Read my About page and want to know more? Here are answers to some of the questions I get asked most frequently…
Where have you been?
20 countries: The Bahamas, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Turkey, the UK (Scotland, England, and Wales), the USA, and The Vatican.
21 U.S. States: Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin (plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico).
What’s your favourite destination?
That’s a tough question, and one that I imagine most travellers struggle with! At the moment, I’d have to say Kenya, but ask me in a week and it might be China. I also think that my childhood home in the Outer Hebrides is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Which country do you want to visit the most?
Cuba. I read an article about Havana in The Independent Traveller when I was about 14, and I’ve wanted to visit ever since. I also really want to explore Jordan, Iran, Tanzania, more of my newly adopted country, the USA… my travel wishlist goes on and on!
What camera do you use?
Currently, I use a Sony Alpha a6000, which I carry in my ONA Bowery camera bag. (Over the years of running this blog I’ve also used a Nikon 1 J4, and a very old Panasonic digital camera!)
Can I use your photographs on my blog/website/publication?
Only with written permission. I spend a lot of time taking and editing my own images, and my photography has appeared in BBC Travel, The HEB Magazine, Fur Sie, Roads and Kingdoms, and on an indie band’s LP cover.
Others have been highlighted on social media by the Guardian, Visit Scotland, Visit The USA, NYC Go, BBC Britain, and AFAR Media.
Feel free to contact me with your request and we can discuss details and rates.
Why do you blog?
I blog because I love to write, and I write about travel because I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t curious about the world. For more details on why I blog, watch this “behind the scenes” video interview, filmed by Stephanie Vermillion.
How did you begin blogging?
It wasn’t until I worked in China after graduation that I began blogging, finding a creative outlet through writing about my day-to-day life as a teacher in Tianjin at Tianjin Tales. I enjoyed it so much that once I returned to Scotland, it seemed natural to combine two of my life-long loves – writing and travelling – in one online space, and so I started Stories My Suitcase Could Tell.
Are you a full-time blogger?
No, I’m a part-time traveller and blogger. By day I work in marketing for non-fiction books, and by night I’m a journalist covering everything from politics and education to fashion and lifestyle. Head over to my portfolio to read my stories – I’m always interested in hearing about freelance writing opportunities and commissions.
Why haven’t you written about ____?
Stories My Suitcase Could Tell is a personal travel blog, not a guide book. If I haven’t been to a destination, or if it has been many years since I last visited, chances are you probably won’t find it on here. I only write about destinations I have personally experienced (or am desperate to visit).
Why wasn’t my comment published?
My site has a very efficient spam filter. Plus, if your comment is overly promotional, offensive, uses an obviously fake name, or doesn’t contain a valid email address, the chances are it will go straight into the spam folder, or will not be approved. Tell us who you really are, be polite, and try again.
For more information on how your data is used, read the Privacy Policy.
Can I write a guest post for Stories My Suitcase Could Tell?
Sorry, I do not currently accept guest posts or outside content on Stories My Suitcase Could Tell.
Do you work with brands?
Yes, but only if I feel they are a good fit for the site and will be of interest to readers. While the majority of my travels are planned and paid for by myself, at times I partner with brands or destinations I love, and if that is the case, you’ll see it mentioned at the bottom of the post.
You’ll also occasionally come across affiliate links in some posts: this means if you click on the link and buy something, I make a very small commission, at no cost to you, that helps me run this site. As I’ve said, I only recommend products that I genuinely love, and if a post includes affiliate links, I’ll always let you know at the bottom of the post.
As a journalist, I’m very aware of the importance of honesty, accuracy, and transparency in the media, so you can rest assured that whatever the situation, all opinions are entirely my own!
I’m a brand – can I contact you?
Of course! Have a look at the ‘Work With Me’ section of the blog, or send me an email at workwithkathryn [at] gmail [dot] com to discuss details and rates.
Before getting in touch, please note that I do not reproduce press releases; I don’t accept outside content or guest posts; and I don’t write about products/destinations/events without having a first-hand experience of them. If you would like to send me a product to review, please contact me for a mailing address.
Can I invite you to my event?
You can indeed! Send me an email at workwithkathryn [at] gmail [dot] com.
Do you have a privacy policy?
Yes – you can find out how your data is used on the Privacy Policy page.