María Elisa is a translator and content creator, and the LatAm Editor at Amex Essentials. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she has lived in Barcelona, New York and Quito, and has now settled in Bogotá.
You write about a variety of subjects for amexessentials.com, what most inspires you about your subjects?
Getting to know about places, people and their passions from such a down-to-earth yet original perspective. I know I wouldn’t learn about these specific subjects any other way.
What social media channel inspires you most and why?
Pinterest. I can literally find anything from recipes and workout routines, to style inspiration and home décor ideas. Spending hours organising my boards is just an added bonus.
Film or TV?
TV. I love obsessing over a new show and watching 2 or 3 episodes every night before bed.
Wine or beer?
Wine, but usually to make sangria.
Street food or fine dining?
Fine dining. Unless I’m travelling some place new, then definitely street food. That’s how you really get to taste the local flavours.
Favourite place?
Boone, North Carolina in winter. I spent a couple of Christmas holidays there with my family, and those are my favourite travel memories to date.
Your secret travel tip?
Don’t plan too much. You’ll find the best places to stay and the coolest sites to visit when asking locals and wandering around.
Your three travel essentials?
A camera, good music for the plane or the road, and my skincare regime.
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Mouth-watering and heart-warming, noodle soup variations are beloved the world over – but do you know any beyond the classic ramen and pho? Let’s find out
Let’s get packing – but first, find out which of this year’s travel trends will take you on new and improved adventures that cater to your specific style of wanderlust
New year, new style? Maybe not new, but definitely smarter, greener and more stylish. Take this quiz to find out how to evolve your fashion sensibility in the year ahead
‘Tis the season to layer up – but before you do, consider colour! We’ll help determine your true winter hues and plan a cold-weather wardrobe that's undeniably 'you'
Kick back and take in the magic of the season from the comfort of the rails: with these winter train journeys, the slow, scenic route is the fast track to an icy wonderland
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Parents, we’ve got you: these fun autumn activities are not only educational and creative, but they'll even have your little ones skipping screen time in favour of fresh air
Your best looks for autumn are right where you left them... in your summer wardrobe. All you have to do is amp them up with seasonal accessories – we'll show you how
There's much to love about autumn, but the real beauty of the season lies in two words: fall foliage. Where can you get the best views of colourful leaves? Let’s find out
Whether you need them for reading, sun protection or as a finishing touch to your look, these independent eyewear brands from around the world have got your peepers covered
You don’t need to leave the city limits to embark on a memorable hike. Lace up your boots – we'll help you find the perfect city trail for great views and invigoration
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Get ready to dig in – answer a few questions, and we’ll tell you how you can amp up your garden game with a summer project that won’t leave you wilting
RSVP in style: we take you through the dos and don’ts of making it onto the best-dressed guest list, without upstaging the happy couple on their special day
Give your electronic babysitter the day off. We help you find the ideal outdoor activity to lure your kids away from their screens, and get them moving and learning
Join us as we explore the newest crop of boutique hotels across the globe, offering a blend of style, comfort and character that will have you reaching for your suitcase
You don’t need an entire outfit change – these easy swaps will have you looking stylish all day, whether the sun is rising, setting or somewhere in between
Lend a helping hand: these DIY projects will have you exercising your creativity and honing your fine motor skills while putting a smile on the faces of those in need
Struggling with your layering skills? While you wait for spring to arrive, we’ll help you find the perfect winter look that’ll keep you looking cool and feeling warm
From undercooking to over-spicing, we’ve all made these common kitchen mistakes – but we know how to fix them, too. Ditch the takeaway menus, you’ll no longer need them...
It’s time to audit your cosmetic cabinet and toss any ineffective products. But do you have the know-how to determine what's still good, and what should go
Start the year with a warm beverage, a warm space and a warm heart: these easy tips will help you find solace in the little things and make you feel comfy all year
The biggest current fashion trend? Nostalgia. From Victorian times to pop music inspo, we round up 10 iconic looks that are coming back for another round
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Along with cosy fires and cups of tea, winter brings a fresh batch of fashion trends – but which one will make it into your wardrobe? There’s only one way to find out...
While some avoid the cold, others face it with style and grace. We turn to fashion brands and influencers to show us how to look cool and keep warm this season
Fall is in full swing, and when it comes to fashion, that can only mean one thing: layers. This handy guide will help you master the art of layering like a true style pro
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A big part of camping is relying on yourself, but a little help never hurts – these tips will make camping more fun and memorable for newbie campers and nature gurus alike
Who said you need to sacrifice style for practicality? This 10-piece capsule wardrobe will help you pack lighter, travel smarter and look chicer during your beach holiday
From reframing your mind under a starry sky to curbing your hunger for competition, there’s a summer activity to make you feel good – whether mentally, physically or both
Looking to ride uncrowded waves and hang ten in total peace? Then wax your board and head to these unique, underrated surf havens around the world – before the word gets out
Greasy lotions and white residue are a thing of the past. These products with built-in SPF make it easier than ever to protect our skin while we live our best summer lives
Getting hungry en route? Ditch the drive-thru and skip the gas station snacks – these easy alternatives will keep you fuelled up and satisfied, even on the longest drives
Whether it’s travelling more ethically, giving back or simply admiring nature, there’s an exciting summer eco-adventure that's perfect for you – and we’ll help you find it
Home is not only where the heart is: it’s also a canvas for self-expression. Is yours showing who you really are, or is it lost among multiple personalities? Let’s find out!
