All Things Karissa

Well, I’m Karissa. I’m not very good at sitting still, and I enjoy interacting with others on the internet. I have a real job that pays my bills, but I use travel and trip planning to escape the monotony of reality. I once heard a quote once that writing about a trip is like being able to relive it twice. I not only love writing about my personal experiences, but I also hope they inspire others to feel as if they are experiencing them with me. 

I started my blog, All Things Karissa, as a COVID project. Initially, I wrote about various topics, including tie-dying masks and baking projects. Those posts are still available if you want to take a deep dive into the archives for them. Over time, I’ve mostly focused on travel-related topics. I found more enjoyment in writing these posts compared to step-by-step projects.

The lack of available friends and a (now ex) boyfriend who would tell me I would never survive on my own.

I use the basic time, distance, speed calculation. If you’ve ever taken flying lessons, you’ll get the reference. In any case, I apply it like so: How much time do I have off? How far is the destination? How many activities are there to do at this destination? 

I won’t travel halfway around the world to lay on a beach for three days. I have perfectly good beaches here in Florida. However, if I had a month off, I might consider a trip to Hawaii to see every beach they offer. If I got bored of the beach, I could hike in the mountains or tour one of the National Parks. There are plenty of activities to keep me occupied. 

I also sometimes see a video on Instagram and fall into a research spiral.

I love a good deal. The best activities are free or nearly free, which is probably why I enjoy the National Parks so much. They aren’t expensive to visit, and they offer breathtaking sights like no other place in the world. 

I’ve never experienced any “luxury” travel before. When I think of luxury travel, my mind immediately pictures a group of people lounging on a yacht—not for me. I crave adventure, like trekking six miles into a trail in Yellowstone National Park, only to come face to face with a buffalo that refuses to budge, leaving me with no choice but to turn back. Or the time I got my rental car stuck in the sand in Utah and had to run half a mile off the hiking trail down the highway to find someone who could give me the number of a tow truck company—the best $160 I ever spent. 

When it comes to food, I’ve never specifically traveled for it. However, I do make it a point to eat at local restaurants and coffee shops wherever I go. I often reference the places I try in some blog posts. That said, I dislike describing the flavors or textures of food because I don’t feel very skilled at it, and I often find myself using the same descriptive words repeatedly. I usually take a picture of my meal and link to the restaurant, allowing you, the reader, to decide if you want to save it to your Google Maps board.

My birthday trip to Utah in 2023 will always stand out to me. It was my second big solo trip, and everything just fell into place. The Narrows at Zion had just reopened, the weather was surprisingly comfortable for summer, and I got to experience everything I planned for—and so much more.

There are countless blog posts offering tips on staying safe. My most important tip is to avoid sharing my location on the internet in real-time, refrain from going out at night, and, if the vibes are off, leave.

I schedule one major activity each day (and sometimes two if I need a backup). I rarely go a day without a plan during a trip. I’m on the move from sun up to sun down.

Terribly. I’m a typical American who relies on Google Translate.

No! It’s the best! I have so much fun traveling alone. I have met some of the greatest people that I wouldn’t have met if I had been traveling with someone else. Other solo travelers seem to naturally find each other, especially women, and everyone has been helpful. 

I also find that when I travel solo and book an excursion or tour, I receive better service and a VIP seat. I think it’s because if you’re with someone, the staff assumes you both will enjoy your time together; you’ll figure it out. But solo travelers get to sit up front on the boat, enjoy a personalized tour of the museum, and receive exceptional service from every waiter.

Start with a place near where you live. On my first solo trip, I drove to Georgia. I felt I had more control in my car and was familiar with the route. I also began with shorter one- or two-night stays so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed or bored with a destination.

No. I get anxious before a trip, but once I’m on the road or in the airport, I feel at home.

Tripods (I have a small tabletop tripod and a larger tripod), a self-timer, and a remote. I rarely ask anyone to take my picture. I have no shame in setting up a tripod on a sidewalk. I just think to myself, I didn’t travel all this way not to get the shot.

Pack light and wash your hair before you leave for your trip.