Authors

Alex Copenguy, founder of Localsinsider.com, loves exploring cities on foot, finding cozy, historic boutique hotels, and avoiding tourist spots. He’s passionate about Scandinavian simple yet functional design, contemporary art, and enjoys mussels with fries and cold prosecco. A fan of saunas and banyas, he always seeks out a good male massage when traveling.

Anton Obrezchikov is a wine journalist and expert with extensive experience in the wine industry. He is the author of articles for publications like Afisha Daily, Simple Wine News, and Locals Insider, where he explores various aspects of wine culture and the industry. Anton is also a professional wine taster and a regular jury member at prestigious wine competitions.

Ben works in Product for a global tour operator and is also a freelance travel writer. His favourite destinations are Italy and Vietnam and his next big trip is Sri Lanka.

Denis Boyarinov is a prominent music journalist and pop culture writer with 20+ years of experience, authoring books on Viktor Tsoi and the Soviet record label “Melodiya,” and currently exploring the music scene in Buenos Aires.

Erin Lohrenz is a health, fitness, and wellness writer, as well as a certified personal trainer and RRCA running coach. With a Master’s in Nutrition, an MBA, and years of hands-on coaching experience, Erin brings both expertise and passion to every article. She contributes to LocalsInsider.com, where she shares insights on training, nutrition, and active living — inspired by her own journey as a marathon runner and lifelong athlete.

Gabriel Douek is a travel expert who has visited 100+ countries, flown nearly 100 airlines, and explored all 50 U.S. states. With over 25 million points redeemed across Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, and Wells Fargo, he specializes in turning everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences. Gabriel offers concierge-style services via vantagepointtravel.com, from crafting personalized credit card strategies to booking trips, monitoring perks, and building custom itineraries.

Gosha Slugin is a journalist and editor who has worked for the international magazine Time Out and as a PR specialist at the British Higher School of Art and Design. He now lives with his family in Alanya, Turkey, where he organizes movie nights and runs a blog about the vibrant local life.

Hannah Forrest is a travel and marketing writer with over 11 years of experience crafting contentfor brands like Best Western and Apartments.com. She’s also a published author and a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Harrison Pierce is a digital nomad and writer originally from Wilmington, North Carolina. Over the past four years, he has built a career blending travel, credit cards, and points and miles expertise, with features published in leading outlets including Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Forbes Advisor, Thrillist, and more.

Helene Eriksen is a creative soul from Denmark with a passion for traveling and discovering the world. Her adventures have taken her to destinations like Tanzania, New Zealand, Nicaragua, and Vietnam, to name just a few. Helene loves expressing her creativity through knitting and baking, finding joy in crafting and creating. She once lived and worked in Greenland but prefers warmer climates, where her curiosity and love for new cultures continue to inspire her journeys.

Jennifer Weinberg is a Miami-based writer whose passion for the craft is ignited by her love for reading, writing, travel and photography. Her own travel blog Camp Jen has a fantastic community where readers access a ton of information on recipes, creative activities to do at home, travel advice, and more. Additionally, Weinberg and her business partner Mayela Lanza wanted to bring awareness regarding food waste and sustainability to a Florida audience in a way that wouldn’t be overwhelming but would instead inspire people to make a few easy changes that make a big difference to the earth. Together they launched with Aaron Karger Sustainable Supperclub, which has an empowering mission in identifying and working with Miami-based organizations who assist those in need by accepting reallocation of food that would otherwise be discarded.

Julia Hammond is a freelance travel writer from the United Kingdom whose work has been featured in BBC Travel, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, The Telegraph, The Independent, NZ Herald, Which?, Fodors, and Bradt guides (Bus Pass Britain Rides Again & To Oldly Go). Online, she’s written for The Discoverer, Trip Trivia, Daily Passport, Hotels.com, Culture Trip, and more. Julia also creates bespoke travel itineraries and web content for commercial clients. With a joint honours degree in Geography and History — and travels to 126 countries — she brings a wealth of experience and curiosity to every project.

