In this Celebrity Travel Addicts Q&A we chat with my friend, professional cinematographer and seasoned world traveler Kristen Kellogg from Border Free Travels. Check out how she began her life of travel, and why she loves visiting off the beaten path destinations and discovering hidden gems in major cities.
My best friend in college took part in a summer study abroad trip to Ireland and when she came back and shared her experiences with me, I knew I wanted to travel. After saving up for what seemed like forever, two years later I booked my first trip abroad — a two month solo journey — no phone or computer. I knew from the moment I touched down this was the life for me.
I’m typically on the road for two to three weeks then home for a week or two. It varies, but I’m probably traveling now 3/4 of the year.
I do my best to share places people haven’t heard of before or destinations you wouldn’t think to visit first, and also hidden gems, well designed boutique and luxury hotels, handmade things, or great food spots in neighborhoods in smaller pockets of bigger cities or more known destinations.
I really just want to share interesting spaces, people, and places (and people in places) so that others can easily seek out extraordinary experiences in places on their first visit.
Dominica Island in the Caribbean, The Garden Route in South Africa, and Zermatt, Switzerland
Dominica
1. Hike the Wavine Cirque
I’ve never actually counted until you just asked. 30 countries. And 6 continents.
I love all food…but my frequented favorites are Mexican (I love Oaxacan cuisine), Italian, and Japanese
Oishii in Boston – You don”t go for the ambiance. You go for the sushi. It is mind-blowing.
Almost Famous
Dubai
In the US, New Orleans – I lived in Louisiana for five years and the locals are some of the nicest people I’ve ever spent time with.
My Spotify account
I love talking to strangers. I’m a naturally inquisitive person and love learning about others.
To Dominica
Photo Credit: Katie Kaizer Photography
Don’t let the bumps in the road get to you. With travel comes unexpected situations — both good and bad. Take them all with a grain of salt so to speak and you’ll enjoy the ride much more.
Can I pick two? I have so many! If I could hop on a plane and go anywhere right this moment, I’d love to explore Reunion Island or Scotland.
I don’t have one favorite, but I do really like…
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” ― Marcel Proust
You’ll have to wait and see. But it’s somewhere warm I’ve never been before.
Building meaningful connections for her clients through creative content, filmmaker, digital storyteller, and travel expert Kristen Kellogg has designed her life for life on the road. Her Wanderlust Website + Content Creation Agency, Border Free Travels, produces and shares highly engaging lifestyle stories and brand campaigns through film, photography, and innovative media tied to travel. She not only creates content but provides consulting to brands and destinations for digital marketing, social media, and modern campaign concepts that will best reach and engage their desired audience.
Photo Credit: Lacy Colley Yamaoka
Kristen recently produced work for Rosetta Stone, Travel Channel and Thailand Tourism, and her work has been featured in a variety of outlets such as Refinery29, Yahoo, Daily Mail, AFAR, MSN, and Microsoft among others. Kristen is a Brand Ambassador for Coola Suncare, is from Southern Illinois, has an obsession with cheese, loves talking to strangers (in person and on Instagram), and feels most at home when she’s not. A Nantucket Island resident, when she’s not on the road, she finds inspiration by literally running around exploring her own backyard.
Connect with Kristen on Border Free Travels website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Pinterest
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101 Countries • 1432 Cities
Kristen Kellogg says:
Thanks so much for having me David!
David says:
It was a pleasure having you Kristen!