Freelance Writing

I've been writing for magazines, newspapers and the web since the start of my career in the late 1990s. In the past decade, my focus has been primarily on travel, food and culture articles for publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and National Geographic Traveler, among others. Below are links to a few of my favorite articles.

Where to Go in 2025

I was a contributor to Afar’s round up of the best places to travel to in 2025.

(Afar — November 2024)

Still image from article in Seattle Times by Charles Runnette showing three people practicing yoga or meditation in a wooden sunroom with large glass doors revealing lush greenery outside at the Four Seasons Hotel on Lanai, Sensei.

Road To Wellville

A tough assignment, heading back to Lanai to write about Larry Ellison’s new wellness retreat.

(Seattle Times — October 2021)

Image of magazine spread from National Geographic Adventure. Charles Runnette writes about mountain climbing in Ecuador. Image shows a person standing on a rocky peak overlooking mountains and clouds, with a snow-capped volcano in the distance.

Heart of the Andes

My feature about mountain climbing through the Ecuadorian Andes in the footsteps of Alexander Von Humboldt.

(National Geographic Traveler — September 2018)

On Rubondo Island a group of birds, including herons and egrets, gathered on a rocky shoreline near the water with the sun reflecting off the surface. There are also birds flying in the sky, and green vegetation on the right side of the image.

Africa’s Secret Fantasy Island Safari

A favorite feature of mine, about an island national park in Lake Victoria that’s home to a growing colony of problematic wild chimps transplanted from European zoos and circuses in the 1960s.

(WSJ — October 2015)

Two silhouetted palm trees on a sandy beach with a sunset over the ocean in the background.

The Best of Antigua

My winter 2019 guide to the best hotels, restaurants and things to do on one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean.

(Elite Traveler — November 2019)

Image from an article about Lanai in Bloomberg Pursuits by Charles Runnette. A scenic view of a coastal hillside resort with multiple buildings, trees, and a body of water in the foreground, during the daytime.

Larry Ellison’s Private Eden is Open for Business

My feature about the Oracle billionaire’s new Four Seasons beach resort on Lanai.

(Bloomberg — April 2016)

Image from an article about Tofino in the Wall Street Journal by Charles Runnette. Two people in yellow jackets holding hands on rocky coast near crashing waves with lighthouse in the background and seabirds flying overhead.

Storm Watching on Vancouver Island

Winter storm watching isn’t interesting unless it’s in Tofino where the Pacific goes a little wild in winter.

(WSJ — February 2015)

Image from an article about Cuba in Elite Traveler by Charles Runnette. Colorful vintage 1950s cars parked along a waterfront with palm trees, green landscape, and blue sky in the background.

The Best of Havana

My guide to the best in Cuba’s capital for Elite Traveler magazine.

(Elite Traveler — November 2017)

Cover of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, November 2015 issue, featuring a photo of a swimming pool with a pink wall and green palm leaves, and text indicating it highlights 104 amazing bars and restaurants around the world and New York City's coolest addresses.

Hot NYC Hotels

A feature on the ten best hotels in New York City for the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller.

(CNT UK — November 2015)

Image from an article about Tim Raue in the Virtuoso Life by Charles Runnette. A chef in a navy blue chef's coat with arms crossed, (Tim Raue) standing in front of a wall with the words 'VIRTUOSO LIFE' written on it.

Berlin: Germany’s New Culinary Capital

I traveled to my hometown to write about Berlin’s best new restaurants for Virtuoso Life.

(Virtuoso Life — December 2015)

An underwater view of a small submersible drone with a glass dome, and a large cruise ship floating on the ocean surface, with a green island in the background under a partly cloudy sky, along with the text "Bloomberg Pursuits".

The Future of Cruising is Jets & Subs

My feature on Crystal Cruise’s aggressive expansion into the sky and into small cruise vessel business.

(Blooomberg— February 2016)

Elegant dining room with a large table set with multiple wine glasses, silver serving domes, and white plates, illuminated by a chandelier, with dark paneled walls, a marble fireplace, and a decorative mirror and clock above it.

Making the Marc

My 2013 design story on the renovation of the storied Veuve Cliquot mansion in Reims where the label and its parent company (LVMH) entertains.

(Robb Report — August 2013)