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Travel Lemming Logo

McKenna Mobley

Senior Travel Writer, Travel Lemming

Instagram | LinkedIn | Muck Rack

McKenna is an avid adventurer, traveler, mountaineer, and writer from Southern California. Her goal is to climb some of the world’s highest mountains, visit as many countries as she can, and road trip as far as her trustee motorhome will take her. She is enamored with Latin America and has solo backpacked from Mexico-Argentina over the course of a year. McKenna’s adventures have also taken her to the Arizona desert where she hiked 400 consecutive miles by herself on the AZT. You can find her on her blog and follow her adventures by reading her articles.

🏠 Local to: California

📍 Currently: Road-tripping through the American Southwest

🌟 Favorite Destinations: Mexico, Latin America, Utah, New Mexico, California Mountain towns

🎓 Education: Arizona State University ( Anthropology, B.A.), Cal State University Los Angeles (Archaeology, M.A.)

✔️ Fun Facts: Solo climbed Pico de Orizaba, an 18,500-foot Mexican mountain, Chihuahua mom, avid Jeopardy tuner-in


Meet McKenna

McKenna Mobley enjoying skiing during winter in Inland Empire
Inland Empire, California
The author McKenna Mobley posing at the summit of Iztaccihuatl with the famous Popocatepetl Volcano in the background during sunset
Summit of Iztaccihuatl
McKenna Mobley holding her dog while on her camper van in Idyllwild
Idyllwild, California
McKenna Mobley relaxing on the Jemez Hot Springs
Jemez Hot Springs

📚 What was Your Favorite Travel Experience or Story?

I solo backpacked almost the entirety of Latin America when I was 20. What started as a 5-week trip to Peru and Chile became a year-long adventure around the Southern Hemisphere. Fellow long-term backpackers inspired my travels and prompted me to skip my return flight home, discovering the magic of most Latin American countries in the meantime.

I traveled by bus from Mexico to Argentina with pit stops in almost every intersecting country. I saved a mountain of expenses by hitchhiking and Couchsurfing my way around Patagonia and other safe Latin countries, making it a trip for the books. 

🗺️ What’s Your #1 Expert Travel Tip?

As grotesque as it sounds, I always try to get sick or food poisoned at the beginning of a new international trip so I can get it over with early and enjoy the rest of my trip. I will never travel anywhere without the magic Imodium pill, a true traveler’s lifesaver. In the event of an emergency, I also always carry extra clothes and napkins in my carry-on in case transportation food doesn’t agree with me. Sitting at the front of a bus helps prevent motion sickness too but be sure to always carry an extra paper bag, just in case.

🗒️ What Are Your Future Travel Plans?

Mexico is my favorite country in the world and I try to squeeze in a trip at least once a year. This summer, I plan on climbing some 20,000-foot mountains in Bolivia, hopefully with the Indigenous Climbing Cholitas as my mountain guides. 

I also plan on traveling to Nepal in two years’ time to climb some high Himalayan Mountains, one of my ultimate goals. In between international trips, I always take short or long-term motorhome trips with my chihuahua. 

✔️ What Are Your Career Goals?

I am currently studying Mesoamerican cave archaeology and hope to conduct fieldwork in the Yucatan during the summer seasons. I also expect to further my writing career and work with Travel Lemming continuously as well as other established travel publications.

🧳 Backpack or Suitcase?

Backpack

✈️ Window or Aisle Seat?

Window seat


McKenna’s Recent Posts

47 Best Things to Do in Utah (in 2023)

47 Best Things to Do in Utah (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 20, 2023
Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree (in 2023)

Best Time to Visit Joshua Tree (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 20, 2023
15 Best Utah Hot Springs in 2023 (With Map)

15 Best Utah Hot Springs in 2023 (With Map)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 20, 2023
31 Best Hikes in Utah (My Favorite Trails in 2023)

31 Best Hikes in Utah (My Favorite Trails in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 20, 2023
Best Time to Visit Utah (When to Go in 2023)

Best Time to Visit Utah (When to Go in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 20, 2023
23 Best California RV Parks in 2023 (By a Local)

23 Best California RV Parks in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 5, 2023
35 Best Things to Do in Moab (in 2023)

35 Best Things to Do in Moab (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 20, 2023
25 Best New Mexico National Parks & Monuments (in 2023!)

