Alyssa is a Charlotte, North Carolina, blogger whose passion for travel and style led her to create Wayward, a platform dedicated to immersive weekend travel guides and the items worth packing for the journey.
And if you’re reading this? Well, chances are you’re a like-minded destination or brand looking for a new and authentic way to share your story with a wide and engaged audience.
As a seasoned blogger and content creator, I can bring a unique perspective to each collaboration, blending my expertise with a flexible approach tailored to your brand’s individuality to get your offerings in front of an audience of over 80,000 monthly readers. After all, you’re creating products and experiences unlike anything else, so why settle for one-size-fits-all coverage?
The sky is the limit – but to make our world a little easier to navigate, here are a few ways we can work together:
Collaboration Opportunities
I’m excited to explore how we can collaborate to promote your brand! Below are some tailored partnership opportunities categorized by business type. My goal is to provide you with comprehensive coverage that resonates with my audience and delivers lasting value no matter your budget. Please note that while I cannot guarantee content solely on a trade basis, I am open to receiving product samples and experiences for possible organic coverage or earned/in-kind media.
For Tourism Boards
Discover and Showcase Your Destination | I specialize in creating detailed weekend travel guides that shine a spotlight on the hidden gems and unique experiences in your community. My guides are designed for professionals with limited time off who are eager to make the most of their weekends. The world is your oyster, but I’ve taken the liberty of mapping out a few ways we can collaborate:
- Dedicated Travel Guides: I’ll craft an in-depth, engaging guide that features local attractions, dining spots, and must-see locations in your area. My content is thorough and often ranks highly in search results, offering long-term visibility and continuous value.
- Seasonal and Themed Campaigns: We can work together on specific seasonal promotions or themed campaigns tailored to highlight the best your destination has to offer during different times of the year.
- Photography Licensing: Need a fresh look? Let’s chat about licensing my travel photography for use on your website and in future publications.
Why Work With Me? My readers trust my recommendations, and my content consistently drives significant traffic, ensuring your destination gets the attention it deserves for years to come.
For Hotels and Unique Accommodations
Prepare to be Their Home Away from Home | My audience loves discovering new and unique places to stay that enhance their travel experiences (even while they sleep!). Here are just two dreamy ways I can spotlight your one-of-a-kind property:
- Checking In Reviews: I’ll spend two nights at your hotel or accommodation to create a dedicated comprehensive review, including high-quality photos and a detailed account of my experience. This review will be shared on my blog and across social media, ensuring maximum exposure.
- Travel Guide Inclusion: I am happy to consider including your property in my planned travel guide on a trade basis if it aligns with my readers’ needs and my travel plans. Your property will be featured alongside the best things to see, do, and eat in your city – complete with original photographs and my honest assessment.
Why Work With Me? My readers rely on my honest and thorough reviews when planning their trips, and your hotel will benefit from trusted, authentic coverage that stands out in search results and generates new bookings (even years after checkout!).
For Fashion and Travel Brands
Showcase Your Style | Whether you’re a brand in women’s fashion or travel essentials, there are so many ways we can collaborate to feature your products. We’ll tailor a content package to suit, of course, but here are a few points to get us going in the right direction:
- Sponsored Product Reviews: Partner with me for a dedicated review of your product, featuring original photography and my genuine feedback. This is a guaranteed way to get your brand in front of a dedicated and engaged audience with proven results.
- In-Depth Coverage: More interested in the how than the what? Consider sponsoring an in-depth guide that includes your product throughout, from styling sessions to product care to packing guides. These posts help readers envision just how your product fits into their everyday lives.
- Sample Consideration: While I can’t guarantee coverage for all samples, I’m always open to receiving products for potential inclusion in gift guides, packing lists, and other content where relevant.
Why Work With Me? My audience values authenticity, and they trust my recommendations as if they were from a close friend. Partnering with me ensures your products receive honest and impactful coverage.
For Local Charlotte Hospitality and Retail
Spotlight on the Queen City | Between trips, I love highlighting the vibrant life of my home city of Charlotte through my reviews and guides. I only feature locally-owned, non-chain businesses in my retail and hospitality coverage, so neighbors, let’s strengthen our local community together through:
- Sponsored Restaurant and Retail Reviews: I’ll provide a detailed review of your worth-the-trip restaurant or retail concept, complete with photos and a write-up on my blog and/or social media channels.
- In-Kind Media Coverage: I understand the budget constraints of local businesses and am open to experiencing your offerings for potential coverage in my evergreen content, such as upcoming posts like “Top Mexican Restaurants in Charlotte” or “The Best Cocktail Bars in the Queen City.”
Why Work With Me? My followers are always looking for new local spots to explore, and your business will benefit from exposure to a dedicated local audience eager for new recommendations.
For Everyone Else
Let’s Create Something Extraordinary Together! | Not sure where your business fits in? Reach out! I’m open to designing a customized plan that fits your unique needs and helps achieve your goals. Whether it’s through unique partnerships, enticing giveaways, bespoke content, or creative campaigns, let’s brainstorm and make it happen.
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For all inquiries or to discuss custom opportunities, please send an email or submit your request through the form below indicating your desired deliverables and budget for the project. Thank you for considering Wayward; I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you!
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Contact
Note: Wayward does not accept collaborations that do not align with the writer’s values or any guest post submissions or link insertion requests.
Previous Travel and Brand Partners
A glance in the rearview mirror is always a good idea before moving forward. A selection of past retail and hospitality partners is included below, or head here to view all past partnership content. Curious about the results? Head here to read testimonials from past collaborations.
Travel Partners
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Brand Partners
In the News
Travel Experts on Their Go-to Travel Hacks | Fodor’s Travel
Where to find Charlotte’s best bites, according to food bloggers and influencers | Charlotte Observer
30 Best Charlotte Blogs and Websites | FeedSpot
Rock Your Next Date Night at Carowinds Summer Music Fest | Carowinds AirTime Blog
Unlock Charlotte’s Hidden Gems: The 27 Best Spots to Uncover as a Local | Redfin
Savor Global Flavors Without Leaving the Old 96 District | Old 96 District Blog
Return Trips | WILMA
Three Couples Share Tips for Traveling with a Significant Other | The Capsule Suitcase
80 Best North Carolina Blogs and Websites | FeedSpot
10 Charlotte Bloggers to Follow| There’s Sugar in My Tea
Memories in the Making: Where to Find a Souvenir for Your Visit to Old 96 District | Old 96 District Blog
100 Best Travel Lifestyle Blogs and Websites | FeedSpot
Travel with a Local: Charlotte, North Carolina | Verily
Alyssa Styles the Rosso Ponte Pant | wool&
The Best Carry-On Luggage for Men, According to Frequent Fliers | SPY
Alyssa Styles the Maeve Crew Neck Sweater | wool&