Meredith Bethune
@meredithbethune.bsky.social
Freelance writer and editor covering travel, food, and wellness. Creating stories that inspire people to try new things, seek out meaningful experiences, and live more fulfilling lives.📍Albany, NY
After years of travel burnout, I’ve shifted to adventures closer to home. My love for exploring never faded. But my patience for long flights and packed itineraries has.
So it was a nice surprise to be quoted about visiting the Adirondacks and The Wild Center! Check it out here:
So it was a nice surprise to be quoted about visiting the Adirondacks and The Wild Center! Check it out here:
Where to Go with Toddlers in 2025
The best baby and toddler-friendly destinations, according to parents/caregivers who know.
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February 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
After years of travel burnout, I’ve shifted to adventures closer to home. My love for exploring never faded. But my patience for long flights and packed itineraries has.
So it was a nice surprise to be quoted about visiting the Adirondacks and The Wild Center! Check it out here:
So it was a nice surprise to be quoted about visiting the Adirondacks and The Wild Center! Check it out here:
After 10+ years as a freelance writer, I’ve learned this the hard way: Over-communicating with clients is better than under-communicating.
Early on, I avoided asking questions, thinking I should just figure things out. But editors aren’t mind readers. A quick question upfront saves hours later.
Early on, I avoided asking questions, thinking I should just figure things out. But editors aren’t mind readers. A quick question upfront saves hours later.
February 13, 2025 at 5:04 PM
After 10+ years as a freelance writer, I’ve learned this the hard way: Over-communicating with clients is better than under-communicating.
Early on, I avoided asking questions, thinking I should just figure things out. But editors aren’t mind readers. A quick question upfront saves hours later.
Early on, I avoided asking questions, thinking I should just figure things out. But editors aren’t mind readers. A quick question upfront saves hours later.
I related to this Substack: https://buff.ly/40voRjq Swap in "food media," and my story is similar. A decade ago, I thought I was building a stable career & grinding toward success. That stability was never in the cards.
Thoughts, fellow millennial media folks?
Thoughts, fellow millennial media folks?
Ten Years In A Crumbling Industry
There’s a screenshot from TikTok that recently caused me and a group of my writer friends to lose our minds.
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February 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I related to this Substack: https://buff.ly/40voRjq Swap in "food media," and my story is similar. A decade ago, I thought I was building a stable career & grinding toward success. That stability was never in the cards.
Thoughts, fellow millennial media folks?
Thoughts, fellow millennial media folks?
"What will happen in the coming years?"
After posting about media layoffs, someone asked me this. My take? AI will keep destroying web traffic, leaving only legacy outlets with strong business models (think NYTimes).
For human connection, people may turn to Substack or social media. Thoughts?
After posting about media layoffs, someone asked me this. My take? AI will keep destroying web traffic, leaving only legacy outlets with strong business models (think NYTimes).
For human connection, people may turn to Substack or social media. Thoughts?
February 6, 2025 at 3:03 PM
"What will happen in the coming years?"
After posting about media layoffs, someone asked me this. My take? AI will keep destroying web traffic, leaving only legacy outlets with strong business models (think NYTimes).
For human connection, people may turn to Substack or social media. Thoughts?
After posting about media layoffs, someone asked me this. My take? AI will keep destroying web traffic, leaving only legacy outlets with strong business models (think NYTimes).
For human connection, people may turn to Substack or social media. Thoughts?
My word for 2025? Self-expression.
For years, I tried to avoid inserting myself in my work. But lately, I feel a shift. Maybe it’s the rise of AI, but it’s time to embrace a bit of vulnerability. I even started a Substack! You can see here:
For years, I tried to avoid inserting myself in my work. But lately, I feel a shift. Maybe it’s the rise of AI, but it’s time to embrace a bit of vulnerability. I even started a Substack! You can see here:
True North by Meredith Bethune | Substack
A newsletter by travel writer Meredith Bethune about her favorite spots in the Northeast U.S.—ideal for day trips or weekend getaways—with a focus on wellness, outdoor fun, and great food and drinks.…
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February 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
My word for 2025? Self-expression.
