The Well Traveled Questionnaire: Featuring Elisa Maria Torres
We're building a community of travelers, and each month, we’ll feature a special guest who shares their world. What they love, their travel tips, rituals, memorable stays, and treasured souvenirs.
Today we are featuring Elisa Maria Torres. Elisa Maria and I first met in Antigua in 2016 when she was traveling through town and reached out to me via Instagram. As creatives and San Francisco natives, we bonded right away. We kept in touch over the years and (because I think she’s such an incredible human) I continued to pester her about being involved with Luna Zorro :) Over the years, she has been such a valuable a sounding board and advisor in business, but most of all, she has become a dear friend. In 8 years we have managed to cross paths in four different countries which is a sign of our kindred spirits. I am bursting at the seams to finally be creating Well Traveled alongside of her and I am so excited for you all to (also) be inspired by her thoughtful and beautiful approach to travel. - Molly Berry
I’m Elisa Maria, a San Francisco native, with Italian and Puerto Rican heritage and a deep sense of curiosity about people and places. I have been living in Europe since 2018, embracing a life of exploration and new experiences, with my best friend-turned-college sweetheart, who I’ll refer to as J.
Travel for me began as a young girl, watching my parents—born into traditional households—find freedom in exploration. My mom, a lifelong Condé Nast Traveler and Bon Appétit subscriber, would carefully cut out articles on captivating places and tuck them into an expandable folder, each clipping representing a potential adventure. That cherished file, still sitting in our hallway closet decades later, became our family's roadmap to discovering places like Europe, Mexico, and Cuba—a reminder that travel could be a release, a breath beyond routine, and a spark for inspiration outside of the familiar.
In those cherished journeys, I found my own love for exploring places that feed my curiosity and imagination.
Four years ago, I set out on the most thrilling personal journey—motherhood. J and I welcomed our daughter while living abroad in Spain, and since then, life has unfolded as a constant adventure. We've moved from one part of Spain to another, to the UK and back again, changed careers, and gained friends for life. Recently, we’ve settled into our forever home in San Sebastián, with the added joy of having relocated my parents from San Francisco to the Basque Country, where they now spend most of the year. With my parents along for the ride, the adventure feels even richer.
Managing parts of my day-to-day life can feel big and overwhelming at times. Travel is my reality check. It allows me to hit pause and reconnect with the vastness of the world, reminding me that we are part of a larger human tapestry, while also revealing our own insignificance in the grand scheme of things.
With a toddler and J by my side, I’m constantly navigating how to continue exploring the world against life’s everyday demands. Whether it’s discovering the perfect light in a small village, revisiting a meal so unforgettable I need to send everyone I know its way, or embarking on a solo trip for the first time as a parent, I believe in travel that feeds the soul and the senses. I cherish sharing these experiences with my family as a core part of how we’re raising our daughter. I’m also determined to continue pursuing my love of travel without my family always present, even when that can feel really challenging to pull off.
I first met Molly in 2016. While researching Antigua for an upcoming family trip, I stumbled upon her expressive writing, evocative photography, and beautiful textiles made in collaboration with local artisans. The charm of Antigua felt intimate enough that I might very well run into her in town, but I remember feeling a pull to reach out personally.
Long before sliding into a stranger’s DMs was common, I took a leap of faith and introduced myself, asking Molly if she’d be open to meeting up while I was in town.
Back then, Instagram was mostly a platform for photography (a simpler time I sometimes long for) so I can understand how my message and invite might have taken her by surprise. It was generous of Molly, who agreed to meet, to share her time with a stranger passing through town. We sat on a sunny rooftop near the Santa Catalina arch in Antigua and discussed life outside of the US, being from Northern California, our creative aspirations and business dreams, all with great ease as if we were old friends.
Since then a friendship has grown between our families. J and I spent the greater part of 2017 living in Antigua, where we spent time volunteering and I got the chance to also work with and contribute to Luna Zorro, which has been a joy to watch grow and evolve.
Since then, Molly and her husband joined us at our wedding in Mallorca, we’ve caught up in London and the Bay Area while both home visiting family, and J and I have returned to Antigua to reconnect. I've watched Molly’s business thrive, and she’s seen me become a mother.
It isn’t lost on me that Molly, who I met by taking a total chance to just say hello, is committed to expanding the travel and lifestyle aspects of Luna Zorro. Our shared desire to connect with creative, interesting women brought us together then and is the fuel for our continued friendship and creative collaboration on Well Traveled, all these years later.
Our time in Antigua deepened my love for Guatemala, strengthened my bond with Molly and her beautiful family, and confirmed the idea that we’d somehow collaborate again one day.
Checked luggage or carry-on? Aisle or window? Book or movie download?
Unless it's just a quick getaway, I’m checking a bag. It’s the perfect excuse to bring back treasures and unique finds from my travels - maybe a selection of local cheeses (yes, I am really hauling back the best clothbound cheddar), products from a new skincare line discovered (like Saya which I came across in Sydney and features an incredible blend of native Australian botanicals), or a handcrafted piece of decor made by an artisan whose work stopped me in my tracks.
Sometimes, it’s all of the above. These little finds carry the essence of a place, and help extend the memory of a moment long after I've returned to the rhythm of everyday life.
Always a window seat, (almost) always United Airlines.
