My Favorite Things with Kelsey Stewart
I am excited to introduce another new series this week! This one is called “My Favorite Things with…” This series will feature fascinating and talented womxn talking about their travel experiences and sharing some of their favorite travel items and must-haves.
Our first feature is with Kelsey Stewart!
Kelsey is an artist and storyteller. She keeps me wildly entertained with the daily comics she posts on Instagram. Recently, she has had a story printed in the zine Cats I've Known and has been the featured artist on Untitled: Art Meets Improv. She is a regular host and storyteller with First Person Arts. She has also been a featured storyteller at The Story Hole Open Mic and performed a solo show at Rose Valley House Storytelling. During the day she works with middle-schoolers, talking about relationships and love. Kelsey lives in Philadelphia with some of her favorite travel companions, her partner Neil and her sister Rachel.
My Favorite Piece of Travel Advice Is…
My favorite piece of travel advice is to embrace the elements. I was in Ecuador at a hostel when I first thought of this - I was sweeping sand out of my room, and it was such a futile attempt. I realized, at the beach, expect sand. In the winter, expect cold. If you "embrace the elements," you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your surroundings.
My Favorite Thing About Solo Travel…
I haven't done much solo travel- but what I like about travel in general is the chance to get outside of your routine and mix it up. Even to a nearby place, it's a joy to see something different. I like the small changes, like choosing what mug I want to use from some new AirBnB cupboard or seeing what's outside a window that isn't my own. And of course, I like the big things as well, like exploring a new place or park. When I'm away I find it's easier for me to remember to stay engaged with what's around me, and make it a point to stay off of my phone as much as possible. This practice helps getaways (even as short as a weekend) feel restorative. I draw comics on every trip, and it helps me remember the small things that happen.
My Favorite Trip Was When…
A favorite memory from travel is when my sister and I were on the ferry traveling from the Asian side of Istanbul back to our Air BnB on the Europe side. We were taking photos and selfies of the beautiful sunset (and our beautiful selves) and we missed the stop we needed. After a moment of panic, we enjoyed the rest of the ride, laughing at the absurdity. When we got off, it was a happy mistake. We found a lively night scene, got to watch live performances, and best of all, got to eat Balik Ekmek, the fish sandwich that had been suggested to us!
Kelsey’s Favorite Travel Items
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Favorite Travel Item #1: Travel Watercolor Set
One of my favorite parts of this kit is that the brush sits inside of it, which makes it ideal for travel. This kit is compact and offers enough bright colors to keep me happy. I love the way the brush sits inside of itself, to keep the bristles protected.
Favorite Travel Item #2: Mini Mason Jar
When I started traveling with this small mason jar, it made watercoloring-on-the-go very accessible. What I like about it is that I can fill it with water at any point, carry it around without worry of it spilling, and it makes stopping the process really easy... just put the lid on! I use this mason jar to watercolor on road trips, on camping trips, anywhere!
Favorite Travel Item #3: Crayola Watercolor Set
I like these basic Crayola watercolor paints because they are cheap, which means if they get left behind on a bus or ferry it's no big deal, but I love them because the colors are so bright. I know they're not fancy, but they deliver on pretty colors that are easy to blend.
Favorite Travel Item #4: TravelRest Ultimate Travel Pillow
This travel pillow blows up which means it doesn't take up too much storage but provides enough comfort to make sleeping on a plane possible! It is actually an item I borrow from my sister but I like it so much that I plan to get my own.
Favorite Travel Item #5: oil of oregano
Oil of Oregano is an instant taste of home, and comfort. This is my family's go-to "cure all." When I'm traveling, I always bring a bottle with me because it offers me a little assurance that I'll stay healthy. I try to take a few drops every morning and night when I'm on vacation. I really believe it helps me fight off any germs that I could be susceptible to because I am in a new place, tired from travel or ate something my stomach didn't like.
