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!

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