In this bittersweet episode of Humans of Travel, longtime host Emma Weissmann hands the mic to Chelsee Lowe, Senior Editor of TravelAge West.
A former teacher, Lowe earned a Master of Education degree from UCLA and spent years in the classroom before dedicating her professional life to writing. After beginning with freelance work and a part-time editorial role at TravelAge West, she eventually rejoined the publication full time and found her niche profiling people who shape the travel industry — travel advisors, suppliers and beyond. She discusses her path from teaching to travel journalism and the value of patience and curiosity when uncovering someone’s story.
Midway through the conversation, the tables turn, and Lowe steps into the host role and interviews Weissmann about her time at TravelAge West, growing up in a travel-industry family and the evolution of her career, from a just-out-of-college assistant editor to a respected journalist and beloved industry representative.
Together, they reflect on the power of storytelling, mentorship and meaningful professional relationships. Fans of Weissmann can still catch her on the Trade Secrets podcast, as well as in Travel Weekly, where she is now Features Editor.
This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.
Emma Weissmann, longtime host of Humans of Travel, is passing the mic to Chelsee Lowe.
Credit: 2026 TravelAge West
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Trade Secrets Podcast
From TravelAge West: Meet Gaynel Senka, Travelmation’s First-Ever $4 Million Advisor
From TravelAge West: This Travel Advisor Plans Literary Tours for Women — Here’s Why, and How It’s Going
About Your Host
Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
About the Show
TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.
