About HLA
Travel should do more than take you somewhere new. It should deepen your perspective, connect you to people and places, and make the experience meaningful long after you return home.
That’s the foundation of Her Life Adventures: a team of experienced travelers, writers, and editors committed to thoughtful exploration. For us, travel isn’t about checking boxes or chasing trends. It’s about discovering landscapes, understanding cultures, and approaching every journey with awareness and respect.
- Founder
Chalsea Messina
In 2017, Chelsea, a Michigan native, started Her Life Adventures as a personal scrapbook. At the time, she was working a Fortune 500 job, living the corporate routine until a life-changing work trip to Japan shifted everything. Seven years into her corporate career, Chelsea made a bold decision: she left it behind to become a certified Independent Travel Agent specializing in national parks and hiking. But along the way, something else became clear.
Travel wasn’t just about beautiful landscapes, it was about protecting them.
After witnessing the growing impact of droughts and environmental damage firsthand, Chelsea became a passionate climate advocate. Today, she blends curated travel planning with a powerful mission: inspiring zero-waste living, responsible tourism, and sustainable choices.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! You can send us a message or find us on social media.
Operational Team & Contributors
Meet our Travelexperts
Howard Blount
Contributor
Howard Blount, based in Central Florida, believes the best travel experiences come from scenic routes, historic sites, and immersing in local culture. From road trips across America to fly-drives abroad and cruises on mighty waters, Howard seeks out adventures that reveal the true character of each destination.Â
Michael Lee
Contributor
Michael Lee, a travel expert with an architectural background and a Master’s in International Tourism, has explored 20+ countries. He crafts unique itineraries that blend stunning landscapes with vibrant cultures, from hidden Himalayan beaches to Amazon safaris.
Lisa Ferguson
Contributor
Lisa Ferguson, a science writer with expertise in genome rearrangement and neuroscience, blends scientific insights with the beauty of travel. She explores destinations, highlighting the connection between sustainability, progress, and nature’s wonders.
Samantha Blake
Contributor
With 10 years in digital media, Samantha brings everyday moments to life through compelling storytelling. From Burlington, Vermont, she curates content that captures the heart of American life, fueled by her love for vintage bookstores and road trips.
Marcus Hale
Contributor
Marcus, a lifestyle writer from Sacramento, California, uncovers stories in hidden towns and quirky traditions. His passion for travel and people-watching, combined with a journalism background, fuels his exploration of offbeat destinations and fresh travel angles
Ian Rollwitz
Contributor
Ian Rollwitz, a travel writer and coordinator at HLA, creates personalized luxury experiences and transforms vacations into unforgettable journeys. He also leads the rock band Until The Eclipse, bringing creativity to his work.
Connie Cottingham
Contributor
Connie, a Master Gardener and published garden writer over 800 times, blends her love for gardening with travel. Based in NW Arkansas, she offers unique insights and practical ideas to inspire readers to bring their gardening dreams to life.
Cherith Fluker
Contributor
Cherith Fluker, based in Alabama, uncovers hidden gems and offbeat experiences, transforming every journey into an immersive story. Her work captures local culture, cuisine, and adventure, inspiring readers to explore with curiosity and excitement.
Lisa Evans
Contributor
Lisa Evans, a travel journalist and photographer, uncovers hidden gems and explores diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories. Through storytelling and vivid photography, she inspires travelers to discover local traditions, natural wonders, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Leah B.
Contributor
Leah B., a travel writer passionate about hiking and outdoor adventures, inspires readers to discover scenic trails, hidden gems, and immersive nature experiences. With a focus on wellness and adventure, she blends expert tips with captivating storytelling, encouraging readers to connect deeply with the natural world.
Natalie Beauregard
Contributor
Natalie Beauregard, a New York-based travel writer and editor for HLA, uncovers unique experiences and vibrant destinations. Through in-depth articles and personal insights, she offers practical advice and inspires travelers to explore new adventures.
Editorial Guidelines Policy
Mission Statement
We create original, carefully reviewed travel content that blends practical expertise with meaningful perspective. But we go beyond itineraries and packing lists. Guided by our founder’s commitment to sustainability and supported by a diverse team of editors, scientists, journalists, and travel specialists, we believe great travel should also protect the places that inspire it.
