Who is Carrie McLaren?
With seven years experience as a travel PR pro and thirteen years as a travel writer/influencer - my work has been featured in various national magazines, newspapers and websites. (Check out more of my writing portfolio at www.CarrieMcLaren.com)
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, I am the former VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider and an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Family Travel Association (FTA).
I am available for on-site visits, third-party content creation, writing projects, influencer campaigns, on-camera work and more. Have another idea in mind? Let’s chat – I love stepping outside the box.
Past and present clients include: Carnival Cruise Line, VISIT FLORIDA, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Visit Jacksonville (FL), Florida Marriotts, Westgate River Ranch, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and more.
Written Work
Porthole Cruise Magazine
Orbitz.com
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
USA TODAY Travel: Experience Food and Wine
VISIT FLORIDA, VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider
- Family Dining in Apalachicola
- Seaside for Families
- Into the Story at Walt Disney World
- One Vacation, Multi Generations Making Memories Together
VISIT FLORIDA Magazine, 2015 and 2014
- Go Educational – educational attractions and destinations around Florida
- Unplug and Unwind – technology-free vacation getaways
Carnival Cruise Lines, Away We Go
- What You Don’t Need to Pack For a Cruise
- Vacationer Tips for Taking Better
- How to Pack for Kids for Vacation
- Seeking New Food Adventures While on a Cruise
WHERE Magazine
- Spend the Day in Jacksonville’s San Marco Neighborhood
- A Weekend Getaway on Amelia Island
- Experience Jacksonville Like a Local in Downtown’s Hemming Plaza
Ruby: A Blog by Virgin Atlantic
Florida Marriotts and Resorts, The Florida Buzz
Third Party Content Creation
As a contractor with Digital Edge Marketing and Connect Travel, I create content for destinations via the marketing agencies. Target audiences include meeting planners, golfers, multigenerational travel, family travel and more.
Levy County Visitors Bureau
• Top Things to Do for Intergenerational Families in Levy County
Southeast Idaho High Country
• Four Season Guide to Idaho’s High Country
Visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Look Beyond the Boardroom in Sioux Falls
Florida’s First Coast of Golf
On-Camera Work
With experience in front of the camera for on-site interviews, in-studio appearances and online travel videos, I am available for on-camera work featuring your destination. Some of my on-camera work includes
Carnival Cruise Line
VISIT FLORIDA
Social Media Campaigns
With a strong, online following I am available for Twitter chats, Facebook promotion, sponsored blog posts, Instagram programs and even in-person meet-ups.
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- The Florida Times-Union – social media coverage of Florida Country Superfest, a two-day music festival
- #FLTravelChat – a monthly Twitter chat with VISIT FLORIDA about Florida destinations, events and attractions
Workshops and Speaking Appearances
With a background in travel public relations, I have seen both sides of the blogger/public relations relationship. From discussions on how to interact with bloggers to creating your own social media presence – I’m available to speak on these and related topics. Past presentations include –
- Jacksonville Florida Public Relations Association -presentation on working with bloggers
- Florida Public Relations Association, Jacksonville – panelist on social media relations
- Visit Jacksonville – panelist on how to work with local media
After Eleven Years, We Are Not Renewing Our Walt Disney World Annual Passes
Top reasons my family and I are not renewing our Walt Disney World Annual Passes after eleven years. Lightning Lane, rising costs and fewer benefits and more.
Peppa Pig Theme Park Will Open February 24, 2022!
The world's first Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven, Florida has announced an opening date!
Thank You, Roy and Walt
Today, October 1, 2021 is a historic day as Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating its 50th birthday. The celebration will last for the next 18 months at the Florida parks with tons of festivities including the new, fireworks show - Disney Enchantment at Magic...
My Look At Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Walt Disney World
My family and I had the opportunity to attend an Annual Passholder preview of the new ride at Epcot - Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Here's are my thoughts and things to know.
How to Plan an Adults-Only Getaway to Orlando this Fall
Every year, my husband and I sneak out for a 'no kids weekend' to Orlando and let me tell you - it is a whole, new experience and a whole, new city! Staying out late, choosing restaurants that offer more than just chicken nuggets and French fries (because, kids!)...
My Preview of the New Carnival Mardi Gras
Here's my preview of Carnival Cruise Line's new ship Mardi Gras. From new staterooms to new restaurants, new nightlife and a new rollercoaster there is a lot to see on this ship.