Author Interview: Jacqueline Jeynes, author of How a Global Pandemic Changed the Way We Travel and Targeting the Mature Traveler

Following strategies for Targeting the Mature Traveler (US spelling), it was clear that things had changed drastically by 2022 for every age group. The book on the impact of the global pandemic looks at what changed, where you could still travel to, how people booked trips, and the new “Bucket List” destinations.

What inspired you to write your book?

As a published travel writer, I was aware of several international research studies taking place, so it was fascinating collating these report findings and images of deserted travel hubs or destinations. I was constantly following events during, and following, the pandemic even on a local level, as we live in a popular harbour town, a favourite with visitors to Wales, UK.

If you have a business related to your book, tell us about it:

I write travel books (New York publisher) and reviews on places to visit, where to stay, food and wine (especially wine!), opera, and theatre. As a member of British Guild of Travel Writers, I also go on press visits for providers of products and services within Tourism and Hospitality.

What is a typical day like for you?

This has changed over the last two years, as my husband’s health has deteriorated and I am now his carer. Usually, I go out for a walk, or we both go shopping, I have a coffee and look at the ‘to do’ list, then start writing. I write every day, and generally prefer to use pen and paper to get the ideas down before starting to type them up.

What do you most enjoy about what you do?

I love writing reviews; I cannot help it when we go anywhere, or I see a new play! I also enjoy the research and planning the structure of a new piece of work. I enjoy reviewing books by other authors, even if they are on topics that I would not normally look out for.

What are some favorite books you’d recommend to our readers?

Jelaine Lombardi’s memoir Running Around Naked – definitely a fun read. If you are interested in the arts, a light-hearted but informative book on looking at artworks is What Are You Looking At? by Will Gompertz. I am also re-reading the classic Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne as it’s a fascinating study of adventurous travel.

What advice do you have to offer our readers?

There is always something to write about under the heading of non-fiction. I am never without a notebook and pen where I jot down thoughts, observations, descriptions, and ideas for blogs or reports – I will never remember them all otherwise! This is generally when I am in a café with a coffee but can be anywhere.

The biggest piece of advice would be to do your research fully if putting a proposal together to submit to a traditional publisher or agent and follow their guidelines.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

One day, I may actually write three memoirs – being a Baby Boomer from a city, surviving a 10-year marriage of physical and mental abuse and escaping with five sons, and going on to gain several degrees and became the expert on 10 BBC TV programmes for small firms. Oh yes, and I danced the Can-Can on stage in a working men’s club aged 15!

What’s next for you?

Working on updating my author website – nearly done!

I currently have three book proposals with two of my publishers:

The Enduring Power/Popularity of Puccini’s Opera Madama Butterfly (may be a series with other operas by him)
The Philanthropic Ideals Behind the Art Collection Donated to the People of Wales by the Davies Sisters
Bradt Guides – Slow Meander Around Wales by Public Transport (2 parts North and South)

This is alongside the ongoing work on Have [Stoma] Bag, Will Travel! based on what we can and cannot do following my husband’s colostomy this year.

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