25 Best New Mexico National Parks & Monuments (in 2023!)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 16, 2023
25 Best Utah National Parks & Monuments (in 2023)

25 Best Utah National Parks & Monuments (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 20, 2023
30 Best Hot Springs in New Mexico (in 2023)

30 Best Hot Springs in New Mexico (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 27, 2023
Where to Stay in the Inland Empire (Best Places in 2023)

Where to Stay in the Inland Empire (Best Places in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
21 Things to Do in the Inland Empire in 2023 (By a Local)

21 Things to Do in the Inland Empire in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 17, 2023
27 Best Beaches in California in 2023 (By a Local)

27 Best Beaches in California in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 21, 2023
Camping in New Mexico in 2023 (19 Best Sites & 5 Tips)

Camping in New Mexico in 2023 (19 Best Sites & 5 Tips)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 27, 2023
41 Things to Do in California with Kids in 2023 (By a Local)

41 Things to Do in California with Kids in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
Where to Stay in Santa Fe in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

Where to Stay in Santa Fe in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
31 Best Things to Do in Taos (in 2023)

31 Best Things to Do in Taos (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 27, 2023
Where to Stay in Taos in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

Where to Stay in Taos in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
Chaco Canyon (2023 National Historical Park Visitor Guide)

Chaco Canyon (2023 National Historical Park Visitor Guide)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 16, 2023
33 Best Things to Do in Santa Fe (in 2023)

33 Best Things to Do in Santa Fe (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 27, 2023
Best Time to Visit Oaxaca (in 2023)

Best Time to Visit Oaxaca (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 12, 2023
Is Oaxaca Safe to Visit? (Honest Advice for 2023)

Is Oaxaca Safe to Visit? (Honest Advice for 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 12, 2023
Where to Stay in Oaxaca (Best Neighborhoods & Places, 2023)

Where to Stay in Oaxaca (Best Neighborhoods & Places, 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
27 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (in 2023)

27 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 12, 2023
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
21 Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe (in 2023)

21 Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 9, 2023
Hiking in Mexico (13 Best Hikes + 5 Tips for 2023)

Hiking in Mexico (13 Best Hikes + 5 Tips for 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 9, 2023
31 Best Day Trips from San Francisco (in 2023)

31 Best Day Trips from San Francisco (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 18, 2023
15 Best Things to Do in Idyllwild (in 2023)

15 Best Things to Do in Idyllwild (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 12, 2023
California Packing List (17 Things to Bring, By a Local)

California Packing List (17 Things to Bring, By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedDecember 28, 2022
25 Best Hikes Near San Francisco (for 2023)

25 Best Hikes Near San Francisco (for 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 7, 2023
11 Best Museums in California in 2023 (By a Local)

11 Best Museums in California in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 7, 2023
Anza Borrego State Park – Ultimate Visitors Guide (2023)

Anza Borrego State Park – Ultimate Visitors Guide (2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 16, 2023
13 Best Malls in Southern California for 2023 (By a Local)

13 Best Malls in Southern California for 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 7, 2023
13 California State Parks You’ll Love (According a Local)

13 California State Parks You’ll Love (According a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 5, 2023
17 Best Things to Do in Big Bear Lake (in 2023)

17 Best Things to Do in Big Bear Lake (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 10, 2023
Disneyland Itinerary (3 Days Planned by a Local)

Disneyland Itinerary (3 Days Planned by a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 16, 2023
Is California Safe for Travel Now? (A Local Answers)

Is California Safe for Travel Now? (A Local Answers)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedDecember 28, 2022
17 Best California Breweries, By a Local (in 2023)

17 Best California Breweries, By a Local (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedDecember 4, 2022
13 Best Lakes in California for 2023 (By a Local)

13 Best Lakes in California for 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 11, 2023
29 Best Things to Do in Northern California (in 2023)

29 Best Things to Do in Northern California (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 10, 2023
Where to Stay in Palm Springs in 2023 (Best Places & Areas)

Where to Stay in Palm Springs in 2023 (Best Places & Areas)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
9 Best California Ski Resorts (By a Local)

9 Best California Ski Resorts (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 11, 2023
31 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs (in 2023)

31 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 6, 2023
31 Best Outdoorsy Gifts for Him (2023)

31 Best Outdoorsy Gifts for Him (2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedDecember 26, 2022
Where to Stay Near Redwood National Park (Top Places, 2023)

