We’re thrilled to announce Jyotsna Ramani as Flipboard’s first Traveler in Residence. Jo joins a handful of creators who add their expertise and community-building chops to Flipboard as in-house residents in areas like food and photography. 

Jo is a wildlife enthusiast who loves to explore offbeat places. You can follow her globetrotting escapades on her blog, Wander With Jo, and of course on Flipboard, where she is a key member of The Travel Exchange, our Group Magazine for many of Flipboard’s top travel curators. Jo also hosts her own communities in Group Magazines like The Great Outdoors and Wanderlust & Food. Get to know her in this fun conversation.

Where does your passion for travel come from?

My passion for travel is fueled by my love for wildlife, jungles, nature, and being in the great outdoors. I’ve been frequenting the national parks of India in search of Royal Bengal Tigers since I was a little girl. It also helped that my father was an independent wildlife tour operator, so I could go on safari for free whenever I wanted. Growing up in Delhi, all of our family vacations were spent in Corbett National Park, and these experiences helped shape my passion for outdoor adventures. 

No wonder that, as I grew up, I preferred visiting beaches, national parks and mountains, and have always preferred unusual, quieter countryside to large, chaotic cities. Especially since I have lived in a noisy and chaotic city, travel has come as a refreshing escape.

What is your favorite destination and why?

Since wildlife is my first passion, Africa simply blew me away. My first trip to Africa was to witness the incredible great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara. I was awestruck by the surreal landscapes and the abundance of wildlife in Kenyan parks. And, when I visited South Africa and spent several days in the private Zululand reserve, which was equally mind blowing (if not more). 

What trip are you planning for 2023 that you are most excited about?

Africa! I would love to go back and spend some time exploring the other part of the continent (minus back-to-back safaris and parks). I mean, of course, wildlife will remain a big part of my explorations, especially the gorilla trekking in Rwanda, which has been a huge bucket list item for a long time now. I also want to explore/live in a few countries and experience the culture. 

How would you describe your travel style and what are your favorite types of travel experiences?

I feel I have seen jaw dropping landscapes and had mind-blowing experiences during my travels. So what excites me now is “new” experiences. 

Nowadays, I don’t travel for “destinations” or to count countries, but for “experiences.” For example, Day of the Dead in Mexico was an experience I gifted myself for a recent birthday. I would like to travel for other experiences, like witnessing the surreal northern lights or gorilla trekking and the like. 

Who are the voices that you turn to for travel inspiration?

Oh so many! I love reading other travel blogs and my favorites are DrifterPlanet, ContinentHop and TravelBooksFood.

What are the five things you always travel with?

I simply cannot leave home without my AirPods (it helps me sleep during long flights), my sarong (which acts as a multi-functional item: towel, beach wrap, bed sheet, skirt, dress, etc). My coffee mug (It makes me feel at home to have a “constant” wherever I go), a book and mosquito repellent (since I am extremely prone to bites).

What are some tips you have for other travel enthusiasts who want to make the most out of Flipboard?

Flipboard has a ton of excellent Group Magazines. My favorite for travel is The Travel Exchange. I love reading stories there and flipping new content. It’s a great place to e-meet other fellow travelers and engage with the community. 

It’s also a great idea to start new Storyboards, join Group Magazines, start your own Magazines and allow contributors. There’s a lot you can achieve on Flipboard as a travel contributor or reader.

Tell us about your own curation approach and what we can expect to see on your Flipboard profile.

I am obsessed with Flipboard. So much so, that I wrote an in-depth Flipboard guide years ago when they first started off. I contribute to several different travel Magazines based on my travel style. I love “The Great Outdoors,” so adventure travel is one of my favorite topics to flip about. I also share extensively about national parks, nature and offbeat destinations.

Don’t forget to follow Jo on Flipboard to get a steady stream of dream destinations, travel tips, and salutes to the great outdoors. 

— Jessica Jordan, community and marketing lead, is contributing to The Travel Exchange