Helen Meservey is a journalist and essayist who teaches writing at San José State University. The former managing editor of Reed Magazine, Meservey in 2018 received the first place James Phelan Literary Award and a bronze award from Travelers’ Tales Solas Awards for humor writing.

Don George wrote the book on travel writing. Literally. He wrote Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Writing, the best-selling travel writing guidebook in the world. He also wrote The Way of Wanderlust: The Best Travel Writing of Don George and is Editor at Large for National Geographic Traveler.

Dan White is the author of Under The Stars, which Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, called "the definitive book on camping in America." The Cactus Eaters, his bestselling memoir about walking the Pacific Crest Trail, was a Los Angeles Times "Discovery" selection.

Sherri Harvey currently teaches English at San Jose State University and Foothill College. She holds an MA and an MFA. She spends her days pouring over words, taking pictures, and looking for her next grand adventure. She has published photos and essays in multiple publications. sherriharvey.com

Kimberley Lovato is a full-time freelance writer whose lifestyle, travel, and food articles, as well as personal essays, have appeared in national and international publications and websites. She has authored four travel-themed books, one of which was an SATW Lowell Thomas Award winner in 2012.