The Blonde Abroad • Solo Female Travel Blog

An award-winning solo female travel blog featuring travel tips, packing guides, videos and photography from around the world.

An award-winning solo female travel blog featuring travel tips, packing guides, videos and photography from around the world.

featured from the blog

Where to Travel in 2025
Based on Your Zodiac

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The Ultimate Guide to Starting
a Successful Travel Blog

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Travel Bucket List
for 2025

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About Kiersten

You can call me Kiki! I'm a California native who left my career in corporate finance to explore the world. I split my home between South Africa and San Diego and have traveled to over 70 countries!

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travel for free

Learn how I use travel reward credit cards to book free flights and hotels around the world

Bucket List experiences

Road Trip

Solo Trip

Summer in Europe

African Safari

A Girls' Trip

Trips to Take in Your 30s

Backpack Southeast Asia

Go to a Festival

Explore By Destination

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1 Africa

2 Asia

3 The Caribbean

4 Central America

5 Europe

6 The Middle East

7 North America

8 Oceania

9 South America

California

Packing Guides

Not sure what to pack for your next trip? I've put together packing guides and outfit inspiration for everything from tropical vacations to multi-day treks!

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Whether you’re just starting out with photography or have been shooting for years, these easy-to-use photo filters will instantly add a beautiful aesthetic to all of your images!

Whether you’re just starting out with photography or have been shooting for years, these easy-to-use photo filters will instantly add a beautiful aesthetic to all of your images!

As a female entrepreneur, I love helping other women with their businesses! Grow your blog, improve your photography skills and get tips from a fellow freelancer!

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If Greece is calling… how would you answer? #Ad
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Choose Your Greek Adventure with 🇬🇷 ✨ @Expedia!

🌋 Adventure – Milos:
This volcanic island is a playground for explorers. From surreal lunar landscapes at Sarakiniko Beach to secret sea caves only accessible by boat, Milos is made for adventure seekers. Hike, sail, snorkel, and discover hidden gems around every turn.

🍷 Luxury – Santorini:
Famous for its iconic whitewashed villages and cliffside sunsets, Santorini is where elegance meets epic views. Think boutique cave hotels with infinity pools, private wine tastings, and the kind of dinners you’ll remember forever.

🏖️ Beaches – Naxos:
Greece’s best-kept secret for beach lovers. Naxos offers long stretches of golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back charm, all without the crowds. Perfect for slow mornings, seaside tavernas, and sun-soaked afternoons.

Whether you’re planning a solo escape, romantic getaway, or family trip, @Expedia helps you book everything in one place—flights, stays, experiences, and more.

So… how would you answer the call? 👇 Let me know your pick!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#ExpediaPartner #GreeceTravel #ChooseYourAdventure #GreekIslands

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If Greece is calling… how would you answer? #Ad
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Choose Your Greek Adventure with 🇬🇷 ✨ @Expedia!

🌋 Adventure – Milos:
This volcanic island is a playground for explorers. From surreal lunar landscapes at Sarakiniko Beach to secret sea caves only accessible by boat, Milos is made for adventure seekers. Hike, sail, snorkel, and discover hidden gems around every turn.

🍷 Luxury – Santorini:
Famous for its iconic whitewashed villages and cliffside sunsets, Santorini is where elegance meets epic views. Think boutique cave hotels with infinity pools, private wine tastings, and the kind of dinners you’ll remember forever.

🏖️ Beaches – Naxos:
Greece’s best-kept secret for beach lovers. Naxos offers long stretches of golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back charm, all without the crowds. Perfect for slow mornings, seaside tavernas, and sun-soaked afternoons.

Whether you’re planning a solo escape, romantic getaway, or family trip, @Expedia helps you book everything in one place—flights, stays, experiences, and more.

So… how would you answer the call? 👇 Let me know your pick!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#ExpediaPartner #GreeceTravel #ChooseYourAdventure #GreekIslands

Three years of Oliver 🎂
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This past year brought more than its fair share of heartbreak. Shortly after turning two, Oliver was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

We were faced with an impossible decision: 15 months of chemotherapy, or a craniotomy that would leave him blind in his right eye.

Just 11 weeks after his diagnosis, we flew to Boston, where he underwent a 12-hour craniotomy at Boston Children’s Hospital.

He didn’t deserve any of it—countless hospital visits, six-hour infusions, a life-altering surgery, and so many unknowns.

And still, we lived. We chased joy. A dream trip to Maui, a road trip through New England in the fall, two escapes to Mexico, and even sailing through the BVIs.

Last week, we received the greatest birthday gift we could have hoped for: six months post-op, no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease.

