In my series of interviews with travel blogger, I look for travel bloggers and influencers with interesting lives who can share some inspiring stories and useful advice from their experience. This week we have Kesi from Kesi To and Fro travel blog.
Table of Contents
An Interview with Kesi Irvin from Kesi To and Fro
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Kesi, from kesitoandfro.com, and in 2015 I quit my corporate job to travel around the world. I grew up in an upper-middle class family in the suburbs of New Jersey and received an Ivy League degree from the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, I moved to Soho, NYC and started a career in finance. I loved my job but had a strong sense of wanderlust. My whole life I had been in the tri-state area and knew I needed extended time to live elsewhere. I saved up money for two years and decided to take a one-year long career break to travel around the world. Somehow that one-year turned into 3.5 years, and I am still on the road. I have backpacked through 6 continents, 60+ countries all with carry-on luggage. When I travel I’m not as interested in sightseeing, but more curious to immerse myself in different cultures, interact with locals, and to get off the beaten path. I love Couchsurfing, learning how to take various forms of public transportation, and participating in unique activities – like volcano boarding in Nicaragua, or visiting the largest lava lake in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I document all my travel experiences on my Instagram, @KesiToandFro, and website. I like to share my travel stories and show the authentic side of travel, which doesn’t necessarily mean posed photos in pretty dresses. I am not a wealthy girl, but I am rich in my experiences. Feel free to #followthefro
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5LaKQ5hN8N/
What’s your biggest achievement as a Travel Blogger
Being able to sustain 3.5 years of travel without dipping into my savings.
You have an unlimited travel budget for 24 hours. Give me your itinerary.
I would take a private plane to Ibo Island in the north of Mozambique. I would hire the best boat and sail the archipelago, visiting three different islands with an engaging, local guide. I’d expect a dinner with freshly caught fish and have a candlelight dinner on the beach, before retiring to a glamping tent under the starlight.
How do you fund your travel?
Working as a hostess for The Yacht Week, and being a member of the Grabr travel squad.
What tools do you use to monetize your blog? Which works best for you?
My Instagram account has been my best tool. I can reach out to sponsors and am compensated by showcasing their companies on my account.
What is the first trip you remember taking and how old were you?
When I was 13, I traveled to England, Sweden, and Denmark to compete in the largest international youth soccer tournaments in the world. I was a part of an American team, and we won the tournament in Denmark and placed 3rd in the competition in Sweden.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9FuxXHBP8j/
Have you been anywhere which turned out to be totally different to how you imagined? If so, how?
Yes, Uganda. I didn’t have many expectations for visiting Uganda, but it is one of the prettiest countries I’ve ever been to. There is so much greenery and reminds me of Wakanda from Black Panther.
Have you had any bad experiences whilst travelling?
I had a #metoo experience while in the Gili Islands in Indonesia with an older, white male. This time became a low point in my life, but I was able to heal and recover mentally.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
Lamu Island in Kenya.
Do you have a bucket list? If so what is on it?
I’ve done a lot already, but there are still items on my bucket list! I want to backpack in Iran, visit the Socotro island in Yemen. I want to learn two languages. Attend King’s day in Amsterdam, and carnival in Bahia, Brazil. Eventually, I would love to go to every country in the world.
If you were not travelling what would you be doing instead?
Working in NYC and dating like crazy until I found the one.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2SCxEMh-5X/
What has travel taught you?
It has taught me to be easy going and patient. I no longer stress about small things, because I recognize how privileged I am.
Who, in your opinion, is the most successful travel blogger? Why do you think that is?
Glo, from The Blog Abroad. She is everything I want to be. She has a unique voice and has created an engaged following. Tens of thousands individuals instantly share her blog posts.
P.S. If you want to be interviewed and share your travel stories with us, then send an email to instatravelstyledotcom@gmail.com