Where to Stay Near Redwood National Park (Top Places, 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
Outdoorsy Gifts for Her (30 Ideas for Adventurous Women)

Outdoorsy Gifts for Her (30 Ideas for Adventurous Women)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedNovember 11, 2022
11 Theme Parks in California for 2023 (By a Local)

11 Theme Parks in California for 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 7, 2023
19 Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles (in 2023)

19 Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 4, 2023
19 Best Things to Do in Berkeley (in 2023)

19 Best Things to Do in Berkeley (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 5, 2023
Where to Stay in Berkeley (Best Areas & Places in 2023)

Where to Stay in Berkeley (Best Areas & Places in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
Camping Essentials (22 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

Camping Essentials (22 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedDecember 16, 2022
25 Romantic Getaways in California for 2023 (By a Local)

25 Romantic Getaways in California for 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedDecember 28, 2022
The Best Time to Visit San Francisco (in 2023)

The Best Time to Visit San Francisco (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 26, 2023
Where to Stay in San Francisco in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

Where to Stay in San Francisco in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
25 Best Restaurants in Long Beach (in 2023)

25 Best Restaurants in Long Beach (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 12, 2023
San Francisco on a Budget (How to Play, Stay & Eat Cheaply)

San Francisco on a Budget (How to Play, Stay & Eat Cheaply)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 16, 2023
13 Best Places to Live in California in 2023 (By a Local)

13 Best Places to Live in California in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 7, 2023
29 Things to Do in San Francisco (in 2023)

29 Things to Do in San Francisco (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 1, 2023
17 Napa Wineries & Vineyards (Best of Napa Valley in 2023)

17 Napa Wineries & Vineyards (Best of Napa Valley in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 12, 2023
California Road Trip (A Local’s Ultimate Itinerary)

California Road Trip (A Local’s Ultimate Itinerary)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 1, 2023
15 Best California Mountain Towns in 2023 (By a Local)

15 Best California Mountain Towns in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 12, 2023
75 Disneyland Tips (A California Local’s Insider Secrets)

75 Disneyland Tips (A California Local’s Insider Secrets)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedDecember 13, 2022
Where to Stay at Disneyland (Best Areas & Places for 2023)

Where to Stay at Disneyland (Best Areas & Places for 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
17 Best Things to Do in Morro Bay (in 2023)

17 Best Things to Do in Morro Bay (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 15, 2023
23 Best California Beach Towns (in 2023)

23 Best California Beach Towns (in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 4, 2023
Best Time to Visit Disneyland (By a California Local)

Best Time to Visit Disneyland (By a California Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedDecember 13, 2022
Camping in California (11 Best Sites & Tips)

Camping in California (11 Best Sites & Tips)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 5, 2023
San Gabriel Mountains (13 Best Hikes & Tips For Visiting)

San Gabriel Mountains (13 Best Hikes & Tips For Visiting)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedAugust 29, 2022
21 Best Towns in California for 2023 (By a Local)

21 Best Towns in California for 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 4, 2023
21 Best Yosemite Hikes (By a California Local)

21 Best Yosemite Hikes (By a California Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 12, 2023
51 Best Things to Do in California in 2023 (By a Local)

51 Best Things to Do in California in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 16, 2023
19 Best Cities in California in 2023 (By a Local)

19 Best Cities in California in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 12, 2023
Where to Stay in San Bernardino (An Area Local’s Top Places)

Where to Stay in San Bernardino (An Area Local’s Top Places)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 14, 2023
25 Best Things to Do in San Bernardino (By a Local)

25 Best Things to Do in San Bernardino (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 12, 2023
27 Best Places to Visit in California in 2023 (By a Local)

27 Best Places to Visit in California in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedJanuary 12, 2023
35 Best Things to Do in Orange County in 2023 (By a Local)

35 Best Things to Do in Orange County in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 20, 2023
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree (Best Areas & Places in 2023)

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree (Best Areas & Places in 2023)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 20, 2023
9 Best National Parks in California

9 Best National Parks in California

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedMarch 5, 2023
17 Best Hikes in California in 2023 (By a Local)

17 Best Hikes in California in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 16, 2023
The Best Time to Visit California in 2023 (By a Local)

The Best Time to Visit California in 2023 (By a Local)

ByMcKenna Mobley UpdatedFebruary 15, 2023

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