“Let’s find a beautiful place to get lost”

This quote reads small and in cursive on the back of my worn, leather passport cover. I found these words so simple, yet so powerful. Considering I find myself utterly lost constantly while traveling, the appropriateness to my situation always makes me smile. You’d think the practice of navigating new cities would eventually yield some kind of skill. But alas, I still get hopelessly lost every time.

The ruins of Tintern Abbey in Tintern, Wales

My name is Katie. I’m currently navigating the big scary world of a “real job” and a “grown-up life” but I always manage to make it back out there. I have a lot of goals and ambitions but somehow my mind always returns to golden ocean sunsets, windswept moors, scorching deserts, and ancient temples. I’ve been to England, Scotland, Wales, Mexico, Canada, Spain, France, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Costa Rica, Italy, Czech Republic, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Japan, and a number of cities in the U.S..  I’ve traveled in many styles from sleeping in cabins, lounging in resorts, backpacking in hostels, and staying with foreign friends. I’ve traveled with my family, with my sister, with friends, studying abroad, and backpacking solo. Somehow, even with all of these experiences, I’d hardly call myself qualified to instruct anyone. But I’m going to do it anyway.

Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy

I have been ruminating over how to do this blog for a while. After much thought I came to an epiphany: ditch the template. That’s the best way to travel, maybe it is the best way to write about it, too. So just like when I travel, I know I will make countless missteps so feel free to comment with corrections and feedback.

Chicago, IL, U.S.A.

What’s my image? It seems like every great travel blog has a “thing.” Serious budgeter, off the beaten path, extreme activities. So what do I have to offer? Well, I’m a bit of a nerd. I love history. I like art but currently enjoy amateur status. While I love nature and the organic beauty of the earth, I find myself mesmerized by the human footprint. From the ancient, crumbling temples to the steel, modern cities.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

I follow a lot of female travel bloggers who are smart, witty, and talented writers and photographers. But they also tend to be a bit… magical. Most are gorgeous women posing flawlessly in front of awe-inspiring backgrounds. I’m not saying I don’t know my way around a tube of lipstick, and I have taken some pretty incredible selflies, but I can’t really relate to that image. For every moment of breath-taking beauty there have been moments that were uncomfortable, embarrassing, gross, and just downright awkward. I’ll try to keep my experiences and advice as honest as possible.

So what can you expect here? Advice on where to go, what to see, and how to avoid some of the mistakes everyone seems to make along the way.

Traveling is my passion and my purpose. It’s why I majored in International Relations! I hope some of my insights will help you and inspire you on your journey. Happy traveling!

“Though we travel the world to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not”