James Wong
Born and raised in London, I started out as an entertainment publicist and social media manager for television networks, Turner Broadcasting and The Disney Channel.
After eight years, I was graciously permitted time to take a sabbatical, with my job waiting upon return. I backpacked through Asia and Australia and had the most incredible experience. The moment I sat back at my desk in Hammersmith, I knew I’d be handing in my notice within the year.
When I did, I packed my things and flew to Vancouver on a working holiday visa, becoming an entertainment reporter for the local website, Vancity Buzz.
However, it was when I moved to Tokyo a couple of years later that things really took off. I snagged an entertainment column in Tokyo Weekender, and a few months later a friend joined me in Asia as the editor of Singapore Airline’s in-flight magazine, Silverkris. He asked me to cover Japan and that became my speciality. I also wrote about my region for Cathay Pacific’s magazine, plus Esquire and Vogue.
By 2018, I was picking up regular commissions from both fashion titles and airline magazines. I moved to New York, but found writing there extremely competitive. During Covid, I struggled to get work, so I relocated to Austin, Texas. There, I had better luck. I became the sole state writer for Time Out, covering happenings across four major cities and occasionally manning the US news desk. I also freelanced for The Knot, Thrillist, and Fodors, as well as some fashion titles.
I am so happy to live in London again, and appreciate it more than ever, after being away so long. In 2024, I released two Lonely Planet guidebooks, and I can’t wait to share my stories of travelling the world with TravelSupermarket.
Read more from James
- Nassau & Paradise Island
5 min read
10 of the best things to do in Nassau & Paradise Island
From watersports and lazy beach days, to rum tastings and cultural attractions, we round up the ten best things to do in the Bahamian capital and the linked Paradise Island.By James WongPublished 10 September 2024
- Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades
6 min read
10 of the best things to do in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades
Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple or as a family, Florida’s Paradise Coast is a dream destination, filled with things to see, do, taste and explore. We round up the best of them.By James WongPublished 13 August 2024
Sign up and save on your next holiday
Be a savvy traveller and get top deals to your inbox, expert travel advice and the chance to win holidays