The Scenic Route Traveler

A photographer's take on 48 countries, told through guides, stories, and videos.

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View of the UK Parliament and Big Ben through an arch, with the River Thames in the foreground and cloudy sky above.

EUROPE

A snow-capped mountain with rugged rocky slopes and green pine trees in the foreground.

NORTH AMERICA

AFRICA

City view of Seoul, South Korea, with Namsan Seoul Tower on a hill in the distance, a winding pathway, trees with autumn foliage, and city buildings in the background.

ASIA

Hill covered with green trees and tall palm trees against a blue sky with clouds.

SOUTH AMERICA

A landscape with purple flowers in the foreground, a rocky shoreline, a calm lake, snow-capped mountains in the background, and a clear blue sky.

OCEANIA

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Travel Videos

A split image featuring a green mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks on the left, and a city skyline with the Eiffel Tower at sunset on the right, overlaid with the text "Global Travel Itineraries."

A city skyline with greenery and a winding pathway on the left, and a decorated tree with fairy lights and a Buddha statue on the right, overlaid with the word "ASIA" in large text.

A scenic view of a snowy mountain with green forest in front on the left, and an urban scene of Brooklyn Bridge with red brick buildings on the right, with the word 'USA' overlaid in the center.

A split image showing a tropical island with palm trees and clear water on the left, and a historic street with yellow buildings and a mountain in the background on the right. The text on the image reads "Caribbean & Central America."

Split view of a colorful seaside town in southern Europe on the left, and a medieval castle on a hill in a rural landscape on the right, with the word 'EUROPE' overlayed in the center.

Split image of Sydney Opera House and a lakeside scene with purple flowers and mountains in the background, overlaid with the word "Oceania" in large white letters.

A woman walks in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx in Egypt, with large white text saying 'EGYPT' overlaying the image of ancient hieroglyphics.

A split image showing a green scenic village on the left and the Palace of Westminster with Big Ben on the right, with the text "United Kingdom" across the top.

A scenic split image of New Zealand's landscape, with snowy mountains and glaciers on the left and lush green hills overlooking the ocean on the right, with the text 'New Zealand' in the center.

A collage showing Chicago's skyline with tall buildings and the historic Chicago Theatre sign on the left, along with a peaceful park view, trees with fall foliage, and a reflective water body on the right.

Scenic landscape of Colombia with lush green hills, tall palm trees, and numerous lakes and waterways.

Scenic landscape of an Italian village with colorful buildings along a lake, mountains, and a church steeple in Italy.

Book a Shoot

A person kneeling on one knee proposing to a woman by the water with a city skyline in the background. Chicago

Couple & Special Moments

Discreet coverage of your surprise proposal, plus a mini portrait session afterward.
Relaxed, romantic photo sessions that reflect your relationship and love story.
Celebrate your milestones with a beautiful shoot that captures your continued love.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup in a wooded area with old logs, colorful rugs, and white decorations on trees and logs.

Family & Milestone

Fun, candid, and timeless images of your family in a natural setting.
Document this incredible chapter with elegant and emotive photos.
Great for reunions or multi-generational portraits — we’ll make everyone feel included.
Celebrate your achievement with a session that reflects your personality and future goals.

A young woman with long dark hair walking on a wooden path surrounded by lush green tropical plants and pink flowers.

Travel & Destination Session

Visiting the Windy City? Let me capture your experience with a lifestyle session in some of Chicago’s most iconic (or hidden gem) locations.
Want me to come to you? I’m available for travel throughout the U.S. and internationally for proposals, engagements, family vacations, and special milestones.

A woman with long reddish-brown hair, wearing a white shirt and light blue jeans, sitting on a black chair, holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers, with a neutral expression and resting her head on her hand.

Individual Portraits

Clean, natural portraits for LinkedIn, business profiles, or personal branding.
Perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, or anyone building a visual identity.

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About the Author

Erin Parro is a Chicago-based travel writer, photographer, and videographer behind The Scenic Route Traveler. Having explored 48 countries across six continents, she specializes in finding the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations most travelers miss, and showing you exactly how to get there. Follow along on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

A woman standing in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza and a sphinx statue in Egypt, smiling and wearing casual travel clothes.

The Scenic Route Traveler inspires intentional travel through storytelling, hidden gems, and culturally rich experiences around the world.

I’m Erin, the voice behind Scenic Route Traveler, sharing intentional travel stories and guides from around the globe.
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We deliver travel guides and storytelling through YouTube, social media, photography, and digital products designed for fellow travelers.
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If you’re new here: this is a space for travelers who care more about how a place feels than how it looks on a checklist. You’ll find guides, stories, and resources designed to help you slow down and travel with intention.