Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Hanger.
Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to stories—how they connect us, shape our understanding of the world, and help us see ourselves in places we’ve never been. My journey into travel writing started with a simple truth: I wanted to live a life that felt authentic to me, not one dictated by traditional expectations.
After college, I followed the conventional path in New York City —office job with no window, the whole “adulting” checklist. But something was missing. I felt disconnected from myself and the world around me — it was a rise and grind life where I felt my youth was seeping through the cracks. So I made a decision that changed everything: I bought a one-way ticket to Australia. compacted my life into a backpack and started traveling solo.
What began as a personal journey of self-discovery evolved into something much bigger. As I traveled through Europe, South America, and beyond via housesitting for a more sustainable and immersive way to travel, I found myself captivated not just by the places, but by the stories—the winemakers in Georgia who’ve worked the same land for generations, the Italian grandmas who shared their recipes and their lives, the quiet moments of connection that happen when you’re open to them.
I started documenting these experiences while working remotely for a marketing agency—not as a typical travel blogger sharing “top 10 things to do,” but as someone trying to understand the deeper relationship between place, culture, identity, and belonging. When that agency job ended, another door opened. I launched Wander with Eri as a platform to explore sustainable travel, cultural immersion, and what it means to truly connect with the places we visit—through educating travelers and partnering with travel and tourism organizations. Travel is a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility: a responsibility to give back to the places we visit.
Along the way, I realized my background in content strategy and communications was the perfect foundation for what I wanted to build. I learned how to craft narratives that resonate, secure funding for clients through compelling proposals (over $25,000 to date), and translate complex cultural experiences into accessible, impactful stories.
Today, I work as a content strategist, travel advisor, and writer, specializing in work that bridges cultures and creates meaningful connections. Whether I’m writing about the rolling hills of Sardinia, planning personalized and curated trips for conscious travelers, or helping brands tell their stories authentically, I bring the same commitment: curiosity, cultural awareness, and a belief that the best stories are the ones that help us see the world—and ourselves—differently.
I’m based in Denver now, but my work is remote and I’m always planning the next adventure, whether for others or myself. What drives me is simple: I want to create content that matters, that inspires people to explore thoughtfully, and that honors the places and people who share their stories with us.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not even close. Getting laid off from a steady job was an emotional roller coaster. I thought: if not now, when? When would I create an opportunity for myself—my own business? If we wait until we’re ready, we may wait a lifetime. So Wander with Eri was born. I embarked on full-time travel and entrepreneurship, but it wasn’t met with universal support. I faced skepticism—from family, even from myself. “What about your career?” “When are you going to settle down?” “Isn’t this just running away?” Those questions weighed on me, especially in moments of doubt. My friends and mentors were incredibly supportive, and I’m eternally grateful for their advice about building a website, developing strategy, and forming partnerships. Surround yourself with people who celebrate and support your dreams.
Financially, it’s been a constant balancing act. Freelancing and building a business from scratch mean inconsistent income, especially in the beginning. There were months where I questioned if I could sustain this lifestyle, where I had to get creative with budgeting and say no to opportunities I wanted to pursue because the numbers didn’t add up.
Solo travel sounds romantic, and it can be, but it also can be isolating, especially if you’re not fluent in other languages. You’re constantly saying goodbye to places, to people you’ve just met and connected with. Building a business remotely means you don’t have the built-in community of an office or coworkers. There were times I felt untethered, wondering if I was sacrificing too much stability for freedom. But then I remember I am so grateful to have built a global community — I stay in contact with friends back in Denver, meeting up with new friends in foreign lands. They say your network is your networth.
Then there’s the internal struggle—the imposter syndrome, the self-doubt. “Am I a real writer?” “Is what I’m doing valuable?” “Should I just get a normal job?” Those voices get loud, especially when things aren’t going as planned or when I see peers following more traditional paths with visible markers of success.
And practically speaking, the logistics of this lifestyle are challenging. Visa regulations, unreliable wifi, time zone differences, technology failures in remote places, navigating healthcare abroad, managing client expectations while on the move—it all requires constant problem-solving and adaptability.