Charming spaces, incredible views, ideal locations – these new independent and boutique hotels are ready to turn your next getaway into a full-on escape from reality
These stunning travel photography books will transport your wandering soul around the world, with countless destinations at your fingertips. First stop: the bookshop
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Reduce food waste, use less plastic, conserve energy and save money: These easy-to-implement swaps will bring you closer to a greener, cleaner and healthier kitchen
A new season means a style reshuffle is in order – but before making any unnecessary purchases, consider a smarter, healthier take on spring fashion: a capsule wardrobe
Whether you’re a gourmet chef or a chuck-it-in-the-microwave kind of home cook, there’s a fun food hobby for every kitchen skill level. Take this quiz to find yours
From new colours to shorter hemlines, these easy (and sustainable) swaps will have your wardrobe on-point to reflect the loungewear-free lives we used to know and love
From cultural meccas to coastal playgrounds and charming historic localities, Mexico has a perfect urban destination for everyone. Find out which one is yours
No need for a complete wardrobe makeover: one small, easy-to-implement style change can do the trick. Take our quiz to see how you can best update your look for 2022
When it comes to skincare and beauty, every culture in the world has a well-kept secret or two we can learn from – and these experts are spilling the beans
Need new kicks, trendy outerwear or perhaps a classic French touch? Take our quiz to find out how to revamp your signature winter look with just one single item
Whether it’s for their eco-friendly manufacturing, unique designs or worthwhile missions, the minds behind these emerging handbag brands are worth keeping an eye on
Planning an event soon and looking for an easy, affordable centrepiece? With these items – most of which you already have at home – you can DIY one instead
Farm to table to your closet: These food by-products are the next big thing in natural fabrics, helping to revolutionise the fashion industry and support sustainable style
When most kids are learning their ABCs, others are writing chart-toppers. We look at amazing musical legends who showed talent and promise right from the start
Bright flavours, deep colours, refreshing chill – there's a lot to love about sangria. We dive into the story behind this summer drink, and how to prepare it at home
From screen scroller to second-hand spotter and expert bargainer, let’s see what your habits say about your vintage shopping style for finding those one-of-a-kind gems
When life gives you lockdown, get creative. We check in with street artists from across the globe to see how the pandemic affected them, their work and street art as a whole
Grab your passport, book your one-way ticket, and don’t forget your laptop – we’re sharing the best locations for digital nomads around the world, according to insiders
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What says 'summer adventure' better than a road trip? We ask travel bloggers around the world for their secret road trip tips – so all you have to do is start the engine
Do you know what you’re putting on your skin? Are you applying products correctly? Test your skincare knowledge and see whether you're getting the most from your routine
What’s better than a new pair of shoes? A new pair of shoes that gives back. These footwear brands are making a positive impact on the world, two soles at a time
Whether we're culinary experts or just skilled at ordering take-out, we all have to eat. Why not make each meal special, starting with a set of stunning tableware...
Whether it’s a set of colourful napkins, a handwoven tablecloth or an intricate runner, table linens all have one thing in common: the power to elevate the dining experience
From engineering masterpieces to breathtaking spots for coastal sunsets – these amazing piers across the globe deserve a spot on your travel bucket list
New season, new trends? Not necessarily. Go back to the basics of style with these 10 timeless spring looks that are comfy, chic and perfectly seasonal
Do you shop consciously, or are you caught in the buy-wear-discard cycle of fast fashion? Take our quiz to find out how sustainable your wardrobe is – and how to improve it
Proceed to checkout? First make sure you’re caring for the planet. These are our top picks for eco-friendly fashion brands for a better, greener, more stylish year ahead
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Straight from the chilly Andes, Chef Sumito Estevez shares all there is to know about this traditional Venezuelan soup, plus how to replicate it with just a few ingredients
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It's time to slip into something more comfortable: a cosy jumper, of course! We look at iconic jumper styles every closet needs, plus the sustainable brands that make them
The most important meal of the day is a big bowl of ...piping hot soup? We get the scoop on changua, a Colombian breakfast favourite, along with tips for making it at home
Improving your health while sprucing up your decor may be as simple as adding some greenery. Beautiful and low-maintenance, these 15 houseplants are a great place to start
