Welcome to SKAIS: Let the Adventure Begin!
Table of Contents:
My Travel Story
Who Am I?
What is SKAIS?
Why I Started SKAIS
What Makes SKAIS Different?
What’s Coming Up on SKAIS?
Hey there, traveler!
Welcome to SKAIS, your new favorite corner of the internet for all things travel. Before we dive into travel inspiration, hotel hacks, and insider tips, let me share a little about me and how this all started. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of planes, a few missed connections, and some misadventures with lost luggage.
My Travel Story
Let’s kick this off with a little backstory, because who doesn’t love to reminisce, right? Growing up, I was incredibly fortunate. Travel wasn’t just something my family squeezed into summer breaks, it was just... how life happened. With family scattered across the globe, hopping on planes and navigating airports felt as natural as hopping on a school bus. By the time I was a teenager, I could navigate airport terminals like a pro and might’ve been slightly too proud of my passport’s growing collection of stamps.
But let me be clear: none of this was lost on me. I knew how lucky we were to visit places that others might only dream of. And while, as a kid, it all felt normal (didn’t everyone have family across oceans?), I grew to understand just how rare and special those experiences were, and I’ve carried that awareness with me ever since.
When I hit adulthood and started planning trips on my own (and spending my own money, yikes!), I gained an even deeper appreciation for those early experiences. Suddenly, travel wasn’t only about reconnecting with family, it became a way to discover me. The thrill of landing somewhere new, of tasting foods I couldn’t even pronounce, or of getting gloriously, hilariously lost in a new city (fun fact: I am severely directionally challenged, so getting lost is not an uncommon occurrence), that’s when it clicked. Travel wasn’t just a part of my life, it was shaping who I was. And let me tell you, once that realization hit, I was absolutely hooked. Turns out, those childhood trips were planting the seeds for a passion I’d carry forever, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade a single flight delay or questionable airplane food for the perspective it’s given me.
Who Am I?
Fast forward to today, and I’m someone who’s made travel not just a passion but a profession. After spending years working in the hospitality industry, including at the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, I’ve picked up a few tricks of the trade. I’ve seen what goes into creating unforgettable trips, from the perfectly fluffed pillows to those Instagram-worthy moments.
But here’s the thing: I don’t just want to plan my own adventures, I want to help you plan yours. That’s why I created SKAIS, a space where I can share everything I’ve learned about travel, from the highs to the “Why did I think hiking in flip-flops was a good idea?” moments.
What Is SKAIS?
So, what exactly is SKAIS? It’s more than just a travel blog. It’s a guide, a resource, and (hopefully) a little slice of inspiration. Whether you’re a meticulous planner who color-codes their itinerary or someone who books a flight and figures the rest out later, SKAIS is my way of helping you smooth out those bumps in the road, making your travels easier, more fun, and far less “oops, wrong country.”
Here’s what you can expect from me:
Travel Tips: Want to know how to pack two weeks' worth of outfits in a carry-on without sacrificing style? Or how to make the most of a layover in a city you’ve never explored? I’ve got you covered.
Destination Guides: From all the cities I’ve called home, I’ll give you the rundown on where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of every moment.
Personal Stories: Because travel isn’t just about the places you visit; it’s about the people you meet, the mishaps along the way, and the memories you make.
Why I Started SKAIS
Creating SKAIS has been a long-time dream of mine. Travel has always been my way of connecting with the world, finding new perspectives, and stepping outside of the everyday. It’s about those little moments: the first bite of a pastry in a foreign café, the sound of a language you don’t understand but love listening to, or the rush of adrenaline when you finally find your way after getting hopelessly lost.
Of course, not every trip is picture-perfect. Language barriers can send you the wrong way, passports get forgotten, and the “historic landmark” you’re excited to see turns out to be completely covered in scaffolding. But that’s what makes it real, and honestly, those moments often turn into the best stories.
What Makes SKAIS Different?
With so many travel blogs out there, why SKAIS? Because I’m not just here to tell you where to go; I’m here to help you experience it. I want to give you the tools to travel smarter, but also the inspiration to embrace the quirks and surprises that come with exploring the world.
Let’s say you’re planning a trip to Italy. Sure, I could tell you to visit the Colosseum and eat gelato in Florence (and you absolutely should). But I’ll also share why that tiny hilltop village you’ve never heard of might just steal your heart, or how to navigate a busy train station without losing your mind. It’s about going beyond the guidebook and finding the soul of a place.
What’s Coming Up on SKAIS?
There’s so much in store! Here’s a sneak peek:
Packing Guides: Because no one wants to be that person unpacking their suitcase at security.
Hidden Gems: Discover places that aren’t on every influencer’s Instagram feed - yet.
Hotel Hacks: Learn how to secure early check-ins, late check-outs, and complimentary perks that elevate your stay.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories: From celebrity check-ins to unique guest requests, discover how the staff makes it all happen.
Join the Adventure
Before you go, let’s stay connected. Follow me on Instagram at @travelskais for travel inspo, behind-the-scenes peeks, and plenty of tips. And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter, where you’ll receive little pieces of SKAIS delivered straight to your inbox.
Thanks for being here. Whether you’re dreaming of your next trip or already packing your bags, I’m so excited to share this journey with you! Let’s make every trip unforgettable.
Cheers to the road ahead,
Kai