The Blonde Abroad

Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Follow Kiersten on her adventures!

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

Travel Bucket List
for 2024

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The Ultimate Guide to Starting
a Successful Travel Blog

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The Best Summer
Destinations in Europe

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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
Africa Asia The Caribbean Central America Europe The Middle East North America Oceania South America

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!

Instagram

#ExpediaPartner This is how to find your perfect hotel! 🏨
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I’m an @Expedia Group Ambassador, and I’ve spent the past 12 years traveling (almost) full-time as a travel blogger. Over 75 countries and a million+ air miles later, I’ve stayed in my fair share of hotels around the world.

I’ve compiled collections of all of my favorite hotels (including some of my own DREAM stays) to add to your bucket list!

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront resort in California, a romantic getaway in Greece, a one-of-a-kind experience in South Africa, or if you’re wondering what my favorite tropical hotels & resorts around the world are, I’ve got you covered.

All of my hotel recommendations are in my Travel Shop in the Expedia App where you can find amazing accommodation that fits your budget, style of travel, or desired amenities.

I’ve done the research—all you have to do is pick your dream vacation and pack your bags!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Head to the link in my bio to learn more!

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#ExpediaPartner This is how to find your perfect hotel! 🏨 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I’m an @Expedia Group Ambassador, and I’ve spent the past 12 years traveling (almost) full-time as a travel blogger. Over 75 countries and a million+ air miles later, I’ve stayed in my fair share of hotels around the world. I’ve compiled collections of all of my favorite hotels (including some of my own DREAM stays) to add to your bucket list! Whether you’re looking for a beachfront resort in California, a romantic getaway in Greece, a one-of-a-kind experience in South Africa, or if you’re wondering what my favorite tropical hotels & resorts around the world are, I’ve got you covered. All of my hotel recommendations are in my Travel Shop in the Expedia App where you can find amazing accommodation that fits your budget, style of travel, or desired amenities. I’ve done the research—all you have to do is pick your dream vacation and pack your bags! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Head to the link in my bio to learn more!

Maui with a Toddler! 🌴⛱️
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🏝️ Stay at @fsmaui — The most amazing, luxurious, and family-friendly hotel! It’s located right on the beach and we spent most days lazing on beach and splashing in the pool.

🛻 Rent a “Monster Truck” — My little one, Oliver, is obsesssssed with cars so this was a huge highlight for him. We booked a Jeep in advance and they rental company let him pick the color lol.

🍨 Hawaiian Shave Ice at Ululani’s in Kihei — This is a top spot for the Hawaiian sweet treat, shave ice. Plan for a long line, but it moves quickly! If you want to try another Hawaiian staple, visit Sugar Beach Bake Shop next door for some Spam Musubi.

🥾 Trek Twin Falls — This is a super kid-friendly hike. Arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds and bring $10 cash for parking. You can hang at the lower falls or walk about 1 mile to the upper falls. Be prepared for rain and wear footwear you can get wet (like Teva sandals).

🏄‍♂️ Visit Ho’okipa Beach for Sea Turtles — Check out the views of a top surf spot and see the sea turtles lazing on the beach.

🌺 Experience a Traditional Luau—Oliver is still talking about the “fire men” from this! Most luaus on the island are family-friendly and include dinner. It’s a great cultural experience with traditional music and hula dancing!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#maui #fourseasons #hawaii #familytravel #toddlertravel

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Maui with a Toddler! 🌴⛱️
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 🏝️ Stay at @fsmaui — The most amazing, luxurious, and family-friendly hotel! It’s located right on the beach and we spent most days lazing on beach and splashing in the pool.

🛻 Rent a “Monster Truck” — My little one, Oliver, is obsesssssed with cars so this was a huge highlight for him. We booked a Jeep in advance and they rental company let him pick the color lol. 🍨 Hawaiian Shave Ice at Ululani’s in Kihei — This is a top spot for the Hawaiian sweet treat, shave ice. Plan for a long line, but it moves quickly! If you want to try another Hawaiian staple, visit Sugar Beach Bake Shop next door for some Spam Musubi.

🥾 Trek Twin Falls — This is a super kid-friendly hike. Arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds and bring $10 cash for parking. You can hang at the lower falls or walk about 1 mile to the upper falls. Be prepared for rain and wear footwear you can get wet (like Teva sandals).

🏄‍♂️ Visit Ho’okipa Beach for Sea Turtles — Check out the views of a top surf spot and see the sea turtles lazing on the beach.

🌺 Experience a Traditional Luau—Oliver is still talking about the “fire men” from this! Most luaus on the island are family-friendly and include dinner. It’s a great cultural experience with traditional music and hula dancing!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#maui #fourseasons #hawaii #familytravel #toddlertravel