Change is Good
Meet Latifah, a travel journalist and an all-around citizen of the world. Latifah believes that she may never be rich with money, but she always strive to be rich with experiences. Traveling is her passion, writing is her strongpoint, so combining the two was her destiny.
Latifah is half Kuwaiti and half American, growing up living a bicultural lifestyle between the two countries has helped shape her into being the open minded and culturally curious person that she is today.
As an active memeber of the CP magazine and a regular contributor, you have already enjoyed her monthly articles in the magazine but here is our exclusive interview with Latifah to know more about her.
Tell us about your education.
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a Master of Science degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.
Do you have any early travel memories that fueled your passion for exploring the world?
I took my first flight with my parents when I was three months old. My father is trying to go to every country in the world and growing up I tagged along on his trips as much as I possibly could. In other words, I spent more days traveling than I did in a classroom…oops!
What fuels your passion for travel?
Knowing that there are so many cultures I have yet to learn about, so many people I have yet to meet, so many sites I have yet to see, so many traditions I have yet to experience, and so much food I have yet to taste.
How did you work your way into travel writing?
I knew I was going to go into journalism because of my studies, but I didn’t decide on entering the travel journalism world until I interned for CNN Travel in Hong Kong. That’s when I realized I truly loved my assignments and I was actually passionate about my work.
How did you first get published?
Through my internship at CNN Travel. I had to write an article a week for their website.
How many different publications do you write for?
I freelance and have written for about 10 different publications in total.
What do you enjoy the most about travel writing?
That I have the flexibility to work remotely, that I have the freedom to set my own hours, that I am able to two combine two things that I absolutely love (travel and writing) and most importantly that I never have to give up traveling.
What has been your biggest challenge as a travel writer?
Trying to lead a balanced lifestyle. It’s definitely difficult to maintain any type of relationship with people (family, friends, etc.) when I’m constantly on the road and it’s even harder for people to understand why I love doing what I do.
Do you also take photos for your articles? Do you think travel writers should do their own photography? Why?
I do take photos but they’re usually only for personal use. Publications often want high resolution images that would most likely require me to have an actual camera (not just my iPhone). With this being said, some publications have used my images before. It really depends on the article and what type of images are needed. Scenic shots I can usually master, but food, hotel and portrait shots I’m not as professionally versed in. If travel writers do their own photography then they should definitely get paid more. I also like the idea of separating travel writers from travel photographers though.
How do you see bloggers changing or contributing to the ongoing evolution of travel writing?
Their content is real, personable, unfiltered, and unedited. What I don’t love is when bloggers write posts because they have been sponsored or they’re getting paid by the brand to write/advertise for them. I feel this is biased and doesn’t give readers a true sense of what a property, destination, restaurant, etc. is like. I see more and more people become bloggers because really anyone can be a blogger, you don’t need experience. I assume people will slowly phase out from reading travel articles from credible sources and will use blogs as their go-to…but I hope no time soon!
What characteristics do you think all good travel writers have in common?
A sense of curiosity, a need for adventure, empathy towards other people, an open mind and patience.
What has been your most memorable assignment?
That’s hard to answer! Probably a documentary I produced in Tanzania that exposed the poor living and school conditions of the locals. I was able to visit some of the children’s homes and get a true feel for how they live, what they need from us, what their dreams are and taking that content to the States to raise awareness.
What makes a great travel story?
One that was not thought of or planned in advance. One that developed from meeting a stranger or getting lost.
What are some of your biggest achievements so far?
Winning an Emmy.
What is the most important thing you have learned from travel?
It’s okay to not stick to a plan. The best memories come from unplanned events.
What skills have you picked up from being on the road so much?
A few words in most languages, patience, and easily meeting new people. You didn’t ask, but a skill I have NOT picked up is how to pack lightly!
What are some of your other hobbies besides travelling?
Reading, dancing, basically all watersports, skiing
How has been your experience writing for CP magazine and being a part of the team?
It has been wonderful! I love that I have the freedom to write about any travel-related topics that I am interested in!
How was the experience and inspiration behind the recent photoshoot?
It was my third photoshoot ever and it was so much fun! It’s so hard for me to keep a straight face, I always want to laugh so I appreciate the team not strangling me for that. I also thoroughly enjoyed being able to shoot with my dog who is near and dear to my heart as I rescued her from the streets a few years ago.
Your message for the readers.
Work towards your passion, not the money…the money will always come when you love what you do.
TEAM: MAKEUP & HAIR: AMBREEN (@ambreen.rmua) CONCEPT, STYLING & DIRECTION: JAMEEL ARIF (@jameelarif) MODEL DOGS: NALA & ROCKY PHOTOGRAPHY: RIYAS (@riyas.photokw)
