Becoming a professional travel blogger has been a dream come true for me in so many ways. I’ve found a way to get paid for my favorite hobby, and do so while following my dream of traveling the world. Sometimes I can’t believe this is my life. Six weeks ago, I was invited on a […]
The Reality of Being a Professional Travel Blogger Read More »
During Las Fallas, Valencia is a heaving mass of people in costume, bands playing, and firecrackers exploding every minute. And that’s honestly not an exaggeration at all. Want to see how insane it was? Check out the view from our balcony at Purple Nest Hostel: Seriously. Imagine that, nonstop, all day and all night. After
Valencia: More Than Just Fire Read More »
My biggest reason for visiting Spain? Attending the Las Fallas festival in Valencia — the festival filled with a week of fireworks, explosions, and giant burning effigies! And it almost ended in disaster. Read through to the end of this piece to see how I averted one of the most horrifying calamities that I can
Las Fallas: Spain’s Festival of Fire Read More »
Madrid originally wasn’t on my Spain itinerary. With all I wanted to see in Andalusia, and needing to get to Valencia in time for Las Fallas, I didn’t think I’d have the time. But after I announced this, there was a mild mutiny on my Facebook page. “DO NOT SKIP MADRID,” my friend Hilary implored.
Madrid in One Day — As Curated By You! Read More »
I almost missed the date. March 28th was the anniversary of my shipwreck off the coast of Komodo Island in Indonesia. I wouldn’t have remembered if my shipmates hadn’t emailed me. It was good to hear that they’re doing well these days, especially little baby Elin, who was just 10 months old when our Perama
100 Years Since Titanic. 1 Year Since My Wreck. Read More »
In my life, I have experienced a few travel moments so spellbinding, so breathtaking, so fascinating, that they have left me short of breath. They’re not common. After visiting 28 countries, I can think of only about five instances that have affected me so deeply. And one of those was visiting the Alhambra in Granada.
Absolute Enchantment at the Alhambra Read More »
I had the feeling I would love Granada before I even arrived. And I was right — after 24 hours, I was thrilled to death with this city in southern Spain. And more importantly, I felt like I could live here. Easily. (Not all cities I love have that quality.) So what is it that
Granada — Yes, I Would Live Here Read More »
I’ve had my credit cards stolen while traveling in the past — I was pickpocketed in Buenos Aires in 2008 — and since then, I’ve guarded my belongings almost militantly. I lock up most of my belongings in the hostel safe. I use a purse that zips up and hangs across my body. I take what
When Your Credit Cards Are Stolen While Traveling Read More »
Sevilla was my first stop in Spain, and I couldn’t think of a better introduction to this wonderful country. The region of Andalusia is the romantic Spain of yore — Moorish architecture and bullfighting and flamenco — and Sevilla is its astoundingly beautiful capital. I’ve seen a lot of Spain in the past few weeks.
Sevilla: The Most Beautiful City in Spain Read More »
After landing in Paradise in Portugal, I knew my time at this lovely, low-key resort would include far more than just relaxing — I would be making my first-ever attempt of bird-watching. Birdwatching — or birding — is the main attraction of the Quinta do Barranco da Estrada. Frank, the owner, is a birdwatching expert,
Adventurous Kate Goes Birding in Portugal Read More »