Jean Chen Smith

Jean Chen Smith headshot

Jean Chen Smith is a writer who is passionate about health, style, and luxury travel. She loves sharing experiences with readers — whether it be about food, glamping, or traveling with pets. Jean has contributed to many publications such as USA Today, Commercial Appeal, Cincinnati Enquirer, Florida Today, 1889 Magazine, and many more. As much as she loves writing, she is also a fitness enthusiast who runs every day and does pilates religiously. She has traveled extensively, but her favorite place to visit is Hawaii for the sunshine and hiking.

• 15 years of freelance writing experience
• 20+ years of experience working in the fashion industry in New York City and traveling for work
• Received a bachelor’s in journalism and communications from Rutgers University
• Pilates studio owner and instructor

About Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is a top travel media brand with a mission to inform and inspire passionate travelers. Our expert team includes a network of hundreds of writers and photographers across the globe, all providing a local eye on the best places to stay, eat, and explore. We reach an audience that takes 76 million round trips annually, offering valuable travel tips, ideas and inspiration, and products you need to get you to your destination — whether it’s a small town or big city, beach or lake, national park or theme park, road trip, cruise, or long-haul flight, and everything in between. Learn more about us and our editorial process

Latest from Jean Chen Smith

Collage of Glamping Travel Essentials we recommend on a white background
I Just Got Back From a Glamping Weekend, and These Are 15 Surefire Ways to Level Up Any Camp Setup — From $6
Fashion Buyer Roundup
I Was a Fashion Buyer for 15 Years — Here's Where to Get Summer's Comfiest Travel Clothes Starting at $23
I've Been to TK Destination Weddings and I've Got My Packing to a Science Tout
I’ve Been to 4 Destination Weddings Across the World With Just a Carry-on — Here’s How I Did It
 I've Visited 10 National Parks, and These Are the 15 Hiking Essentials You Should Pack
I've Visited 10 National Parks, and These Are the 15 Hiking Gear Essentials You'll Definitely Want With You
I'm a Travel Writer Who Flies Frequently and Never Check a Bag - Here are 15 Items I Always Pack
I Haven’t Checked a Bag in 10 Years — Here, My 14 Sure-fire Travel Essentials to Get Everything in a Carry-on
Travel Writer Outfits Tout
These Are the Only 3 Outfits You Need to Pack for Any Trip, According to a Carry-on-only Traveler
I’m a Pilates Instructor, and These Are the TK Spring Items I’m Buying in Lululemon's Made Too Much Section — From $TK Tout
A Pilates Instructor Dishes the 12 Comfy Lululemon Finds You’ll Want to Live in All Spring — From $19
Quince cashmere hoodie and jogger review
I’m a Frequent Flier, and This 'Soft and Luxurious' Cashmere Travel Outfit Is the M.V.P. of My Suitcase
Lululemon Blissfeel shoes review
I’m a Travel Journalist, and These Comfy $79 Lululemon Shoes Are the Only Sneakers I Bring on Every Trip
View of mountain landscape in Westfir, Oregon
I Visited Westfir, a Small Oregon Town With Less Than 300 Residents — Here's Why It Should Be Your Next Trip
Exterior front view with garden of the cabin at Leaping Lamb Farm
This 60-acre Oregon Farm Stay Has Stargazing, Baby Goats You Can Bottle-feed, and a Stunning Waterfall
Couple on the farm at Cape Resorts in historic town
One of the Country's Oldest Seaside Destinations Is Home to a 62-acre Farm Where You Can Spend the Night
Open Sky Zion, luxury tent camps at Zion National Park
This New Glamping Resort Has Safari-style Tents, Outdoor Soaking Tubs, and Next-level Stargazing — Just Minutes From Zion National Park
Riding horses at The Minam River Lodge
I Went to a Luxury River Lodge in Oregon's Remote Wilderness — Here's Why I'm Already Planning My Return