Every now and then, I come across a unique hotel or hostel that I love so much, I can’t stop raving about it to everyone I know. Sometimes they’re places I discover on my own, like Monkey Republic. Sometimes they come highly recommended from friends, like Gallery Hostel. And on occasion, they are places that
Sweet Digs and Artsy Days in Vienna Read More »
When you spend 24 hours a day with your significant other for weeks or months on end, it becomes easy to recognize the micromoods within their moods. At the same time, you begin to see yourself through a different prism as well. Case in point: I now clearly know that both Mario and I get
Slowing Down Because We’re Traveling Too Fast Read More »
This week’s Ask Kate question is actually the same question from three different readers — because I see it all the time. If you want to travel long-term but are carrying student loans, this question is for you. Reader #1: I am seriously considering quitting my job to travel. My problem is….I have roughly $20,000
Ask Kate: Should I Pay Off My Student Loans Before Traveling? Read More »
If you’re backpacking or traveling on a tight budget, I have advice for you: skip Switzerland. That’s not to say that Switzerland’s not a lovely and astoundingly beautiful place to visit. If you’ve got a mid-range or luxury budget, go ahead. And as I always say, if Switzerland is the destination that speaks to you,
Sherlock Holmes and Maltese Hospitality in Switzerland Read More »
Greetings from Istanbul! On July 5, Mario and I celebrated the one-monthaversary of the SOTM Tour. Back when I was traveling through Southeast Asia, I gave monthly recaps and real-time updates. I think this tour is the perfect opportunity to bring that tradition back. Behold the best of Month One! Countries Visited France, Switzerland, Italy, San
SOTM Tour: Month One of Twelve Read More »
Last July, I discovered Augsburg for the first time: a small Bavarian city just 25 minutes from Munich, and one that I found far more livable than its more famous counterpart. The occasion? My dear friends’ offbeat Bavarian wedding. This year, Josh and Daniel celebrated their one-year anniversary with friends and family flying in from
Augsburg: It’s Good to Be Back Read More »
It was time for me to upgrade to a better backpack — and I could not be more delighted with my new Osprey Sojourn 25-inch 60L pack. Why Upgrade? I will always cherish my 40L REI Venturi Backpack that I bought back before I started traveling long-term in 2010. It was fantastic for backpacking Southeast
I Love My Osprey Sojourn Backpack! Read More »
On my latest trip to New York City, I visited Brooklyn Heights for the first time. It hadn’t been planned that way, but Brooklyn Heights is where the Brooklyn Bridge ends up, so I ended up there without planning ahead. I love Brooklyn. In fact, it’s where I want to live! Someday, when the joys of
A Brief Taste of Brooklyn Heights Read More »
It took several trips to Italy before I realized how much I enjoyed small town Italian life. Once you get out of Rome, Florence, and Venice, and even beyond my beloved Bologna, the atmosphere changes enormously — especially when you visit the cities that foreign tourists get to see. Not all of the towns pictured
Photo Essay: Small Town Emilia-Romagna Read More »
Let me tell you about Emilia-Romagna — an Italian region that is so dear to me. It’s not as famous as Tuscany. There isn’t artwork on every corner like in Florence, nor does it buzz in the way that Rome does, nor is it as picturesque as Venice. But there’s something so warm about Emilia-Romagna.
Magical Moments in Emilia-Romagna Read More »