For years, I tried to avoid inserting myself in my work. But lately, I feel a shift. Maybe it’s the rise of AI, but it’s time to embrace a bit of vulnerability. I even started a Substack! You can see here:
For years, I tried to avoid inserting myself in my work. But lately, I feel a shift. Maybe it’s the rise of AI, but it’s time to embrace a bit of vulnerability. I even started a Substack! You can see here:
Freelance writer Jen A. Miller’s latest newsletter was a refreshing read. In 2024, she made six figures with just 2% of that from consumer publications. After 20 years, she now says she’s “extremely choosy” about writing for them. Read more: https://buff.ly/4fPmT39
January 31, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Freelance writer Jen A. Miller’s latest newsletter was a refreshing read. In 2024, she made six figures with just 2% of that from consumer publications. After 20 years, she now says she’s “extremely choosy” about writing for them. Read more: https://buff.ly/4fPmT39
If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d be writing an article about ski resorts, I would’ve laughed. But learning to ski as an adult has been both a huge challenge and an unexpected joy. My beginner’s perspective helped me pull together this list of ski resorts for AAA:
Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in the Northeast
With fewer crowds, lesson packages and lots of easy trails, these are perfect ski resorts for beginners.
buff.ly
January 29, 2025 at 5:06 PM
If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d be writing an article about ski resorts, I would’ve laughed. But learning to ski as an adult has been both a huge challenge and an unexpected joy. My beginner’s perspective helped me pull together this list of ski resorts for AAA:
I once wrote an article for Outside I was proud of. Friends thought it was an ad. Yet, when I write sponsored content for travel brands it gets mistaken for journalism. I couldn't help but wonder: Are we journalists just in an echo chamber celebrating bylines that don't matter?
January 27, 2025 at 5:04 PM
I once wrote an article for Outside I was proud of. Friends thought it was an ad. Yet, when I write sponsored content for travel brands it gets mistaken for journalism. I couldn't help but wonder: Are we journalists just in an echo chamber celebrating bylines that don't matter?
“Today, pitching and publishing essays in digital media outlets gets you nowhere.”
That advice from the write of this Substack struck a chord with me as a freelancer who came of age when pitching offered a meaningful path forward. You can read her thoughtful take here: https://buff.ly/3WaXk5A
That advice from the write of this Substack struck a chord with me as a freelancer who came of age when pitching offered a meaningful path forward. You can read her thoughtful take here: https://buff.ly/3WaXk5A
January 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
“Today, pitching and publishing essays in digital media outlets gets you nowhere.”
That advice from the write of this Substack struck a chord with me as a freelancer who came of age when pitching offered a meaningful path forward. You can read her thoughtful take here: https://buff.ly/3WaXk5A
That advice from the write of this Substack struck a chord with me as a freelancer who came of age when pitching offered a meaningful path forward. You can read her thoughtful take here: https://buff.ly/3WaXk5A
I’ve been asked how I shifted from journalism to content marketing. Years ago, I joined Contently, uploaded clips, and began writing/editing for top travel brands. It was that simple. Today there's more competition. Writers—how did you make the leap? Marketers—Do you enjoy working with journalists?
simple.Today
January 22, 2025 at 5:10 PM
I’ve been asked how I shifted from journalism to content marketing. Years ago, I joined Contently, uploaded clips, and began writing/editing for top travel brands. It was that simple. Today there's more competition. Writers—how did you make the leap? Marketers—Do you enjoy working with journalists?
I read way too many Substacks, but you seem to like the links, so here’s another! Olivia Hicks explores whether Gen Z—and the public—can tell the difference between content marketing, branded content, and journalism. Spoiler: Apparently not. Read it here:
I’m a Gen Z Journalist. My Generation Doesn’t Know What That Means.
The issue isn't media mistrust, it's that no one knows what a journalist is
buff.ly
January 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I read way too many Substacks, but you seem to like the links, so here’s another! Olivia Hicks explores whether Gen Z—and the public—can tell the difference between content marketing, branded content, and journalism. Spoiler: Apparently not. Read it here:
Hey PR pros! How do you decide whether to accept or decline an opportunity to act as an expert source for a content marketing piece? When I write for journalism outlets, finding sources is the least of my worries. But, for content marketing, it can feel like pulling teeth.
January 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Hey PR pros! How do you decide whether to accept or decline an opportunity to act as an expert source for a content marketing piece? When I write for journalism outlets, finding sources is the least of my worries. But, for content marketing, it can feel like pulling teeth.
