Happy New Year! As I reflect on the year behind us and think about what’s next, I wanted to start the year with an episode that invites a little pause and perspective.
Today, I’m resharing one of the most listened-to Slow Travel Diaries episodes of the year—a Q&A on slow travel, loneliness, starting over, and finding your rhythm when life keeps changing.
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In this episode, I reflect on my three-month stay in Porto, Portugal. I revisit how I felt early on, and what ended up holding true. If you’re looking for specific travel recommendations on Porto, I share those in my monthly newsletter at SlowTravelDiaries.com
In this episode, I talk about:
The pressure to get oriented quickly in a new city
How routines helped me feel settled, and where they started to limit me
What actually stood out food-wise after a longer stay
What it was like living in the Cedofeita neighborhood
What it feels like to close one chapter and step into the next
This is the first episode of a new series I’m calling Afterthoughts—a space to reflect on what’s stuck with me after guest episodes, what I’ve looked up since, or what I’m now curious to try.
It’s also where I’ll share other thoughts that don’t quite fit into city-specific episodes—like what this lifestyle is teaching me, and what I’m still figuring out along the way.
Feel free to email your review to hello@kaphryn.com or send it via Instagram DM @kaphrynlee.
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I used to think house sitting was only for backpackers. Then I talked to Bianca Rappaport.
A slow traveler like myself who has turned house sitting into a sustainable and intentional lifestyle across 20+ countries.
The money she has saved will surprise you, but what it has allowed her to do is even more meaningful than you might expect.
This conversation changed how I think about travel, and it might do the same for you.
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Check out Bianca's WanderWell Club at wanderwell.club
For a limited time, Slow Travel Diaries listeners get $10 off a WanderWell Club membership. Just TAP HERE and use code: SLOWTRAVELDIARIES
An honest look at how travel can help you reconnect with yourself when life feels heavy or unclear.
What we get into:
Why routines keep you from hearing what you really want
How distance and quiet can bring buried truths to the surface
My own turning points over seven years of slow travel
Cheryl's experience of healing through grief and identity shifts
A gentle, grounded episode for anyone wanting perspective or a fresh start.
Want support or building travel routines and rituals that actually ground you?
Email me at hello@kaphryn.com and tell me a little about yourself. I’ll let you know if one of the five spots is still open.
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Check out Cheryl Esch's podcast at Solo Travel Adventures
You can also find her at www.cherylbeckesch.com
Halfway through my stay in Porto, I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes living here so special.
In this episode, I share my favorite finds, weekend trip ideas, and what I’d do more of (or less of) to make the most of my time here.
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In this episode, I bring you along to the coworking space I joined here in Porto, called Vertical.
I’ve been here a few weeks and finally found the courage to ask a few people what it’s really like to live here.
It turned into such an interesting mix of stories and perspectives — the kind you only get when you actually sit down and talk to people who’ve made this city part of their lives.
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Want to get in touch with Guillermo from the podcast? Check out his Instagram @guillermomassage
In this episode, I share how we spent our anniversary weekend exploring Portugal’s so-called “Venice.”
We tried ovos moles, the city’s famous egg-yolk pastry, and wandered its colorful canals.
We escaped to Costa Nova, the beach town lined with candy-striped houses and wild Atlantic waves.
And as promised, TAP here to get the inside scoop delivered monthly to your inbox.
Ever wonder what it’s like to trade stability for a life of slow travel? In this episode, I chat with Jenn, who did exactly that.
We talk about choices, challenges, and the surprising upsides of designing life differently — including what it’s been like navigating the world as part of an interracial couple.
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Today, we’re diving into my very first impressions of Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto.
The doubts I had when I arrived, and the small moments that started to shift my perspective.
Unlock extra travel insights and behind-the-scenes notes in my monthly newsletter — head to SlowTravelDiaries.com or just TAP HERE.
Today, we’ll chat about:
The emotions that hit in your first days somewhere new
Why expectations can make a city feel harder than it is
Everyday details that say more than any travel guide
The balance between routines and exploration
How “first impressions” lay the groundwork for what’s ahead
I lived in a small seaside town in Montenegro for a month. A place that looks like a dream on postcards — but living there turned out to be a different story. Join me in today’s episode where I share what daily life was really like, the little routines that stuck, and how the bigger cities in Montenegro compare.
Learn more about the details of my stay in my monthly newsletter! Sign up HERE or go to SlowTravelDiaries.com
Also! Check out my brand NEW Tirana Travel Guide HERE.
Making friends while traveling sounds easy—until you’re actually out there doing it.
In this episode, I share how I first became a digital nomad, why connection gets harder over time, and what I’m planning to try during my next 3 months in Porto.
If you’ve ever felt the quiet struggle of finding your people abroad, this one’s for you.
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When you slow travel, not every day is a highlight reel. In this episode, I share what those “boring days” really feel like — and why they matter more than you think.
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Most people who visit Montenegro head straight for Kotor or Budva. But what about Ulcinj, a small seaside town near the Albanian border?
These are my first impressions after a few days here—and what it’s really like to commit to a full month in a lesser-known spot.
What about cafés to work from? The internet? Things to do? Is it charming, or just boring?
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In this episode, I share the practical tips I wish I knew before coming to Tirana. From safety and money to food, day trips, and daily life, you’ll hear what blogs get right...and what they don’t. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few months, this guide will help you settle in with ease.
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Three visits. Nine months. Countless small moments that made this city more than just a stop between visa runs.
In this episode, I share the little stories, surprising lessons, and one thing I wish I’d done differently before saying goodbye
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode and the podcast!
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A month in Durrës, Albania—what it’s like to stay, slow down, and take care of yourself while traveling.
What you should know before choosing Durrës as a base
How to make short trips feel more grounded
The kind of travel that doesn’t rely on checklists
Little routines that bring comfort in new places
A personal health check-in—and what it taught me
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Ever feel a nudge to be creative again?
In this episode, I’m talking about what happens when you finally have space.
Maybe it's after a big move, a breakup, a career shift—a next chapter in life.
I’m sharing the books, practices, and honest thoughts that helped me reignite creativity.
Whether you’re starting fresh, traveling, or simply craving more inspiration, this one’s for you.
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Airalo eSIM discount code: KAPHRY3520
The last Q&A was one of the most listened-to episodes of Slow Travel Diaries—so we’re bringing it back.
This time, I asked a few close friends to send in questions they were genuinely curious about—and they delivered.
We cover everything from slow travel and burnout to identity and building a sense of home on the move.
Bonus: I’m joined by my boyfriend, Bal Sieber, for the last segment to answer a few couples' questions together.
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I’m in Durrës, Albania! A place you might not know much about. But one with deep roots as an ancient port city.
A city that's going through a fascinating present-day transformation.
Today, I share a bit of its rich history.
What it’s like to settle in as a solo traveler.
And how I’m slowly finding my rhythm again in this seaside city.
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