Hi! My name is Beth Blair. Most of my adult life, I worked as a freelance travel and lifestyle writer and co-owned a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel blog (we sold it in 2018), and won other writing awards. In 2013 I put myself out there for all the world to see as the Shape Magazine Weight Loss Diarist (aka: lost weight as the world gawked) and authored two books: Break into Travel Writing and The Unofficial Guide to Mall of America.
My articles have been featured in BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, AAA Traveler, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Tucson Bride, Arizona Bridal, Midwest Meetings, Global Traveler, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and numerous anthologies, including the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. I was named first-place winner in the 2010 Writer’s Market “Freelance Success Stories”.
Beyond Writing
Writing aside, while some people have a linear career, mine has been more zigzag-ish. But I’ve made it my own. I started in the airline industry in 1998 as a flight attendant for a charter airline flying to fabulous destinations. You can read about some of it in this BBC article. Since then I gained experience at several airlines and moved into management. During the pandemic I changed gears and worked as a Digital Marketing Operations Manager and later transitioned to working in the ski industry. I am currently a health and safety regional manager for 10 Midwest resorts.
My family lives in Minnesota. My husband and I have been married for 21 years and relocated to this lovely state from Arizona. I have two grown stepsons who are doing great things.
Our oldest son is a student at Carlson at University of Minnesota and our youngest is a thriving fourth grader. In 2021, our middle child Maddie passed away unexpectedly due to an undiagnosed medical condition. You will see her influence throughout the site.
We love to bike, hike, travel, dance in the living room, create themed dinner nights, and decorate the fireplace mantel for every season.
Travel is our ultimate pastime. What type? You name it: Beaches, road trips, theme parks, cities, cruises, cabins, and the list goes on. We love roller coasters, ice castles, exploring, playing outdoors, and checking out restaurants featured on the Travel Channel.
At home, I enjoy creating a fun and lively lifestyle by spending time outdoors, going to the gym, trying healthy recipes, and home decorating. However, I’m also a self-improvement junkie. I enjoy reading leadership books, attending conferences and am always on the hunt to streamline processes (at work and home). Most of all, teamwork is my forte. I believe everyone brings something to a team and that’s what makes a heavy load light and fun.
You can find me on Facebook: BethBlairTravels; Pinterest: TheBethBlair; Instagram: TheBethBlair and my X / Twitter handle is @BethBlair. Let’s connect!