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Jasmine Chen
Kenji Takahashi
Kenji Takahashi
Editor-in-Chief
editorial@nationaltravelmag.com
With a background in journalism and a lifelong passion for exploration, she brings a keen editorial eye and a deep understanding of what makes travel truly transformative.
Over the course of her career, Jasmine has worked with writers, photographers, and local storytellers from around the worl
Editor-in-Chief
editorial@nationaltravelmag.com
With a background in journalism and a lifelong passion for exploration, she brings a keen editorial eye and a deep understanding of what makes travel truly transformative.
Over the course of her career, Jasmine has worked with writers, photographers, and local storytellers from around the world to craft narratives that go beyond the typical guidebook fare. From remote villages to bustling metropolises, she seeks out stories that celebrate culture, challenge perceptions, and connect readers to the heart of a place.
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Kenji Takahashi
Kenji Takahashi
Kenji Takahashi
Managing Editor
ktakahashi@nationaltravelmag.com
Kenji Takahashi is the Managing Editor of National Travel Magazine, where he oversees editorial strategy, content development, and the day-to-day operations of a globally recognized travel publication. With over two decades of experience in journalism and publishing, Kenji brings a meticulo
Managing Editor
ktakahashi@nationaltravelmag.com
Kenji Takahashi is the Managing Editor of National Travel Magazine, where he oversees editorial strategy, content development, and the day-to-day operations of a globally recognized travel publication. With over two decades of experience in journalism and publishing, Kenji brings a meticulous eye for detail and a deep appreciation for storytelling that bridges cultures and continents.
Born in San Francisco to Japanese immigrant parents, Kenji grew up at the intersection of East and West—an experience that shaped his passion for exploring identity, heritage, and place through narrative.
At the heart of Kenji’s editorial philosophy is a commitment to authenticity, diversity, and journalistic integrity. Whether he’s polishing a long-form feature or guiding new writers, he strives to elevate stories that reflect the richness and complexity of the world.
Claire Whitman
Kenji Takahashi
Claire Whitman
Editor
cwhitman@nationaltravelmag.com
Claire Whitman leads a team of writers, photographers, and contributors in crafting stories that celebrate the wonder of travel. With a background in literary journalism and a deep-rooted passion for culture, Claire brings a thoughtful, narrative-driven approach to every issue she oversees.
Her career
Editor
cwhitman@nationaltravelmag.com
Claire Whitman leads a team of writers, photographers, and contributors in crafting stories that celebrate the wonder of travel. With a background in literary journalism and a deep-rooted passion for culture, Claire brings a thoughtful, narrative-driven approach to every issue she oversees.
Her career began as a travel writer covering small towns and big cities across the U.S., but it quickly expanded to international features that explore not just where we travel—but why. From trekking through the Scottish Highlands to tracing culinary traditions in Southeast Asia, Claire believes the best travel stories reveal something about the world and ourselves.
Alexander Shepard
Alexander Shepard
Alexander Shepard
Travel Director
ashepard@nationaltravelmag.com
Alex is the Travel Director and Lead Researcher at National Travel Magazine, where he combines strategic vision with on-the-ground expertise to shape the magazine’s global coverage. With a background in cultural geography and over a decade of experience in travel journalism.
Alex plays a piv
Travel Director
ashepard@nationaltravelmag.com
Alex is the Travel Director and Lead Researcher at National Travel Magazine, where he combines strategic vision with on-the-ground expertise to shape the magazine’s global coverage. With a background in cultural geography and over a decade of experience in travel journalism.
Alex plays a pivotal role in identifying emerging destinations, vetting story leads, and ensuring editorial content is both inspiring and deeply informed.
Known for his meticulous research and passion for uncovering the lesser-known stories behind well-known places.
Alexander collaborates closely with writers, editors, and local experts to develop content that is accurate, ethical, and compelling. His work often takes him far off the beaten path—from tracing ancient trade routes through Central Asia to exploring sustainable tourism models in South America.
Serena Caldwell
Alexander Shepard
Alexander Shepard
Art Director
Serena oversees the content strategy of the site's gear and art section. With a background in fine arts and design, Serena blends editorial vision with artistic flair, curating imagery that transports readers and complements the magazine’s global narratives.
When she’s not designing or moodboarding
Art Director
Serena oversees the content strategy of the site's gear and art section. With a background in fine arts and design, Serena blends editorial vision with artistic flair, curating imagery that transports readers and complements the magazine’s global narratives.
When she’s not designing or moodboarding the next issue, Serena can be found sketching in local cafés, exploring art museums abroad, or chasing the golden hour through a camera lens.
Maria Vargas
Kevin Williams
Kevin Williams
Associate Editor
Maria curates and shapes compelling travel stories that inspire readers to explore the world with curiosity and intention. With a background in journalism and a lifelong passion for cultural discovery, she brings a thoughtful editorial voice and a sharp eye for narrative detail to every iss
Associate Editor
Maria curates and shapes compelling travel stories that inspire readers to explore the world with curiosity and intention. With a background in journalism and a lifelong passion for cultural discovery, she brings a thoughtful editorial voice and a sharp eye for narrative detail to every issue.
Throughout her career, Maria has championed diverse perspectives and authentic storytelling, working with writers and photographers across the globe to uncover the heart of each destination. Her editorial approach blends adventure with depth—highlighting not just where to go, but why it matters.
Maria’s love for travel began at an early age and continues to fuel her work. Whether she’s editing a first-person essay, crafting feature lineups, or scouting new story leads, she is driven by a belief in the power of storytelling to connect people across borders.
Kevin Williams
Kevin Williams
Kevin Williams
Travel Director
kwilliams@nationaltravelmag.com
Kevin oversees destination planning, feature development, and on-the-ground logistics for the magazine’s global coverage. With a career spanning over 15 years in the travel and publishing industries, Kevin combines strategic insight with firsthand experience to shape stories that are bot
Travel Director
kwilliams@nationaltravelmag.com
Kevin oversees destination planning, feature development, and on-the-ground logistics for the magazine’s global coverage. With a career spanning over 15 years in the travel and publishing industries, Kevin combines strategic insight with firsthand experience to shape stories that are both adventurous and deeply informed.
His role bridges the editorial and research worlds—scouting emerging destinations, building relationships with local experts, and ensuring that every story reflects cultural authenticity and journalistic integrity. From the fjords of Norway to the deserts of Namibia, Kevin’s travels have taken him to over 60 countries, always in search of the next great story.