When I decided to take a 2.5-week solo trip to Colombia, I wanted to pack in as much variety as possible. Cities and rural areas, destinations for both locals and international travelers. And I wanted to do it on a budget — not a shoestring, but enough of a budget to save money while still staying in […]
Traveling in Colombia: The Best Moments Read More »
It was the month of Colombia! I spent 19 days exploring my 64th country and getting back into the groove of long-term solo travel after several trips with friends and short solo excursions. Between Colombia and some good times at home, here are the best and worst moments of August 2016. Destinations Visited New York, NY
AK Monthly Recap: August 2016 Read More »
Cape Town is one of the most visually spectacular and culturally unique cities I have ever visited. It’s the cornerstone of a South Africa trip and a city you’ll be raving about afterwards to everyone you meet. Even so, it can take a bit of a learning curve to really get into Cape Town. Its charms beyond its
Adventurous Kate’s Offbeat Guide to Cape Town Read More »
“How do you choose where to travel next?” It surprises me whenever I hear it, but this is one of the most popular questions I get. And as much as I think I just pick a destination and go, it’s actually a more complicated process. Why not write a whole post about it? (And I’m not the
How I Choose Where to Travel Next Read More »
I wrote the first draft of this post on my flight from JFK to Cartagena, and I’m embarrassed to say that I almost didn’t get on the plane. As the departure date of my Colombia trip loomed, knots grew in my stomach. Was I only traveling because I thought I should be traveling? Did I want to be
How to Survive Pre-Trip Anxiety Read More »
“Is it really worth it to visit Johannesburg?” Absolutely. I think it’s great for any trip to South Africa, but especially your first. On my first trip to Joburg in 2012, I was absolutely shocked at how much I enjoyed it. So I definitely wanted us to return for our girls’ getaway to South Africa. This was
How to Rock a Trip to Johannesburg Read More »
This week I turned 32. It’s had me deep in thought. 32 isn’t one of the more significant birthdays, but it’s been a while since I went through a year filled with so many changes. Every year I write a birthday post, talking about where I am now in this part of my life. For this
Notes from the Brink of Age 32 Read More »
Finally, after seven months stateside, I broke out my worn navy passport and traveled abroad once again! I needed a break, but I still can’t believe it lasted seven months. This month was about South Africa. My friend Beth and I spent just over two weeks in the country, my third visit and her first. In addition
AK Monthly Recap: July 2016 Read More »
“You’re going to South Africa in the winter? Why?!” This was the reaction of most of my South African friends upon learning of my July travel plans. Truth, I very rarely travel during the low season anywhere; for me, it’s not worth the risk of bad weather. But this time it wasn’t just about me
Visiting South Africa in the Winter: Worth It or Not? Read More »
Sometimes I worry about the narrative that we travel publishers put out there: “Quit your job, travel the world, and all your problems will be solved.” Almost none of us actually say that — or mean it. But when you add up all the travel memoirs and travel blogs and travel-filled Instagram profiles, that’s the
Don’t Expect Travel To Solve Your Problems Read More »