Traveler Profile: Kristina Lee

Kristina is living the dream: after some time in the retail industry, she packed her bags and travelled around Africa and Europe for 4.5 months. I am so jealous since she always seems to be in a different country every other day.

1. HOW DID WE MEET?

We shared a room in that really bizarre hotel/hostel hybrid in Nice, France.

2. WHERE IS HOME?

Home is San Francisco, California (please don't call it "San Fran" :P). It's a gorgeous place full of open-minded, talented, passionate people...plus awesome coffee + burritos. A city booming from the tech industry but also a city experiencing all the pitfalls that come with that.

3. WHAT DREW YOU TO WHERE WE MET?

Nice was just a short pit stop on my way from Italy to Spain, but so glad I decided to spend a couple of days there! Not only is it beautiful, but we happened to catch the Cannes Film Festival. There may or may not be footage of me and Nadia running through the streets of Cannes like hysterical lunatics trying to catch the last train home...

4. WHERE TO NEXT?

Spain, which has been at the top of my list for a long time! And then we'll see where the wind takes me.

5. PLACE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO?

All the places! Top of the list now is Everest Base Camp.

6. ODD THING YOU ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH?

Oh, I think I'm too practical for this question. I've got a big backpack to carry! And in keeping with that practical nature, have a good camera/camera on your phone (duh) and a good way to backup your photos! I personally like Google Photos.

7. BOOK OR ARTIST SUGGESTION THAT FITS YOUR FRAME OF MIND WHILE TRAVELING?

I make sure to listen to my Spotify "Discover Weekly" playlist every week. It's in keeping with my travel mindset - never stop exploring and discovering something new!

8. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE WHO’VE ALWAYS BEEN ITCHING TO EXPLORE BUT DON’T?

Why not?

I don't mean that in a judgmental or cliché way, but more in a reflective, "what's stopping you?" kind of way. You're in control of it! And whatever the fear or limitation is, there's always a way to solve it if you want to.

I would also say, if you're not the most experienced traveler, you can always start local and work up to those more uncomfortable destinations. There are plenty of places to explore in your own backyard! Take a day to get lost in your own city or one nearby.

9. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY?

I've seen countless incredible places and sights throughout my life. But the most enriching part of travel is meeting amazing, inspiring people along the way. Everybody has a story.

Be open. Say hi to the person at the table next to you. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. You won't ever see them again if you don't want to. Or you can make a friend for life. Note this is coming from a major introvert - but just a friendly smile and hello has led to some of the most unforgettable nights of my life.

Interviewed by Nadia Pritta Wibisono. Photographs by Kristina Lee.