David Swanson

Travel writer and photographer David Swanson has a volcano fetish, a longing that has taken him to the rumbling summits of active volcanos like Mount St. Helens, Soufrière Hills, Piton de la Fournaise, and Mount Etna. He travels frequently to Africa, China, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, the British Isles, and Italy. David considers himself an expert on cruises, having set sail with both major and boutique lines, and he reports regularly on the MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions). A freelance writer since 1995, David’s work has appeared in The Washington Post, USA Today, Yahoo News, the Los Angeles Times, National Geographic Traveler, Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer, The Dallas Morning News, and Travel + Leisure. He won the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Travel Writer of the Year in 2007, and multiple Muster awards for his photography. He co-chaired the Society of American Travel Writers' New Zealand convention in 2011, was “chair of the tours” at the Society’s 2015 Las Vegas convention, and has served on the board for seven years, most recently as president. David was a former editor for USA Today and has been enthusiastically pursuing a successful freelance career for over 27 years.

• 27+ years of experience as a freelance travel writer and photographer
• Traveled to over 100 countries
• Holds the role of board president for the Society of American Travel Writers