Welcome to our series, “TravMedia's Travel Writer of the Week," where we highlight an active journalist or editor within the TravMedia community. We have so many amazingly talented, successful, and inspirational professionals in our midst — let's meet Bianca Bujan. Enjoy!

Where are you based?

I'm based in Vancouver, BC where I was born and raised. I don't think I could make anywhere else in the world my permanent home!

What outlets do you write for? Who is your audience? What are your travel specialties?

I write for a wide variety of outlets including Lonely Planet (I've just completed my 5th travel guidebook for them), Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, The Globe & Mail, Canadian Geographic, Air Canada's enRoute, and many others.

I tend to focus on the intersection of culture and cuisine as I believe the best way to connect with a new place and its people is through the food. I also love to explore lesser-known destinations through local-led tours and experiences. As a mom of three, I sometimes cover family travel, and I enjoy soft adventure, wildlife, and wellness.

Are you in-house or freelance (or both)?

I've worked in-house as the editor of a family magazine and now work primarily as a freelance travel and food writer. I also work part-time as the Director of Communications for an environmentally-focused non-profit organization.

What are your professional pet peeves?

As it relates to travel writing, I would say my biggest pet peeve is being approached with an opportunity to visit a destination, followed immediately by a request for confirmed coverage — especially when no potential story angle has been shared, and the trip has yet to be confirmed.

A gentle reminder that I make my money by placing stories, and showing my value through my proven track record seems to ease concerns, but I think the meaning behind 'earned media' is often confused with 'paid advertorials'. I have a great network of PR friends who get it, and my best stories have come from our ability to work well together.

In your past professional life, you were …

Marketing Manager for the Vancouver Canucks. I worked in marketing for 15+ years but my passion has always been writing, and I'm so glad to have found my way to a career that I love.

What's on your bucket list?

As an adoptee and a woman of mixed race, I've always wanted to learn more about where I came from. I would love to explore my roots through traveling to the countries of my ancestors — Nigeria, Ireland, and Macedonia.

What advice would you give your younger professional self?

Do what makes you happy; money and job titles will never equate to true success if you don't enjoy your work. It's also important to remember that you're not saving lives. It can be easy to get caught up in the chaos, but at the end of the day, it's just a job. And finally, never tell yourself you can't accomplish something; you'll only know if you try.

How best should people contact you?

Find my email address at https://travmedia.com/Client/MyProfile/290308. I may also be reached through one of my social media channels: Instagram @bitsofbee or Twitter @BiancaBujan.