An Ancient Tool To Get in Touch With Yourself

It's June 8th, and in a few weeks, we'll cross the half-year Rubicon for 2026.

Chances are that, like me, you're slightly shocked at that fact.

(Where did the time go?)

If you jotted down your 2026 goals at the beginning of the year, now would be a good time to take stock. Do you feel like you've made meaningful progress toward them? Perhaps even reached some already?

Too often, life derails our plans and goals, especially those we have in the creative department.

For some of us, more structure and accountability are needed to actually make progress.

For others, it's about having a guide who can help you shave off months, if not years, in the wrong direction.

For others yet, it's the expert knowledge of someone you can trust that can make all the difference.

I know this because I've helped numerous people to successfully reach their goals with these methods. (You can peep their reviews here.)

Whether your goal is to get published at a particular publication, develop a body of work, write and send out your first pitch, or finally put that book proposal out in the world, I can help you reach that goal.

My individual mentorship program this summer can be your vehicle for getting back on track.

During this 12-week individual mentorship, we'll work together to accomplish your creative goals. We will meet once every four weeks on Zoom and communicate via WhatsApp and email.

I will guide you into this industry and teach you everything I've learned over a decade-plus of working as a travel journalist, creative consultant, photographer, writer, and workshop facilitator.

All you need is a willingness to show up, listen, learn, and apply the lessons.

Mentorship dates are Monday, July 13, through Friday, Oct 2.

The last day to join us is Friday, July 10.

If this opportunity to learn with me 1:1 calls to you this summer, get more details here.

To understand how this mentorship can help you, book a 15-minute call with me here.

➡️ Here are two other ways you can learn with me:

xx Yulia

🏠 Inside Going Places

Last call for Chile presenting partners this Wednesday

Our Chile package is coming up in a few weeks, and I can't wait to share these stories with you.

If you work for a travel brand or a DMC and want to put your work in front of people who care about traveling consciously as our presenting partner, reply to this email for details – or email me at hello@goingplacesmedia.com.

Our presenting partner will be mentioned in every story and social post, plus we'll run a full-length feature on their work.

💡

Last day for partners to join is this Wednesday, June 10th.

🚀 Paid Members Corner

This week's creator opportunities

💡

Paid members get full access to these posts, and they get them three days ahead of the free newsletter.

For less than a cup of ☕, you can unlock your access here PLUS support our independent journalism.

🚀 Matador Network is seeking a Daytona Beach writer – apply by Mon, Jun 8

🚀 A call for pitches on New England lakes – pitch by Mon, Jun 8

🚀 A $1/word call for pitches on food – pitch by Fri, Jun 12

🚀 A call for speakers for a travel media conference – apply by Mon, Jun 15

🚀 Visit Britain is hiring a communications manager – apply by Tue, Jun 16

🚀 An adventure travel brand is hiring a copywriter – no deadline

🚀 A travel trade publication is hiring an editor – no deadline

🚀 theSkimm is hiring a newsletter editor – no deadline

🚀🔓BONUS: A €15,000 travel photography residency at Belmond – apply by Tue, Sep 15

🚀🔓BONUS: A $3,000 mentorship for women photographers – apply by Sat, Jun 20

Find all the latest opportunities here.

🔓 Bonus opportunities are unlocked for our free subscribers.

Member news

Updates from our paid member community

Our Founding Member, RISE Travel Institute, is running their annual conference this Thursday, June 11.

This all-day gathering will bring together scholars and experts for a series of panels exploring destination stewardship, regenerative tourism, justice, peace, and the responsibilities of travel and tourism in a changing world.

The conference runs from 12 noon to 4:30 pm EDT; registration is free.

Get more info and register here

🌍 In The World

A writing circle in Chicago this weekend

In the age of devices and constant distractions, a pen and paper offer an ancient practice to get in touch with ourselves. I've known this for years now, ever since I first started putting down my goals and dreams on paper in 2016.

(Did you know that the world's oldest-known alphabet comes from Syria?)

This summer, as I'm slowing down in Chicago, I feel called to host in-person creative gatherings with like-minded, curious people. Our first such gathering is this weekend!

If you're based in Chicago or within driving distance, consider joining me for my Flow Writing Circle in the city this Sunday, June 14th, at 2 pm.

We'll gather in a new coffee shop and roastery in my neighborhood, opened by a Turkish immigrant. It's cozy, and the coffee is excellent.

Check out the details and RSVP here.