He’s the luckiest of the unlucky. Brave beyond belief. Overflowing with love. Pure sunshine.

Happy birthday to my sweet, resilient boy. You’ve already taught me more than I could ever teach you. 💛🌞

(Carousel compilation going back in time to his birthday last year. From baby to big boy!)
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#opticpathwayglioma #childhoodcancerawareness

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Three years of Oliver 🎂
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This past year brought more than its fair share of heartbreak. Shortly after turning two, Oliver was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

We were faced with an impossible decision: 15 months of chemotherapy, or a craniotomy that would leave him blind in his right eye.

Just 11 weeks after his diagnosis, we flew to Boston, where he underwent a 12-hour craniotomy at Boston Children’s Hospital.

He didn’t deserve any of it—countless hospital visits, six-hour infusions, a life-altering surgery, and so many unknowns.

And still, we lived. We chased joy. A dream trip to Maui, a road trip through New England in the fall, two escapes to Mexico, and even sailing through the BVIs.

Last week, we received the greatest birthday gift we could have hoped for: six months post-op, no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease.

He’s the luckiest of the unlucky. Brave beyond belief. Overflowing with love. Pure sunshine.

Happy birthday to my sweet, resilient boy. You’ve already taught me more than I could ever teach you. 💛🌞

(Carousel compilation going back in time to his birthday last year. From baby to big boy!)
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#opticpathwayglioma #childhoodcancerawareness

Our Antarctica expedition with @aurora_expeditions sold out in 48 hours—but we’ve just opened a few more cabins! 🧊🐧
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We quietly announced our 2027 TBA Escapes All-Women’s Fly/Fly Antarctica Expedition to our email waitlist first… and it SOLD OUT fast. Luckily, we were able to add a few more spots—but this is it!

When they’re gone, they’re gone. 🇦🇶✨

If you thought you missed the boat (pun very much intended), this is your last chance to join one of the most extraordinary journeys we’ve ever offered.

Think: glaciers, penguins, surreal landscapes, and that signature TBA Escapes sisterhood.

📍Antarctica: February 23 – March 4, 2027

Skip the Drake, fly straight to the White Continent, and cruise through otherworldly landscapes.

🚨 Spots are extremely limited. Apply now via the link in our bio—and don’t forget to join our mailing list so you never miss a future drop.

For more info and a direct link to apply, let us know below with EXPLORE!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#tbaescapes #antarctica #girlstrip #bucketlistadventure #travelwithpurpose #allwomensgroup

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Our Antarctica expedition with @aurora_expeditions sold out in 48 hours—but we’ve just opened a few more cabins! 🧊🐧
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We quietly announced our 2027 TBA Escapes All-Women’s Fly/Fly Antarctica Expedition to our email waitlist first… and it SOLD OUT fast. Luckily, we were able to add a few more spots—but this is it!

When they’re gone, they’re gone. 🇦🇶✨

If you thought you missed the boat (pun very much intended), this is your last chance to join one of the most extraordinary journeys we’ve ever offered.

Think: glaciers, penguins, surreal landscapes, and that signature TBA Escapes sisterhood.

📍Antarctica: February 23 – March 4, 2027

Skip the Drake, fly straight to the White Continent, and cruise through otherworldly landscapes.

🚨 Spots are extremely limited. Apply now via the link in our bio—and don’t forget to join our mailing list so you never miss a future drop.

For more info and a direct link to apply, let us know below with EXPLORE!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#tbaescapes #antarctica #girlstrip #bucketlistadventure #travelwithpurpose #allwomensgroup

Drop “VACAY” below for an exclusive 10% discount on any @vehm.mx villa booking! 🇲🇽
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Unforgettable memories from the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway—with 18 kids, sunshine, and pure luxury at @lascasitaspm 🌴✨

Las Casitas is managed by @vehm.mx, the premier property management company in Punta Mita. They oversee the most exclusive villas in the area, and every one of their properties is fully staffed and loaded with luxury amenities.

This gorgeous beachfront estate in the exclusive Kupuri community features three private casitas, 12 bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, hot tub, gym, and beach access. It’s designed for big groups, but feels intimate, relaxed, and totally elevated.

The real MVPs? The incredible full-time staff. We had a chef, sous chef, pastry chef, butler, concierge, and housekeeping—literally someone looking after our every need. Every meal was a gourmet experience, and every moment was effortless (which, with 18 kids, is saying a lot).

@vehm.mx helped us coordinate in-house massages for the mamas, and organized a piñata for the kids and a mariachi band to celebrate Oliver’s birthday THREE-esta!

