Wanderlu$t: How to Make Money While Traveling

by Malorie Mackey, Michael Maldonado

Ever watched someone explore ancient ruins, trek through misty mountains, or document bizarre cultural phenomena—and get paid for it? That dream job isn't reserved for a lucky few. It can be yours.

In this essential guide, travel journalist, Explorers Club member, and the creator and host of the TV Show Weird World Adventures, Malorie Mackey reveals the insider secrets that transformed her passion for adventure into a thriving global career. Alongside fellow Explorers Club member and Chief Operating Officer of Malories Adventures, Dr. Michael Maldonado, she provides a practical roadmap for turning your travel obsession into a sustainable livelihood.

Discover how to craft a compelling personal brand that opens doors worldwide, forge strategic partnerships with tourism boards, hotels, and expedition companies, create content that captivates audiences and attracts sponsors, and navigate the business side of professional adventuring with confidence.

Whether you dream of hosting a travel show, writing for prestigious publications, or leading specialized tours to the world's most fascinating destinations, this book delivers the actionable strategies and real-world wisdom to make it happen.

Stop scrolling enviously through others' adventures. Start planning your own professional journey into the extraordinary—and get paid handsomely to document every step.

199 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2025

About the author

Malorie Mackey is an actress and model based out of Los Angeles, California. Malorie grew up in Richmond, Virginia where she loved sports, the outdoors, animals, and all forms of art. She took to acting at a young age, so it was no surprise when she decided to go to college for theatre. While in college, Malorie studied body movement with the DAH Theatre in Belgrade, Serbia, voice in Herefordshire, England with Frankie Armstrong, and the business of theatre in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Malorie moved from the East Coast to Los Angeles after receiving her BFA in Theatre Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University. Upon arriving, Malorie participated in the Miss California USA 2011 Pageant where she won the “Friend’s Choice” Award (popular vote) and received a beautiful award for it. Since being on the West Coast, Malorie can be seen working on many Indie films, such as the Sci Fi Movie “Dracano.” Most recently, Malorie starred in the Biography Channel show “My Haunted House” and the TV Pilot “Model Citizen” with Angie Everhart. She ended 2014 working on three Indie Films: “The Martini Shot,” “The Taker,” and “The Summerland Project.” Throughout all of her experiences, Malorie has kept diligent journal entries. It was these entries that became “My Playboy Story: Hopping from Richmond to Hollywood,” the second edition of Malorie’s first published book. Malorie is inspired to continue writing. Next on her docket is to create a travel journal and, from that, a video travel blog. Stay tuned as Malorie travels the World making this dream a reality.

Reviews

[Malorie Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a quick, easy, and informative read.