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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North Carolina
By Annette Richmond
Outside two major North Carolina cities, a true Southern gem awaits. Here, greenery-filled streets invite travelers to discover local art, eats, and more.
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Hawaii
By Annette Richmond
Treat yourself to a serene Hawaiian escape with some classic Californian influences. This beach town welcomes you with sandy shores and cozy cottages.
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Tips and Hacks
By Annette Richmond
Wait! Before you leave a museum during your next vacation, remember this important lesson from Rick Steves. Here's the one thing he says to look out for.
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Georgia
By Annette Richmond
This charming Georgia hamlet boasts a significant Native American site, a vibrant art scene, and a cultural complex surrounded by lush gardens and vineyards.
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Dining
By Annette Richmond
From osteria to trattoria and beyond, there are many types of eateries in Italy. However, this is the one that Rick Steves recommends for budget and flavor.
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