Kat's hot tips for travel... and your business

Happy Friday the 13th, friends! Spooky! It’s your pal Kat, Owner + Operator of kat&co.

For those that don’t know me personally, I love to travel and camp… I’ve traipsed up and down my beautiful state of California countless times, (literally from top to bottom), camped on Catalina Island (at a campsite that you need to kayak to), and done my fair share of trips across the country (NOLA for Halloween and Denver for Beer Fest are highlights).

But there is something special about international travel - I am currently at 29 countries traveled (but I think I’m forgetting one, so let’s round up to 30 to be safe).

Harkening back to last week’s newsletter, switching up your routine, living with the bare necessities (I am a diehard backpack traveler - don’t try to convince me otherwise), and committing a culture faux pas in real time are valuable experiences. Not to mention - the architecture, design, topography, and signage are BEYOND inspiring.

What do all of these things have in common? And how can I use this knowledge in my daily life? 

Enter - Kat’s Travel Tips:

1. Make a (flexible) plan

Yes, I am an organized person. And yes, I would never DREAM of going on an extended trip without a thoughtfully curated spreadsheet. But once you’re there, let go of the rigidity. If you have a special reservation or tour booked, give yourself an hour or two in the neighborhood before to wander. If you don’t, allow the day to unfold how it wants! The best experiences (and stories) come from the ability to be spontaneous.

2. Walk. Everywhere.

I mean it - The best way to see a new city is by foot (excluding my current hometown of Los Angeles). On a typical day of an international trip, my partner Flip and I will clock anywhere from 5-10 miles! This is also the most foolproof way to eat and drink your way through town, which comes highly recommended.

3. If it looks interesting, it is. Go there.

Building off the first two points - A trip should be an expression of your interests! Allow yourself the ability to decide in the moment, dip into the sultry jazz bar, or try a new type of restaurant. Also - pay attention to signage… because of this I found a LITERAL SECRET LIBRARY in Bushmills, Ireland (hidden behind a bookcase and everything)!!

4. Bartender knows best.

In doubt with what to do with your night or what to order? Ask your friendly neighborhood bartender or waitstaff. I have never been steered wrong, and you never know what you will have in common. We got to talking with our waiter at a restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand and it just so happens that he opened a restaurant in South Africa with our friend in Napa. Small world, truly!

5. Order outside of your comfort zone.

This applies to both food and experiences… Never, and I mean NEVER, waste your time or money at an American restaurant chain (I’m looking at your Starbucks) when you have an abundance of new varietals at your disposal. Don’t be afraid to order something you cannot pronounce! If all else fails, do some grocery shopping at a corner market or food mart - the snack aisles are always entertaining.

REFLECTION: How often are you tapping into flexibility, exploration, and community in your daily life? How might these themes be applicable in your business operations? What are your top three dream travel destinations? Write them down and tell me, I would love to know!! 🍷

Want to schedule time to chat or refer someone my way?

I am truly excited to be building community around creative small businesses, entrepreneurship, and authenticity.

Until next time - We got this! 🖤

Love from your friend,

Kat