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Suzanne's childhood travel experiences were limited to road trip forays with her parents, and the thrill that came with crossing the state line, complete with obligatory pictures under the "Welcome to... (fill in the name of a state bordering California)" signs. Then during college a babysitting job in South Carolina turned into a girls' road trip. One month, 26 states, and countless adventures (read: mishaps) later, and Suzanne was a self-avowed lifelong traveler. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, she delayed the inevitable task of growing up with a six-month jaunt through Europe. Once again bitten by the travel bug (and bedbugs), Suzanne decided travel writing was her dream career. She was thrown off track by a corporate job in the Silicon Valley, but finally moved to New York in 2006 to pursue her dream, and a Master's degree in English at NYU. Now she hangs out at the library, works for eurocheapo.com, a budget hotel website, and continues to fight growing up.

  • Hometown

    Fremont, CA, USA

  • Location now

    New York, NY, USA

  • Work published

    Venezia Magazine, eurocheapo.com, classictravel.com, Brides Magazine

  • Travel philosophy

    Travel without inhibitions (and pack fabulous shoes).

  • Craziest place

    The Flinestone campground somewhere off the highway in North Carolina, and the portion of Route 66 through New Mexico and Texas where you never know what you'll see on the side of the road.

  • Bizarre experience

    During a European backpacking adventure after college, my girlfriends and I rented cars to drive through Bordeaux. On a budget and unable to find a hostel with space for us, we decided to save money and sleep in our cars. It was December. Despite layering every article of clothing we'd brought, we still woke ever two hours to turn on the car heaters. Having chosen a hospital parking lot because it seemed a safe bet, when the sun rose, we realized we were parked beneath the helicopter landing pad.

  • Advice

    Take risks. Mishaps often make the best memories...and the best stories.

  • Dream destination

    Petra!

  • Traveled before

    All over the United States (on a road trip), Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and throughout Europe.

  • Going next

    A tour of South America

Suzanne Russo's Guide Book Entries

Info

  • Paseo de los Colorados

    Mar 26, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    Starting at one end of town and winding around the Cerro de Siete Colores to the other, this circuit affords ......

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  • Salinas Grandes

    Mar 26, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    Long before you reach the salt flats, you’ll a surreal sea of white in the distance starkly contrasted against the ......

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  • Huachichocana and the Cave Paintings

    Mar 26, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    Just 10 kilometers from Purmamarca is the small town of Huachichocana, a pretty part of the gorge that makes an ......

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See all Info (30)

Destinations

  • Purmamarca

    Mar 21, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    Itsy bitsy Purmamarca is made up of exactly 13 blocks, all of which ooze small town charm. No building numbers ......

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  • Iryua

    Mar 19, 2008 - Iryua, Argentina

    Pretty little Iruya is about three hours by bus from Humahuaca, a quaint village sheltered on all sides by massive ......

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  • Humahuaca

    Mar 13, 2008 - Humahuaca , Argentina

    With fiery mountains blazing in its background and squat adobe buildings in burnt reds and buttery yellows, dry Humahuaca feels ......

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See all Destinations (11)

Hotels

  • El Viejo Algarrobo

    Apr 10, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    Comfort abounds in this hospedaje and café just behind the church. From its warm yellow adobe façade to the cheery ......

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  • La Reliquia

    Mar 21, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    It doesn’t get more budget than this. Primarily a camping facility (with tents for rental), La Reliquia also has one ......

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  • Los Colorados

    Mar 21, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    This mountain retreat is definitely reserved for those who want (and can afford) a special treat. The high prices, however, ......

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See all Hotels (20)

Restaurants

  • Comida

    Apr 10, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    This nondescript eatery is the type of place most people would walk on by, primarily because its tiny, faded sign ......

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  • La Sombra del Sauce

    Mar 21, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    This cozy Resto Bar has a little bit of everything: a long wine list, mouthwatering regional dishes, a well-stocked bar, ......

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  • Sabor a Tierra

    Mar 21, 2008 - Purmamarca, Argentina

    Literally translated as “Flavor to Earth” this restaurant stays true to its name by keeping it simple with fresh regional ......

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See all Restaurants (13)

Activities

  • Feria Artesenal

    Mar 19, 2008 - Humahuaca , Argentina

    The craft market runs along San Martin behind the railroad tracks. It’s a fun, lively atmosphere and a pretty part ......

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  • Rafting

    Mar 12, 2008 - Salta, Argentina

    The Juramento River is not far from Salta and a great place to raft, with beginner to intermediate rapids. Salta ......

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  • Museo Antropológico

    Mar 12, 2008 - Salta, Argentina

    For pre-Hispanic history, Salta’s thorough anthropological museum is the place to be. It began as a study of the Tastil ......

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See all Activities (23)

Services

V!VA List Articles

V!VA World

  • Wine Trains Are Overrated

    Dec 02, 2007 - Italy

    The lady at the tourist office grimaced. There were no wine trains. “Bikes?” I ventured. She nodded curtly and suggested ......

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