TravelMates: Jen Belcher from Books on Trains
How the magic of books inspired her love for travel, adventure and exploration.
Since starting on Substack 3 months ago, I’ve met so many seasoned travellers and interesting travel writers with lots of experience and stories to share.
So I thought it would be fun to start a new interview series called TravelMates, where they can share their stories, recommendations and tips with you.
Our first TravelMate opening up this interview series
, the writer behind Books on Trains.
She was one of the first travel writers I connected with here on Substack and it’s been an absolute joy to have conversations with her, see her grow on Substack, get her insights on travel and follow her book recommendations (as a big reader myself).
Jen Belcher is a writer and lifelong book lover. She shares her love for stories and travel beautifully in Books on Trains. She has lived abroad and in several corners of the U.S., always chasing new experiences and literary inspiration. Jen currently resides in New Jersey, but with big travel plans on the horizon, she’s rarely still for long.
Whether she’s curled up with a novel or hopping on a train to a new city, she’s always in search of her next great adventure and story to tell.
When did you first fall in love with travel—and what do you remember most about that first experience?
I actually fell in love with travel long before I ever stepped foot on a plane.
Growing up, we didn’t have the means to travel much, so my earliest adventures happened between the pages of books. I was constantly getting lost in the worlds of Alice in Wonderland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many more! Even though I wasn't adding stamps to my passport, I was building a foundational love of adventure and wander.
That love took physical form when I turned 30 and took my first big international trip to Rome, Italy.
I thought I’d just be visiting, but I fell so hard for the country that I moved there 9 months later. I have vivid memories from that first trip, floating in the sea, looking back at the rocky Italian coastline, the sound of the language drifting over the water from locals.
In that moment, it hit me: I’d finally made it here. It felt surreal, almost out of body, like I was stepping into the life I had only ever imagined.
Living in Europe completely changed my relationship with travel. Once there, I took full advantage of being able to hop on a cheap flight or train, exploring a new city or country over the weekend.
From there, my deeper love of travel took root and I haven't looked back since.
What’s one destination you’ve been to that completely surprised you—and why?
The first summer I lived in Italy, I took a trip to Greece.
Instead of heading to the Instagram-famous spots like Santorini or Athens, I listened to my Italian friends and ended up in a quiet beachside town called Kallithea in Halkidiki. I think I may have been the only American there. Truly.
It was a slow, peaceful kind of trip.
I went to the same bakeries and restaurants every day, spent my afternoons on the beach, and just let the rhythm of the place carry me. There were no packed tourist schedules or lines for photo ops. It just felt like real moments in a real place.
It reminded me how magical travel can be when you go off the beaten path and try lesser-known places.
How do you plan and stay organised with your trips?
Once I’ve picked my next destination, I start adjusting my algorithm across my social media accounts.
I want to be seeing content from both locals and travelers who’ve actually been there. As videos and content start to pop up on Youtube and Instagram, I begin to get real tips and inspiration. If something catches my eye, I add it to a note on my phone.
When I’m in the booking window sweet spot for best prices, I lock in flights and hotels.
From there, I use the to-do lists I've been creating on my phone to build out a loose itinerary based on neighborhoods. Basically, it's places I want to go, grouped by location. I always keep a running list of must-visits, but I also make sure to leave plenty of room for spontaneity. Some of my favorite travel memories have happened when I got a little lost or asked a local where I should go or what I should try.
I keep everything organized in my phone but also transfer the details to a Google Doc so I can share it with friends or family for safety, and print a hard copy for myself just in case tech fails me.
What’s a travel tip you swear by that most people overlook?
Don’t just do the most obvious things.
Some of my favorite travel memories came from skipping the “must-see” list from travel guides and following my own pace, or finding unexpected gems just by walking around with no agenda. I also strongly encourage traveling during shoulder season, when the crowds thin out and prices drop.
That charming town no one’s talking about in spring might be far more memorable than the packed hotspot everyone flocks to in July.
The popular places in peak summer often come with heat, lines, and high expectations, and those can quickly kill the magic.
Bonus tip: I always try to pick up a book in every new town I visit. Not only does it give me a book to read on a train to my next location, but it’s also one of my favorite kinds of souvenirs, especially when it’s written by a local author or set in the place I’m exploring.
What’s one travel mistake you’ve made that others should avoid?
Financial missteps, for sure.
