When Jackie Lapin turned 70, she realized it was time to stop waiting for “someday.” After decades of promoting other people’s stories, she wanted to live out her own.
“I hit 70 and realized there were fewer years ahead of me than behind me,” Jackie said. “I didn’t know how much longer I’d be able to carry a 50-pound suitcase and three cameras on my back, so I figured I’d better just do this.”
That decision led her to create The Historic Traveler, an online community and digital magazine that blends Jackie’s lifelong passions for history, photography and storytelling.
The platform helps people explore the world’s most fascinating destinations through the lens of history, whether they’re walking cobblestone streets in Europe or discovering treasures close to home.
“I’ve always been in the business of helping authors, leaders and experts get booked on podcasts and radio shows,” Jackie explained. “But, all that time, I was a closet photographer. Nobody knew I had a yearning to share my photography with people. I figured something would happen to open that door, and it did.”
A lifelong love of history
Jackie’s fascination with history began when she was 10 years old. A school trip to the California missions ignited a curiosity that never faded.
“I fell in love with history,” she recalled. “Every time I had an opportunity, I would escape and go photograph something historic. I’d read historical novels and history books before I went anywhere so I could understand the context of what I was seeing.”
That early passion shaped the foundation for The Historic Traveler. The site features articles written by Jackie that weave together the story of each destination as well as its people, architecture and past with her vibrant photography.
“My storytelling skills as a writer help me tell readers a little about the history, then explain what’s worth seeing and why,” Jackie said. “At the end, I include book recommendations, including historic novels, biographies and mysteries, that help people feel like they lived there in that time period.”
Turning passion into purpose
After a successful 40-year career in sports public relations and author promotion, Jackie began looking for something more personally fulfilling.
She decided to combine everything she loved, such as travel, history and writing.
“Creating The Historic Traveler was like getting rid of the things I must do for the things I love to do,” she said. “Now I sit at my computer editing fabulous photos from around the world and writing stories that bring history to life.”
Her vision quickly expanded beyond personal storytelling. She wanted to help others experience history, too.
Visitors to her website can find:
- Directories of historic hotels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts
- Lists of museums, films, TV dramas and books organized by location or time period
- A free membership that includes a biweekly newsletter, book reviews and travel news
- Access to a no-cost travel concierge who helps plan custom trips
“It’s all free,” Jackie said. “Our sponsors and advertisers help keep it that way because we believe everyone should enjoy discovering history, whether you’re traveling or exploring from home.”
Finding the story behind every stone
Jackie believes travel is most meaningful when people venture beyond the tourist attractions.
“The first thing I do in a new city is take a half-day tour so I can get my bearings,” she said. “Then I walk for at least two days. That’s when I really find the life of a place, like the music, colors and little shops behind the cathedral.”
She recommends hiring private guides or using local tourism offices to uncover hidden treasures.
“When you tell a guide you don’t just want to see the famous stuff, they’ll take you places most people miss,” she said. “In Dublin, for example, you can visit beautiful residential squares where the townhouse doors are painted brilliant colors. Those are the details that make travel magical.”
Capturing memories through photography
Although she calls herself “a terrible photographer,” Jackie’s eye for beauty and composition tells a different story.
“I can’t always get the lighting right, but I have a good eye,” she said. “It might be a doorknob, a flower box or a bit of architecture that catches my attention. I want to capture what draws me in.”
To bring out the best in her photos, Jackie uses Photoshop to correct exposure and remove distractions.
“I don’t feel it’s cheating,” she explained. “It’s just giving God a little push so people can see the beauty I saw, even if the camera didn’t catch it perfectly.”
Her online photo gallery includes 60 themed collections covering historic sites, landscapes, animals and nature scenes. Visitors can view or purchase prints through the site.
“I’m very proud of the images I’ve been able to assemble,” she said. “Each one tells a story about where I’ve been.”
Travel tips from a seasoned explorer
Jackie has visited more than 500 destinations in 50 countries and still has an ever-growing list of places she wants to see. Egypt, Malta and the Cinque Terre villages of Italy are next on her list.
She offered several travel tips for readers who want to explore history more deeply:
- Read before you go. Historical novels and guidebooks help travelers understand the context of what they’ll see.
- Wander beyond the main attractions. Take time to walk, listen and observe local life.
- Try the local cuisine. “Ask your hotel where locals eat,” Jackie said. “That’s where you’ll find the real flavor of a region.”
- Choose historic hotels. “Some may date to the 1920s, others to the 13th century,” she said. “Each one has stories that make your stay unforgettable.”
- Be kind and curious. “If you show interest in people, they’ll show interest in you,” she added. “Every now and then, you might even get invited to dinner.”
Bringing the past to life
Jackie’s magazine, The Historic Traveler, features destination articles, book reviews and interviews with historians and novelists. Each issue highlights people preserving history in unique ways, such as saving lighthouses, restoring graveyards or protecting dude ranches in the West.
For fiction lovers, the magazine includes conversations with popular authors like Elizabethan period chronicler Tony Riches, and Fiona Davis, whose dual-timeline novels explore women’s lives in historic settings.
“I want readers to feel like they’re time-traveling,” Jackie said. “Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or reading a book set in the 1800s, it’s about connecting with the human stories behind history.”
Making travel accessible for everyone
Jackie hopes to make historic travel possible for people of all ages and mobility levels.
“We’re creating a travel matching program so people can find companions with similar interests,” she said. “And in the future, I plan to lead small group tours with partner companies.”
She also encourages older travelers to take advantage of guided bus tours and educational travel programs designed for seasoned citizens.
“The beauty of a bus tour is you don’t have to carry your luggage,” she said. “They make travel easy, and you still get to see incredible places.”
For those unable to travel, Jackie believes armchair exploration can be just as fulfilling.
“You can time-travel through books, movies and photography,” she said. “It’s all about keeping your mind curious and your heart open to discovery.”
A fulfilling life of discovery
Looking back, Jackie says she has no regrets, only gratitude for the opportunities she created by following her passions.
“I probably would have played more and worked less,” she explained. “But, I feel incredibly fortunate. I’ve managed my own schedule, traveled the world and built something that brings joy to others.”
She encourages people over 50 to take that first step toward whatever dream they’ve been postponing.
“If you have the means, book a tour,” Jackie advised. “You don’t have to do it all yourself. Or go with a friend and make memories together. The point is to go and don’t wait for ‘someday.’”
For Jackie, travel is far more than sightseeing. It’s a way to connect with the past, meet new people and see beauty in every corner of the world.
“I want people to enjoy the travel that enriches them,” she said. “Because when you explore history, you’re really discovering yourself.”
For more information
People can connect with Jackie in a variety of ways, including:
- Website = www.thehistorictraveler.com
- Facebook = www.facebook.com/historictraveler
- Instagram = www.instagram.com/historictravelerintl
- YouTube = www.youtube.com/@TheHistoricTraveler
- TicTok = www.tiktok.com/@thehistorictraveler
- LinkedIn = www.linkedin.com/company/the-historic-traveler
Membership in The Historic Traveler is free and people can join at thehistorictraveler.com/member.
