Travel Tips Archives - Travel Write Draw by Meagan Morrison

NYC Local Guides Podcast with Travel Write Draw

Before I left my apartment March 7th for Chile, and the world took a collective pause, I sat down with…

Passport, City Guides, Travel Tips

First Timer’s Guide to Chile

Chile has been on my travel bucket list for some time now so at the start of 2020 I decided…

Passport, City Guides, Travel Tips

First Timer’s Guide to India

I ventured to India for the very first time this past December. Not only did it completely exceed any and…

Passport, Travel Partnerships, Travel Tips

Condé Nast Traveler Singapore Etiquette Guide

In August 2017 I made my first trip to Singapore. It was the last stop on a whirlwind tour through…

I’ve been busy working on a 7-piece fashion illu

I’ve been busy working on a 7-piece fashion illustration commission and it honestly feels like I’m reacquainting with an old flame 😂. I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I drew pure fashion! My head and heart have been so preoccupied with thoughts of travel this past year that I forgot about my other first love! Excited to share this project with you soon but for now I’ll leave you with this pink NYC moment; a combo of two of my classic illustrations 💖🗽✨. Have you missed the fashion in my feed? Let me know below! Sweet dreams, loves xx MM

A Classic New York Stoop & Double Scoop 😝🍦🗽. Happy 1st of May!! Seeing our city start to return to its full glory makes my heart absolutely sing 💓!! The people watching and street style is getting more and more exciting with every passing week. I think in part bc I spent so much time away prior to the pandemic, I’m being reminded of the very best this city has to offer now. And as much as I can’t wait to travel this summer, I’m almost more excited to stay in NYC and watch it completely POP💥!! To my fellow New Yorkers, what are you most excited to see return in our fair city? Happy weekend, loves xx MM

Illustrated Postcard from the City of Dreams ✨🌴. Exactly 1 yr ago now I was gearing up to offer 5 weeks worth of free classes on IG Live. My business had flatlined and all I could think to do was throw myself into bringing joy to our community here through virtual (painted) travel. I had no idea then that these classes were the beginning of a new chapter in my business. Like the saying goes “diamonds are made under pressure” 💎!!

I’ve received many emails and DMs from you these past few months, asking about the next paid class. I can’t believe it’s been 4 months already since we traveled to virtual Paris together!! The truth is, the amount of work involved in these classes is a LOT. It’s made me rethink how best to do them so that it’s a bit more sustainable for me. That said, I’m determined to get another one up and running for you in the next few weeks.

In the meantime I’d love to hear from you, dear ones, on what YOU would like to learn in the first TWD Live Paint class of 2021?! Do we keep going with destinations? Shall we explore an underwater theme? Should we go more fashion?! Leave any and all suggestions below. All my love xx MM

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT, LOVES🚨!! Over the years

Last post from Saint Martin, I promise 😂!! It j

Last post from Saint Martin, I promise 😂!! It just wouldn’t be a true Travel Write Draw trip if I didn’t include the handwritten destination 🌺🌴🌊!! In all seriousness, I will cherish these memories for a lifetime. Saint Martin and @Belmond_LaSamanna completely exceeded any and all expectations (which says a lot bc they were high to begin with haha) and I honestly can’t stop thinking about wanting to go back. A big thank you to @Eleonore.Petin @Chillstophe and @ApollineGaignard for making this trip so special, safe, and seamless and to each and every one of YOU for joining me virtually with all your incredible comments, DMs, likes and more!! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of us soon. All my love xx MM

Gahhh, my loves!! I’m SO excited to finally shar

It’s not hard to see why @Forbes voted @Belmond_

It’s not hard to see why @Forbes voted @Belmond_LaSamanna’s lobby as the No. 1 most stunning in the world, am I right 🤩?!! The minute you lay eyes on that tranquil blue, every worry melts away. It also makes it equally impossible to want to leave...like ever 😂. But since I had to, at least I can paint from this visual serenity back in my NYC studio today as I work through some of the new postcard designs for the properties special excursions 👏🏼!! More to come on that and happy Saturday, my lovelies xx MM #TheArtofBelmond

The Beautiful Bougainvillea of La Samanna 🌺🌴

The Beautiful Bougainvillea of La Samanna 🌺🌴. The inspiration is flowing from my heart straight through my paintbrush 🥺. Truthfully I’m painting from my travels with an even greater sense of passion and purpose than ever before. Never will I EVER take for granted again, our ability to explore the world, and in so doing, discovering ourselves. The gratitude and appreciation is so very real!!

I also feel a new sense of confidence and assuredness in what I’m doing; my hand, my voice, what I want to say through my work and how. I came a long way these past 12 months. The steadiness of being in one place forced me to articulate myself through my art cohesively and consistently. I know this year has been so very trying, but I still can’t help but believe in all the good. All my love xx MM

Saint Martin Golden Hour 🌅🌺🌊. This trip h

Saint Martin Golden Hour 🌅🌺🌊. This trip has lifted my spirits from the inside out. A reminder to never stop seeking your joy, your bliss, no matter how big or small. “It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn.” - my personal hero, Anthony Bourdain. Thank you @Belmond_LaSamanna for reminding me why I started Travel Write Draw in the first place and for reigniting my desire to keep exploring new waters whenever possible 💖 xx MM

I’ve been painting some of my favourite vignette

I’ve been painting some of my favourite vignettes from @Belmond_LaSamanna’s “LaPlaj” to start 🌊🌴🧡. It is quite possibly the most idyllic and visually striking beachside cafes I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing in all my travels 😍. The coral coloured parasols contrasted against the impossibly clear turquoise blues and pristine Baie Longue beach, make you feel a world away from everything you left behind to arrive here. I can’t wait to get back to my studio soon to flush out more of these pieces!! xx MM #TheArtofBelmond

La Samanna Chameleon🦎🌴💖!! You guys know j

La Samanna Chameleon🦎🌴💖!! You guys know just how much I like to coordinate my outfits with the destination but this one might just take the cake 😂👏🏼. @Belmond_LaSamanna boasts 150 different varieties of botanicals 🌿🍃 that cascade in and around the suites and rooms. An amazing contrast to the azure waters sparkling just right on the other side 🌊✨.

