Location
Novato, California
School
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Expertise
Size inclusive travel, Solo female travel, Group travel
- From 2016 to 2020, Annette worked remotely and traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia.
- In 2017, she launched the world's first body-positive travel community, Fat Girls Traveling.
- Her most difficult hike to date was from Little Petra to the Monastery in Petra, Jordan.
Experience
Annette is an award-winning content creator, writer, and advocate. She won the 2019 Bessie Award for Collaboration of the Year and was nominated for Travel Noire's 2024 Travel Influencer of the Year. Annette also consults with travel brands that aim to be more accepting and inclusive of plus-size travelers. Her goals are to increase representation and create safe spaces for travelers who refuse to wait to lose weight before exploring the world. Since 2020, when she's not traveling, Annette splits her time between California and Mexico.
Education
Annette has an associate degree in Product Development from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. She speaks conversational Spanish and is currently taking free online classes at Harvard.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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Travel Gear
By Annette Richmond
Everyone needs a comfortable place to sit while roasting marshmallows or relaxing in the great outdoors, and it's especially nice if the price is right, too.
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Michigan
By Annette Richmond
Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad on this trail that highlights forest canopies, cute Midwest towns, and breweries.
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Air Travel
By Annette Richmond
If you're hoping to fly back some Chianti or Barolo from your trip to Italy, forget the wine suitcase. Instead, opt for this cheaper, lightweight alternative.
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If you want some spectacular autumn views, head to Utah where you can immerse yourself in nature with a drive that is straight from a postcard.
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Michigan
By Annette Richmond
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is often overlooked by travelers, but this stunning little gem is one of the region's best offerings and is perfect for camping.
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Arizona
By Annette Richmond
Nestled in the Tonto National Forest near a huge sparkling lake, this picturesque spot is a great jumping-off point for wildlife watching and other adventures.
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Michigan
By Annette Richmond
Home to the University of Michigan, there's plenty to do in Ann Arbor even if you're not a student or a fan of college sports. It has fun for the whole family.
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Arizona
By Annette Richmond
Hike to this amazing sandstone arch in northern Arizona for incredible panoramic views of the desert with bright blue Lake Powell on the horizon.
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Oregon
By Annette Richmond
This urban campground on Oregon's coast offers easy access to beaches for tide pool hunting and surfing, and local joints to enjoy a tasty bowl of clam chowder.
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Arizona
By Annette Richmond
If you're in western Arizona on a hot day, head to this wetlands park, which has a lovely sandy area where you can relax and take a dip in the cool water.
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Michigan
By Annette Richmond
Just outside the college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan lies a vast oasis for outdoor activities. There's plenty to do here -- and it's pretty, to boot.
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Tips and Hacks
By Annette Richmond
This is one organizational hack that can help save space and streamline your suitcase when traveling with bulky items.
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Air Travel
By Annette Richmond
While larger airports offer more flexibility when it comes to available flights, smaller hubs might actually be more affordable, according to research.
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Arizona
By Annette Richmond
Arizona's tallest mountain is a nearly 13,000-foot high dormant volcano that's a hiking paradise in summer and a snow sports wonderland in winter.
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Florida
By Annette Richmond
With three colleges in town and a thriving Gulf-inspired restaurant scene, you won't miss the heat of Miami or crowds of Orlando even a little bit.
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Arizona
By Annette Richmond
Whether you're hoping to reel in rainbow trout, hike among pine trees, or toast marshmallows over a campfire, this campground by Tucson is a refreshing retreat.
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Beaches
By Annette Richmond
Hidden off the coast of the Indian Ocean is a nature sanctuary like no other. Travel to this turtle-filled island for a wildlife encounter you won't forget.
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Hiking
By Annette Richmond
This trail deep in the heart of the Ozarks will lead you to one of Missouri's largest springs, treating you to views of wildflowers galore along the way.
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Travel Guides
By Annette Richmond
Women are changing wellness tourism, from sleep retreats and reading getaways, to travel experiences focused on empowering pregnant women or those in menopause.
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Pennsylvania
By Annette Richmond
What was once a hub for weary travelers to change planes on a longer trip is getting an innovative renovation full of practical and aesthetic upgrades.
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Europe
By Annette Richmond
While traveling through Europe on a budget, expert Rick Steves shares an easy way to save money on drinks by simply changing where you’re sitting.
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Oregon
By Annette Richmond
We're not saying Seattle is a slouch when it comes to coffee, but if you're in Oregon and want to taste the best brews in the country, head to this nearby city.
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Illinois
By Annette Richmond
Just outside of Chicago, Illinois, lies a suburb where celebrating arts, entertainment, and excellent local food is a way of life.
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Illinois
By Annette Richmond
Escape bustling city life at this riverside nature haven outside of Chicago that is rife with opportunities for outdoor adventures!
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Arizona
By Annette Richmond
If you know where to look, you'll find sprawling lakes primed for fishing and nearby camp sites amidst the desert landscapes and canyons of Arizona.
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Camping
By Annette Richmond
If you want to ensure you have a groovy time on your next camping trip, then be sure to pack this throwback piece of 1970s decor to hang above your tent.
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California
By Annette Richmond
Northern California is an oasis for outdoor adventures, and we recommend checking out this underrated reservoir to get out into nature!
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