In r/freelancewriters, someone said they've adapted to AI by picking up new skills like SEO, design, and basic coding. Many writers were so resistant to this! But I truly believe those who stay in denial are in for a rude awakening. How are you staying relevant right now?
January 14, 2025 at 7:04 PM
In r/freelancewriters, someone said they've adapted to AI by picking up new skills like SEO, design, and basic coding. Many writers were so resistant to this! But I truly believe those who stay in denial are in for a rude awakening. How are you staying relevant right now?
With all the buzz on TikTok about no-buy and low-buy goals for 2025, I wanted to share something that made a big difference in my life. I spent the entire year of 2023 buying only secondhand. Learn how this approach helped me rethink consumption:
What My Year of Buying (Almost) Everything Used Taught Me, Including the Top Secondhand Stores in Albany, NY
Plus, what I'm up to, what I've published, and how to work with me.
buff.ly
January 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
With all the buzz on TikTok about no-buy and low-buy goals for 2025, I wanted to share something that made a big difference in my life. I spent the entire year of 2023 buying only secondhand. Learn how this approach helped me rethink consumption:
Any early-career travel and food writers around here? I encourage you to check out this newsletter by Clarissa Wei. I think it's the best no-nonsense, realistic look at what you can expect from the industry. It’s a tough, honest read, but one you should definitely check out:
On Freelance Writing
It's not for the faint of heart
buff.ly
January 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Any early-career travel and food writers around here? I encourage you to check out this newsletter by Clarissa Wei. I think it's the best no-nonsense, realistic look at what you can expect from the industry. It’s a tough, honest read, but one you should definitely check out:
Unpopular opinion, especially for a travel writer✈️: Frequent travel isn't good for you.
Years of non-stop travel left me out of shape, stressed, and disconnected due to jet lag, bad nutrition, and social isolation. I'm grateful for the experiences, but prioritizing my health is more important!
Years of non-stop travel left me out of shape, stressed, and disconnected due to jet lag, bad nutrition, and social isolation. I'm grateful for the experiences, but prioritizing my health is more important!
January 8, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Unpopular opinion, especially for a travel writer✈️: Frequent travel isn't good for you.
Years of non-stop travel left me out of shape, stressed, and disconnected due to jet lag, bad nutrition, and social isolation. I'm grateful for the experiences, but prioritizing my health is more important!
Years of non-stop travel left me out of shape, stressed, and disconnected due to jet lag, bad nutrition, and social isolation. I'm grateful for the experiences, but prioritizing my health is more important!
I often get asked how I moved from journalism to writing for brands. Here’s the story: I created a Contently profile, shared my best journalism clips, and quickly started writing for travel brands. Then I started editing for them, too. So writers: How did you make the transition?
January 6, 2025 at 3:03 PM
I often get asked how I moved from journalism to writing for brands. Here’s the story: I created a Contently profile, shared my best journalism clips, and quickly started writing for travel brands. Then I started editing for them, too. So writers: How did you make the transition?
Hey PR pros! I’m curious: How do you and your clients decide whether to accept or decline an opportunity to act as an expert source for a content marketing article?
What’s the reasoning behind the decision (beyond the obvious)? Would love to understand more.
What’s the reasoning behind the decision (beyond the obvious)? Would love to understand more.
January 3, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Hey PR pros! I’m curious: How do you and your clients decide whether to accept or decline an opportunity to act as an expert source for a content marketing article?
What’s the reasoning behind the decision (beyond the obvious)? Would love to understand more.
What’s the reasoning behind the decision (beyond the obvious)? Would love to understand more.
Another freelance lifestyle journalist recently shared how her pitch acceptance rate dropped this year through no fault of her own.
It’s frustrating, but also oddly comforting to know I’m not alone in this.
You can check out her Substack post here:
It’s frustrating, but also oddly comforting to know I’m not alone in this.
You can check out her Substack post here:
2024 Review: Recap, Stats, & What I Learned
And how it applies to you!
buff.ly
December 31, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Another freelance lifestyle journalist recently shared how her pitch acceptance rate dropped this year through no fault of her own.
It’s frustrating, but also oddly comforting to know I’m not alone in this.
You can check out her Substack post here:
It’s frustrating, but also oddly comforting to know I’m not alone in this.
You can check out her Substack post here:
On these cold winter days, I've enjoyed compiling this Aruba travel itinerary for Afar . Writing about white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and sun-soaked tropical getaways was a lovely mental escape.
