Hi! I’m Tonya, founder of Detail Oriented Traveler
I started this blog back in 2015 to focus on the hidden gems and meaningful moments that make travel so rewarding. As a mom, I know how quickly the time with our kids at home slips away. That’s why I’m passionate about helping other families make the most of that time through unforgettable travel experiences.
Detail Oriented Traveler is for moms like me who want more than a cookie-cutter vacation. We love the planning process, discovering new destinations, and sharing the world with our children. I focus on authentic experiences and the joy of uncovering the little details along the way.
I also run USA Road Tripping, a site dedicated to road trip inspiration and planning resources across all 50 states. Whether it’s camping, van life, or scenic drives with teens in tow, I share practical itineraries and gear tips to help families hit the road with confidence.
And for fellow book lovers, I created The Booked Route — a literary travel brand that blends my passion for storytelling with real-world adventures. From indie bookstores and libraries to destinations found in novels, this project is all about bringing your “To Be Read” list to life.
I’m married and have two kids, and together we’ve explored over 40 states. From camping under the stars to luxury hotels, from road trips to flights across borders — we’ve done it all. We travel extensively throughout Florida and the U.S. and have also adventured in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica.
Professionally, I create content for this blog, ghostwrite for other travel brands, and manage content marketing and social media for nearly a dozen clients in the travel and lifestyle space. I’ve written for luxury travel agencies, DMCs, boutique hotels, and national travel guides, all rooted in my hospitality and storytelling background.
Let’s Work Together
I love partnering with brands, destinations, and tourism organizations to create meaningful, story-driven content that connects with real families and readers.
Content Creation
Whether you’re launching a new product, opening a boutique hotel, or promoting a local experience, I can help tell your story in a way that resonates. I create:
- Long-form blog content
- Email newsletter features
- Eye-catching photography
- Short-form video (Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts)
- Social media campaigns
My specialty is translating complex travel planning into clear, helpful, and engaging content that drives action, whether that’s booking a trip, clicking “add to cart,” or saving a destination for later.
Sponsored Content
Looking to get in front of travel-loving families, road trippers, or bookish adventurers? I offer sponsored content across all three brands, tailored to your goals. This includes:
- Instagram posts, Reels, Stories, and Highlights
- Pinterest campaigns and Idea Pins
- Email newsletter mentions
- Blog mentions or fully dedicated features
- TikTok storytelling and destination guides
- Product placements with affiliate tracking
Campaigns are designed with conversion and long-term value in mind because inspiring someone to book or buy is more than a one-click moment.
Press Trips & Reviews
Opening a new resort, launching a tour, or revamping your visitor experience? I offer authentic, family-tested reviews and destination storytelling. I’ve worked with tourism boards, CVBs, hotels, and local attractions across the U.S. and I always keep transparency and trust at the forefront of my content.
Expect high-quality deliverables, clear timelines, and thoughtful coverage that keeps performing long after the trip ends.
Destination Marketing
I specialize in family travel and regional U.S. destinations especially those that fly under the radar. I can spotlight your region with:
- Blog and social content optimized for search
- First-person storytelling from a mom’s perspective
- Interactive itineraries and trip-planning tools
- Affiliate-driven content that turns inspiration into bookings
If your goal is to reach traveling families before their kids grow up and move out, we should talk.
Partnership Portfolio
-
From Forts to Freedom: The Best Historical Landmarks in Kansas
Kansas may surprise you (it did me). Most people picture endless prairie fields stretching toward the horizon. But beneath that wide-open sky lies one of the most fascinating and complex histories in America. From frontier forts and Wild West towns to civil rights milestones that changed the nation, Kansas tells a story that’s anything but…
-
Hotel at Old Town Wichita Review: Why It’s My Top Pick for Families
I get it. When you’re traveling with teenagers, convenience, comfort, and character matter more than ever. On a recent trip through Kansas, we needed more than just a place to sleep, and the Hotel at Old Town in downtown Wichita delivered. Housed in a historic 1895 building that once belonged to Keen Kutter, this hotel…
-
Is Lawrence Kansas Worth Visiting With Teens? Yes — Here’s Why
If you’ve never heard of Lawrence, Kansas, beyond a mention of the University of Kansas, you’re not alone. And you’re exactly who I’m writing this for. I recently spent a few days there on a press trip, and I was genuinely surprised by how much this midwestern college town has to offer, especially for families…
-
Is the Mazda CX-5 Good for Road Trips? 1,400 Miles in CO
When you’re planning a road trip, especially solo or with teens in tow, the right car can make or break the entire experience. Comfort, space, and safety aren’t just luxuries. They’re necessities. As someone who’s planned dozens of road trips over the past few years, including testing vehicles across everything from city streets to winding…
-
How to Plan a Family Vacation Like a Pro
Planning a family vacation can feel like juggling a thousand moving parts — work schedules, school calendars, budgets, and the wish lists of everyone in the family. As a mom who’s been planning trips for over 21 years (from toddler tantrums to teenage adventures), I know how overwhelming it can seem. But I also know…
-
25+ Things to Do in New Orleans with Teens (Yes, It Actually Works!)
