Kate Orlando
(She/Her)
Los Angeles, Montreal
Covers:
Local Travel, Airbnb, Hotels, Small Towns, Local spots, Food, Restaurants, Travel, Tourism, Resorts
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I began my career as a video content creator for Only In Your State, producing digital stories that highlighted standout destinations and experiences across Los Angeles. In this role, I researched, filmed, and edited engaging content that showcased the region’s culture, communities, and local attractions.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, when I was verrrrrrrrry young.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has changed news by making it faster, more visual, and more direct. Stories can now break in real time, and journalists can reach audiences without going through traditional gatekeepers. It has also made news more accessible and engaging through short-form video, personal voice, and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
At the same time, it has shifted how people consume information, often prioritizing speed and attention over depth and context. This can make it easier for misinformation to spread and harder for nuanced reporting to stand out.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
April O'Neil — Fearless reporter who dives headfirst into danger, proving that curiosity and courage make the best headlines.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist is to be a curious observer of the world who is committed to understanding and explaining it clearly and honestly. It means seeking out stories, asking questions, and helping people see places, events, and communities in a more informed way.
It is also about responsibility. Journalism requires accuracy, context, and care for the people and places being written about, even when the story is lighthearted or travel-focused.
At its core, being a journalist means being a storyteller and a translator, someone who helps others connect with the world beyond their own experience.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I'm a big fan of #bootsonthegroundjournalism for small stories that make my heart soar.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to be pitched via email with a clear, concise subject line and a brief explanation of the story idea, why it’s timely, and why it’s a fit for my beat. Links, visuals, or examples are always helpful, as well as any relevant access or interview opportunities.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Technical Skills
WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, InShot, Instagram Edits
Productivity & Collaboration Tools
Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom
Languages
Spanish (CEFR A1), French (CEFR B1)
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram. Been on it since the beginning.
Who do you wish followed you?
Samantha Brown. She's my inspiration, and I've been watching her since High School.
Why did you become a journalist?
I was fortunate to have a relatively calm experience during the shutdown, and it gave me the space to really think about what I had always been drawn to. I realized I had spent most of my life watching travel television, collecting guidebooks, and daydreaming about places I had never been, and that I did not just want to consume those stories, I wanted to create them.
Growing up in a small business household also shaped how I see cities and the people in them. I have always been especially drawn to local businesses and the neighborhoods that do not always make it into traditional guidebooks, but are often where a place really comes to life.
My goal is to tell travel stories in a way that feels immersive and human so people do not just see a destination, they feel like they could actually live there.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I did not work for my high school newspaper. I was actually the president of my school’s science club, which I mostly credit to a deep appreciation for Sabrina the Teenage Witch and a general curiosity about experiments, even if they did not always go as planned.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
One of the stories I’m most proud of working on is a feature about the OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City, a massive $400 million destination resort that blends a large-scale indoor waterpark with outdoor lagoon experiences, dining, and entertainment. What stood out to me was how the project wasn’t just about recreation, but about transforming a former industrial site into a cultural and community-driven destination rooted in Indigenous storytelling and modern hospitality design.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My advice to aspiring journalists is to be yourself and lean into your own voice early on. The strongest storytelling comes from perspective, so do not be afraid to bring personality, curiosity, or even a little silliness into your work when it fits the story.
Pay attention to what genuinely interests you and follow that thread, even if it does not seem like the “typical” path. Some of the best stories come from unexpected angles and everyday places.
And finally, do not be afraid to experiment. Try different formats, make mistakes, and keep refining how you tell stories until it feels natural and true to you.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime! I read every pitch.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
"Wanna go to Aruba?" It was amazing!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I honestly haven't gotten a bad pitch. There are trips I might not believe I'll enjoy, but there is always something that surprises me.
What's your favorite drink?
Whiskey, neat. With two drops of water.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At the thrift store. I love rummaging through secondhand things!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
My favorite publication has long been Fodor's Travel. I grew up collecting their guidebooks as a teen and would often lend them to friends whenever they were traveling. Those books were an early gateway into my love of travel storytelling and discovering new places.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception about my beat is that I dislike tourist attractions. I actually enjoy them and think they are an important part of understanding a place. They are touristy for a reason, they are classics, and they often become iconic because they genuinely capture something special about a destination. I just believe the experience is richer when you also explore beyond the obvious highlights, whether that is visiting the Space Needle in Seattle, the Old Port in Montreal, or Piccadilly Circus in London.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.