This Caribbean Destination is the Ultimate Wellness Retreat
Reconnect with nature (and yourself) through meditation, hiking, beach yoga, and spa treatments on this six-day travel itinerary.
buff.ly
December 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM
On these cold winter days, I've enjoyed compiling this Aruba travel itinerary for Afar . Writing about white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and sun-soaked tropical getaways was a lovely mental escape.
I took my own advice and celebrated the solstice with all the cozy things, including:
🔥 Lit the fireplace
☕ Drank coffee and hot cocoa
🛷 Went sledding
🍲 Made soup and snow “ice cream”
📚 Read holiday books together
🎥 Watched Xmas movies
🍪 Baked Xmas cookies
🔥 Lit the fireplace
☕ Drank coffee and hot cocoa
🛷 Went sledding
🍲 Made soup and snow “ice cream”
📚 Read holiday books together
🎥 Watched Xmas movies
🍪 Baked Xmas cookies
These Seasonal Depression Treatments Help Me Thrive During Winter
❄️ Winter doesn't have to suck.
buff.ly
December 23, 2024 at 7:50 PM
I took my own advice and celebrated the solstice with all the cozy things, including:
🔥 Lit the fireplace
☕ Drank coffee and hot cocoa
🛷 Went sledding
🍲 Made soup and snow “ice cream”
📚 Read holiday books together
🎥 Watched Xmas movies
🍪 Baked Xmas cookies
🔥 Lit the fireplace
☕ Drank coffee and hot cocoa
🛷 Went sledding
🍲 Made soup and snow “ice cream”
📚 Read holiday books together
🎥 Watched Xmas movies
🍪 Baked Xmas cookies
Living in the D.C. area was such a fun chapter in my life, and writing this piece brought back so many memories! There’s so much more to the city than its monuments and landmarks—like the incredible dining scene and character-filled neighborhoods:
Experiences Only Found in Washington, D.C. | Virtuoso
From uncovering secrets in the International Spy Museum to late-night jazz, don’t miss these authentic D.C. experiences.
buff.ly
December 17, 2024 at 5:03 PM
Living in the D.C. area was such a fun chapter in my life, and writing this piece brought back so many memories! There’s so much more to the city than its monuments and landmarks—like the incredible dining scene and character-filled neighborhoods:
I used to say, “I’m never moving to Upstate New York.” As someone with seasonal depression, the thought of brutal winters terrified me.
Now I live in Albany, love winter, and have tips for thriving during the cold, dark months. Read on if you'd like:
Now I live in Albany, love winter, and have tips for thriving during the cold, dark months. Read on if you'd like:
These Seasonal Depression Treatments Help Me Thrive During Winter
❄️ Winter doesn't have to suck.
buff.ly
December 16, 2024 at 5:00 PM
I used to say, “I’m never moving to Upstate New York.” As someone with seasonal depression, the thought of brutal winters terrified me.
Now I live in Albany, love winter, and have tips for thriving during the cold, dark months. Read on if you'd like:
Now I live in Albany, love winter, and have tips for thriving during the cold, dark months. Read on if you'd like:
Fellow journalists! If your pitches aren’t landing, don’t feel bad. My acceptance rate has dropped a lot since 2017—even with stronger pitches. Why? Fewer outlets, keyword-driven stories handled in-house, and more freelancers in the mix. What do you think—is pitching harder now?
December 13, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Fellow journalists! If your pitches aren’t landing, don’t feel bad. My acceptance rate has dropped a lot since 2017—even with stronger pitches. Why? Fewer outlets, keyword-driven stories handled in-house, and more freelancers in the mix. What do you think—is pitching harder now?
A few years ago, I did something that completely reshaped how I see the world—and myself. I backpacked the Long Trail, a 272-mile trek through Vermont that starts at the MA border and ends near Canada. I loved talking to fellow LT end-to-ender to create this guide for REI: https://buff.ly/4g6Ulm7
buff.ly
December 12, 2024 at 11:09 PM
A few years ago, I did something that completely reshaped how I see the world—and myself. I backpacked the Long Trail, a 272-mile trek through Vermont that starts at the MA border and ends near Canada. I loved talking to fellow LT end-to-ender to create this guide for REI: https://buff.ly/4g6Ulm7