Exploring US Cities Through Murals and Art: Michael DeFranceschi

Michael’s Urban Odyssey: Discovering US Murals, Art, and Culture

Michael, the creative mind behind this mural-obsessed travel blog, has explored 30 of the 50 US states and visited over 50 cities since summer 2021. Based in metro Detroit, his guides cater to adult travelers, focusing on museums, landmarks, and art-centric attractions. Through his blog, Michael takes readers on a journey to experience US cities through murals and art, highlighting vibrant and unique artistic expressions across the country.

With a passion for colorful murals, public art, and graffiti, Michael shares vibrant, culture-filled perspectives, offering readers unique ways to experience American cities year-round.


GLAD TRAVELER: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into the travel world?

MICHAEL: My name is Michael DeFranceschi and I am the founder of the US city centric blog Michael Visits All. One distinguishing characteristic of my blog is my enthusiasm for street art! Most of my articles about cities in the US will have a section dedicated to the murals and public statues in the city. I started traveling a lot throughout the US in summer 2021 because I had saved up a lot of money during the lockdowns and had massive cabin fever! When I’m not traveling, I love writing (I’m actually writing a novel now!) and I play guitar.

Exploring US Cities Through Murals and Art-Michael Travel Blogger

GLAD TRAVELER: What inspired you to start your travel blog/vlog or become a travel expert?

MICHAEL: It was mostly the encouragement from others. My travels were originally just a passion project I was posting on Instagram. However, since I’ve always had a fondness and talent for writing, I decided that launching a travel blog would be impactful, as I could inspire and inform others regarding their own travels.

GLAD TRAVELER: How would you describe your travel style (e.g., luxury, budget, adventure, slow travel)?

MICHAEL: I’d say my travel style is closest to ‘budget’. I’ve never been an extravagant person– with the exception I do enjoy flying first class on Delta from time to time! I have an article about how to get free flights, where I go in depth about frequent flier programs and travel credit cards. I like to help others save time and money.

GLAD TRAVELER: What’s your favorite travel destination so far, and why?

MICHAEL: There’s a small hipster-ish part of me that wishes my top spot was a place few people have heard of, but that’s just not the case here! My favorite place is New York City– in particular, Manhattan. The energy of the people in that city is unlike any other city in the US. You can feel the ambition. People walk with purpose. Plus, so many iconic landmarks, like Times Square, Central Park, the Met, etc.

GLAD TRAVELER: Do you have a bucket list destination that you haven’t visited yet?

MICHAEL: In the US, I am most excited to visit Santa Fe (New Mexico) and the state of Alaska. Abroad, the top three cities I’m most looking forward to visiting are Tokyo, Algiers, and Paris.

GLAD TRAVELER: What’s a common travel mistake you see people making, and how can they avoid it?

MICHAEL: Most common mistake I’d say is not harnessing the power of membership programs offered through the airlines, train companies (Amtrak, in the US), hotel chains, car rentals, etc. These programs are free to join, and every dollar earns your points. Enough points, for example, you can seriously get first class tickets on an airplane for free.

GLAD TRAVELER: How do you decide on the content to share? Do you prioritize trends or personal interests?

MICHAEL: Although I will use certain keyword research tools to get a grasp of search volume, I tend to write about topics that, first and foremost, I enjoy writing about, and then second, that I’m confident my readers will find valuable as well. When you monetize anything creative that you enjoy, you have to preserve the love for it. Otherwise, it will feel just like any other job and will make you miserable.

Exploring US Cities Through Murals and Art-Michael Travel Blogger

GLAD TRAVELER: How do you balance enjoying your travels while documenting them for your audience?

MICHAEL: My mind is kind of always in ‘work’ mode. I can simultaneously balance experiencing a place while thinking how to best write about it. I can usually get pictures I like in less than ten takes.

GLAD TRAVELER: What’s your go-to item you can’t travel without?

MICHAEL: My smartphone. I take all my pictures on it, rely on it to store boarding passes, manage my finances, and to navigate. Sure, smartphones do have some drawbacks concerning people’s mental health and attention spans, but I think they are a godsend when traveling.

GLAD TRAVELER: Have you ever experienced a travel mishap? How did you handle it?

MICHAEL: I’ve had quite a few mishaps! I’m only human. My most recent fumble was accidentally parking in a parking structure in Cleveland that was only open Monday-Friday. On Saturday morning, I couldn’t get in the parking structure! I was panicking. I got super lucky when a car exited from the structure (maybe he had a special key fob that let him in) and I snuck in through the gate and was able to get my car out.

GLAD TRAVELER: Can you share a memorable story or unique experience from your travels?

MICHAEL: One time when I was at a restaurant in Greektown in downtown Detroit, a father asked me if I could take a picture of him and his family, as he hated the picture the waiter took. That’s usually been my experience too with waitstaff– their photography skills aren’t the best, but then again, that’s not really their job! Anyway, I took the picture and then ten minutes later, an elderly woman came up to me and thanked me so much for taking the picture. She said she and her family had been coming to that restaurant for over 40 years and took pictures of the family together every couple year at the restaurant. She loved the picture I took. She showed a picture of a young boy, who was the man who originally asked me to take the picture! She said my picture added to their family memories. I got teary-eyed. I was so touched that my picture meant so much to her.

GLAD TRAVELER: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through travel?

MICHAEL: How much I honestly do enjoy traveling alone. Don’t get wrong– I do enjoy bringing two friends, in particular, with me, but traveling alone does have some perks. If you want to take a nap at 3pm in the afternoon because you’re tired from sightseeing and walking, you can!

GLAD TRAVELER: What strategies do you use to grow your audience?

MICHAEL: Anyone can optimize an article for SEO but to keep people coming back, my best strategy, honestly, is just to write heartfelt and helpful content. It’s worked wonders for me. I’ve had many readers email me and thank me for how honest and thorough my articles are. Especially with AI disrupting many industries, people still crave and always will crave quality content created by other people.

GLAD TRAVELER: What’s the most rewarding collaboration or partnership you’ve had as a blogger?

MICHAEL: I was blown away when the Museum of Illusions, who’s the world’s largest independently owned museum chain, contacted me in May 2024. They wanted coverage in one of my articles on Cleveland, as they were opening a new location downtown. In exchange for coverage, they offered me free tickets for myself and whoever else I wanted to bring with me.

GLAD TRAVELER: Can you recommend underrated destinations that deserve more attention?

MICHAEL: When it comes to cities in the US, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago get pretty much all the attention, but there are plenty of great cities that are overlooked! The city that first comes to mind is Detroit! It’s a city that has really bounced back and has some of the #1 attractions in the country, like the best art museum, public square, and riverwalk.

Exploring US Cities Through Murals and Art-Michael Travel Blogger


As we wrapped up our conversation with Michael, it became clear that his passion for travel and urban art is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life. Through his blog, he inspires others to explore the hidden gems of America’s cities, uncovering the beauty in murals, landmarks, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just planning your next city adventure, Michael’s insights are sure to guide you toward discovering US cities through murals and art, revealing the vibrant, artistic heartbeat of every destination.

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