About Sampling America
Welcome to Sampling America, your premier destination for inspiring travel narratives, helpful planning guides, and informative articles about the world’s most incredible places. We are passionate about travel and dedicated to helping you discover the wonders of the world, from the rugged landscapes of national parks to the unique cultures of global destinations.
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Sampling America was founded by Jake Cain, a Cincinnati native with an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Inspired by the enchanting stories spun by his own family’s road trips across the United States, Jake wanted to share the thrill and enrichment that comes with discovery and exploration. This passion for travel led Jake and his family to embark on a remarkable journey of “road schooling” their kids for several years, providing them with invaluable, real-world experiences and a profound appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our world.
Since its inception, Sampling America has grown from a personal travel journal into a trusted resource for travelers all around the globe. We’ve expanded our team to include a diverse range of experienced travel writers, each with their own unique insights and perspectives to share.
Meet Our Writers
Maya S.
Family Travel & National Parks
Maya is a Midwest mom of two who discovered that the best family memories happen somewhere between exits 47 and 52. She writes about national park road trips with kids in tow, finding diners worth pulling over for, and the logistics of traveling a country without losing your mind.
Derek J.
Scenic Drives & State Parks
Derek has spent the last decade chasing scenic byways, trail towns, and that perfect hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint the tourists never seem to find. A former outdoor guide turned writer, he’s hiked in 26 states and firmly believes the best road trips are the ones where the map gets rewritten halfway through.
Alex T.
Destination Guides & Planning
Alex is the planner on the team — the one with the spreadsheets, the saved Google Maps lists, and the color-coded packing cubes. She writes deeply researched destination guides, regional itineraries, and the practical breakdowns that turn a daydream into an actual trip.
At Sampling America, we believe that every journey, no matter how big or small, is a chance to learn and grow. We aim to help you make the most of your travels, creating unforgettable experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Through our detailed guides, captivating stories, and helpful tips, we empower you to discover the world in your own unique way.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a cross-country road trip, or an international adventure, Sampling America is here to guide your way.
For any inquiries, suggestions, or feedback, feel free to reach out to Jake at [email protected]. Here’s to your next journey — may it be filled with wonder and excitement.
Our Contributors
The writers behind Sampling America’s trips, guides, and stories.
Daniel John
Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Stephanie Bontorin
Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
Elizabeth Thorn
Elizabeth is an experienced traveler and writer with bylines in several popular travel publications. She currently co-owns a small digital travel publication and spends her free time writing, taking photos, and traveling.
Kelsey Waddell
Kelsey is a freelance writer based in Southern Virginia. She enjoys traveling with her family to destinations from national parks to amusement parks and loves sharing tips and stories from along the way.
Megan Bryant
Megan Bryant is a passionate writer and traveler who has combined her two loves to help others fulfill their traveling dreams. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up with her 3 Dachshunds and a good book or planning her next adventure—wherever that may be.
Jessica Scott
Jessica is a respected contributor to the Sampling America writing team, eloquently sharing tales of adventures across the country and beyond.
Starla Gatson
Starla is a valued contributor to the Sampling America writing team, passionately sharing captivating narratives from adventures across the country and beyond.
Derek Jensen
Derek has spent the last decade chasing scenic byways, trail towns, and that perfect hole-in-the-wall breakfast joint tourists never find. He writes about scenic drives, state parks, and the kind of slow travel that rewards you for taking the long way. A former outdoor guide turned writer, he has hiked in 26 states and firmly believes the best road trips are the ones where the map gets rewritten halfway through.
Taylor Young
Taylor is a versatile writer and member of the Sampling America team, sharing enthralling narratives inspired by journeys across the country and beyond.
Leigha Bruce
Leigha Bruce is a North Carolina–based freelance writer who covers travel, family trips, and weekend getaways.
Alex Tran
Alex is the planner on the team, the one with the spreadsheets, the saved Google Maps lists, and color-coded packing cubes. She writes deeply researched destination guides, regional itineraries, and the practical breakdowns (costs, timing, logistics) that turn a daydream into an actual trip. Before writing full-time, she spent seven years planning corporate offsites, which is basically a travel agent with stricter deadlines.
Maya Stewart
Maya is a Midwest mom of two who discovered that the best family memories happen somewhere between exits 47 and 52. She writes about national park road trips with kids in tow, finding diners worth pulling over for, and the logistics of traveling a country without losing your mind. Before Sampling America, she road-schooled her kids through 31 states in a minivan that still somehow smells faintly of goldfish crackers.
Nikita Das
Nikita is a valued contributor to the Sampling America writing team, passionately sharing captivating narratives from adventures across the country and beyond.
Andrea Papillon
AJ is a valued contributor to the Sampling America writing team, passionately sharing captivating narratives from adventures across the country and beyond.