I am a mid-western gal (from Michigan to be exact) at heart who considers herself a New York native after living over 20+ years in Manhattan. In 2018, I left a long, successful career in fashion, entertainment, and media Communications to follow my passion for photography and travel full-time. Communications was an exciting, engaging career until it wasn’t. 

My new chapter has afforded me some incredible experiences around the world. I’ve danced with Kazakh Nomads in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia, shared Chi-cha with Quechua families in Peru, and faced a polar bear in Manitoba. I’ve seen 500K King penguins in Antarctica and nearly the same amount of Sandhill Cranes in Nebraska. I love photographing remote destinations, indigenous cultures, and an exhaustive list of wildlife. While there have been plenty of bumpy roads along the way, it’s all been worth it. 

Over the years, I’ve created editorial content (writing, photos, both) for major publications such as Newsweek, AFAR, The Telegraph, The Globe & Mail, and sponsored content for clients such as Adobe, Aurora Expeditions, and the Washington Post Creative Group

I created The Insatiable Traveler because I love world travel and I wanted to share my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned so you can make the absolute most of your journeys. 

I photograph and write about amazing (often remote) destinations, exciting excursions, interesting cultures, nature and wildlife. Not to mention travel and photography tips. My hope is my photos and tales will inspire you to seek adventure (however you define it), and connect with the people and places you visit. 

(All photos are mine unless otherwise indicated)

2021 — Royal Automobile Club, Camera Club

Topic: The Thinking Behind Creating Great Photos 

2020 — Women’s Travel Fest 

Topic: Improving photography skills with storytelling

—SATW Virtual Conference judge for two sessions of “Why Don’t My Topic: Photos Sell or Win.” 

2019 — Fast Company Innovation Festival Fast Track with Shutterstock.

Topic: Travel and the future of photography. 

2018 — American Express: Panelist for the launch of The American Express Hilton Honors Card. 

Topic: Travel tips

2017 — ATTA Elevate Panel 

Topic: Free apps and technology to help small businesses  

Amateur Traveler

Award Winning Travel Blog and Podcast helping real travelers plan real trips to their own backyard or around the world.

Speaking of Travel with Marilyn Ball

 iHeart Media radio show/podcast, Speaking of Travel, broadcast each Sunday morning at 10:00 am on 570 WWNC. Listen anytime on the IHeart Radio app, Buzzsprout, TuneIn and other popular podcast platforms.