
JM: Venice, Italy, was one of my favorites because there really is no other city like it. It’s a city sitting atop stilts, with no cars, rich history, and excellent seafood.
What’s your best memory/experience from all your travels?
JM: Kayaking and then swimming the bioluminescent bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, was a surreal experience. Watching light drip from your hand and seeing the water light up with each kick of your leg, while the stars twinkle above, was magical.
What’s your favorite airline to travel?
JM: I like Southwest for domestic. We do a good amount of family travel, and SW is super family-friendly. My wife and I are also Companion Pass holders going on six years, so getting a BOGO ticket each time we fly is huge!
What do you like about solo travel?
JM: We like to say “family is our favorite,” but I have recently started solo traveling more. It feels so necessary to get space to think and breathe from time to time. I love meeting new people along the journey and learning more about different cities and cultures.
What do you like about group trips?
JM: It’s like a slumber party with friends but in an epic location!
What do you enjoy most about working with EASTside Magazine?
JM: I was drawn to EASTside Magazine initially after admiring their creativity. As I dug deeper, I found that they have a style and a voice that matches the vibe of East Austin, the place I call home. The founders are friends and explorers at heart and that makes us kindred spirits.
What destination are you off to next?
JM: Sonoma, California, is next on the calendar. Then United Kingdom for the summer is in the works!
