The truth

STARTS WITH YOU

My Travel Philosophy

The truth sets us free. Travel does too.

Travel is largely about exploring and reaching for new and different experiences that transform and elevate who we are. Black women have long been defined by our capacity to care for and prioritize others, to exhibit resilience in the face of struggle, and to find identity in assimilation. In many ways, Black women have transcended stereotypes and continue to eclipse societal ideas of us in a way that allows us to solely define who we are. Traveling, whether in girl groups or solo, is just one medium by which Black women are breaking barriers. Whether or not the world accepts us, the reality is that we are continually finding the essence of who we are- our truth.

About

I am Kay(la), a thirty year old, Virginia based travel blogger. At the end of the road, I would hope I can say I have lived a thousand lives as a lover, creator, teacher, and explorer.

I have grown into womanhood with strength, grace, and a zest for life that I never could have imagined. Travel has fostered much of my curiosity, self-awareness, and passion, and I want to share that with you.

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In Bloom: Carlsbad Flower Fields
In Bloom: Carlsbad Flower Fields

Just the thought of flowers makes me happy, but imagine 55 acres of nothing but exquisite blooms. I was in heaven. For $23 per person, it’s a stunning place to grab great photos and enjoy a beautiful day of fresh air and flowers with family and friends.

High Point Market: The Largest Home Furnishings Trade Show in the World
High Point Market: The Largest Home Furnishings Trade Show in the World

All I needed to hear was furniture and art to know that I wanted to go to High Point Market in North Carolina this year. I was attending in support of my cousin Norman Wyatt Jr., an artist and designer who debuted his premier furniture collection of over 150 items with StyleCraft Home Collection. Unbeknownst to me, nearly 80,000 people gather every year at this event to admire and consume collections and pieces from artists and designers around the world.

Crafting Your Perfect Solo Travel Itinerary: 5 Tips for Better Experiences
Crafting Your Perfect Solo Travel Itinerary: 5 Tips for Better Experiences

As daunting as the idea of solo travel may seem, this post is your compass for crafting the perfect itinerary for your next adventure. Embarking on solo trips is an opportunity to explore the world on your own terms and make the most of the time you have.

Elegant Cuizines: Richmond’s Best West African Fine Dining
Elegant Cuizines: Richmond’s Best West African Fine Dining

Elegant Cuizines is a completely dairy-free restaurant that also caters to the vegan and gluten free communities. Chef Headen’s recipes are vegetable heavy and soy, salt, and sugar free. If you’re thinking no to all of that, rethink your presumptions. Immediately. This collection of dishes will outmatch some of your most coveted favorites from any other restaurant and, on top of that, will be infinitely healthier for you.

6 Things To Do in San Diego, California | Sights, Parks, and Natural Reserves
6 Things To Do in San Diego, California | Sights, Parks, and Natural Reserves

California is just golden for experiencing the best of what nature has to offer. I was absolutely smitten by the stunning landscapes in this coastal paradise, and I would easily recommend it for outdoor lovers who can appreciate any opportunity to see God’s artistic hand at work.

Soaring into 30: Tandem Skydiving for Black Women
Soaring into 30: Tandem Skydiving for Black Women

I wanted to step into thirty pushing the limits of courage and what better way to do that than to cross off a bucket list item with a thrilling skydiving adventure.

As I free fell through the sky for 45-55 seconds, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of liberation wash over me. The rush of adrenaline, the moment you leap, the wind in your face—it's an experience unlike any other.

Chicago Eats: Lula Cafe (A 2024 James Beard Nominee & Michelin Guide Restaurant)
Chicago Eats: Lula Cafe (A 2024 James Beard Nominee & Michelin Guide Restaurant)

Lula Cafe is a 2024 James Beard Award Nominee for outstanding hospitality and 2020 Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, given to restaurants with best value for money. Having now been, I can attest to both and have been super excited to write this review.

Chicago Eats: Soulé (The Best Creole-infused Soul Food in Chicago)
Chicago Eats: Soulé (The Best Creole-infused Soul Food in Chicago)

Let’s be very clear. I’ve not tried very many soul food restaurants in Chicago, but I don’t imagine the others being better than Soulé. Chat with me about my experience.

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago + Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream & Treats for Black History Month
Museum of Ice Cream Chicago + Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream & Treats for Black History Month

The Museum of Ice Cream is a series of installations packed with treats and interactive games that can make you forget you’re an adult with actual responsibilities. It’s a fun opportunity for photos and the perfect opportunity for play time. Does it get any better than this?

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A Walk In Montego Bay, Jamaica
Walks
A Walk In Montego Bay, Jamaica
Walks

Jamaica is a breathtaking country, and while there, I learned so much about the culture including the flag's symbolism, the origins of jerk food, of which I had my fill, and of course I heard the music of the great Bob Marley.

Walks
A Walk In San Juan La Laguna
Walks
A Walk In San Juan La Laguna
Walks

It’s dynamic. It’s kaleidoscopic. It’s spirited. It’s San Juan La Laguna. From the time I stepped off the boat onto the dock, I could feel the vibration of the village. It appeared that more people were arriving than leaving, and that was both simultaneously a good indication that I would love it but that I also might have an itch to stay.

Walks
A Walk In Antigua, Guatemala
Walks
A Walk In Antigua, Guatemala
Walks

Backdropped by volcanos and sitting almost directly atop tectonic plates, Antigua is compassed and enchanting where everything you see feels like picture inside of picture inside of picture. No more than a simple overlay of grids, this colonial town is easy to navigate and charming enough to be drawn into exploring every nook and cranny. More than anything, I found myself in awe at the natural beauty of Guatemalan people and amazed at reclamation after disaster.

Walks
A Walk In Tulum, Mexico
Walks
A Walk In Tulum, Mexico
Walks

Stacks of fruit. Heaps of seaweed. Rustic furniture. Raw charm. Tulum is naturally beautiful in the way a place or thing doesn’t have to try hard to be anything but what it is. Being here urges you to acknowledge the balance between ancient and neo-bohemia. What you see is what you get. No more. No less. Take it or leave it.

Walks
A Walk In Nassau, The Bahamas
Walks
A Walk In Nassau, The Bahamas
Walks

Every time I’ve visited an island, I’m always overwhelmingly enthralled with the existence of color from the architecture to the food to the people. It is incredibly hard for me to strike a balance between being in the moment and wanting to capture everything as a photographer so that I don’t forget what my eyes saw and my heart felt. At least for a couple of hours, I walked and took in the beauty of this foreign land. Here is what I saw.

Walks

The Most Beautiful Wrinkle In Time

Guatemala

Guatemala, also known as the “Place of Many Trees,” is a mountainous carpet of green splashed with the color of ancient culture and years of guarded tradition. Home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the city of Antigua, Guatemala is both simple and complex. Earthy and reverential. Rugged and delicate.

A Hearty and Energetic City Warm With Proud Spirit and Welcoming Affection

The Bahamas

More than any other destination, I found a home in Nassau, The Bahamas. Entering the city is like a warm embrace that you didn’t know you needed but now don’t want to live without. This island of 275,000 people is teeming with pride and undeniable character that draws you in with great delight almost immediately. Charming locals, food with robust flavor, and crystal clear beaches all make Nassau the brilliant vacation destination that it is.