Adventure Travel Writer, Founder of carryonqueen.com / Marketing & Media Strategist, President of fiveminutemarketing.com
Mary launched CarryOnQueen.com in 2018, inspired by years of business and recreational travel with just one small bag – a carry on. CarryOnQueen.com focuses on adventure travel writing and content creation for fun-fit-females, many in their 50s, who pursue active, authentic experiences with friends, a partner, family or solo – always traveling light. This target audience has money, and is not afraid to spend it, but also is willing to trade a little comfort for a great memory and story. The audience is an active traveler, who may enjoy hiking, biking, sailing, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, motorbiking, or skiing while embracing history and local culture – served up with a glass of wine at the end of the day.
A long-time travel writer for traditional print media, Mary now contributes across multiple digital platforms, and as a speaker advises the tourism industry about best practices in marketing and media – bringing together her two passions. (She was the opening keynote at the Las Vegas Travel Agents Forum in 2022 and 2023, and the Owners Forum in Jamaica in 2022)
In a parallel professional universe, Mary Charleson is a marketing speaker, educator and strategist. She is the author of www.fiveminutemarketing.com blog and weekly newsletter, featuring marketing tips, served up like a personable chat with a caring friend over coffee. She has authored two books: Word of Mouth Mouse & Mobile and Five-Minute Marketing. Mary is a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), a designation through NSA (National Speakers Association) and a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the Global Speakers Federation.
As a marketing speaker and educator, Mary’s career spans over 20 years in media and marketing. She holds an MBA in marketing, and has taught at City University of Seattle, NYIT, Capilano University, Acsenda School of Management, and has guest lectured at UBC Sauder School of Business. She is a contributing columnist to Business in Vancouver and the Huffington Post. Her work has also been published in Marketing Magazine, Strategy, the Toronto Star, the Vancouver Sun and the Globe and Mail. Mary is a frequent guest on CBC radio and CBC TV news offering her opinion on marketing and business trends.
As a travel writer with a solid understanding of marketing and media, Mary brings a unique blend of skills to the table for clients seeking a true messaging partnership.
Link to recent published work: https://carryonqueen.com/media/
Link to latest travel features on website blog: https://carryonqueen.com/blog/
Muckrack journalist portfolio: https://muckrack.com/mary-charleson