Wander & Grow: Katlyn’s Journey Through Travel, Local Food, and Self-Discovery

Katlyn has always been drawn to the idea of exploring, eager to experience different lifestyles and cultures firsthand. She never wanted to look back later in life and regret not having seen more, so she made it a priority to travel as often as she could. Over time, she has embraced a mix of solo travel and group trips, each offering its own unique experiences. Traveling with friends—especially for celebratory occasions like bachelorette trips—provides a structured itinerary and shared memories. Solo travel has given her a sense of independence and personal growth. One of her most memorable trips was a solo visit to San Francisco, a journey that pushed her outside her comfort zone and allowed her to see the city entirely on her own terms.

For Katlyn, the joy of travel is deeply tied to experiencing local culture, particularly through food. Whether it’s enjoying beignets in New Orleans or fresh shrimp by the beach, she believes that culinary experiences provide an authentic connection to a destination. Beyond food, one of the most thrilling aspects of her travels has been standing in front of iconic landmarks she had only seen on TV. The real-life presence of these sites has made her travels even more meaningful.

Although she doesn’t collect souvenirs, Katlyn prioritizes making memories over material keepsakes. She embraces being present in the moment, capturing only the most meaningful photos and otherwise immersing herself in her surroundings. Her adventures have led to unexpected encounters, such as a chance sighting of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen in Chicago, an experience she only fully appreciated when someone pointed out who they were : )

While Katlyn has many destinations on her bucket list, one dream trip stands out: visiting New York City at Christmas. The idea of walking through the places she has seen in movies and TV shows since childhood makes the thought of this trip especially exciting. 

For those hesitant about traveling alone, her advice is simple—just pick a destination and go. A domestic trip can be a great starting point, and once travelers take that first step outside their comfort zone, they often wonder why they waited so long.

Not every travel experience goes according to plan, but Katlyn has learned that even challenges can turn into valuable lessons. A girls’ trip to New Orleans for her birthday took an unexpected turn when their Airbnb turned out to be in a rough neighborhood, complete with bullet holes in the windows and graffiti-covered buildings next door. While it was a shock, the experience taught her two important lessons: first, always ensure that safety remains a priority, even when seeking adventure, and second, there’s almost always a way to work through travel hiccups if you think ahead and have backup plans.

Among the many beautiful places she has visited, the desert outside of Phoenix particularly surprised her. Before the trip, she never thought of the desert as "stunning", but riding ATVs through the vast, open landscapes showed her an unexpected beauty—the way the light hits the sand, the unique plant life, and the peaceful expanse of the terrain left a lasting impression. The ride itself was a thrill. Kicking up dust and feeling the rush of speed made it one of the most fun and wild adventures she had experienced.

Katlyn’s travel philosophy is all about being present, staying open to new experiences, and taking those first steps toward adventure. For less experienced travelers, she shares a few key takeaways:

1. Start Small, but Start – If traveling alone feels daunting, begin with a domestic destination to build confidence.

2. Be Flexible – Not everything will go as planned, but those moments can lead to unexpected adventures.

3. Prioritize Safety – Stepping outside your comfort zone is great but always make sure you feel secure in your surroundings.

4. Experience Culture Through Food – Trying local dishes is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to connect with a new place.

5. Put the Phone Down – While it’s great to take photos to share with others, make sure to spend time truly experiencing the moment.

Through her travels, Katlyn has grown into a confident and adaptable traveler. Her stories and insights serve as an inspiration for anyone looking to embrace adventure and see the world one trip at a time.

When not traveling, Katlyn takes pride in building her post teaching career and spending time with her rescue dog T-Bone.