Most of the time when I start dreaming of a new destination for the first time, I can point to several factors. Maybe it’s the setting of a book I’m reading. Maybe it’s getting a lot of press thanks to a news story. Maybe I have a blogger friend or two who visited recently and loved it. I
Welcome to the Florida Keys Read More »
Once again, I went a full month without leaving New York! I barely even left Manhattan, venturing to Brooklyn a total of twice. The first time I did that, in April of last year, I was shocked and horrified at myself. This time, I welcomed it! The past few months were much busier than I anticipated (a six-week
AK Monthly Recap: January 2017 Read More »
Let me show you a world that is too often misunderstood. Women gossiping in a park. Istanbul, 2013. Soft sand, palm trees, and some of the bluest waters you’ve ever seen. Senggigi, Indonesia, 2011. Bikes and bread and girls in matching dresses. Prizren, Kosovo, 2013. Camel rides at sunrise. Wadi Rum, Jordan, 2011. Chilled out beach
This is the Islamic World Read More »
There are so many travel urban legends out there. The belief that dressing up and being polite at check-in will get you a free upgrade to business class. The Paris restaurant where the food is so good, you’ll cry, and prices haven’t changed since the 1980s. The mysterious Thai island that no “tourists” know about. But the
For the Love of God, Don’t Sew a Canadian Flag on Your Backpack Read More »
For years, I lived my life with one solid focus: to travel the world as much as possible and build my career as a travel blogger. And it was good. Lord, was it good. But over time, I learned that being singularly focused means that everything else in your life suffers to a degree. Relationships. Other
My Plan for 2017: A Commitment to Fitness Read More »
I wondered if I was doing myself a disservice, waiting so long to visit Kraków and Poland as a whole. As much as I hate to admit it, you do lose a bit of sense of wonder when you travel constantly. Would I greet Kraków with the enthusiasm of my early twenties? Or be underwhelmed and head to
How to Fall in Love with Kraków in 30 Steps Read More »
January is a time for goal-setting and making those long-held travel dreams a reality. This is the time to start saving and making tentative plans for one of your long-held dream trips. Now — if you have a specific, long-held travel dream, that’s what you should prioritize! I always encourage people to go after their biggest
Where to Go in 2017: Kate’s Top 12 Picks Read More »
And just like that, 2016 is over. It couldn’t have come soon enough. I didn’t buy into the “Fuck 2016” memes until the election in November, and then I was fully on board. Talk about an awful year. Now that it’s 2017, even though it’s just an arbitrary difference, I feel like a lot of
AK Monthly Recap: December 2016 Read More »
2016 was the year that my reading habits changed significantly. Casual reading no longer satisfies me. These days, a book either needs to feature excellent writing or teach me something new, or it won’t hold my interest. I used to need to alternate between heavier books and lighter reads; now I enjoy going from heavy to heavy. This
My Favorite Reads of 2016 Read More »
It’s time for everyone’s favorite post of the year — my worst travel moments! And I love writing this post every year. I think it’s important to reflect the not-so-pleasant times along with the happier moments, and I think that reflects in my coverage here. In 2012, I drove my car into a ditch in
My Worst Travel Moments of 2016 Read More »