KyAnn Lewis is the Editor of KidTripster. She’s a career journalist who spent 20+ years working in broadcast news, earning Emmy and Murrow awards. In 2018, a six-week summer trip with her family launched her into travel writing. KyAnn’s award-winning website KidTripster offers advice and inspiration for families traveling the world with their kids. She’s traveled to nearly 40 countries with her two kids.
Website & Social Links
www.kidtripster.com
www.facebook.com/KidTripster
www.twitter.com/kidtripster/
www.linkedin.com/in/kyannlewis
Articles
No, It’s Not Crazy to Go to Iceland in the Winter
8 Reasons to Visit Finland in the Summer
Icon of the Seas is the Perfect Vacation for Tweens and Teens
Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage With UnCruise
What got you into travel journalism?
After leaving a high-stress job in TV news, I suddenly had more time to travel with my kids. Our first big adventure was a six-week summer vacation to Australia and Asia. When I came home, I wrote several blog posts about our experiences, and I suddenly found myself on a new career path. I love using my journalistic and storytelling skills in a completely different way.
What’s the most challenging part of being a travel journalist?
Packing everything I need into a carry-on. Logically, I understand the benefits of traveling carry-on only. But practically, I like to be prepared for everything, especially when traveling with kids.
What is the most rewarding aspect of travel journalism?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore new (to me) destinations. My work has taken me to places I could never have imagined. My assignments have often pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I’ve tried activities and foods I might otherwise have avoided, and, best of all, I’ve met some fascinating people.
What is something you wish people knew about travel journalism?
This is an expensive career choice. There’s a lot of out-of-pocket expenses involved, and not every trip is a vacation. It’s actually work.
How have your cross-cultural experiences shaped your point of view of the world?
Some may regard travel as frivolous, but it makes us better global citizens. People are people, but our lived experiences are so different. In the bubble of our everyday lives, it’s easy to lose perspective. Travel widens our point of view.
What have you enjoyed most about being a NATJA member?
NATJA provides the opportunity to network with other journalists. I’ve made some great friends through NATJA events. I love having a community in what can often be very solitary work.