Kate Bohush is a professional fitness specialist with over 12 years of experience as a trainer, functional coach, and stretching expert. Holding a Master’s degree in Sport, she combines proven training methods with practical nutrition advice to help people reach their health and fitness goals. When she’s not coaching clients, Kate writes about wellness, travel, and fitness trends — and contributes regularly to LocalsInsider.com, sharing insights to inspire healthier, more balanced lifestyles.

Katie Hollamby is a freelance writer from England with years of experience in travel, hospitality, and lifestyle. She has lived and worked across the Middle East and Asia, bringing cultural insight to her work. Her clients include Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, and World Bride Magazine.

Liza Birger is a journalist, literary critic, and curator of “Poltory Komnaty,” the only Russian-language bookstore in Istanbul. Since moving to Istanbul in 2010, she has contributed to travel guides, authored numerous articles, led countless tours, and uncovered many hidden facets of the city.

A lifestyle expert in Dubai. She knows where to go for an atmospheric dinner, which exhibitions are worth visiting, and how to live beautifully without losing meaning. Her recommendations are a trusted guide to Dubai for those who appreciate taste, aesthetics, and inspiring places.

Martin Danemaq, editor at Localsinsider.com, was born in Thy, Northern Jutland, Denmark, and has traveled widely, now residing in Malta. With a background in pharmacy, he combines his scientific mindset with an interest in history, social sciences, and authentic local experiences.

Mónica Vargas is a Lima-based freelance journalist and former Reuters correspondent. She covers Latin American culture, travel, and current affairs, bringing a sharp.

Writing about travel, fashion, and creative industries. Contributor to ASW and Matador Network, and ghostwriter for top travel influencers. Studied fashion and media at the University of the Arts London, with a background in e-commerce content management. Passionate about travel, music, and technology, bringing a unique, creative voice shaped by monthly travels and diverse writing projects.

Olga Vial is a photographer based in Bangkok. She came to the profession intentionally, leaving behind a long career in intellectual property, and has since been exploring light, atmosphere, and the subtle expressiveness of the moment. Her work blends portraiture, fashion, and urban storytelling.

Paolo De Andreis is an Italian journalist, editor, and author based in Viterbo with over three decades of experience writing about culture, technology, and travel. A former founder of Italy’s first daily online news site, Punto Informatico, Paolo has contributed to leading publishers such as Repubblica, Italia Oggi, and Olive Oil Times. He brings a deep love of language, storytelling, and fine wine to his work. When he’s not writing, you might find him playing national-level chess or exploring linguistic trends across cultures.

Rebecca Puttock is a luxury travel expert with 13+ years in bespoke travel for HNWI and adventure seekers, CEO of a travel concierge service, and a content writer with a global network for exclusive, tailor-made experiences.

Ryan Clancy is a Miami-based freelance writer and former mechanical engineer. He covers engineering, technology, SaaS, finance, and construction for leading publications and companies worldwide.

Sophie Campbell is a traveler and writer from the UK, with 10 years of exploring Europe, Australasia, and the Americas under her belt. Armed with a BA in English and Education, she’s written for travel blogs, charity magazines, and runs a popular Instagram about dog-friendly travel and Substack.

Teddy Dondanville is a rock climbing guide and freelance writer originally from California, now based in Albany, NY. He works as an Assistant Rock Guide with the American Mountain Guides Association and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. A returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Peru, Theodore combines his passions for the outdoors, writing, and the Spanish language in both guiding and storytelling.

Vladimir Khorev is a Taipei-based professional tango dancer, author for LocalsInsider.com and urban photographer captivated by light, colors, and geometry in everyday life. With over 2,800 followers on Instagram, he invites others to join him in exploring his visual storytelling.

Vyacheslav Gnedchik is a soloist with the Hungarian National Ballet in Budapest. Born in Minsk, he trained at the renowned Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet and previously held the position of principal dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre. Known for his leading roles in “The Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake,” and “The Sleeping Beauty,” Gnedchik has toured extensively across Europe, Asia, and the US. Since 2023, he has been captivating audiences as a principal dancer with the Hungarian State Opera.

Chief Financial Officer at a Chinese photovoltaic company (solar panel manufacturing). He grew up in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, spent several years in Shanghai, and has been living in Paris for the past two years, working at the company’s Paris office.

Yakov Lysenko is a professional wine journalist based in Paris who loves photography and travel.