WSGT Travel Influencer: Jessica Van Dop DeJesus of @DiningTraveler

 

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WSGT‘s next Influencer Interview is with Jessica Van Dop DeJesus of @DiningTraveler, a website for traveling foodies and those looking for “attainable luxury.”

Jessica in Budapest 20141.)Where was the first place that you traveled that made you think WOW—travel is amazing (think history book come to life or …..)  

My first travel experience that changed my life was moving to Okinawa, Japan.  Although I had traveled internationally before, to be able to live in a different country was a completely different experience.  The culture is so different to mine, and it was fascinating to see how the Okinawans live, a life of peace, very tied to the ocean. 13 years later, it is still one of my favorite countries in the world.  

2.)If you had unlimited resources, where would you go and what would you do?

I would love to travel across Central and South America. I would not only see the sights but would love to help communities whether it is teaching or community improvement.

@DiningTraveler Miami 2015

3.)What were you afraid to do and how did you find the courage to overcome it?

To quit my job at the peak of my career and move to Brussels for graduate school.  At that time I was in my late 20’s and accustomed to a comfortable lifestyle. I focused on the end goal and what would be the return on investment once I finished my MBA. Visualizing my end goal helped me overcome my goal.  

4.)What apps do you use regularly that make your life easier?

Google Keep allows me to keep my notes in one place, VSCO and Snapseed for my photo editing, Google Translate is a lifesaver when traveler, and XE Currency Converter. 

@Diningtraveler Okinawa

5.)What place do you wish more people have seen?

Okinawa, Japan.  Many people don’t even know that Japan has tropical islands. 

6.)Best advice you have been given and by whom?

I had a boss who encouraged me not to be afraid to ask for things, the worse that someone can tell you is no. 

7.)When were you surprised by the kindness of strangers on a trip?

When I lived in Seoul, I was approached by a young girl who wanted to practice her English. She then showed me some amazing places in the city that I would have never discovered.  At the time, I was feeling very lonely since I had just moved and barely knew anyone. It was not a direct act of kindness but her friendship was very important to me in that period of my life. 


@DiningTraveler at Union Station DC 2015

8.)What inspired you to travel for extended periods of time or live in a new country?

The fear of the unknown is a strange motivator! The people and experiences I’ve  encountered while traveling have been the best education I’ve had (even if I have 2 Master’s Degrees!).  It reaches you confidence, flexibility, and compassion. I hope to one day be able to give my future children the same experiences. 

9.)I travel because….

I love the sensation of learning something new. Whether it is learning about Maryland oysters a few hours away from home to wandering the night markets of Taipei, there’s always something you can take away from the experiences. 

Jessica van Dop DeJesus is a travel media specialist living in Washington, DC and the editor of the foodie travel blog The Dining Traveler.  Jessica’s passion for traveling began 19 years ago when she was a young US Marine, since then she has been to 42 countries on and off duty.  Jessica is from a bi-cultural upbringing having split her childhood between Puerto Rico and Western NY State. These experiences and her background give Jessica a broad perspective on food and travel.  Her content has been published by the Travel Channel, USA Today, Budget Travel, Edible DC, Telemundo, Where Traveler, and Southern Living. She’s currently working on her first book, Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico. 

Stay up-to-date with Jessica through her website and social media outlets:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Google +

Youtube

Our next Travel Influencer interview will be up in a week, follow the series here.

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@DiningTraveler Guide to Puerto Rico Old San Juan

Caitlyn O'Brien

Caitlyn is a 26-year-old Canadian with a passion for travel, futbol, and more recently kayaking in her new Patagonian home: Futaleufú. She teaches English at a local school and loves turning her daily experiences into stories.

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