Perfect for a 40th birthday, girlfriend getaway, or large family trip—we’re already planning our return. I can’t recommend it enough (or stop talking about it)!  Drop “VACAY” below for an exclusive 10% discount on any @vehm.mx villa booking! 🇲🇽
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#LasCasitasPuntaMita #VEHM #LuxuryTravel #GirlsTrip #FamilyTravel

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Drop “VACAY” below for an exclusive 10% discount on any @vehm.mx villa booking! 🇲🇽
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Unforgettable memories from the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway—with 18 kids, sunshine, and pure luxury at @lascasitaspm 🌴✨

Las Casitas is managed by @vehm.mx, the premier property management company in Punta Mita. They oversee the most exclusive villas in the area, and every one of their properties is fully staffed and loaded with luxury amenities.

This gorgeous beachfront estate in the exclusive Kupuri community features three private casitas, 12 bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, hot tub, gym, and beach access. It’s designed for big groups, but feels intimate, relaxed, and totally elevated.

The real MVPs? The incredible full-time staff. We had a chef, sous chef, pastry chef, butler, concierge, and housekeeping—literally someone looking after our every need. Every meal was a gourmet experience, and every moment was effortless (which, with 18 kids, is saying a lot).

@vehm.mx helped us coordinate in-house massages for the mamas, and organized a piñata for the kids and a mariachi band to celebrate Oliver’s birthday THREE-esta!

Perfect for a 40th birthday, girlfriend getaway, or large family trip—we’re already planning our return. I can’t recommend it enough (or stop talking about it)!  Drop “VACAY” below for an exclusive 10% discount on any @vehm.mx villa booking! 🇲🇽
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#LasCasitasPuntaMita #VEHM #LuxuryTravel #GirlsTrip #FamilyTravel

Postcards from Punta Mita 🇲🇽
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Just got back from the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway—with 18 kids, sunshine, and pure luxury at @lascasitaspm 🌴✨

Las Casitas is managed by @vehm.mx, the premier property management company in Punta Mita. They oversee the most exclusive villas in the area, and every one of their properties is fully staffed and loaded with luxury amenities.

This gorgeous beachfront estate in the exclusive Kupuri community features three private casitas, 12 bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, hot tub, gym, and beach access. It’s designed for big groups, but feels intimate, relaxed, and totally elevated.

The real MVPs? The incredible full-time staff. We had a chef, sous chef, pastry chef, butler, concierge, and housekeeping—literally someone looking after our every need. Every meal was a gourmet experience, and every moment was effortless (which, with 18 kids, is saying a lot).

The kids ate freshly grilled burgers (with brioche buns baked by our in-house pastry chef) and snacked on homemade churros. The mamas were served fresh poke bowls and lobster tacos.

We had homemade paletas by the pool and sipped chilled coconut water fresh from the source. The food and service was out of this world!

@vehm.mx helped us coordinate in-house massages for the mamas, and organized a piñata for the kids and a mariachi band to celebrate Oliver’s birthday THREE-esta!

Perfect for a 40th birthday, girlfriend getaway, or large family trip—we’re already planning our return. I can’t recommend it enough (or stop talking about it)!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#LasCasitasPuntaMita #VEHM #LuxuryTravel #GirlsTrip #FamilyTravel

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Postcards from Punta Mita 🇲🇽
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Just got back from the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway—with 18 kids, sunshine, and pure luxury at @lascasitaspm 🌴✨

Las Casitas is managed by @vehm.mx, the premier property management company in Punta Mita. They oversee the most exclusive villas in the area, and every one of their properties is fully staffed and loaded with luxury amenities.

This gorgeous beachfront estate in the exclusive Kupuri community features three private casitas, 12 bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms, a stunning infinity pool, hot tub, gym, and beach access. It’s designed for big groups, but feels intimate, relaxed, and totally elevated.

The real MVPs? The incredible full-time staff. We had a chef, sous chef, pastry chef, butler, concierge, and housekeeping—literally someone looking after our every need. Every meal was a gourmet experience, and every moment was effortless (which, with 18 kids, is saying a lot).

The kids ate freshly grilled burgers (with brioche buns baked by our in-house pastry chef) and snacked on homemade churros. The mamas were served fresh poke bowls and lobster tacos.

We had homemade paletas by the pool and sipped chilled coconut water fresh from the source. The food and service was out of this world!

@vehm.mx helped us coordinate in-house massages for the mamas, and organized a piñata for the kids and a mariachi band to celebrate Oliver’s birthday THREE-esta!

Perfect for a 40th birthday, girlfriend getaway, or large family trip—we’re already planning our return. I can’t recommend it enough (or stop talking about it)!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#LasCasitasPuntaMita #VEHM #LuxuryTravel #GirlsTrip #FamilyTravel