Well, I wouldn’t call them financial missteps so much as just not knowing how to play the game. Early on, I exchanged cash at the airport (terrible rates), and didn’t pay attention to things like credit card perks, airline loyalty programs, or travel insurance protections. I wasn’t being careless…I just didn’t know better.
These days, I’m much more strategic.
I book with cards that offer travel protections, earn points wherever I can, and pull out cash from the airport atms in local currency upon arrival.
Another big one? Naive planning.
I once tried to cram both Bruges, Belgium and York, England into just two days without realizing Brussels Airport is notorious for painfully slow border control!
I lost hours of my first day standing in line, which was time I could’ve used to explore if I’d built in a buffer or done a little more research. It was a classic case of over-optimism colliding with real-world travel logistics.
Lesson learned: even the best-laid itineraries need breathing room.
What’s your go-to strategy for finding great local food?
Social media and recommendations from locals are my secret weapon.
I follow accounts which show me what people who actually live there are eating.
One of the best lessons I learned in Italy? If you can see a major landmark from your table, you’re probably not eating the best food.
I also try not to make too many restaurant reservations ahead of time. Talking to locals or simply wandering into busy spots off the main drag has led me to some unforgettable meals. I’ll usually do one “splurge” meal per trip (sometimes at brunch of lunch to save a bit) and I never shy away from street food. I want to taste something I can’t get at home.
I’m definitely not afraid to go off-script.
For example, the best Indian food I’ve ever had was at a tiny spot tucked down a sidestreet in Lisbon, Portugal. You don’t always need to eat the country’s national dish to have an incredible experience.
How do you make long flights or travel days more enjoyable?
I don’t mind spending a little more for a smoother experience.
If I’m flying overnight, I prioritize sleep above all else so I can hit the ground running when I get to my destination. I’m not flying first class (yet), but I love Premium Economy on United.
Wider seats, earlier meal service, and a footrest? Game changer.
Hot tip: Grab the window seat in the bulkhead row. You get the wall to lean on, extra legroom, and you can easily step over your seatmate without doing acrobatics to get to the bathroom.
I also swear by compression socks, comfy shoes, and magnesium gummies.
I haven’t found a travel pillow I love yet, so if anyone has one they recommend, please tell me. I really don't do layovers unless it's going to save me a ton of money. Non-stop flights cost a bit more, but they save you time, energy, and a whole lot of stress.
Finally, If I know I’ll be in an airport for a while, I’ll use lounge access if available.
Not having to deal with the chaos of an airport terminal before a long flight puts me in a way better headspace and keeps me relaxed.
What’s always in your suitcase no matter where you go?
To start, I'm a carry-on only traveler.
The first and most important things going with me are shoes. Comfortable, water resistant shoes are non-negotiable for long walking days and potential wet conditions. I also always pack essential toiletries, emergency items like Benadryl and Band-Aids, extra socks and underwear, a light but quality raincoat, and my laptop.
I always leave space for new books, a Christmas ornament (my favorite souvenir) and gifts for my family.
I print out copies of flight and hotel info, emergency contact numbers, and a photo of my passport in case of tech issues.
I also carry multiple credit cards, a journal, and anything I’d be frustrated to not find in a pinch: feminine products, painkillers, whatever I need to feel human on the road.
Oh! And never forget your sunscreen no matter where you're going!
That’s a wrap!
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and keep up with her travel adventures and tips at Books on Trains. One of my favourite weekly reads.Are you interested in getting featured in TravelMates or have someone you want to hear from? Send me a direct message or drop a comment below to let me know!
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Great interview! enjoyed learning more about Jen and getting inspiration from her tips!
Thanks to both of you for this insightful interview. My wife and I have traveled quite a bit, and I still found the interview enlightening. As it so happens, we are in Italy with our daughter as I’m writing this comment. We came here to shoot video for our first “Moving Experiences” virtual tour (a new feature on our Mind Inclined Substack). Italy is indeed a wonderful destination! Here’s an idea I didn’t see in the interview: a transatlantic cruise. The cost is not outrageous, and the travel experience definitely beats a long overnight flight in a cramped space. We cruised on the Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and enjoyed substantial meals, on-board lectures and entertainment, room to walk, and, of course, real beds! You will have plenty of time to read. There’s even a very nice, well-stocked library on board the ship. If you want to know more, please send me a DM.