Fond of both cultural and natural wonders, Laura Martone particularly adores the Florida Keys, which she's been exploring for decades. She's snorkeled amid the coral reefs east of Key Largo; watched dragon boat races near Marathon; and savored key lime pie on Duval Street. She feels a definite kinship for Key West, a town that's at once lively and laid-back, where she's spent many perfect afternoons strolling amid the gingerbread-like Victorian houses and breezy, Caribbean-style bungalows.

A native of New Orleans, Laura has been an avid traveler since childhood. When she was growing up, she and her mother would often take long road trips to fascinating U.S. destinations such as Monticello and the Rocky Mountains. After graduating from Northwestern University with a dual degree in English and radio/TV/film, Laura continued to explore America with her husband, Daniel.

When not traveling, Laura operates two film festivals with her husband and divides her time between New Orleans, Los Angeles, and northern Michigan. She’s contributed articles to MotorHome, Route 66 Magazine, RV Journal, and The Ecotourism Observer. She has also written and contributed to several other guidebooks, including Moon Michigan, Moon Baja RV Camping, and Moon Metro Los Angeles. Some of her work can be found at www.wanderingsoles.com. Read more about Laura’s travels on her American Nomad blog on Moon.com.