We aim to:
- Deliver trustworthy, well-researched guidance
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- Share immersive stories that connect you to culture and community
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- Make trip planning easier and more accessible
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- Encourage responsible, environmentally conscious travel
Accuracy and Fairness
We fact-check all destination guides, travel resources, and sustainability content before publication. Our editorial team verifies details such as pricing, access information, regulations, and environmental data using credible sources.
Independence and Integrity
Our editorial decisions are made independently of commercial partnerships. Contributors are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest, and we do not allow sponsorships or affiliate relationships to influence our recommendations or reviews.
Transparency
We clearly disclose affiliate links, sponsored collaborations, hosted trips, and partnerships. Corrections are issued promptly and visibly. When data, research, or expert commentary is used, sources are cited or referenced appropriately.
Privacy and Sensitivity
We respect the privacy of individuals and communities featured in our content. When reporting on environmental damage, climate impact, or sensitive cultural topics, we prioritize accuracy, dignity, and context over sensationalism.
Editorial Independence
Advertising and sponsored content are clearly labeled and separated from editorial work. Our editors retain full authority over content standards, tone, and final publication decisions.
Community Engagement
We welcome reader feedback and actively respond to questions, corrections, and travel experiences shared by our audience. Our goal is to foster a respectful, informed community of travelers who value thoughtful exploration.
Diversity and Inclusivity
We intentionally feature diverse destinations, cultures, voices, and travel styles. Our contributors represent varied professional backgrounds and geographic perspectives, ensuring inclusive storytelling that avoids stereotypes and promotes cultural respect.
Social Media Use
Our team uses social platforms responsibly to share content, travel insights, and sustainability awareness. Professional accounts reflect our editorial standards, and personal opinions are clearly distinguished from official brand messaging.
Legal Compliance
We comply with applicable advertising, copyright, and consumer protection laws. Images, research, and third-party materials are properly licensed or credited, and we seek legal guidance when necessary to uphold ethical publishing standards.
Review and Revision: This editorial guideline policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to changing journalistic standards, industry best practices, and the evolving needs of our audience.
Date of Last Revision: January 21st, 2025.
Our Editorial Standards
Original, Expert-Reviewed Content
All content published on our platforms is original and developed by experienced travel writers, editors, and subject-matter contributors. Articles are reviewed for clarity, structure, factual accuracy, and practical value before publication.
Accuracy and Credibility
We verify key details including travel regulations, pricing ranges, environmental data, safety considerations, and access information using reliable sources and firsthand expertise where possible.
Editorial Independence
Our editorial decisions are made independently. Advertisers, partners, and affiliates do not influence our destination recommendations, gear reviews, or sustainability positions. Any sponsored or partner-supported content is clearly disclosed and labeled.
Originality and Intellectual Property
We strictly prohibit plagiarism. All contributors are expected to produce original work and properly credit third-party research, quotes, data, and imagery.
Ethics, Responsibility, and Privacy
HLA respects the privacy of individuals and communities featured in our reporting. We avoid sensationalism, harmful stereotypes, and discriminatory language.
Transparency
We disclose affiliate relationships, sponsored collaborations, hosted experiences, and material partnerships. If errors occur, we correct them promptly and transparently.
Sustainability Commitment
Because our platform was built on a foundation of environmental awareness, we are committed to responsible travel advocacy. We strive to highlight eco-conscious practices, support local communities, and promote destinations and experiences that align with long-term environmental stewardship.
AI Policy
Her Life Adventures and recognizes the evolving role of artificial intelligence in publishing. We may use AI tools to support research, organization, or editing processes. However: All content is reviewed and approved by a human editor. AI does not replace firsthand expertise, editorial judgment, or fact-checking. We do not publish fully automated or unreviewed AI-generated articles. Our priority remains delivering trustworthy, human-guided travel journalism that reflects experience, expertise, and integrity.
- Trusted Source
Featured In Leading Publications
Focus
Business Insider
HI USA
Outside
The Points Guy
The Atlantic
Enterpreneur
TravelPulse
Green Matters
Thrillist
300+
Media Features
3M
monthly readers
Verified
Trusted Source
- Trusted Source
Featured In Leading Publications
Focus
Business Insider
HI USA
Outside
The Points Guy
The Atlantic
Enterpreneur
TravelPulse
Green Matters
Thrillist
300+
Media Features
3M
monthly readers
Verified
Trusted Source