New Orleans might be known for its wild Mardi Gras parties, but it’s also one of the most unexpectedly teen-friendly cities in America. New Orleans with teens, you might ask? It might not be the first family destination that comes to mind, but it ended up being one of our most memorable trips. It’s one…
-
17 Dodge City, Kansas Activities That Changed How We Saw the Wild West
Dodge City exceeded my expectations when I visited Kansas. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know a lot of what had happened in the wild west town, and finding things to do filled me in on both the sensationalist and important history. Located in the center of Kansas, Dodge City was an important stop along the…
-
Is CityPASS Worth it? A Honest Review
When you’re traveling, one of the many things you may consider purchasing is a combo attraction pass like CityPASS. But, is it worth it? Essentially, these combo passes get you into 3 or more attractions at a reduced price than what you’d pay overall. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with CityPASS to test…
-
Park Place Hotel Traverse City Review – Best Downtown Hotel
Traverse City, Michigan is a delightful thriving town at the northwestern tip of the lower peninsula. It attracts nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, art aficionados, and foodies. Because of its location downtown, the Park Place Hotel Traverse City was the perfect place to experience all of these things on my recent girls’ trip. The art deco…
-
The Mazda CX-90 Road Trip Experience and Review
Every once in a while, I get to try out a new car and determine if it’s road trip ready. Recently, I partnered with Mazda to try out the Mazda CX-90 PHEV. PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. I’ll tell you more about our Mazda CX-90 road trip later in the article. Because I…
-
InterContinental Boston Review- Why It’s the Best Hotel in Boston
When planning my girls’ trip to Massachusetts, I started my search with IHG Hotels & Resorts in downtown Boston. The InterContinental Boston caught my eye as the perfect luxury hotel and the best place to stay in Boston for walking. Located at 510 Atlantic Avenue Boston MA, the InterContinental Boston location is steps to attractions…
-
25 Fun Things to do in Dahlonega GA with Teens
Are you looking for fun things to do in Dahlonega GA with your teenagers? Then you’ve come to the right place. Finding things to do with your teenagers is tough anywhere. In the North Georgia Mountains, where everyone is talking about the wineries it is harder. Recently we visited the North Georgia Mountains with our…
-
Daytona Beach International Airport Review: Best Gateway to the Beach
If you’re wondering if you should fly out of or in to Daytona International Airport, I have the review for you. If you’re curious about a smaller airport and if it’s worth the added drive, or shorter depending on your destination, stay tuned. Buckle up as I take you on a journey through the sun-soaked…
-
21 Best Things to do in Fairbanks Alaska
Searching for the best Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska for your next Alaskan Vacation? Look no further – I’ve created the ultimate guide just for you! Fairbanks enjoys the unique position of being north of Denali National Park and about 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle. With nearly 24 hours of daylight or…
-
Go City Review – Is This Pass Worth It in 2026?
Have you heard of the Go City cards or attraction passes in certain cities around the world? Are you looking for an unbiased Go City Review? Go City has been a great way for me and my family to save money on attractions. I’ve used it both as a consumer and as a travel writer….
-
Max Beach Resort Review Best Daytona Beach Luxury Hotel for a Girls’ Trip
Whenever I plan a girls’ trip vacation, one of the top priorities for me is finding the best luxury hotel. We want to enjoy a weekend away in style after all. This time my friend and I planned a weekend in the Daytona Beach Area. For this trip, the choice was an easy one –…
-
4 Days in Puerto Rico: A complete itinerary for your first visit
How many days is enough to visit Puerto Rico? Is there ever enough time to explore a place? If you’re struggling to create the perfect Puerto Rico itinerary, I’ve got you. I compiled my own experiences with those that I traveled with to give you 4 full days in Puerto Rico, meaning you’re staying four…
-
12 Reasons to Visit Muskegon’s Amazing Museums
Muskegon is my hometown. And just like any other person, they usually don’t visit the places that most tourists visit from the area they grew up. These last few years, however, I’ve taken a more active part in visiting the attractions that make Muskegon, Michigan more than just my hometown, but I place I rave…
Testimonials
“Tonya truly is a detail oriented traveler, both in experience and the colorful content she produces. She takes her time to ensure she’s accurately describing the experiences she’s covering and her passion is reflected in her writing. Can’t wait to collaborate with her again in the future.” – Josh Knoller, Statue of Liberty
“Tonya was a true professional during her visit to Philadelphia. She was appreciative of what our DMO could provide and was very prompt in sending links for her comprehensive coverage of our destination.” – Donna Schorr, Visit Philly
Disclosure
In accordance with the FTC Blogging guidelines, all content and reviews posted on Detail Oriented Traveler will be 100% honest and include a notation about the sponsorship at the beginning of the post.
Contact Me
If you’re interested in working with me, please email me tonya [@] detailorientedtraveler [dot] com










