Hi, I'm Katherine, The 5 Kilo Traveller, & I love to travel lightly!
Kia ora and welcome from New Zealand.
I was approaching 50 in 2017, when I ventured on a solo trip for four weeks in Croatia and Italy.
This picture is me with all my belongings - just over 5 kilos (11 pounds) in my carry on day bag about to depart Charlotte, North Carolina, bound for Dubrovnik in Croatia, while my family flew back to New Zealand.
I was all set to head off on my very first midlife travel adventure. At this point I was so nervous!
- What was I doing leaving my family behind?
- Would I survive?
- Did I have enough gear?
- Had I gone completely mad??!!
The freedom I experience when I travel lightly is unbelievable.
Escaping the normal routines of parenting and nursing life I relished every opportunity that came my way. It is so hard to express the joy I felt.
I met amazing locals and travellers of all ages and stages. I became a surrogate Mum to the young female travellers. I avidly listened to their stories and their zest for life. I think I inspired them to keep travelling.
I've written a book about my solo travel adventure!
Exploring Croatia and Italy with a light carry-on bag and a ton of determination.
It's about stepping outside your comfort zone, believing in yourself, and making your dreams happen. Plus, you'll feel like you're on holiday as you read it!
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Some interesting facts about me...
Some interesting facts about me...
I travelled with a 15 - 20 kilo pack in my 20's.
I've honed my travel light skills in Europe, America, China, Australia and New Zealand.
I love nature and hiking to see it.
I've been a nurse for over 30 years - and nursing makes you appreciate life E V E R Y D A Y!!!
I grew up on a sheep farm in New Zealand roaming the Ruahine Ranges of the Manawatu. This is quite possibly where I get my merino wool bias from!
And on September 1st, 2023 I will publish my travel memoir of my first solo and lightly-packed trip - Dare to Travel Solo: Exploring Croatia and Italy with a light carry-on bag and a ton of determination.
Katherine xo