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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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
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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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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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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South Carolina
By Annette Richmond
If you want to explore South Carolina's spectacular natural beauty while also getting a closer look at the Palmetto State's storied history, look no further.
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North Carolina
By Annette Richmond
An engineered waterfall in the woods created an ideal family picnic spot, with smooth rock slides and gentle flowing rapids for tubing and kayaking.
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Europe
By Annette Richmond
Travel expert Rick Steves explains what a third-rate town is and the benefits of visiting them over more popular cities when vacationing in Europe.
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Connecticut
By Annette Richmond
Discover the delightful Connecticut town along the river, the first English settlement in the state, which is now filled with interesting attractions.
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California
By Annette Richmond
Looking for a new destination to bring your pooch? Consider branching out to this Californian wine country escape that polled well for a dog-friendly getaway.
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Kentucky
By Annette Richmond
If it's a friendly environment you're looking for, you'll get that, along with plenty of shopping and outdoor activities, in this Louisville city.
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California
By Annette Richmond
Among the numerous beautiful areas of Joshua Tree National Park is an underrated desert oasis that offers a historic hike and views of wildlife.
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Tips and Hacks
By Annette Richmond
Take a note from travel expert Samantha Brown and book your vacation during this month for ideal weather, fewer crowds, and idyllic scenery wherever you go.
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Texas
By Annette Richmond
For a sampling of some of the best vino Texas has to offer, planning a vacation that includes a few days on this acclaimed wine trail is your best bet.
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A destination brimming with history and charm, this Ohio town has become a museum to the settlers who tried to build a progressive paradise here.
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Tips and Hacks
By Annette Richmond
Learn the game-changing laundry trick that travel expert Rick Steves swears by to pack lighter, save money, and turn wash day into an adventure abroad.
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Hawaii
By Annette Richmond
Hawaii has 50 state parks between all of the islands, but Maui's Wai’anapanapa is unique for its black sand beaches and stunning scenic trails.
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Air Travel
By Annette Richmond
Though its flight options are limited, this tiny, Iowa-based airport is known for being one of the friendliest places the fly out of.
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Africa
By Annette Richmond
Malawi is known as the "Warm Heart of Africa" due to the friendliness of the people there. Conservation efforts have also made it a great spot for safaris.
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