Kat - Staying Afloat

OF COURSE I'M AT WITS!! ❤️✈️👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏼👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏿 . I just wrapped up attending by third Women in Travel Summit (WITS) hosted by @sheswanderful This year's event was sponsored by @visitutah and @visitparkcity . WITS is the ultimate gathering for adventurous and passionate women who love to explore the world. It's a conference specifically designed for female travelers, bloggers, writers, and entrepreneurs, where you can connect with hundreds of like-minded individuals who share your love for travel and adventure. . Throughout the summit, there were incredibly inspiring keynote speeches, informative workshops, and engaging panel discussions led by experienced travel professionals and content creators. . And just as I do every year, I made valuable connections and new travel friends! Stay tuned for more posts about my time in Utah. . #WITSUtah #wandergram #travelwithwomen #travelwomen #travelladies #travelfriends #travelcontentcreator #traveltogether #placestogo #traveltheglobe #wanderful #wanderout #borntoroam #femmetravel #shetravels #travelgirlsgo #girlslovetotravel #visitutah #visitparkcity #wanderandwonder #wanderandexplore #travelconference #travelcontentcreator

DYK THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN AN ECLIPSE 😂 . We were NOT prepared for the eclipse this week and went with a makeshift eclipse viewing tool - yep, an @timhortons cereal box (how Canadian of us). . How does it work? You cut two holes in the top of the box (one on either side of the flaps), cover one in tinfoil, tape it down and poke it with a pin - this focuses the light into the box and you can get a glimpse of the solar activity. You can't look directly at the sun with it but it's a cool second hand way to view it, plus, you probably have the materials around the house ie. free/recycle/reuse for the win 🙌 . Being based in NC, we were not on the path of totality and only witnessed 70% coverage, but it was still neat to see! . How was your eclipse experience? . #eclipse #gettingcrafty #scientists #scienceisfun #scienceforthepeople #scienceforeveryone #homemade #2024eclipse #northcarolinaliving #obxstuff #outdooractivities #scienceiscool #iflscience #eclipseviewing

WHAT EXPERIENCES DO YOU SEEK OUT WHEN TRAVELING? . Hiking trails, yoga studios, disc golf courses, open mic night, distilleries? I tend to plan my itineraries around local breweries 🍻 (and of course water activities 🌊) and if I can find a local mural scene and mix in some regional food items, I'm feeling pretty good about my agenda 😃 . Exploring new destinations through favorite hobbies is a great way to discover local culture and to switch up your perspective! Whether it's hiking through mist-shrouded forests, capturing the essence of a cityscape through photography, or delving into the vibrant tapestry of local cuisine through cooking classes, pursuing beloved pastimes in new locales adds an exhilarating dimension to travel. These activities guide travelers off the beaten path and into the heart of a culture, where they can forge authentic connections with locals who share their passions. 🥾🧘‍♂️🍛📸 . I'd love to hear what activities you craft your travel itineraries around. Drop your hobbies below 👇 . #traveladdict #traveladdicted #travelladies #travelsolo #travelnext #travelvibe #travelviews #wanderandwonder #wanderandexplore #travelbeer #vicarioustravel #exploretravel #travelreelsoninstagram #willtravelforbeer #beerloversofinstagram #travelitinerary #discovertravel #destinationexploration #traveldrinks

ATTENTION TRAVEL SISTERS! 👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏼👩🏿‍🤝‍👩🏽❤️✈️ . The Women in Travel Summit (WITS) by @sheswanderful is the ultimate gathering for adventurous and passionate women who love to explore the world. It's a conference specifically designed for female travelers, bloggers, writers, and entrepreneurs, where you can connect with hundreds of like-minded individuals who share your love for travel and adventure. . Throughout the summit, you'll have the opportunity to attend inspiring keynote speeches, informative workshops, and engaging panel discussions led by experienced travel professionals. Whether you're looking to improve your writing skills, learn how to monetize your travel blog, or simply gain new insights into different travel destinations, there's something for everyone at WITS. . BUT, the most valuable aspect of WITS is the connections you'll make! You'll have plenty of opportunities to network with other travel enthusiasts, share stories and tips from your own adventures, and forge meaningful friendships that can last a lifetime! . This year, WITS is taking place in @visitutah with activities in @visitparkcity You'll find me exploring the local culture, art and flavours. Hope to see you there! . 📽 Footage from previous WITS events in Puerto Rico and Kansas City . #witsutah #wandergram #travelwomen #travelladies #travelfriends #travelcontentcreator #traveltogether #placestogo #traveltheglobe #wanderful #wanderout #borntoroam #femmetravels #shetravelz #travelgirlsgo #girlslovetotravel #visitutah #visitparkcity

DISCOVERING EUROPE'S MARDI GRAS 🇮🇹🎉🎭 . The 'Carnevale di Viareggio' is one of Italy's most renowned carnivals, dating back to the late 19th century. It's a celebration of art, culture, and tradition, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its grandeur. . Located on the picturesque coast of Tuscany, Italy, the town of Viareggio is transformed every year in late winter to accommodate hundreds of thousands of attendees to the festival. . As the parade kicks off in the afternoon (generally runs about 4 hours), prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer creativity and craftsmanship displayed in each float. Gigantic papier-mâché figures tower over the crowd, depicting everything from mythical creatures to political satire, each one a testament to the skill and imagination of its creators. . #viareggio #paradefloat #viareggiobeach #viareggiocarnevale #carnevale #visititaly #exploreitaly #discoveritaly #carnevalediviareggio #visittuscany #exploretuscany #discovertuscany #igersviareggio #Carnevale2024 #coastaltravel #traveleurope #exploreeurope #discovereurope #europeanculture

