How did Reese’s candies lead me to this Talking Travel interview with travel writer Susan B. Barnes? Allow me to explain.

A few years ago, I came across an article on travlingirl.com comparing Reese’s peanut butter cups with seasoned peanut butter eggs and hearts. It perfectly explained an argument I have made for years. While on the Travlin’ Girl site, I found a lot of other interesting articles on travel, food, lifestyles and more. I still did not realize I already had a connection with Barnes. Through her many years of writing, Florida-based journalist Barnes has appeared in many publications, one of which is Global Traveler.

I finally met Barnes at a GT event last year. After discussing a future interview, we were finally able to coordinate our schedules and get it done a couple weeks ago.

Celebrating 25 years of travel writing, Barnes has been a freelance writer for the past 14 years. She states that gives her the freedom to choose where she travels and the topics she covers. Her interest in travel started in high school and is stronger than ever even after so many years and destinations visited.

Barnes spoke about changes in travel, current travel trends, her favorite locations, future trips and much more. I also asked Barnes about the possibility of a book. While she did not squash the idea, it is not planned any time soon. I will keep up hope, though, because I think she would write a great one.

The day after this interview, Barnes and her husband left on their latest excursion to Alaska, one of her favorite places. I am sure the trip will be fun and provide her with a lot of great, new content.

Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.

— John Wroblewski, podcaster