My name is Marie Goff, and I am a travel writer, photographer, and public speaker. My husband, Eddie, and I love exploring scenic routes and hidden destinations. We travel alone, in our car or a rented RV, and with travel groups and photography guides.
Setting up my travel site was a painstaking experience. Once I had done all I could, I reached out to the talented team at T2H Advertising. Kristin, Jeff, and Katie make it easy for me to write! I wanted to use my images, and photography followed. Eddie and I spent countless hours researching equipment and bought a Sony A7 III. Now, I will happily forever be on the learning curve of writing and photography. Read about my first photography trip and the equipment I rented in Learning Photography with the Professionals—Expedition to Jordan.
Writing and photography inspire new and exciting ways of seeing the world! My stories highlight beautiful landscapes, cultural richness, and rare encounters with wildlife, all with awe-inspiring images.
The magic of the journey comes from the people you travel with and the people you meet along the way.
Eddie is my best travel companion! He researches trip plans and does a lot of driving. He also spots wildlife, analyzes new equipment, proofreads my stories, and takes pictures. I am blessed to travel and share my experiences. I hope they inspire your next journey!
Please keep scrolling to see my stories, including the latest in Tanzania. Please scroll to the bottom to subscribe. Thank you for joining me at Travel Notes & Storytelling!
Marie Goff is a travel writer, photographer, and public speaker.
Learn more at Marie Goff.
Travel Note:
November 25, 2025Travel Notes
Check out Jim Cline Photo Tours for an incredible photography experience! You don’t need to worry about your camera skills; I learned a lot during this trip. For example, using filters in the evening light, practicing with varying camera modes, and using the flash at indoor events. You can even use your cell phone!
Traveling with a photography guide offers key benefits. You'll get to the best locations at the ideal times, like golden hour. You'll also have flexibility with timing for composing the shot and stopping when an opportunity comes up, like seeing a sheep herder along the road. These are all great, even if you're not a photographer! On our trip, we had both planned and spontaneous photo opportunities. We were on the lookout for them on the road to Machu Picchu and at stopovers along the way.
Traveling itself provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people, too. Before Peru, I didn't know any of the people on the trip, but we got to know each other quickly, and I learned from them, too.
Peru has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we visited several on this trip. These included: the Historic Center of Lima; the city of Cusco; and the Andean Road System. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also one of the Seven Wonders of the World! And the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site is a Historical Landmark.
Look for these books for the best reading about Latin America and Machu Picchu:
The Open Veins of Latin America, by Eduardo Galeano, Copyright 1971, 1973, 1997
Inca Apocalypse: The Spanish Conquest and the Transformation of the Andean World, by R. Alan Covey, Copyright 2020
Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time, by Mark Adams, 2011, 2012
For more of Marie's travels with photographers, go to Travel Notes and Storytelling at these links:
14.5 hours in paradise – Love of Photography in Central Florida
Lowcountry Photography and Fascinating Civil War History in Beaufort, S.C.
Learning Photography with the Professionals – Expedition to Jordan
Love of the Wild in Tanzania
Now is the Best Time to See The Treasures of Ancient Egypt – a Photo Journal
Why People Love Bali! Photo Essay of People, Landscapes, and Traditions
Travel Stories
Beautiful Peru! On The Road to Machu Picchu
"Few romances can ever surpass that of the granite citadel on top of the beetling precipices of Machu Picchu, the crown of Inca Land.” -...
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Origins in a Love Story: Romantic & Diverse George Town
Cultural Fusion:Traditions blend in harmony,Penang’s rich tapestry.From ancient rites to modern day,Stories live in every way. - Penang Poems: Verses from the Pearl of the...
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Exquisite and Exotic; Fall in Love With Thailand
Our first view of the magnificent Wat Arun Temple marked our arrival in Thailand. As we explored the city, we marveled at its astonishing sights....
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A Love For Tradition: What Makes Bhutan So Happy
"Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product." - Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 4th King of Bhutan. High in the hills, what we would...
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Love of the Wild in Tanzania
I settled into bed in a luxurious tent and listened to the night sounds: a hyena whooped, and a lion grunted in low huffs. My...
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What lies Beyond the Love of Charleston?
The Adjutants General of 54 states and territories set their sights on Charleston for the 2013 National Guard Senior Leaders Conference. I remember the looks...
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Istanbul’s Vibrant Streets are Full of Life, Food, and History.
Istanbul is located on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, one in Europe and the other in Asia. Eddie and I visited the European side...
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Now is the Best Time to See The Treasures of Ancient Egypt – a Photo Journal
The Great Pyramid of Giza gleamed in the distance as we arrived at our hotel. From there, we began an extraordinary two-week journey with Archaeological...
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What Happened at These Archaeological Sites in Israel?
"God changed Abram's name to Abraham, and made him the father of nations." - Genesis 17:1-14 We stood atop mounds that held over 4000 years...
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