Every time I go to New York, I stay in Harlem. Is that the common answer? Nope. Is that the most convenient neighborhood? Not at all! I’ve got a sister with a Harlem apartment, which translates into a free place to stay (or a place to stay in return for a dinner for her and her […]
Convenient Neighborhoods to Stay in New York Read More »
Is Malta a great country for backpackers? Absolutely. It’s fun, it’s cheap, it’s got nice hostels, it’s easy to get to and get around. But are there backpackers here? Very few. I was shocked at how few people I saw actually backpacking Malta. Sure, there are lots of young people with backpacks, but they tend
Why Don’t More Backpackers Come to Malta? Read More »
While the world revels in excitement over the birth of Prince George, I thought I’d share photos of another George: St. George, venerated dragon-slayer and one of the patron saints of Qormi, Malta. Each summer, Malta explodes with festas — celebrations of the patron saints of each town. Each town has its own festa, or
Celebrating the Festa of St. George in Qormi, Malta Read More »
Though I used to be all about the party hostels, today I’m all about the cool hostels — ones that aren’t about partying but relaxing, socializing, and having a great time. In this week’s question, I show a reader how to find those hostels. Hi Kate (or Kate community), I was reading your blog post
Ask Kate: How Do I Find Cool Hostels (Not Party Hostels)? Read More »
I was so nervous about visiting Malta. While some of my friends had been to Malta and loved it, others had been and told me privately that they found it, well…a bit dull. What if I felt that way, too?! As usual, I was worrying far too much about nothing. Malta is the least dull
Malta: A Beautiful, Crazy, Formidable, Vibrant Island Read More »
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 »
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 »