WINNER OF VISIT USA MEDIA AWARDS BEST BROADCAST PROGRAMME FOR WANDER WOMAN PODCAST
Phoebe Smith looks back on a memorable trip across the US:
I've been travelling regularly to the USA for the last 20 years - it's a place that constantly surprises a travel writer and offers new stories and voices every time. One of my most memorable trips was in 2007 when I decided to undertake a road trip from New York to LA, in winter. Travelling through the interior showed me a completely different side to the US that I'd ever previously experienced.
Since then I was hooked on finding the hidden places that are never in the spotlight. From journeying along the Appalachian Trail to meet the locals, volunteers and initiatives in Trail Towns; to following the Mississippi River to learn about the myriad history of this literal physical boundary that connected north and south through the ages; I've been determined to showcase the lesser known areas such as the Chincoteague Islands in Virginia and their herd of wild ponies, cliff camping experiences in Colorado and, more recently, the plight of the endangered manatees who every year come to Florida - merely hours from the headline hitting theme parks.
This win for the Wander Woman Podcast means so very much to me - I can't wait to seek out more untold USA stories in the coming year ahead.
Phoebe’s Wander Woman Podcast can be accessed via all main podcast platforms.
View Visit USA Media Awards winners here.