We are thrilled to announce that we’ve hired two new writers for GGTG. Katie Lipovsky and Amy Whitley will be joining us starting in March. They’ll be sharing their favorite tips, destinations, and travel stories every week. To help you get to know them a little better we’ve put together a short Q&A.
Meet Katie
Tell us about your travel experiences.
I caught the travel bug in 2006. Since then I’ve traveled to over 25 countries. More than that, I’ve been able to experience life in many of them. While living in South Africa for 4 years, I explored countless cities and cultures throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
In what ways do you consider yourself green?
I’ve been vegetarian for quite a few years, mainly because of the environmental impact meat production has on the environment. My husband and I tend to focus on long-term travel. Going at a slower pace means we get a more authentic experience, but also lessens the impact we’re having on the environment.
What types of interesting tips and adventures can we look forward to hearing from you?
We’ve been lucky enough to do a lot of long-term travel, I’m excited to share tips on how that’s worked so well for us. After living in Africa for a few years, I have a lot of tips for overlanding and traveling through the massive continent.
Also, later this year we’re moving to Scotland. I’m excited for this new adventure, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing all sorts of lessons we learn as we prepare to move overseas again.
Where else do you write on the web?
I co-founded Peas in a Blog with one of my best friends. We focus on vegetarian food and fitness. But, because we both love travel, we throw it in as much as we can!
Meet Amy
Tell us about your travel experiences.
I was one of those kids fortunate to have parents and grandparents who traveled, so experiencing new places and cultures has always been a priority in my life. As a child and young adult, I traveled across Europe, Mexico, Canada, and U.S., and after my own children were born, I was determined to raise them in the same manner. I quickly learned that while traveling with kids comes with challenges, the rewards vastly outweigh any inconveniences. Kids adapt to new places and new people with enviable grace, and I learn as much as they do when we set forth on each adventure.
In what ways do you consider yourself green?
Our favorite type of travel involves natural spaces, national parks, and outdoor exploration. I’ve been ‘green’ long before the term was coined, and I credit this mindset to my appreciation of the outdoors. Because of this respect for our parks, natural wilderness, and wildlife, it’s important to me to teach my children how to preserve and care for our environment. To this end, I’ve been a vegetarian for fifteen years, travel and explore locally with as light a carbon footprint as possible, and keep an eye on eco travel products which will help me on this quest (staying away from excessive packaging, a pet peeve of mine). Am I perfect? Goodness no. But I believe that green travel is not only possible, but natural.
What types of interesting tips and adventures can we look forward to hearing from you?
It’s a bit of a mission in my life to convince parents that they can (and should) travel with their kids, so many of my travel tips and destination reviews will come from a perspective of family travel. I’ve been told I’m one of the most organized people you’ll ever ‘meet’, so you can expect plenty of travel planning and itinerary tips from me as well. You’ll also see a lot of backpacking and hiking posts, eco product reviews, and adventure travel tales. If you can hike to it, paddle around it, climb it, or zip-line across it, I want to go!
Where else do you write on the web?
I’m the founding editor of Pit Stops for Kids, a family travel site that reviews hotels and resorts, outdoor spaces, museums, and more across the U.S. Stop by, and you’ll find road trip itineraries, flying tips, our top ski resort and beach town picks, theme park advice, and more. Every Tuesday, you’ll also find me at Practical Travel Gear, where I review the latest in outdoor and family travel gear. Occasionally, you’ll see me elsewhere, as I’m a contributor to regional print newspapers and magazines in my home state of Oregon.
Please join us in welcoming Katie and Amy!
About the author
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Welcome Katie and Amy! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your travels and all your advice. Especially about long term travel! My husband and I are starting our own long term adventure and I’d love all the advice I can get. Us young travelers need to know how to sustain our travels to live a life of non-conformity : )
Can’t wait to hear about your long term adventure Alexandria!
welcome, amy and katie!! looking forward to reading more good stuff from you both!
I look forward to reading posts from both of you–I also am seeking out travel experiences, and bringing my family along for the ride. We are from the States but are currently spending a year in Australia while my husband participates in a teacher exchange program. So far, the village homestay we did in Fiji on the way over has been the most memorable, life-changing experience for us, and we want more of those. My family blog has halfway morphed into a travel blog as we see as much of this new area as we can, and I am fortunate to have a virtual law practice that operates from anywhere in the world. I hope this is only the beginning of traveling for our family…
How old are your kids Annie – are they in school in Australia? And I’d love to hear more about your virtual law practice!
Welcome Katie and Amy! Looking forward to reading your travel posts. Anything in the works about Costa Rica?
Are you headed to Costa Rica or already been there?