Natalie Compagno is so much more than a bookstore owner. She’s a muse, a spark plug, a provocateur. Spending mere minutes with her is like embarking on a mini adventure. She’s a beautiful & intelligent bon vivant who has journeyed to over eighty countries and has a love for travel that lights up a room. Reign magazine contributor, Margalit Ward, sits down with Natalie over a cup of espresso at Natalie’s celebrated shop, The Traveler’s Bookcase, to discuss her life’s passion.

An Intimate Conversation with World Traveler Natalie Compagno

Reign: What three words best describe your passion for travel?

Natalie: I would say… desperate (pause), intense (longer pause), and… sensual. I feel like I’m a better version of myself when I travel. I feel sexier, I feel healthier, I feel alive. And, I love that experience of seeing something for the first time. That’s one of my favorite things. Not having any idea when you make a right turn, what you’re going to see. It’s such a great high, and such a great feeling.

I also think there’s something sexual about discovery. Like eating something amazing that you had no previous idea about. Or, seeing a beautiful site, like a sunset over the Mediterranean in Beirut… Who knew how gorgeous that would be? It’s very sensual. Making surprising purchases can even feel sexy. You buy things that you feel lovely in…

When I was single, there was always that possibility of meeting someone. In fact, my husband and I traveled as friends first, then became lovers, so travel has always had that exciting feeling of sensuality and sexuality for me.

Reign: Did you meet your husband on a trip?

Natalie: I knew him before any of our trips. We were just friends for a really long time. Then, when we went to El Salvador together, I got to know him in a totally new way. We traveled all over the country and discovered so many amazing beautiful things together that it created this sexual, mental bond that ended up being permanent.

Reign: Do you think there are countries that offer a more sensual experience than others?

Natalie: I think sensuality can be found in any country. It really depends on what one interprets as sensual. Iceland was unexpectedly a sensual place for me. It was cold and raw, but it had such gorgeous scenery (it’s actually very green) and I loved cozying up in the rain… For others, sensuality is warmth and heat, and a gorgeous beach. For some it’s elegant food and wine, and for others it’s camping alone in the forest.

Reign: One of my favorite books is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
I’m curious, where would you journey to Eat, Pray and Love?

Natalie: I would eat… in Thailand. When I was in Thailand I was SO happy. They would wheelbarrow fish to you, you would point at one, and it would come back to you in the most amazing bowl of delicious, creamy, coconut, spicy sauce. I would pray… in Africa. Africa is a big place, so specifically Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe. It’s right on the border of four countries, it’s awe-inspiring, and is one of the biggest waterfalls in the world. I found it to be very spiritual. In that one region of Africa they have such a wonderful combination of amazing people, beautiful animals, and natural beauty. And, I would love… in Paris. Who doesn’t want to be in love in Paris?

Reign: Your eyes are sparkling.

Natalie: In Paris, you know with the wine, the restaurants, the art… You just FEEL so lovely in Paris…

Reign: Have you ever fallen in love there?

Natalie: Yes, I have (coy smile). He is actually a dear friend to this day. He was a French man that I met on a backpacking trip through Europe right after college. I thought I was going to stay there for the rest of my life, but I panicked and came home, which I think, in the end, was a good thing. But he was so cute, and charming, and so French…

Reign: And, you were in Paris.

Natalie: (laughter) Yes, I was in Paris. It’s just so romantic, sitting in a sidewalk cafe, drinking wine with a French man… you just feel like the whole world is beautiful. Every woman should have that experience.

When Natalie Compagno is not wandering the globe, you can find her at The Traveler’s Bookcase in Los Angeles, inspiring others to travel—with passion, enthusiasm, and the bright eyes of a woman in love with life.

For Natalie’s top travel book picks tweet us a request at @REIGNmag and we will notify you when she adds her picks to this article.

This article originally appeared on Naked Princess