Once I settle into my seat I look forward to the chance to chat with the stranger beside me, even if just briefly. Some of the most intriguing people I’ve met were found at 30,000 feet in the sky.
Once I reach cruising altitude, I embrace the silence of a plane ride and, when I can, indulge in as many back-to-back films as possible, making up for all the screen time I’ve lost since becoming a parent. Now that I’ve recovered from my Hacks and Industry bender, please share any recommendations of what TV you’re watching and loving.
What is one of your most memorable coffee or tea experiences abroad?
A memory that lingers is sipping an espresso lemonade at Kalei Coffee in Beirut during our honeymoon in 2019. I had never tasted anything quite like it, refreshing carbonated bursts of citrus with chocolate undertones.
Kalei is tucked away in an alley so far off the main road in the Mar Mikhael neighborhood, that my husband and I almost gave up on trying to find it until we finally found ourselves in a lovely garden cafe where locals were sprawled out in the sun. In a city where much of time seems to stand still, Kalei is a fresh perspective from a young generation infusing its modern identity into its coffee culture.
What’s the first thing you love to do when you arrive at a new destination?
My routine kicks off with unpacking my Away luggage and tucking everything into its place while diving into a podcast episode. Right now, I’m hooked on Wiser Than Me by Julia Louis Dreyfus, where she interviews iconic older woman. Each episode is a refreshing blend of honesty, wisdom and humor, making this one of my favorite listens.
Once that’s done, I typically go for a long walk and head straight towards a neighborhood or monument that isn’t super high on my personal list to visit, but may be important to or reflective of a place and its history (think Trevi Fountain in Rome or Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris).
The more I travel, the more I prefer letting trips unfold naturally, rather than being driven by a list of must-see places. I firmly believe it’s perfectly fine to visit Paris and never set foot in the Louvre, for example.
On my first day, I use iconic landmarks to orient myself and stretch my legs, before heading to a meal I’ve booked in advance—a broad first impression that helps me settle in and embrace whatever the next day may bring.
Hotel or Airbnb?
I find the right hotels consistently offer that something special. Whenever possible, I choose ones that respect their communities; the best, like Cristine Bedfor in Menorca, embody local culture and design while providing a family-friendly escape where I can truly disconnect from daily demands.
Where have you recently returned from and what meaningful souvenir did you bring back with you?
After visiting Turkiyë, I can say with certainty that they've mastered breakfast. From mezze spreads to menemen—softly scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and sucuk—every morning is a flavorful feast. In Istanbul’s Lades Menemen, chefs whip up dishes with effortless skill, while on the Bosphorus, brunch on the cerulean sea at The Peninsula brings a whole new level of satisfaction to the first meal of the day.
Breakfast is the meal we most look forward to as a family on weekends, so when I found Cankurtaran Gıda, a shop in the vast hall of the Spice Bazaar, I knew I had to bring back sucuk (Turkish sausage), along with a thick cut of tulum (a tangy cheese with a distinct saltiness) and an Anzer honeycomb slice. The shop, which has been open since the ‘60s, feels like an altar dedicated to Turkiyë’s culinary heritage and best ingredients. The men who run it are beaming with pride and eagerness for you to try and then (very emphatically) confirm how tasty everything is.
It was a total treat to share slices of roasted sucuk over several breakfasts back home with my family, where we tried to replicate the breakfasts I enjoyed during my time in Turkiyë. Let me know if you’ve mastered the seemingly simple menemen recipe, as we never quite got it right!
When you return home from a trip, what’s the first restaurant you head to?
Once we’re home and settled, the first restaurant we head to is Izeta in Zarautz, Spain. The Basque Country truly transforms steak into an extraordinary experience. At Izeta, your txuleta (steak) is grilled over an open charcoal fire, seasoned with just a touch of coarse sea salt, and served alongside bright green roasted peppers, crispy fries and a simple green salad. It’s a meal so satisfying and difficult to find elsewhere, and genuinely the reason why I seldom order red meat outside of the Basque Country.
With its simple and traditional interior, Izeta symbolizes the togetherness, community and connection that are so integral to this region’s relationship with food and makes for a hearty welcome home.
Where are you traveling next, and what’s drawing you there?
This December, our family is headed to Tangier, Morocco, inspired in part by Tangier Painting Holidays and interior designer Gavin Houghton's creative retreats. Just south of Spain and at the gateway to Africa, from everything I’ve read Tangier seems to keep its artistry authentic and community-centered. I’m thrilled at the idea of getting to explore Tangier and its local heritage through the eyes of Tanjawi.
With my mom’s birthday in early December, Tangier felt like the perfect winter escape to celebrate her. Villa Mabrouka is currently helping me arrange what I know will be a memorable birthday dinner, and I’m excited to experience a new side of Morocco’s craftsmanship and character with my party of five.
I'm thrilled to continue sharing my discoveries with you and hope you’ll subscribe to Well Traveled with Luna Zorro to experience the joy of exploring new places, cultures, and the unique addresses that make each destination truly unforgettable.
Here’s to the Well Traveled path ahead, where the real adventure is never quite over.
X,
Elisa-Maria
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Beautiful post, from the first paragraph of your mom cutting out her travel articles.
Loved all your wonderful reflections on travel, and the vivid description of cherished spots. Beautiful!