🎶 I CAN BUY MYSELF FL..... FLIGHTS ❤️✈️ . What destination are you treating yourself to next? . #traveladdicted #travelladies #travelsoon #travelnext #travelvibes #travelviews #girlpower💪 #abovetheclouds #wanderandwonder #wanderandexplore #travelhobby #vicarioustravel #exploretravel #travelreelsoninstagram #birdseyeview #viewfromuphere

HIKING WITH BUTTERFLIES! 😍🦋🇻🇮 . This footage is from our most recent trip to St. Croix, in December of 2023. We absolutely love this off the beaten path, Caribbean destination! . Head over to the link in our bio @staying_afloat_ for a week long itinerary on this beautiful island. And if you haven't already, check out Amateur Travel Podcast Episode # 787 where we talk about the itinerary with @chris2x . Tell us about one of your most memorable hikes below 👇 . #travelpodcast #travelstory #stx #caribbeanislands #travelitinerary #caribbeantravel #stcroixusvirginislands #travelcouples #travelpassion #butterflies🦋 #amazinghikes #hikingviews #caribbeanhiking #stcroix #🇻🇮 #usvi #islandlife #caribbeanlife #caribbeanlife🌴 #islandvacation #islandlife🌴 #chasingbutterflies #butterflylove

THINGS TO DO IN STX IN DECEMBER 📽🇻🇮 . Planning a trip to this USVI destination next December? Save this post for ideas for your trip! . In case you missed it, we spent a week on St. Croix last month. When we visited for the first time back in 2018, we absolutely LOVED our time on the island and were thrilled to be able to return. We can't recommend a trip to the island enough! The vibe is lower key than St.Thomas and St.John with a great eco-tourism appeal. . Here's what we got up to: 🤿 daily snorkeling all over the island (fun fact - ALL beaches are public access) 🥥 drank our share of coquito at Coquito Fest 🌅 watched the sun set while enjoying dinner @rainbowbeachstx 🥾 hiked to Ham's Bluff (one of various trails on island) 🍗 ate at La Reine Chicken Shack (twice!) 🥃 sampled many locally crafted cocktails including mamajuana and @mutinyislandvodka ⛵️ went on a fantastic day cruise to Buck Island with @bigbeardsadventuretours . Head to the link in bio @staying_afloat_ for other great activities for your St. Croix vacation. . #travelpassion #stx #caribbeanislands #travelitinerary #caribbeantravel #stcroixusvi #travelcouples #stcroixusvirginislands #wintergetaway #caribbeanfood #ecotourism #caribbeandrinks #caribbeaninspiration #nopassportrequired #uscaribbean #avibelikenoother #stxusvi #wandermore #travelfreedom #visitusvi #caribbeanlife🌴

HELLO FRIENDS AND HAPPY 2024!! . Jumping on with a quick intro/reminder post for all my new/old friends out there!!! . If we're just meeting, "Hi! 👋 I'm Kathryn"! I'm a full time marine scientist 🐋 and part time travel content creators sharing mostly coastal vibes with a dash of inland trips on my blog and social accounts. ✈️ As a scientist by day, I am passionate about sharing eco-friendly adventures and habits. ♻️ Born in Ontario 🇨🇦, I now call the Outer Banks of North Carolina home. BONUS FACT: I'm an introverted extrovert so you'll usually find me behind the camera 📸 . NOW, LET'S TALK ABOUT YOU! If you've found my account, we very likely have something in common! 🙌 I'd love to hear more about what that may be and hope that we can exchange tips in 2024. Comment below or send me a DM, I'd love to chat! . 📽[ID]: girl walking on beach looking up at sea grape trees . #traveladdicted #travelladies #travelfriends #travelpal #travelvibes #travelviews #travelpassport #travelcreatives #travelcrew #wanderandwonder #wanderandexplore #travelhobby #vicarioustravel #exploretravel #beachside #beachscene #beachwalk #seagrapes #caribbeantravel #caribbeanbeach #usvirginislands #usvi #coastaltravel

IN 2023 I... . ⛷️ Skied down a mountain with a 10,000 ft elevation for the first time in Tahoe, NV 🛋 Redecorated my favourite room in our house (the porch) 🏗 Deployed a team on the construction of the first commercial scale offshore wind project 🧖‍♀️ Had a fab spa weekend with the girls @scandinaveblue 🍹 Drank the original piña colada in Puerto Rico 🐕 Brought a rescue dog back from the Caribbean 👨‍🎓 Celebrated @gavin_shantz graduating high-school and starting University 🥂 Had my first (of many) airport lounge experience 🇻🇮 Revisited the first Caribbean destination I fell in love with 🔨 Completed a full house renovation with my partner @philshantz 🧀 Ate my fill of cheese curds in Eau Claire, WI 🧘🏻‍♀️ Participated in an hour long yoga session with thousands of yogis at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial 👩‍💻 Started a new job 🧳 Broke a suitcase ✈️ Made more amazing travel friends and memories!! Can't wait to see what 2024 has in store and wishing you all a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year! . I'd love to hear your favourite 2023 memories below! 👇 . #2023reflections #traveladdicted #travelladies #travelamerica #travelnext #travelvibes #travelviews #wanderandwonder #wanderandexplore #travelhobby #travel2023 #exploretravel #discovertheworld #discoveramerica #travelpals #travelcrew #travelfriends

📍SUNSET AT RAINBOW BEACH, STX 🇻🇮 How about you? 🤩 . BTS FACT - I was getting eaten alive by "mampi", the infamous noseeums of St. Croix's West End 😅 . #traveladdicted #travelladies #travelsoon #travelnext #travelvibes #travelviews #coastalsunset #wanderandwonder #wanderandexplore #travelhobby #exploretravel #travelreelsoninstagram #sunsetsofinstagram #viewfromhere #stcroixusvi #visitusvi #usvirginislands