But here’s what I’ve learned: struggle isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Every challenge taught me something. The skepticism taught me to trust my own vision. The financial uncertainty taught me resourcefulness and resilience. The loneliness taught me how to be comfortable with myself and to seek out meaningful connections rather than settling for surface-level ones. The self-doubt taught me to keep showing up anyway.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been real. And I wouldn’t trade that authenticity for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a content strategist, travel advisor, and writer specializing in sustainable travel, cross-cultural communication, and the intersection of place and identity. Through my platform, Wander with Eri, I create content that goes beyond typical travel advice—I focus on cultural immersion, responsible tourism, and the deeper connections that transform how we experience the world.
My work combines strategic content development with authentic storytelling. I help travel brands, tourism organizations, and conscious travelers communicate their values through compelling narratives that resonate across cultures. Whether I’m writing destination guides, developing content strategy, curating travel itineraries, or crafting persuasive proposals, I bring a unique perspective shaped by years of solo travel and cross-cultural exploration.
What I’m Known For
I’m known for my ability to translate complex cultural experiences into accessible, impactful stories that inspire thoughtful exploration. My writing doesn’t just describe places—it captures the human connections, traditions, and moments that make destinations come alive. I specialize in:
– Sustainable & Responsible Travel: Educating travelers on how to explore the world with cultural sensitivity and environmental awareness
– Cultural Immersion: Highlighting authentic experiences—from wine-making traditions in Georgia to farm-to-table dining in Tuscany—that honor local communities
– Strategic Content Development: Crafting persuasive proposals and narratives that have secured over $25,000 in funding and partnerships the first year in business
– Cross-Cultural Communication: Bridging diverse audiences through storytelling that respects nuance and celebrates connection and ethical tourism
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of building a career and lifestyle that reflects my values—one where I get to combine my passion for storytelling with my commitment to sustainable travel and cultural exchange. Launching Wander with Eri in July 2024 wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating a platform that challenges conventional tourism and encourages travelers to engage more thoughtfully with the places they visit.
I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way—the winemakers, local guides, fellow travelers, and communities who’ve shared their stories with me. Every partnership, every published piece, every connection made across language barriers represents a small step toward the kind of travel I believe in: one rooted in respect, curiosity, and mutual understanding.
On a professional level, I’m proud of my track record in securing strategic partnerships and funding through compelling proposal writing, and my ability to deliver high-quality content under pressure while maintaining authenticity and cultural awareness.
What sets me apart is the combination of lived experience and professional expertise. I’m not just writing about travel—I’m living it. I’ve spent years traveling solo, navigating different cultures, learning how to communicate across contexts, and building a deep understanding of what it means to be a responsible, conscious traveler.
My background in content strategy and communications gives me a unique edge: I understand how to craft narratives that not only tell beautiful stories but also serve strategic goals—whether that’s driving engagement, securing funding, or positioning a brand authentically.
I also bring:
– Cultural Nuance: I’ve lived and traveled extensively across Europe, South America, and beyond. I understand the subtleties that make content resonate across cultures.
– Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Years of remote work and constant travel have taught me how to thrive under pressure, solve problems creatively, and meet deadlines regardless of time zones or logistics.
– Authenticity: I don’t chase trends or write clickbait. My work is grounded in genuine curiosity and respect for the places and people I write about.
– A Commitment to Purpose: I’m driven by work that matters—content that inspires people to explore thoughtfully, honors the communities who share their stories, and contributes to a more sustainable, connected world.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is this: I believe travel is a privilege, and with that privilege comes responsibility. My work reflects that belief in every word.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My dad and I took a road trip from New York to Florida, camping and stopping at national parks. This was before Google Maps—a journey that instilled in me a sense of adventure and appreciation for nature. Every morning before hitting the road, he’d say, “We’re going to have a humdinger of a day”.
Sure, we’d get lost, but we’d discover unique eateries, hidden cafes, and hiking trails. It taught me that it’s not always about the destination, but the journey and growth along the way—about being open-minded and adaptable. Travel teaches you to be resourceful, develop problem-solving strategies, and gain cultural competency and sensitivity. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the unplanned ones.
Pricing:
- Travel Planning Services Range $50-300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wanderwitheri.world/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderwitheri/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WanderwithEri/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-h-content-strategist/
Image Credits
I am unable to upload any photos as there must be an issue with the form or user experience; however, the photos I plan are of my own and Midfox Media
