Noreen Kompanik

Noreen Kompanik is a freelance journalist and photographer from San Diego, California. After almost 35 years as a registered nurse and legal nurse consultant, she hung up her stethoscope for good to travel the world and write about her adventures. She is the pioneer of Great Escape Publishing’s Travel Writers Café and has been an instructor at their travel writing events for six years.

Her interests include history, food, wine, beach destinations, sustainable living, and of course, travel. Her stories have appeared in Travel Pulse, Edible San Diego Magazine, Europe Up Close, International Living, Food, Wine, Travel Magazine, San Diego Explorer, and more.

Noreen is a member of the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance (ITWPA), International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and the San Diego Press Club.

You can find samples of her published stories on her website whatsinyoursuitcase.com

9 Best Things to Do in Taos, New Mexico

February 1, 2021 By Noreen Kompanik

D. H. Lawrence once described Taos as a “state of mind”, and this transcendental place had been on my travel wish list for years. When I finally visited, I understood why the pull had been so … [Read more...] about 9 Best Things to Do in Taos, New Mexico

10 Best Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii

December 23, 2020 By Noreen Kompanik

Known for its unique geography and unparalleled natural beauty, Kauai is one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. Ninety-seven percent of its land is covered with verdant, … [Read more...] about 10 Best Things to Do in Kauai, Hawaii

11 Best Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii

November 30, 2020 By Noreen Kompanik

I often call Maui the sampler platter of the Hawaiian Islands. Commonly known as the Valley Isle, Hawaii’s second-largest island enthralls visitors with its staggeringly beautiful scenery. You name … [Read more...] about 11 Best Things to Do in Maui, Hawaii

9 Best Things to Do in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

November 6, 2020 By Noreen Kompanik

Situated along the Caribbean coastline in the eastern portion of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the Riviera Maya encompasses an 80-mile stretch between the popular resort city of Cancún in the north and … [Read more...] about 9 Best Things to Do in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

11 Best Things to Do in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

September 28, 2020 By Noreen Kompanik

The three major islands comprising the U.S. Virgin Islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The smallest of the three, St. John possesses an unspoiled beauty unsurpassed anywhere in the … [Read more...] about 11 Best Things to Do in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

10 Best Things to Do in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

September 23, 2020 By Noreen Kompanik

Likely the most cosmopolitan of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas still retains the distinctive atmosphere of a Caribbean paradise. Though it’s a popular cruise ship port situated in picturesque … [Read more...] about 10 Best Things to Do in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands