Valerie Chen is the former Deputy Digital Editor for TravelAge West, Family Getaways and Explorer magazines. Though her ship-to address has always included a Southern California zip code, each and every new destination she visits — no matter the distance from Los Angeles — somehow manages to exude a familiar “home sweet home” feeling. She will admit that tasting as much local food as possible is of utmost importance when traveling, and the more adventurous her trips, the better.
Follow along on Twitter @ValerieChenTAW and Instagram @valerielily.