Hi there, and welcome to Marissa Wanders!
My name is Marissa Willman, and I’m a travel content creator based in Palm Springs. I’m so glad you’re here! Whether you’re planning your next big trip or just love reading about new places, I hope you’ll find something here that sparks your wanderlust.
My love of travel started in my early 20s, when I moved from Southern California to Seoul to teach English in 2009. I lived in South Korea for two years and fell in love with experiencing new destinations. Luckily, my teaching schedule offered plenty of vacation time, so I was able to travel extensively throughout Asia while experiencing different cultures, cuisines, and ways of life. Those experiences opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world, and inspired me to keep exploring and sharing my adventures with others.
And while I love exploring new places, I also have a special place in my heart for my hometown of Palm Springs, and I love sharing my insider tips and recommendations for things to do in this beautiful desert oasis.
Before creating this blog, I spent a decade as a freelance travel writer, exploring destinations all over the world and writing about my experiences. I worked with many tourism clients throughout my career and eventually moved into full-time positions spanning from digital content manager for my local tourism bureau to overseeing content strategy for tourism clients at a major agency. These were incredible opportunities, but after the pandemic, I realized I craved more time to, well, actually travel! That’s why I decided to shift my focus back to full-time consulting, content creation, and strategy—now, I can pursue my passions not only through my work, but when I’m not working, too.
So, what can you expect from Marissa Wanders? Here are a few things I’m passionate about and love sharing with my readers:
- Slow travel: I’m all about taking the time to fully explore a destination and immerse yourself in its culture, people, and food. I believe travel is more than just checking off a list of sights; it’s about learning something new and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us.
- Greater Palm Springs: As a local, I love sharing my favorite things to do, places to eat, and things to see in the Greater Palm Springs area. From hiking in the nearby mountains to sipping cocktails by the pool, there’s always something new to discover in this oasis.
- Responsible travel: I’m a big believer in reducing our impact on local communities while traveling. I share tips and ideas for how to make small changes that can make a big difference, from choosing the right destinations to activity and dining recommendations that support local communities.
- Local food and drink experiences: When I travel, I always seek out local food and drink experiences and love making them accessible to other travelers. Whether it’s trying a new street food vendor or splurging on a Michelin-starred meal, I believe that the flavors of a place are a key part of what makes it unique.
When you read Marissa Wanders, you can expect a mix of personal stories, practical travel advice, and in-depth destination guides. Whether you’re planning a trip to Palm Springs or looking for inspiration for your next adventure, I hope you’ll join me on this journey and find something here that inspires you. If you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at info@marissawanders.com.
Thanks for stopping by, and happy travels!