But no matter where you are on property, you are immediately transported to another world; a feeling of unparalleled tranquility. After the stress of this past year, and even more recently with the passing of someone so dear to me, I could not be anymore grateful for this trip and moment of healing. Thank you to every one of you who has written the kindest words of support. I carry you with me in my heart always xx MM

The start of something special 🥰🌊🌴🧡. W

The start of something special 🥰🌊🌴🧡. Words simply can’t describe just HOW good it feels to be painting from @Belmond_LaSamanna in real time after months of collecting photos of this tranquil haven on my phone 😭. I didn’t think it was possible but it is even more beautiful than I dreamed it would be.

Though I’m just getting started working through my creative process, a few things have stuck out to me as signature components of this property: the Mediterranean style architecture, the cerulean blue, pear green, and coral color palette throughout the premises, and the inspiring use of artwork hung throughout the hotel.

A sense of old Hollywood glamour meets modern luxury here. A nod to its storied history hosting the likes of Andy Warhol, the Rolling Stones, and many more icons. To say I’m inspired is a massive understatement. So beyond grateful to be here and cannot wait to share more with you over the next few days 💖!! Video by @Chillstophe xx MM

I’ve been waiting for this moment for 12 months

I’ve been waiting for this moment for 12 months and 21 days 😭☀️🌊🌴!! So incredibly grateful to be here at @Belmond_LaSamanna to paint #TheArtofBelmond. A very special thank you to my longtime friend (and supporter of my dreams 🥺) @Chillstophe for making this collaboration happen. Cannot wait to share what we are up to this weekend 💖!!

I also just wanted to add, bc I feel it’s my responsibility as a person of influence in travel, that I waited until I was vaccinated to make this trip. I also had to prove I was covid-negative, and be pre-approved for entry into St. Martin. I know many of you across the globe are in various stages of lockdown still, so I hope this trip is a bit of a virtual reprieve and proof of brighter days to come 🤗.

There simply aren’t enough words to describe just how good it feels to get back to doing what I love most in the world. With gratitude xx MM

11 months from departure and the Morocco Group Tri

11 months from departure and the Morocco Group Trip with @ModernAdventurists is officially SOLD OUT!!!! Utterly MIND-BLOWN 😭💖🇲🇦!!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single one of you sweet souls who has signed up to venture through Morocco with me in March 2022. The trip of a lifetime awaits us!!

To anyone who missed out, you can still add your name to the waitlist in the event a space opens up. No guarantees but worth it to try, am I right?!! The link to do so is in my bio and thank you once again for your continued love and support in myself and TWD. We are just getting started, my darlings 😘!! All my love, xx MM

I grew my hair out in the pandemic. And I know you

I grew my hair out in the pandemic. And I know you are probably thinking “Meagan, that isn’t exactly newsworthy” 😂 but hear me out 🙏🏼. I never thought I could grow my hair long for years and this is why:

5 years ago I suffered a pretty traumatic incident at a “top” salon when one of their stylists applied a base bump (aka straight bleach) to my scalp and burned it. I proceeded to watch 50% of my hair fall out in the shower following my first wash post-visit. The owner claimed I was prone to thinning hair, refusing to take accountability. I went from having steroids injected into my scalp repeatedly for years after that horror story to this. Now I can safely say....my hair ain’t thinning, hennnnny 🤣.

When the pandemic hit and haircuts were far and few in between, it just sort of happened. I stopped over washing, over colouring, and over styling and it seemed to really help my hair just...well...grow!

A few weeks ago I added in a bit more fullness with the help of hair-fairy @daynagoldstein_hair followed by color with my blond guru @paulsbecker and I’ve never been happier with my tresses. But the real question remains: are you team wave 🌊 or team straight 💇🏼‍♀️?! Let me know below!! xx MM

Painting vivid skies has taken on new meaning for

Painting vivid skies has taken on new meaning for me this week. I went from celebrating being vaccinated on Monday to mourning the sudden loss of my Papa (grandfather) on Tuesday and I find myself looking up to the sky like never before in search of him 💔...

My Papa believed in me from the time I was born; a confident and determined little girl. He made me think I could do and be whatever I wanted to be. He would always say to me to “stay the course”. He would tell anyone who would listen just how proud he was of his grandchildren.

After this past year, and especially this past week, I have never been more acutely aware of the fragility of life as I am today. It is especially hard to be weathering this loss away from my loved ones in Canada on Easter. For anyone out there mourning a loss right now, please know you are not alone. I’m right there with you!

As I start my weekend in my adopted home of New York, I do so with the comfort of knowing that he’s watching over me. I’ve gained my guardian angel up above and I trust that he is at peace. Wishing you all a gorgeous weekend ahead and for anyone curious, this piece is titled a ‘New York Minute’. I painted it to ground myself through this difficult week.

Anything can change in a minute, so be grateful for all you have right now. All my love xx MM