Around the world in Katie days

02/22/2026

✨ I’ve always wanted to visit a predominantly Muslim country during Ramadan, have you ever experienced it?

I’m curious…. what was your experience like? Did you love the nighttime energy after iftar, notice changes in daily schedules, or discover any unforgettable cultural moments or meals? Tell me your stories, tips, or surprises in the comments 👇

🕌 Quick Ramadan refresher:
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, the world’s second-largest religion with nearly 2 billion followers. During this sacred time, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as an act of faith, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection. The fast commemorates when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and is meant to foster gratitude, empathy for those in need, and deeper connection to God. Each evening, the fast is broken with a meal called iftar — often turning cities into vibrant, festive hubs after dark.

Traveling during Ramadan can offer a beautiful glimpse into local traditions you might never see at any other time of year.

07/09/2025

Vietnam • Day 6 – Hoi An ➡️ Ho Chi Minh City ✈️ part 1

Started the day like a queen with a chef’s kiss breakfast at the hotel, then off to the airport to continue our G Adventures journey.

Plot twist: I got invited into the first class lounge at Da Nang Airport. And listen I leaned right in. Vietnamese coffee in one hand, Vietnamese beer in the other, and a soda water for balance. Hydration, elevation, and caffeination luxury trifecta. 💅

I even took myself on a tour of the lounge because it was that fancy. I may not have been flying first class, but I lived first class for a solid 47 minutes.

Then chaos entered the group chat. Our flight was delayed, we had to change gates, and suddenly it felt like a flash mob at Terminal 2. But we made it. Somehow. Probably because the travel gods were still impressed by my triple beverage strategy.

07/05/2025

Hoping everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!

07/04/2025

06/27/2025

🍜 Day 5, Part 1 – Oodles of Noodles! 🇻🇳
Today we got hands on (and a little messy in the best way) with the Oodles of Noodles experience at Streets International, a powerful Planeterra Project that empowers local youth through hospitality training.

We kicked things off with a delicious 3-stop noodle tasting tour featuring:
🥢 Cao Lau – a Hoi An specialty
🥢 Bun Bo Hue – rich, spicy, and soulful
🥢 Pho Hoian – a local twist on the Vietnamese classic

Then it was off to the market to shop for fresh ingredients before heading back to the kitchen, where we handmade each noodle from scratch! Every bite tells a story and today, we got to be part of it. 💛
I’ll put the YouTube video of Streets International in the first comment. It’s a very powerful story.

06/22/2025

Day 4 – Part 2: Arrival in Hoi An

On our way to the hotel, we made a meaningful stop at a local production workshop that supports artisans with disabilities. It was incredible to see the level of craftsmanship that goes into each piece delicate hand-stitched silk paintings, intricate lacquer art, and beautifully detailed stone carvings. Watching these artists at work was both humbling and inspiring.

We arrived in Hoi An quite late, but that didn’t stop us from jumping straight into one of the town’s most iconic experiences: custom tailoring. We headed to Yaly, one of the city’s most renowned tailor shops. Surrounded by endless bolts of fabric and style inspiration, each of us picked out a unique piece to have made. I went with a soft, breathable linen wrap dress, simple, timeless, and perfect for warm Vietnamese days.

06/22/2025

Perfect way to start the day while waiting for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Soda water, beer, and Vietnamese coffee, the greatest trifecta.

06/21/2025

🌅 Day 4: Halong Bay to Hoi An – Sunrise Flow, Secret Caves & a Glowing Surprise 🛫

We kicked off the day with peaceful tai chi at sunrise—a moving meditation against the backdrop of Halong Bay’s misty karsts. First breakfast on deck set the tone for adventure, and then it was off to explore Hang Sung Sot, the legendary “Surprise Cave.”

Winding through its ancient chambers, we came face to face with the moment—a glowing red rock formation, perfectly lit from below… and let’s just say, nature has a cheeky sense of humor. 😳💡

Back on board for second breakfast (because one is never enough in Vietnam), then we took to the skies, flying south to Hoi An—where lanterns, riverside charm, and golden hour magic await. 🇻🇳✨

06/20/2025

Day 3: Hanoi ➡️ Ha Long Bay – We’re on a boat! 🚐⛵️🎤
We waved goodbye to Hanoi (and its honking symphony) and road-tripped our way to stunning Ha Long Bay. First stop: a pearl farm, where we learned how oysters make pearls spoiler: it’s a long, slow process and a bit of a gamble.

I even got to pick one to open myself, and guess what? Jackpot, there was a pearl! Only 1 in 3 actually produce one, so I’m basically Vietnam’s luckiest mollusk whisperer now.

Then it was time to board our junk boat, don’t let the name fool you, it’s giving bougie-on-the-bay. Room keys in hand, lunch in our bellies, and then we kayaked our way through epic limestone caves like true adventurers… with waterproof phone cases and lots of nervous laughter.

Dinner came with a side of sunset magic 🌅, and just when we thought the night couldn’t get better… onboard karaoke happened. Some of us found our inner pop stars, and others bravely leaned into the chaos. Either way, it was legendary. 🎶🎤

Anchored for the night, dreaming of pearls and power ballads.

06/19/2025

Day 2 in Hanoi: Powered by Egg Coffee & Girl Power 🛵✨
After a speedy hotel breakfast (and let’s be honest, a second coffee), I was out the door by 7:30 AM and onto the back of a motorbike—driven by one of the incredible women leading our tour.

This ride wasn’t just thrilling—it’s part of a and initiative that empowers women to lead motorbike tours in a city where that’s usually a guy’s gig. These ladies? Total pros.

We weaved through Hanoi’s wild traffic and made some unforgettable stops:
🌉 Long Bien Bridge stretching over the Red River
🏛 Hoa Lo Prison
💣 The lake with a sunken B-52 bomber
☕️ A traditional egg coffee demo (yes, it’s made with egg, and yes, it’s amazing)
🕊 The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better—we wrapped it up with a bowl of bun cha that I’m still dreaming about. 😅

Equal parts thrilling, eye-opening, and so delicious.

06/18/2025

Day 1 of

Part 2: Cyclo Cruisin’

In the afternoon, we hopped into cyclos for our first official tour of the city. If you’ve never seen one, a cyclo is basically a comfy seat on wheels, attached to the front of a bicycle—with you in front and your driver pedaling behind like a boss. It’s part sightseeing, part slow-motion thrill ride.

One of the things I love about G Adventures is how they partner with local communities. Our cyclo drivers are part of a social enterprise that helps create fair jobs and support people who might otherwise be left out of the tourism economy. So not only is it a fun way to see the city, it’s also a meaningful one.

Rolling through the streets like royalty (or slightly confused tourists) we soaked up the sights, dodged traffic like pros, and passed so many amazing food carts that I instantly regretted skipping lunch. Rookie mistake. Never travel on an empty stomach in Vietnam.